ECN Forum
Posted By: George Little Permit when?? - 11/06/04 02:44 AM
I would be interested in knowing from this group the point when you would be expected to obtain an electrical permit and schedule an inspection. For example in Michigan repairs or work exceeding $100.00 would require a permit. Don't ask me to justify that one. State law.
Posted By: gfretwell Re: Permit when?? - 11/06/04 03:57 AM
The reality is you need an inspection any time the AHJ thinks you need one and that is more driven by revenue than safety ... no matter what they say.
If you replace a $150 water heater the permits are $90 here. It's no wonder people cheat.
Posted By: trekkie76 Re: Permit when?? - 11/06/04 03:18 PM
I hate to say it, but here in Eastern Maine, I have only had to have a permit for service changes, and few local municipalities further south have required permits. Not saying it is a good thing, just the reality of my area.
Posted By: Steve T Re: Permit when?? - 11/07/04 04:47 AM
A permit is required for anything except changing a light bulb. If you think it's about revenue, you need to look at the cost analysis for that particular municipality. The $50 we charge to replace 25 receptacles does not cover the cost in servicing that permit. That can be proven. I'll bet 80% of inspections involving receptacles always turn up at least one that is improperly wired. If it can be done wrong, in my opinion it should require a permit.
Posted By: George Little Re: Permit when?? - 11/07/04 03:08 PM
Quote
If it can be done wrong, in my opinion it should require a permit.
Very well stated. The amount the contractor and ultimately the customer pays for a permit and inspection is the best insurance yet that the job has been done properly. It doesn't mean there won't be problems but at least there has been two people that say the job is correct. I don't know how it is in other States but in Michigan the Municipality is not allowed to make a profit on the permit/inspection process. The amount charged for the permit should cover the cost of administering the permit.
Posted By: gfretwell Re: Permit when?? - 11/08/04 03:25 AM
If permits were really about inspection the inspectors would not have to do 30-40 a day
Posted By: HotLine1 Re: Permit when?? - 11/08/04 03:40 AM
Gfretwell wrote:
"If permits were really about inspection the inspectors would not have to do 30-40 a day"

Hell, and I thought 15-17 was a real tough day!!! How can 30-40 be inspected in a day??? 16 hour shifts???

BTW, here in NJ.....one permit fee covers any and all inspections for the work on the card. We do not have a re-inspection fee.

Permits are required for anything except "minor repairs". (replacment devices, light fixtures (same locations, no wiring)

Building dept. is supported by Permit fees; pays all costs for permits/processing/inspections.

John
Posted By: Steve T Re: Permit when?? - 11/09/04 03:41 PM
Hotline1,

I'll bet improperly wired devices is one of my top items on an inspection report. I'd rethink what a minor repair is.
Posted By: gfretwell Re: Permit when?? - 11/09/04 04:59 PM
The number of inspections required is one of the things that keeps me from working as a muni inspector.
My wife is a builder and she works with these guys every day.
"FOURTY SEVEN" was the worst number I ever heard her say a guy had <plumbing inspector>. He was just dropping a yellow card in the box and driving on by the end of the day. Her structural guy had 41 the other day. (Lee County Fla)
Posted By: HotLine1 Re: Permit when?? - 11/11/04 02:40 AM
Steve:
A good idea, but unfortunatley, the State DCA sets the rules, along with the Board of Examiners for Lic EC's.

Gfretwell:
I had to complain for Fri...19 on the printout.....heck 41 is insane for a 8 hr day! Are they 'drive-by's"

John
Posted By: harold endean Re: Permit when?? - 11/12/04 09:53 PM
John,

I think the most I ever got on one day was 24 inspections. My day is 10 hours long though. I start at 6:30 am and stop at 4:30-5:00 pm. I don't think I could handle much more than that. Not if they want those "drive-by" inspections. I just won't work that way.
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