Reliable Electrical Inspections

 AFCIs
An AFCI is intended to de-energize the circuit when it detects the current waveform characteristics unique to an arcing fault [100].

AFCI protection is required for the entire length of the branch circuit per 210.12(B) through (C) . AFCI protection is not required for outlets in bathroom areas, garages, or outside. 

But it is required for 15A or 20A, 120V branch circuits in the following dwelling unit locations [210.12(B)]:

(1) Kitchens
(2) Family rooms
(3) Dining rooms
(4) Living rooms
(5) Parlors
(6) Libraries
(7) Dens
(8) Bedrooms
(9) Sunrooms
(10) Recreation rooms
(11) Closets
(12) Hallways
(13) Laundry areas
(14) Similar areas

AFCI protection is required for 15A or 20A, 120V branch circuits in the following dormitory unit locations [210.12(C)]:

(1) Bedrooms
(2) Living rooms
(3) Hallways
(4) Closets
(5) Bathrooms
(6) Similar rooms

AFCI protection is required for 15A and 20A, 120V branch circuits in the following other occupancy locations 210.12(D)]:

(1) Guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels.
(2) Nursing homes and limited care facilities, areas used exclusively as patient sleeping rooms.
(3) Areas designed for use exclusively as sleeping quarters in fire stations, police stations, ambulance stations, rescue stations, ranger stations, and similar locations.

If 15A or 20A, 120V branch-circuit wiring is extended, modified, or replaced in any of the areas specified in 210.12(B), (C), or (D), the wiring must be AFCI protected by one of the following [210.12(E)]:

(1) AFCI circuit breaker.
(2) AFCI receptacle installed at the first receptacle outlet of the existing branch circuit.

Ex: AFCI protection is not required for extension wiring that is less than 6 ft long if no outlets or devices, other than splicing devices, are added. This measurement does not include the conductors inside an enclosure, cabinet, or junction box.

GFCI protection for dwellings
GFCI protection must be provided as required in 210.8(A) through (F). GFCI protective devices must be in a readily accessible location.

You can provide the GFCI protection using either a GFCI circuit breaker or a GFCI receptacle. To apply 210.8(A)(8) or (10), 210.8(B)(7), (13), and (15), the distance you measure from the sink or bathtub/shower is the shortest path the power-supply cord connected to the receptacle will follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier.

With the 2023 revision, the reference to windows and doors was removed to ensure GFCI protection for receptacles within the measured distance as required in 210.8 even if the measurement line passes through a window or door.

A GFCI circuit breaker provides ground-fault protection starting at the breaker, so the entire circuit has ground-fault protection. A GFCI receptacle provides ground-fault protection for whatever is plugged into it; it has load-side terminals that provide downstream protection for any other receptacle(s) or device(s) on the circuit.

Receptacles installed in the following dwelling unit locations must be GFCI protected (and the GFCI device must be in a readily accessible location) [210.24(A)].

(1) Bathrooms.
(2) Garages and accessory buildings.
(3) Outdoors.
(4) Crawl spaces (at or below grade).
(5) Basements.
(6) Kitchens.

Traditionally this requirement applied only to kitchen countertop receptacles, but now any cord-and-plug-connected appliance in the kitchen such as the range receptacle, refrigerator receptacle, disposal receptacle, and microwave receptacle now require GFCI protection.

(7) Food or beverage preparation or cooking areas.
(8) Sinks (receptacles within 6 ft of the top inside edge of the bowl of a dwelling unit sink).
(9) Boathouses.
The Code does not require installing a receptacle in a boathouse, but any that are in a boathouse must be GFCI protected.
(10) Bathtubs or shower stalls (receptacles within 6 ft of the outside edge of a bathtub or shower stall not installed within a bathroom).
(11) Laundry areas.
(12) Damp and Wet Locations Indoors.

Ex 1: GFCI protection is not required for a receptacle dedicated to fixed electric snow-melting equipment if the receptacle is not readily accessible and ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE) is provided as required by 426.28 and 427.22.

Ex 2: GFCI protection is not required for a receptacle supplying only a permanently installed premises security system.

Ex 4: GFCI protection is not required for receptacles in dwelling unit bathroom exhaust fans, unless specified by the fan instructions.

The receptacle for exhaust fans is internal to the exhaust fan. They are not accessible as a convenience cord-and-plug receptacle, therefore GFCI protection is not required. Per UL Guide Information GPWX, exhaust fans installed in the area directly above the footprint (width and depth of the equipment) of the bathtub or shower must be GFCI protected

230.85 230.85 Emergency Disconnects. For one- and two-family dwelling units, an emergency disconnecting means shall be installed. 

