Licensed electricians and licensed electrical inspectors provide
two different functions. While it is important to hire only licensed electricians for any electrical work you need completed,
you don’t always need to hire an electrical inspector.
In our area, there are usually two reasons to hire an inspector: 1. if the electrical work being done
is part of a bigger project under which there is an open building permit; and 2. if it is required by your electric utility.
Usually, any time a building permit
is issued, the building inspector will require that an independent electrical inspection be performed after the work is completed.
A certificate of compliance is then sent to the building dept. by the inspector. In the case of the utility
companies, they usually require that an electrical inspection be performed before they connect to any new or upgraded electric
service to receive power. In this case, the inspector sends the utility company a cut-in card, which essentially gives them
permission to energize the new (or upgraded) electrical service. Inspections are usually also required for repairs to services,
such as after a storm, or from falling trees that damage equipment. What many people don’t realize is that any repairs
to service equipment installed on your house is your responsibility to repair – NOT the electric utility!
