Residential Electrical Inspector (CAE)
Lesson 1
Basics
(Based on the 2014 OESC)
Updated: January 2017
Introduction
2
Dennis Clark – Electrical Field Coordinator
[email protected] (503) 378-2207
Keith Anderson – Electrical Program Chief
[email protected] (503) 378- 4459
Shawn Haggin – Assistant Electrical Chief
[email protected] (503) 378-5838
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Inspector Should be Familiar With:
Oregon Revised Statutes
Oregon Administrative Rules
Oregon Specialty Codes
Statewide Interpretations
Statewide Alternate Methods
Directives and Orders from Division
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Purpose of the Electrical Safety Law
Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 479.520
To protect the health and safety of persons
in Oregon from the danger of electrically
caused fire, shock and explosion and to
protect property situated in Oregon from
electrically caused fire and explosion
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Chapter 479
2014 EDITION
Protection of Buildings From Fire; Electrical
Safety Law
ELECTRICAL SAFETY LAW
ORS 479.510-479.995
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Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR)
Chapter 918
Department of Consumer and Business Services
Building Codes Division
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This course is designed to provide an overview of standard
electrical installation inspection and code requirements for
residential dwelling units. Students are required to study and
become familiar with the National and Oregon Electrical
Specialty Code and associated materials. Successful completion
of this course requires all students to:
1) Show up on time
2) Participate in the class (ask and answer questions during the
class)
3) Complete all homework assigned
4) Turn in all review questions by due date/time
5) Copy the lesson material provide
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All students will be evaluated during the course to
determine knowledge and understanding of the
material.
Students may be required to attend additional training
at request of the instructor(s).
Students may be required to retake the course in order
to solidify their knowledge prior to receiving their
certification.
Instructor(s) are available for questions during the
class as well as during email noticed instructor times.
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The Oregon Electrical Specialty Code
(OESC) is found in Oregon Administrative Rule
Division (OAR) 918-305.
The OESC consists of the 2014 NEC, Oregon
amendments, Statewide interpretations and
Statewide alternate methods. Special
permission and site specific alternate methods
can be approved by the local Building Official.
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On April 1st 2014, rules changed allowing a CAE
certified inspector to inspect individual dwelling
units of apartment buildings covered by the
Low-Rise Residential Specialty Code and
attachment of structural components of a photo-
voltaic (solar) installation.
Electrical plan review is not allowed under this
certification.
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Residential Electrical Inspection
The Inspectors Role
What does the law say?
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Statutory Duties of an Inspector
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ORS 455.715
A person, including a plans examiner, acting
under the authority and direction of a building
official and charged with the responsibility of
routine enforcement of one or more specialty
codes or parts of specialty codes.
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Roles of Inspector/Plans Examiner
1. Ensuring minimum code is met
2. Provide flexible solutions to meet intent of code when
appropriate
3. Focus on fire/life safety and load paths
4. Correction needed? Write it and cite it
5. Maintain certifications and continuing education
6. Enforce all appropriate building code statutes and rules
7. Keep division up to date on address changes
8. Assist in BCD investigations
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Legislative Guidance for Building
Department 455.015
15
1. Proceed quickly and efficiently
2. Be flexible and responsive
3. Encourage economic development
4. Encourage experimentation and innovation
5. Ensure the cost effectiveness in construction
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Certification
16
ORS 455.715 to 455.740 OAR 918-098
All must have a valid Oregon Inspector Certification and
the appropriate certification or authorization from the
division for the work being performed.
Persons who hold an Oregon certification must act in
the public interest in performing their duties. OAR 918-
098 contains specific elements certified persons must
comply with.
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Certification (cont.)
17
Must follow statewide code interpretations, directives
and other building code program requirements.
ORS 455.740 allows the division to deny, condition,
suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a certification for
failure to act in the public interest or violations of ORS
Chapter 455.
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OAR 918-271-000
Role of a Electrical Inspector:
An electrical inspector shall inspect electrical
installations and provide public information on
the meaning or application of an electrical code
provision, but shall not lay out work or act as a
consultant for electrical contractors, property
owners or users.
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OAR 918-271-0040
19
Electrical Inspection Procedures:
Follow the protocols on the mandatory inspections and secondary considerations
Calls for Inspection
Requests for Inspection and Notice of Results
Corrections of Defects
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OAR 918-098-1215
20
Residential Electrical Inspector may conduct
inspections:
Electrical work regulated by the Oregon Residential
Specialty Code.