(A) General. 

 (1) Location. The disconnecting means shall be installed in a readily accessible outdoor location on or within sight of the dwelling unit. Exception: Where the requirements of 225.41 are met, this section shall not apply.

 (2) Rating. The disconnecting means shall have a short-circuit current rating equal to or greater than the available fault current. 

 (3) Grouping. If more than one disconnecting means is provided, they shall be grouped. 

(B) Disconnects. Each disconnect shall be one of the following: 

 (1) Service disconnects 

(2) A meter disconnects integral to the meter mounting equipment not marked as suitable only for use as service equipment installed in accordance with 230.82 

(3) Other listed disconnect switch or circuit breaker that is marked suitable for use as service equipment, but not marked as suitable only for use as service equipment, installed on the supply side of each service disconnect

    Informational Note 1: Conductors between the emergency disconnect and the service disconnect in 230.85(2) and 230.85(3) are service conductors. 

    Informational Note 2: Equipment marked “Suitable only for use as service equipment” includes the factory marking “Service Disconnect”. 

(C) Replacement. Where service equipment is replaced, all of the requirements of this section shall apply. 

    Exception: Where only meter sockets, service entrance conductors, or related raceways and fittings are replaced, the requirements of this section shall not apply. 

(D) Identification of Other Isolation Disconnects. Where equipment for isolation of other energy source systems is not located adjacent to the emergency disconnect required by this section, a plaque or directory identifying the location of all equipment for isolation of other energy sources shall be located adjacent to the disconnecting means required by this section. 

Informational Note: See 445.18, 480.7, 705.20, and 706.15 for examples of other energy source system isolation means.

PERMANENTLY INSTALLED SWIMMING POOLS ARE THOSE THAT ARE CONSTRUCTED IN THE GROUND OR PARTIALLY IN THE GROUND, AND ALL OTHERS CAPABLE OF HOLDING WATER WITH A DEPTH GREATER THAN 42 INCHES (1067 MM)

 1) Pool Pump Receptacle (Outlet) and Wiring Method 

    A. Swimming pool pump motor receptacle must be located at least 6’ from the inside pool wall, must be grounded, and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected. 

   B. Receptacle must have an extra-duty, in-use, weatherproof cover that can be closed when the cord is plugged in. 

   C. Depending on the actual horsepower of the pool pump motor, the circuit line for the pump motor may need to be a continuous line going directly to the panel box, and isolated from all other receptacles and loads. (see NEC Table 430.248) 

   D. Grounding Conductor (ground wire) for the pump motor cannot be less than #12 AWG insulated copper grounded wire, and must be in conduit. (Exception: When entering a building the wire can change to NM) (Cannot use NM wire in conduit). 

   E. All PVC conduit* must be buried at least 18” deep (12” if GFCI protected prior to entering the earth.

       All Rigid Metal Conduit* must be at least 6” deep. 

       * Wires used in conduit must be single strand wires (ex: THWN, etc -  NO NM or UF        CABLE in Conduit). 

2) Convenience Receptacle (Outlet) and Wiring Methods

    A. At least one (1) 15- or 20-ampere convenience receptacle must be located no closer than 6’ and no further than 20’ from the inside pool wall (Can be existing and/or wired with any approved wiring method). This receptacle cannot be located more than 6 1/2’ above the grade level, deck, or platform serving the swimming pool. 

   B. Convenience receptacle must be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected, Tamper Resistant (TR), and Weather Resistant (WR) type receptacle.  

   C. Must have an extra-duty, in-use, weatherproof cover that can be closed when in use (for all wet locations). 

   D. Must be separate from the pool pump receptacle wiring. 

   E. Wiring. 

   UF cable if buried must be at least 24” deep (12” if GFCI protected prior to entering the ground).

   PVC – All PVC conduits* must be buried at least 18” deep (12” if GFCI protected prior to entering the ground). 

   Metal – All Rigid Metal Conduits* must be at least 6” deep * Wires used in conduit must be single strand wires (ex: THWN, etc. -  NO NM or UF CABLE in Conduit). 

3) Bonding The Pool 

   A. All metal parts must be bonded together using a #8 (or larger) solid copper wire. 

   B. Must use non-corrosive clamps that are listed for direct burial use. 

   C. Conductive pool shells must be bonded in a minimum of four (4) equal points uniformly spaced around the pool.

   D. Nonconductive pool shells must have a #8 (or larger) solid, bare copper wire 18”-24” from the inside pool wall under the perimeter surface 4”-6” below the final grade. 

   E. Water Bond. A minimum of nine (9) square inches of corrosion resistant metal must be in the water to bond the water. Building Permits are required. 

