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02/02/2026 8:13 am

Failing an Inspection: Commercial Projects

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

Updated: Feb 2, 2026

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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. Electrical equipment is not installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions found in its listing or labeling.
    “2020 NCEC 110.3(B) Installation and Use”
  2. Unused openings are not closed with knock-out seals in electrical boxes, enclosures, or equipment.
    "2020 NCEC 110.12(A) Unused Openings”
  3. Internal parts of electrical equipment, busbars, terminals, insulators, and other surfaces damaged or contaminated by paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues.
    “2020 NCEC 110.12(B) Integrity of Electrical Equipment and Connections”
  4. Conductor terminations at circuit breakers or equipment terminals are not torqued to the correct value.
    “2020 NCEC 110.14 (D) Terminal Connection Torque”
  5. Access and working space are limited in front of, or around, electrical equipment:
    “2020 NCEC 110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment”
  6. Multi-wire branch circuits that share a neutral are not provided with a multi-pole breaker in the panel to disconnect all ungrounded conductors.
    “2020 NCEC 210.4(B) Multiwire Branch Circuits”
  7. Emergency light fixtures are not on the same lighting circuit as the area, or if a separate circuit is provided, the breaker lock is not installed.
    “2020 NCEC 700.12(I)(3)(a) or (b)”
  8. Emergency lighting, which relies on a single lamp to provide total coverage in a specific area, requires multiple lamps.
    “2020 NCEC 700.16(B) System Reliability”
  9. Openings around electrical installations in fire walls, partitions, membranes, or ceilings are not sealed correctly.
    “2020 NCEC 300.21 Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion”
  10. Raceways and cable assemblies are inadequately secured in place according to each code section specifying the type of wiring method installed.
    “2020 NCEC (A) Secured in Place”
  11. Labeling for panels, directories, disconnects, transformers, and other equipment is missing or incomplete.
    “2020 NCEC 408.4(A) Circuit Directory or Circuit Identification”
  12. Conductors spliced in boxes or enclosures, with missing equipment grounding conductors connected to the box.
    “2020 NCEC 250.148 Continuity of Equipment Grounding Conductors and Attachment in Boxes”

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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