Structures under the Oregon Manufactured Dwelling
Installation Specialty Code.
Any portion of a solar PV system up to 25 KW
Minor Label inspections on residential only
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OAR 918-098-1900
Citation Requirement Effective January 1, 2006
In addition to any other requirements set forth in statute and
rule, beginning January 1, 2006, all inspectors and plans
examiners certified under Division 098, OAR 918-225-0540,
918-281-0020 918-695-0400, and ORS 460.055 issuing
corrective notices at construction sites or to buildings or related
appurtenances during a plan review must adequately cite the
applicable specialty code sections, Oregon administrative rules,
or statutes whenever a re-inspection is required as a result of
the inspection or plan review.
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Avoid Potential Conflict of Interest
"Potential conflict of interest” means any action, decision or
recommendation by an inspector where the decision could
lead to monetary gain, pecuniary benefit or detriment of the
inspector or relative, or business where the inspector or
relative is associated unless the benefit or detriment arises
out of:
(a) An interest or membership is required by law or as a
requirement to have job.
(b) Action affects everyone in the class equally.
(c)Membership is related to a tax-exempt nonprofit
corporation
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What does that mean?
1. Do not have your own construction or construction development firm that performs work in Oregon
2. Do not inspect your own work or perform plan reviews on it
3. Do not go to work for a construction contractor or developer on the side
4. Family members can not benefit from your position
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2014 OESC Residential Inspector Code Checklist
and Useful Information
EXAMPLE
PART 1 – SERVICE and GROUNDING 2014 NEC®/ OESC
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The Checklist is used to help the student
quickly find code references to meet the
requirements of OAR 918-098-1900. The
checklist can be added to in the field when
repeat items are found. The checklist is
designed to be a living document that is
modified as new issues are brought forth and
to aid the inspector as a active tool in the
inspection toolbox.
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Accela Inspector App
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Inspectors can result and schedule inspections out in the field by using
the Accela Inspector App. Inspectors are able to add
comments and signatures to records as well as electronically send or print out an Inspection
Summary Report. Information in the Accela back office is linked with
the Inspector App.
You can download the Inspector App onto your iPhone or iPad by going to iTunes and searching for Accela inspector. The download is free and the Inspector App icon will
appear on your device once the download is complete.
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Most Important Lesson
Electricity Can Kill You!
Be Smart and Be Safe
If you are uncomfortable performing inspections
or uncertain of what you are doing seek
assistance.
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Residential Electrical Inspection Safety
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Residential Electrical Inspection
Required Class Materials
• 2014 NEC
• 2014 Ugly’s Reference
• 2014 Henry’s Key Word Index
• Handouts
• Calculator
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2
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Homework and Reviews are required to be
turned in by the assigned due date.
During the course of training, students are
encouraged to ask questions, for clarification and
if needed, to ask for additional tutoring. The goal
is to have the best, most competent inspectors
and to maintain the inspection focus on safety. It
is imperative that the student get out in the field to
apply the information learned in the class. The
instructor(s) ask questions during the class that
challenge student knowledge. Class participation
is required for all students.
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During the training, as you are out performing
field training, take photos of unusual
installations or non-compliant installations for
sharing with the class.
Please do not include people or identifiers of
locations or contractors.
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Service Application
33
Single Phase
120/240 Volt
400 amp service
w/2 – 200 amp
main breakers
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Circuit numbering
1 A 2
3 B 4
5 A 6
7 B 8
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Toggle Configurations
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Ratio and Proportion
40
Ohms Law states the relationships between
voltage, current, resistance, and power.
The relationship that is most important to
electricians and inspectors is; P=IE
Power measured in watts is calculated in purely
resistive circuits as Current in Amps times Volts.
I is the symbol for current
E is the symbol for voltage
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Ratio and Proportion (cont.)
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Where the desired power is a given quantity, current and voltage are inversely proportional. This is why heavy loads like electric heat are typically
supplied by 240 volts instead of 120 volts. A 12,000 watt furnace designed for operation at 240 volts will
draw;
50 amps @ 240 volts 12kw @ 120 volts would draw 100 amps
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Lesson 1 Homework
1) Review the Module 1 handout
2) Review ORS Section 479.510-.995
3) Review Oregon Administrative Rules
918-251 through 918-311
4) Review questions will be sent to you via a
survey link. Answer the review questions by
the due date.
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