4)   Additionally.  All receptacles located within 20’ of the inside walls of a pool must be GFCI protected. Pool Alarms are required. 

   Pool Pump Timers are required. Rated Pool pumps with built in timers count as the timer.

SPA OR HOT TUB. A HYDROMASSAGE POOL, OR TUB FOR RECREATIONAL OR THERAPEUTIC USE, NOT LOCATED IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, DESIGNED FOR IMMERSION OF USERS, AND USUALLY HAVING A FILTER, HEATER, AND MOTOR-DRIVEN BLOWER. THEY ARE INSTALLED INDOORS OR OUTDOORS, ON THE GROUND OR SUPPORTING STRUCTURE, OR IN THE GROUND OR SUPPORTING STRUCTURE. GENERALLY, A SPA OR HOT TUB IS NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO HAVE ITS CONTENTS DRAINED OR DISCHARGED AFTER EACH USE.  

1) Hot Tub / Spa Wiring Method and Receptacles (Outlets)  

   A. Maintenance Disconnect - A disconnect is required for all ungrounded electrical wires (except for lighting). It must be at least 5’ horizontally but not more than 50’ from the water’s edge, readily accessible, and within sight of the Hot Tub / Spa.  

   B. The outlet(s) that supply a Hot Tub / Spa must be Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected.  

   C. Indoor Hot Tubs & Spas 

    1. At least one (1) convenience receptacle must be located between 6’ and 10’ from the inside wall of the Hot Tub / Spa and be GFCI Protected (Existing receptacle OK and wired with any approved wiring method). 

   D. Outdoor Hot Tubs & Spas 

    1. At least one (1) 15- or 20-amp convenience receptacle must be located between 6’ and 20’ from the inside wall of the Hot Tub / Spa and be GFCI Protected (Existing receptacle OK and wired with any approved wiring method). 

    2. Liquidtight flexible nonmetallic or metallic conduit is permitted in any lengths. 

    3. A listed packaged hot tub / spa installed outdoors that is GFCI protected shall be permitted to be cord and plugconnected provided that such cord does not exceed 15 feet in length.  

    4. Outdoor receptacles must have an in-use weatherproof cover rated “extra-duty” where exposed to the weather. 

2) Bonding The Hot Tub / Spa 

   A. All metal parts & surfaces within 5’ of the Hot Tub / Spa must be bonded together using a #8 (or larger) solid copper wire and connections must be listed and non-corrosive. Indoor Hot Tubs / Spas must bond all metal within or attached to the hot tub. 

   B. Outdoor Hot Tubs / Spas with nonconductive shells must have a #8 (or larger) solid, bare copper wire 18”-24” from the inside hot tub wall under the perimeter surface 4”-6” below the final grade and connected to a metal part of the pump motor.* 

   * Exception: All must apply; 

    1) Hot tub must be listed for aboveground use 

    2) Listed for outdoor use 

    3) Installed on or aboveground 

    4) The top rim of the hot tub must be at least 28” above the perimeter surfaces within 30” horizontally. 

3) Lighting (other than underwater applications) (if any) 

   A. All non-GFCI protected lights and ceiling fans within 5’ of the inside wall of the Hot Tub / Spa must be at least 12’ above the maximum water level of the Hot Tub / Spa. 

   B. All GFCI protected lights and ceiling fans within 5’ of the inside wall of the Hot Tub / Spa must be at least 7 ½’ above the maximum water level of the Hot Tub / Spa. 

   C. Exception - Lights that are within 5’ of the inside wall of the Hot Tub / Spa and less than 7 ½’ above the water level are only acceptable if they meet the following:  

    1. Recessed Lights - GFCI protected with a glass or plastic lens, nonmetallic or electrically isolated metal trim, and suitable for damp locations. 

    2. Surface-Mounted Lights - GFCI protected with a glass or plastic globe, a nonmetallic body, or a metallic body isolated from contact, and suitable for damp locations. 

4. Additionally. 

    Indoor Hot Tubs / Spas wall switches must be a minimum 5’ from the inside wall of the Hot Tub / Spa. Outdoor Hot Tubs check for overhead wires within 10’ of the Hot Tub. (Must be 22 ½’ above water level & not allowed in many municipalities). All Hot Tubs / Spas, other than in a single-family residence, must have an emergency shutoff between 5’-50’ & within sight. 

For single gang meter enclosures. National Grid requires they be no lower than 42" and no higher than 66" above finished grade. Measuring to the center of the socket. A minimum of 3" is required around the electrical meter can. The electrical meter must be 36" away from the closet edge of the meter can, to the center of the gas meter baffle.

