In some areas he might
generically be called the "Fire Underwriter". This no doubt dates back to when the
"Fire
Underwriters" were the only individuals involved in inspecting
Electrical wiring and equipment. Nowadays there are many different agencies
(this varies by location) that are involved in inspecting premises wiring and
equipment.
The Electrical
Inspector is the person most often entrusted with the sometimes thankless job of
inspecting premises wiring and equipment for compliance with Locally accepted
codes and standards. He (or She) is a person (or member of an Agency or Organization)
that is recognized by the "Authority Having Jurisdiction" as
being Qualified and Responsible to inspect (and often make judgments) concerning
the Safety and Compliance of Electrical Installations in that Locality. Although
this Inspection is often avoided if possible, We cannot overemphasize the safety
value (and peace of mind) of having any Electrical Installation
inspected and evaluated by a Recognized Expert in the Field.
The most
common "Code" that is referenced is the NEC
(National Electrical Code). This Code is the product of many Experts and knowledgeable
Contributors from numerous fields and is widely considered to
represent the Standard for Safety in Electrical Installation. Although the NEC
is this widely revered, it's acceptance as "Code" in any given
Locality is not automatic. It is up to each Municipality to establish a set of
guidelines with regard for Public Safety. In many Localities the NEC
is adopted verbatim, as the Guideline for Electrical Safety and without
reservation. Some areas may have made slight local "amendments and
addendums" to the NEC that are
considered by them as necessary for additional safety or because of some local
characteristic or
condition.
Now, even with the
adoption of the NEC in it's entirety, there
may still be some situations where these rules are not enough, or need some
modification. The final judgment on any point is left up to the "Authority
Having Jurisdiction" (which has delegated this responsibility to the
Electrical Inspector). Often inspections and evaluations must be performed on
concealed or otherwise inaccessible wiring and here is where the
intuition and experience of the Inspector must be relied upon to guarantee an installation free from
hazards. Their job is an Important Necessity for Electrical Safety, their
services should be sought after and their efforts should be applauded.
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