Electrical Inspection Checklist: Pass Your Inspection First Time
Don't let common mistakes delay your project. This comprehensive checklist covers everything inspectors look for during rough-in and final electrical inspections.
In This Guide
Before Calling for Inspection
Proper preparation prevents failed inspections. Before you schedule an inspection, verify:
Administrative Items
- □Permit posted and visible on site
- □Approved plans on site
- □Previous inspections approved (if applicable)
- □Address clearly visible from street
- □Safe access to work area
Work Completion
- □All work for this phase complete
- □Work area clean and accessible
- □All boxes accessible (not buried)
- □Panel cover off (for inspection)
- □Lights on/working (final inspection)
Rough-In Inspection Checklist
The rough-in inspection happens after wiring is installed but before walls are closed. This is your chance to fix issues before they're hidden behind drywall.
Box Installation
- □Boxes flush with or extending past finished wall surface
- □Boxes secured within 8" of cable entry (NM cable)
- □Box fill calculations within limits
- □Proper box type for application (metal vs plastic)
- □Ceiling fan boxes rated for fan support
- □Heavy fixture boxes properly supported
Cable/Wire Installation
- □NM cable stapled within 12" of boxes, every 4.5' thereafter
- □Cables protected from physical damage (nail plates on studs)
- □No damaged cable sheathing
- □Correct wire gauge for circuit rating
- □Cable connectors at all box entries
- □At least 6" of conductor at each box for connections
Grounding
- □Grounding electrode conductor installed
- □Ground rods driven (if required)
- □Bonding to water pipe/gas pipe (if applicable)
- □Equipment grounding conductor in all circuits
Panel/Service
- □Panel location compliant (not in bathrooms, clothes closets)
- □Working space clearances met (30" wide, 36" deep, 78" high)
- □Service entrance conductors properly sized
- □Neutral/ground separation correct (main vs sub-panel)
Final Inspection Checklist
The final inspection verifies everything is complete, safe, and working. All devices must be installed and energized.
Receptacles
- □All receptacles installed and covered
- □GFCI receptacles in required locations (kitchen, bath, garage, outdoor)
- □GFCI protection functioning (test button works)
- □Tamper-resistant receptacles in dwelling units
- □Weather-resistant covers on outdoor receptacles
- □Proper polarity on all receptacles
- □Receptacle spacing meets NEC 210.52 requirements
Switches & Lighting
- □All switches installed and operational
- □Three-way switches wired correctly
- □Lighting outlets in required locations
- □Stairway lighting with 3-way switches at each level
- □Exterior lighting at entrances
Panel Completion
- □AFCI breakers on required circuits
- □All circuits properly labeled
- □No double-tapped breakers (unless rated)
- □Proper breaker type for panel
- □All knockouts covered
- □Dead-front cover installed
Appliances & Special Equipment
- □Range/oven properly connected
- □Dryer receptacle installed (if electric)
- □HVAC disconnect accessible and visible
- □Water heater disconnect (if required)
- □Smoke detectors installed and working
- □CO detectors installed (if required)
Top 15 Common Code Violations
These are the most frequent reasons electricians fail inspections. Avoid these mistakes:
Missing GFCI protection
Especially kitchens (within 6' of sink), bathrooms, garages, outdoor
Missing AFCI protection
Required on bedroom, living room, kitchen circuits in dwelling units
Improper box fill
Too many conductors/devices in box without calculating fill
Missing nail plates
Cables within 1.25" of stud edge need protection
Inadequate support/securing
NM cable not stapled within 12" of box, every 4.5' along run
Wrong wire gauge
Using 14 AWG on 20A circuit or undersized conductors
Missing tamper-resistant receptacles
Required in all dwelling units at 15A and 20A receptacles
Improper grounding
Missing equipment grounds, improper bonding, bootleg grounds
Panel working space violations
Not maintaining 30" x 36" x 78" clearance
Missing circuit labels
All circuits must be legibly identified
Kitchen circuit errors
Not providing required two 20A small appliance circuits
Bathroom circuit issues
Sharing bathroom receptacle with other rooms improperly
Missing outdoor receptacles
Dwelling units need front and back outdoor receptacles
Smoke/CO detector issues
Missing interconnection, wrong locations, or not hardwired
Improper device connections
Backstabbing instead of side terminals, poor splices
What Inspectors Actually Look For
Understanding an inspector's perspective helps you prepare better:
Things That Impress Inspectors
- • Clean, professional workmanship
- • Organized panel with neat wire routing
- • Proper labeling throughout
- • Plans and permit readily available
- • Ready for inspection (lights on, panels open)
- • Consistent spacing and alignment
Red Flags That Trigger Closer Scrutiny
- • Sloppy workmanship
- • Missing permits or plans
- • Previous failed inspections
- • Work not ready for inspection
- • Defensive attitude
- • Evidence of shortcuts
Pro Tip: The Walk-Through
Before calling for inspection, walk the job yourself with a code book or the Ampora app. Check every box, every device, every connection. It's easier to fix issues before the inspector arrives than to reschedule and delay the project.
What to Do If You Fail
Failed inspections happen. Here's how to handle it professionally:
- Get a detailed correction list - Ask the inspector to specify exactly what needs to be fixed with code references.
- Don't argue on site - If you disagree, there's an appeals process. Arguing rarely changes the outcome.
- Fix all items listed - Address every deficiency, not just the major ones.
- Look for similar issues elsewhere - If you missed GFCI in one bathroom, check all bathrooms.
- Schedule reinspection promptly - Don't let corrections sit; schedule as soon as work is complete.
- Document what you fixed - Take photos showing corrections were made.
Verify Code Compliance On-Site
Ampora's AI assistant answers code questions instantly. Check GFCI requirements, verify box fill, and confirm your work meets code before the inspector arrives.