Neat, Neat, Neat, yeah it is suppose to be Neat. Mechanical Execution of Work.

Wenathcee Home Inspections

As home inspectors we see a lot of messes. It is not uncommon see stuff in various levels of disarray.  

Just a bit messy

But messy when it comes to electrical work is a bit troubling.

From the 2014 NEC (National Electrical Code)

“110.12 Mechanical Execution of Work

Electrical equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner.”

So it actually code to do neat work, but one persons neat is not anothers, and now it gets into interpretation of what is neat and workmanlike.

This is the right way

I was helping a good friend of mine pulling wires, who is a master electrician, and I did not run a cable as neatly as he wanted and expected. He wanted all of his run perfectly parallel.  He looks at me and says redo it, this is my job and when someone comes after me I want them to know that a professional was here.

“This is Neat”

As a professional you should achieve and try to exceed the standards of education and training that is required of that profession. Most professions have ethical and moral obligation of their particular field that are typically agreed upon and maintained through professional associations.

I remember when I was younger and trying to be a professional musician my manager stated “it easy to be good when you are on, a pro is good when he is not on”. This is something I have carried with me. You want to be very good on your bad days because that is the sign of how good of a professional you are.

Here is the crux of the matter with electrical work.  Poor workmanship has a much higher probability of failure and when you see poor workmanship this question always comes to mind “What can’t I see?”.

From the 2014 NEC Handbook-

“Field observations and trade magazine articles indicate that electrical connection failures are the cause of many equipment burnouts and fires. Many of these failures are attributable to improper terminations, poor workmanship, the differing characteristics of dissimilar metals, and improper binding screws or splicing devices.”

I find it unfortunate that so many are willing to except the “it will do” attitude. If we all expect a higher level workmanship and professionalism then it will happen. When we just expect “it will do” that is what we will get, it will just do… maybe.

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection-  Bellingham Technical College

www.ncwhomeinspections.com                                                   509-670-9572

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