Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Coordination
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Coordination tests how a general contractor sequences licensed trades, protects structural members, and gets rough-in work inspected before concealment.
Trade licensing and permits
New Jersey electrical work requires a licensed electrical contractor; plumbing and fuel-gas work require a licensed master plumber; HVACR work requires the appropriate license. Only licensed trade contractors may pull trade permits, and the general contractor must verify licenses and insurance before allowing subcontracted work. Trade permits and inspections are separate from the building permit even when they are filed together.
Coordination
Use coordinated shop drawings and sleeve layouts before framing is complete. Check duct chases, drain slopes, vent stacks, panel clearances, and condensate disposal. Do not cut structural joists, studs, or trusses for pipes without approved sizing and locations. Electrical load calculations, GFCI and AFCI protection, grounding, and service clearances must match the adopted code. Plumbing vents and traps must be installed correctly, and HVAC equipment needs combustion air and accessible service space.
Worked example
A plumber wants to move a 3 in drain through a floor joist. The proposed cut falls outside the boring limits and would remove too much of the joist depth. The fix is to route the drain below the joist in a soffit or use an approved engineered detail, not to cut the joist and add a nail plate. The rough plumbing inspection must occur before the ceiling is closed.
Traps
Cutting structural members for pipes; using an unlicensed subcontractor; missing rough-in inspections; forgetting condensate drainage; blocking electrical panel access.