NEC  Articles 110.26 (A) (1) (A) (2) (A) (3) & 240.24  (F)

30" wide x 36" deep x 78" from finished floor or final grade, is required for working clearances.

Level 1 – Plugs into a standard 15- or 20-amp, 120-volt receptacle and offers a charge rate of approx. five miles of range per hour of charge. 

Level 2 – Typically ranges between 30-100 amps, 208-volts or 240-volts and offers a charge rate of approx. thirty-five miles of range per hour of charge. 

Level 3 – Also known as DC Fast Charging systems typically range between 60 -125 amps, 3-phase 208-volts or 480-volts and are most often installed in commercial and industrial locations. This level of charging offers up to two hundred and fifty miles of range per hour of charge.  

Level 1 EV Charger Receptacle (Outlet) and Wiring Method Requirements 

   A. All receptacles 15- or 20-amp must be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected 

   B. Overcurrent protection for the feeders and branch circuits must be sized for continuous duty and have a rating of not less than 125% of the maximum load of the equipment. (Example: A 15-amp charger must have a 20-amp circuit) 

   C. If the receptacle is newly installed for the purpose of charging electric vehicles, it must be a dedicated circuit with no other outlets or devices on it  

   D. Receptacles installed in wet locations must have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether the plug on the power supply cord is inserted into the receptacle or not 

Level 1 EV Charging Equipment

   A.  Must be located to allow for up to a maximum 25 ft charging cord to be used (unless equipped with a cable management system that is part of the listed electrical vehicle supply equipment) 

   B. The power supply cord on the EV Charging Equipment must not be longer than the following: 

   1. Portable Equipment – Maximum length of 12 in. 

   2. Stationary Equipment – Maximum length of 6 ft 

   3. When GFCI protection is located at the attachment plug or within the first 12” of the power supply cord, the cord must be a minimum of 6’ and not longer than 15 ft 

   C. The EV Charging Equipment must be located at a height not less than the following: 

   1. Interior Location: not less than 18 in. above the floor 

   2. Exterior Location: not less than 24 in. above grade 

 Building Permits are required. 

Level 2 – Typically ranges between 30-100 amps, 208-volts or 240-volts and offers a charge rate of approx. thirty-five miles of range per hour of charge. 

Level 3 – Also known as DC Fast Charging systems typically range between 60 -125 amps, 3-phase 208-volts or 480-volts and are most often installed in commercial and industrial locations. This level of charging offers up to two hundred and fifty miles of range per hour of charge.  

Level 2 EV Charger Receptacle (Outlet) and Wiring Method Requirements

    A. All receptacles 50-amp or less must be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected.

   B. Overcurrent protection for the feeders and branch circuits must be sized for continuous duty and have a rating of not less than 125% of the maximum load of the equipment. (Example: A 32-amp charger must have a 40-amp circuit, etc.) 

   C. If the receptacle is newly installed for the purpose of charging electric vehicles, it must be a dedicated circuit with no other outlets or devices on it  

   D. Receptacles installed in wet locations must have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether the plug on the power supply cord is inserted into the receptacle or not.

 Level 2 EV Charging Equipment 

   A. Must be located to allow for up to a maximum 25 ft charging cord to be used (unless equipped with a cable management system that is part of the listed electrical vehicle supply equipment) 

   B. The power supply cord on the EV Charging Equipment must not be longer than the following: 

    1. Portable Equipment – Maximum length of 12 in. 

    2. Stationary Equipment – Maximum length of 6 ft 

    3. When GFCI protection is located at the attachment plug or within the first 12 in. of the power supply cord, the cord must be a minimum of 6 ft and not longer than 15 ft.

   C.  The EV Charging Equipment must be located at a height not less than the following: 

    1. Interior Location: not less than 18 in. above the floor 

    2. Exterior Location: not less than 24 in. above grade 

EV Wireless Power Transfer Equipment :

   A. Must be grounded.

   B. The primary pad base plate must be of a non-ferrous (not iron-based) metal such as copper, aluminum, etc. 

   C. The Charger Power Converter – If it is Not Integral to the primary pad, shall be mounted not less than 18 in. above the floor indoors, and not less than 24 in. above grade level outdoors. It must also be mounted to a Pedestal, Wall or Pole, Building or Structure, or Raised Concrete Pad 

   D. The output cable to the primary pad must be secured in place over its entire length to restrict movement and strain on the connection points.

   E.  If the cable is installed where drive-over could occur, supplemental protection must be provided 

   Building Permits are required.

We typically provide the inspection report within 1-2 weeks of the inspection. However, if you need it sooner, we can often provide a same-day report for an additional fee.