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10/16/2023 1:28 pm

Failing an Inspection: Commercial Projects

The top reasons inspections for non-residential projects are rejected for each trade.

Updated: Oct 16, 2023

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Building Trade Electrical Trade Mechanical Trade Plumbing Trade

Inspections can be rejected for a number of reasons. Our inspectors have compiled a list for each trade on the common reasons that inspections are often rejected.

Building Trade

  1. Missing (emergency/exit) lighting – Section #1008.3 & #1013.1
  2. Unacceptable or missing rated (wall/floor/ceiling) assembly penetration protection – Section #714
  3. Missing or incorrect rated wall stenciling – Section #703.7
  4. Missing or incorrect Thermal Air Barrier protection – Table #402.4.2 – 2018 NC Energy Code
  5. SFRM (Sprayed Fire Resistant Material) patchwork missing or unacceptable – Section #704.13.5
  6. Missing required handrail, guard or grab bar blocking in the wall. – Section #1607.8.1 & #1607.8.2
  7. Missing required signage – Sections #1013, #1023.9, #1023.10, & #1111
  8. Missing interior wall bracing – Section #1607.14
  9. Unacceptable penetrations into (interior exit stairwell/exit passageway) – Sections #1023.5 & #1024.6
  10. Power-operated doors not unlocking as required during power failure – Section #1010.1.4.2

Electrical Trade

  1. Unused openings not closed in electrical boxes, enclosures or equipment (k.o. seals). Internal parts of electrical equipment, including busbars, terminals, insulators, and other surfaces damaged or contaminated by foreign materials such as paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues (ex. paint on busbars). NEC 110.12(A), 110.12(B)
  2. Access and working space not provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. NEC 110.26
  3. Multi-wire branch circuits, sharing a neutral, not provided with a means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors at the point where the branch circuits originate (ex. single pole breakers with a “listed” handle tie). NEC 210.4(B)
  4. Unit emergency lights not on the local lighting circuit for the area served and connected ahead of any local switches. Can’t depend on a single lamp to provide emergency illumination for an area. NEC 700.12(F), 700.16
  5. Penetrations through rated walls and floor/ceiling assemblies to be sealed properly per UL Design requirements. Maximum 16 square inch opening in rated walls and no more than 100 square inches in 100 square feet of wall. NEC 300.21
  6. Loose connections at breaker terminals, equipment terminals or splices. NEC 110.14
  7. Strapping and securing of conduits and cables per the type of wiring method used.
  8. Labeling for panels, panel directories, disconnects, transformers, and other equipment.
  9. Boxes, enclosures and equipment not properly grounded or bonded, NEC 250.
  10. Electrical equipment not installed per the manufacturer’s installation requirements. NEC 110.3

Mechanical Trade

  1. Gas Piping (gas test and gauges, shut-off valve, supports, regulator installed incorrectly, labeling, additional permit required when installed by others)
  2. Accessibility (no one on site, access to equipment for service or removal)
  3. Blueprints (missing, not installed per plans, plans not clear or change in scope)
  4. Clearances for Equipment (from combustibles, accessibility, service space)
  5. Fire & Smoke Dampers (missing, improper installation including framing and flashing, testing)
  6. Kitchen Hoods & Ducts (clearances, supports, testing, slope of duct)
  7. Outside Air (size, termination location clearances from exhaust vents)
  8. Duct Detectors (missing, accessibility, testing)
  9. Combustion Air (missing, size, termination location)
  10. Radon – permit and underground inspections required.

Plumbing Trade

  1. Stamped plans not available per NC Law and Administrative Code
  2. Venting per Chapter 9 NC Plumbing Code
  3. No hot water on final inspection
  4. DWV System not tested per Section 312 of NC Plumbing Code
  5. Wrong contractor on permit
  6. Bathroom Fixtures/Distances and Clearances in Accessible Bathrooms per Chapter 6 of ICC A-117.1-2009
  7. Cutting & notching per Appendix C of NC Plumbing Code
  8. Hangers/supports per Section 306 of NC Plumbing Code
  9. Tempering Valves for Hat Water per Section 607 of NC Plumbing Code
  10. Bedding for underground piping
  11. Backflow Protection per 608 of NC Plumbing Code
  12. Fire-stopping System Number on approved plans per NC Law and Administrative Code-Building Code Summary Sheet
  13. Metered Type Faucets in Public Bathroom Hand Wash Sinks

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