NEC 408.4 - Are You Inspecting To Code at Electrical Final?

[jar546]

Maintaining an up-to-date circuit directory is crucial for the safe functioning of an electrical system. It's essential to have a clear and precise identification of circuit breakers and switches for use by maintenance staff or emergency personnel. This is particularly true for switchboards, switchgear, and panelboards, in line with the identification guidelines set out in Section 110.22, which are applicable to all types of disconnecting mechanisms.

When it comes to circuits serving similar functions, they need to be identified based on their specific locations. For instance, circuits that power outlets in the kitchen, dining room, and along kitchen countertops should be labeled more descriptively than simply as "small-appliance branch circuits." Appropriate labels would be "kitchen wall outlets," "dining room floor outlet," or "countertop outlets near the left side of the sink." General labels like "lights" or "outlets" in circuit directories are insufficient as they lack the detailed identification demanded by this regulation.

Furthermore, it's mandatory to label spare devices clearly as such. These labels should reflect permanent characteristics rather than temporary usage conditions. For instance, labeling a circuit breaker for an office with the name of a current occupant is impractical, as it may not remain relevant if the occupant changes.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

I often ask myself what the labels should say. If one says bedroom 4, or kid's bedroom, or guest room doesn't really work too well. It's especially hard to fit everything on a label if a circuit feeds multiple rooms.
1. Do any inspectors here go around to all the outlets to check that the breakers are labeled right?
2. Do any of you check every outlet to make sure the required ones are on arc-faults, or do you just go by what the label says?
3. Would you fail a residential inspection when the only thing left was to label the breakers right?

 

[jar546]

I often ask myself what the labels should say. If one says bedroom 4, or kid's bedroom, or guest room doesn't really work too well. It's especially hard to fit everything on a label if a circuit feeds multiple rooms.
1. Do any inspectors here go around to all the outlets to check that the breakers are labeled right?
2. Do any of you check every outlet to make sure the required ones are on arc-faults, or do you just go by what the label says?
3. Would you fail a residential inspection when the only thing left was to label the breakers right?

Yes and have many times. Often a simple email of a photo when complete is all that is needed to sign off on it rather than another trip. Simple & easy. Never any complaints from contractors about that.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Yes and have many times. Often a simple email of a photo when complete is all that is needed to sign off on it rather than another trip. Simple & easy. Never any complaints from contractors about that

Is that just yes to #3 or all of them.

 

[jj1289]

We check labeling and receptacles as part of our final inspections and have failed finals for no panel labels.

 

[jar546]

Is that just yes to #3 or all of them.

1) Never all the outlets, always a sampling.
2) Always some of the outlets and often trip the AFCI breaker then see if there is any power in some of the outlets that are required to be AFCI protected. This also helps to make sure the panel schedule is accurate.

 

[ICE]