How to Be Electrical Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 10, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The shortage of qualified electrical inspectors has caused a number of problems for homeowners, businesses and contractors alike. Without the services of an electrical inspector, it is difficult to guarantee that any electrical work is up to code and safe. This can result in a greater risk of fire, electrical shock, and other hazards.

Furthermore, without an electrical inspector, contractors are unable to obtain permits for projects, making it impossible to complete certain jobs and leading to unhappy customers. Therefore, it is important to ensure the availability of qualified electrical inspectors to help protect buildings and occupants from potential dangers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain an Associates Degree. Most employers prefer to hire electrical inspectors who have at least an Associates degree in electrical engineering or related field.
Get Certified. To become an electrical inspector, you must be certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). You can obtain certification by taking the NFPA certification exam.
Gain Experience. To be a successful electrical inspector, you must have knowledge and experience in the field. Consider taking on an apprenticeship or volunteer position with a local electrician or electrical contractor to gain experience.
Comply with Safety Regulations. As an electrical inspector, you will be responsible for ensuring that all electrical installations comply with safety regulations. Make sure to stay up to date on all relevant safety regulations and standards.
Conduct Inspections. Once you are certified, you can begin conducting inspections on electrical installations and equipment. Inspections should be thorough and include checks for any potential safety hazards.
Submit Reports. After conducting an inspection, you should generate a report detailing any potential safety hazards, code violations, and recommendations for corrective action. The report should be submitted to the appropriate authorities.

In order to stay updated and efficient, electrical inspectors must stay informed about the latest advancements in electrical safety codes, as well as any changes to existing codes. They must also stay abreast of new technology, such as smart home systems and other devices that will require special inspections. Inspectors must also remain current on industry trends, including any new products or services that are available.

they must be knowledgeable about common electrical hazards and how to properly identify and address them. Finally, staying up-to-date on safety protocols and regulations is essential in order to ensure a safe and efficient inspection process.

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Job Description

Inspects electrical installations and systems to ensure compliance with local, state, and national electrical codes, regulations, and standards.
Examines and tests wiring systems, circuit breakers, fuses, and other electrical equipment for compliance with applicable codes.
Reviews and approves installation plans and diagrams for electrical systems.
Tests and inspects electrical installations for safety and efficiency.
Investigates customer complaints related to electrical malfunctions and makes repairs as necessary.
Provides guidance to contractors, electricians, and other personnel on electrical codes and regulations.
Issues permits, certificates of occupancy, and other documents related to electrical installations.
Investigates or assists in investigating complaints involving illegal electrical work or hazardous conditions.
Maintains records of inspections, tests, permits, and other related activities.
May provide instruction and guidance in technical areas related to electrical systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Knowledge of local, state, and federal electrical codes and regulations.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical documents.
Ability to inspect electrical systems to ensure they meet code requirements.
Ability to detect and diagnose electrical problems.
Knowledge of safety procedures and protocols for working with electricity.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
Ability to use testing equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other tools.
Proficiency in using computers for data entry, record keeping, and report writing.
Knowledge of electrical system components and their functions.

In order to be a successful Electrical Inspector, it is important to have strong technical knowledge of electrical circuits, wiring, and systems. This includes knowledge of electrical safety standards and the ability to accurately interpret and evaluate blueprints, diagrams, and other wiring schematics. inspectors must possess excellent problem-solving skills in order to identify potential electrical issues and develop effective solutions.

Communication skills are also essential, as Electrical Inspectors must be able to clearly explain the risks and benefits of their findings to clients and colleagues. Finally, the ability to keep up with new technologies and changes in the field is essential in order to remain current with the latest safety standards and regulations. With these skills, an Electrical Inspector can effectively evaluate any electrical system, ensuring that it is safe and compliant with all applicable regulations.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as an Electrical Inspector?
What specific areas of electrical inspections do you specialize in?
Describe a challenging inspection or project you have worked on in the past.
How do you ensure that inspection standards are met?
Are you familiar with the National Electrical Code (NEC)?
What safety protocols do you follow during inspections?
How do you maintain accurate records of inspection results?
What systems and tools do you use for inspections?
How do you ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations?
What do you consider the most important aspects of electrical inspections?

Common Tools in Industry

Voltage Detector. Used to measure electrical current in a circuit. (e. g. Fluke VoltAlert)
Voltage Tester. Used to test the integrity of an electrical circuit. (e. g. Fluke T5-600)
Circuit Tracer. Used to identify wiring connections and track electrical circuits. (e. g. Gardner Bender GDT-311)
Insulation Resistance Tester. Used to measure the resistance of insulation on electrical wiring. (e. g. Fluke 1587FC)
Continuity Tester. Used to check for broken circuits or shorts in wiring. (e. g. Klein Tools NCVT-2)
Clamp Meter. Used to measure current in a circuit without having to break the circuit. (e. g. Fluke 336)
Multimeter. Used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. (e. g. Fluke 117)
Infrared Thermometer. Used to measure the temperature of electrical components without having to touch them. (e. g. Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer)
Test Leads. Used to connect testing equipment safely to an electrical circuit. (e. g. Fluke TLK282 SureGrip Automotive Test Lead Kit)
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Tester. Used to check the functionality of GFCI outlets. (e. g. Extech CG204 Circuit Breaker Finder/GFCI Tester)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
International Code Council (ICC)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET)

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Common Important Terms

National Electrical Code (NEC) A set of standards established by the National Fire Protection Association to ensure safety in the installation of electrical systems.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) A device that automatically interrupts the flow of electricity when a potentially hazardous ground fault is detected.
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) A device that detects arcing conditions in an electrical circuit and automatically interrupts the flow of electricity when a potentially hazardous arc fault is detected.
Overcurrent Protection A device that automatically interrupts the flow of electricity when a potentially hazardous overcurrent condition is detected.
Electrical Bonding The process of connecting two objects to make them electrically equal, thus providing an uninterrupted path for electrical current.
Electrical Identification The process of labeling electrical equipment and systems to identify their purpose and function.
Electrical Testing The process of testing installed electrical systems to ensure they meet code requirements and are functioning correctly.
Voltage Testing The process of measuring the amount of electrical pressure in a wire or system to ensure it meets code requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of an Electrical Inspector?

An Electrical Inspector is responsible for ensuring that electrical installations conform to applicable standards and codes by inspecting electrical systems and equipment.

What qualifications should an Electrical Inspector possess?

Electrical Inspectors should have a minimum of five years of experience in the electrical field, a valid state license, a working knowledge of electrical codes and standards, and a thorough understanding of electrical systems and equipment.

What types of inspections do Electrical Inspectors typically perform?

Electrical Inspectors typically perform inspections of electrical installations in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This includes inspecting wiring, circuit breaker panels, outlets, switches, and other components.

What is the National Electrical Code (NEC)?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a comprehensive set of safety regulations for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. It is regularly updated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in order to ensure that electrical systems are designed and installed safely.

What is the International Building Code (IBC)?

The International Building Code (IBC) is a standard developed by the International Code Council (ICC) that provides minimum requirements for design and construction of buildings. It includes requirements for the installation of electrical systems in order to ensure safety.

Web Resources

Electrical Inspector Jobs | Training, Experience and Certification ... www.electricianschooledu.org
Electrical Inspector - ITQAN itqaninstitute.edu.sa
Uniform Construction Code - Electrical Inspector www.camdencc.edu