Electrical Inspection Procedures and Documentation
What the exam tests
Inspection-procedure questions test the sequence of rough-in and final inspections, test methods, correction notices, documentation, and re-inspection.
Core rules
- Verify the permitted scope and approved plans before inspecting; note any field changes that require revised plans.
- Rough-in inspection checks box fill, cable and raceway support, protection, grounding, derating, and identified hazards before concealment.
- Final inspection checks devices, GFCI/AFCI function, grounding and bonding, panel labeling, clearances, and completed test results.
- Use listed testers: a multimeter for voltage, a megohmmeter for insulation resistance, and a GFCI tester for trip time; record readings.
- Correction notices should identify the location, the observed condition, and the code section, not just say “fix it.”
Worked example
At rough-in, you find a bedroom branch circuit without AFCI protection. The plans show a 20 A circuit. You document the panel and room, cite NEC 210.12, and issue a correction requiring a listed AFCI breaker or device. You do not sign the rough-in as complete; you schedule re-inspection after correction. At final, you test the AFCI with its test button and record the result.
Traps
Passing a rough-in because the defect will be covered later; writing vague corrections; relying on a visual check instead of testing GFCI/AFCI; and failing to document a verbal instruction that later becomes a dispute.