Electrical Inspection Guide for Building Owners

Commercial building electrical inspections are necessary to avoid audit accidents and for you to stay up to code. There are three things you, as a building owner, can look out for:

1. Ensure you’re familiar with the requirements of an electrical inspection checklist.
2. Know the electrical code in New York, as this code covers New York and the surrounding areas.
3. The International Building Code 2018 outlines the standards for all standing buildings. 

Understanding these factors will help you have a successful electrical inspection checklist process.

Commercial Building Electrical Inspection Checklist

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires all building owners to have regular electrical inspections. Three events call for a commercial building inspection:

• Before you close up your walls: These inspections happen when you’re renovating or you’ve built a new building. Before your team insulates your walls, a professional inspector must examine the wiring to ensure it’s safe.
• When construction is complete: This inspection stage happens when the building is ready and the walls are closed up and painted. An inspector needs to ensure your electrical works are safe before you can use the facility. 
• Regular yearly inspections: After the approval of your initial inspections during construction, you must schedule an assessment with an inspector at least once a year.

Which Factors Are Assessed During a Commercial Building Inspection Checklist? 

An electrical checklist generally covers the following areas and knowing what to expect before the time can give you peace of mind. Be prepared to fulfill the following requirements for an electrical inspector:

• NEC-compliant installations: The inspector will identify and confirm that the wiring is installed according to the NEC standards. 
• Ensuring installations are up to standard: All the installations are checked to ensure they adhere to the required instructions. Materials and equipment must also be labeled correctly. 
• Verifying all current ratings: The short circuit (SC) and interrupting currents are examined to ensure these are safe and acceptable for installation. 
• Ensuring all the openings are closed: The inspector will make sure that all the openings are correctly closed. 
• Checking for contamination and possible damage: Sometimes, wiring can become contaminated or damaged due to foreign materials. The inspection process can mitigate this.
• Checking for mounting and ventilation: The inspector will ensure solidified mounting and ventilation systems.
• Looking for splices and terminations: The electrical ratings, proper use and temperature of terminations and splices are checked. These must adhere to the NEC standards.
• Verification of the surrounding environment: The ratings of the surrounding environment are verified. The inspector will also ensure clear markings on your enclosure equipment and doors.
• Checking for working clearances: Safe clearance boundaries around electrical wiring are essential. The inspector will ensure adequate clearances and good headroom around your equipment. 
• Verification of circuit directories: The inspector will ensure the circuit directories for switchboards, panel boards and similar systems run smoothly. 
• Include a TEGG Detection System: TEGG detects any electrical hazards in your system. The inspector won’t examine this, but it can significantly benefit the inspection process. TEGG complements the NEC code and can help make your commercial building safer. 

What Is the Electrical Code in New York?

Integrated with the 2008 NEC code, the 2011 Electrical Code of New York outlines the requirements for electrical maintenance in New York. The code includes new stipulations and amendments from the 2008 NEC code. You’re bound by the New York code if you live in New York or the surrounding areas. For any building plans, revisions or requests, it’s advised to consult this code to ensure you’re fully compliant and up to date:

• Electrical Plan Review: If installing an electrical system of 1000 kilovolt amperes (KVA) or more, submit this information to the Department of Buildings (DOB).
• Electrical Equipment Review: The DOB will review the process for electrical equipment and systems not covered in the Electrical Code Technical Standards.
• Special Permission Request for Code Variation: If a special request you have differs from the standard electrical code guidelines, follow this route. Your request must prove that your electrical request system varies from the norm and you must have supporting documentation. 
• Advisory Body: Your submissions may be sent to the DOBs. The bodies that advise the Commissioner of the stipulations found in the New York Code are The Electrical Code Revision Managing Committee and The Electrical Code Revision and Interpretation Committee (ECRIC).

Inspection Requirements for Minor and Major Construction Projects

Construction projects and standing buildings — including commercial buildings — must meet the International Building Code 2018 (IBC) regulations. In addition to this, the Department of Labor and Industry’s Plan Review and Inspection Requirements suggests that for construction projects, owners can reference the 34 PA Code Chapters 401-405 for standard guidelines. If you’re making any alterations to an existing building, the Department’s Plan Review also stipulates that you comply with the 2018 International Existing Building Code. 

How Do the Codes Help Me?

There are several building codes to consult for your commercial electrical maintenance. The following will help you place where each code belongs and why it’s important: 

• International Building Code 2018: All buildings are subject to this code globally, with some residential building exceptions. According to the Department’s Plan Review Requirements, the technical standards found in this code will help you during your construction project.
• 2008 NEC Code: On a national level, this code outlines all the electrical requirements your system should fulfill to remain up to code. 
• 34 PA Code Chapters 401-405: The chapters in this code outline the rules to follow when you’re starting a new construction project. These chapters give guidance on a regional level. 
• 2011 Electrical Code of New York: This code serves as a guide on a city level for those in New York and the surrounding areas. 
• TEGG Detection: TEGG is not a code but can work locally for your commercial property. Adopting TEGG into your electrical system can help you prevent accidents and electrical hazards. 

Our Maintenance Services

A commercial electrical checklist is comprehensive. Here at Lippolis Electric, we make it easier with the following maintenance services:

• Preventative, predictive and proactive care: As a commercial property owner, you know the importance of being proactive and preventing an electrical outage. For this reason, having a preventative, predictive and proactive stance is vital.
• Energized service and inspection: It’s always best to conduct electrical maintenance with de-energized equipment. However, this can only sometimes be the case. Performing maintenance on energized electrical equipment is best done by professional electricians. 
• De-energized service and inspection: Whether equipment is energized or de-energized, it needs proper maintenance. Lippolis Electric can help you and your commercial property stay safe. 
• Arc flash hazard analysis: We help you conduct an arc flash analysis to safeguard your property and electrical system. 
• Partial discharge testing: We at Lippolis Electric also do partial discharge testing to test insulation breakdowns. 
• Power quality analysis: A power quality analysis is the most popular request for businesses and plants. Here, we test the overall safety of your business’s power supply. Our TEGG maintenance detection plan also ensures you get specialty electrical repair and testing for your building. 
• Megger testing: Testing for faulty connections and power leaks is essential. Megger testing can help keep your entire commercial property up to standard. 
• Infrared thermography: We help locate hazards in your building using thermal imaging. Thermal imaging shows us what’s happening with the wiring behind your walls. 
• Equipment inventory and asset management: Knowing the needs of your electrical equipment and what state they’re in helps you stay one step ahead of your electrical system. 

Lippolis Electric for Your Building Inspection

Electrical building inspections can be tricky unless you know what to expect. Keep your commercial building up to code and prevent accidents by referring to the checklist in our guide. Also, ensure you understand the codes and how they fit into your electrical inspection. 

Lippolis Electric can help you with your electrical inspection and all other maintenance needs. For expert assistance in the tri-state area, contact us through our online form today or call us at 914-738-3550.