New Construction Electrical Rough In Inspection-What They Look For

Today, we’re going to talk about what’s required for a roughing inspection on a home and what the actual inspector looks for when they come. We’ll point out some key features, so stick around and watch the show.

Key Features the Inspector Looks For:

Boxes wired correctly
Proper box heights
Panel installed properly
Following all electrical code rules

Walkaround Highlights:

We have boxes mounted on the wall; for example, a three-gang box is braced on both sides. Wires run through the walls, dispersing throughout the room.
Pot lights use smash plates to make it easier to bring wires down where they’re supposed to be. This also helps when cutting during the face-out stage (when plugs and switches are installed).
In the kitchen, switches are near the patio door, and outlets are placed around the stove and counter lighting.
Code requires outlets on countertops: Any counter space over 10 inches must have a 20-amp outlet at 44 inches height.
The inspector will check box loading (how many wires are inside a box), how well stove receptacles are braced, neatness, and proper stapling of wires.

Additional Details:

Outlets need to be spaced every 12 feet along walls.
Boxes larger than two gang size must be braced to keep them steady and prevent them from being pushed back into the wall. For example, four-gang boxes have braces on the back side.
These code rules do matter, which is why inspections exist. The electrical inspection authority gives a stamp of approval before a cover-up inspection is done, allowing the general contractor to proceed with insulation, vapor barriers, and drywall.
Blown-in insulation includes a vapor barrier, so no extra vapor barrier around boxes is needed.
In the bathroom, we have a fan, pot lights over the sink, outlets, and a GFCI outlet installed.
Wires are stapled individually — no doubling up under one staple — which the inspector checks.
Smash plates are also a code necessity for drywall ceilings (not needed for wood ceilings). Ceiling fans require properly rated and sized boxes.

Wire Management Tips:

For large bundles of wires, standoffs are used to allow more wires in a cavity without crushing them.
Smoke detectors are required in each room and on every level. For a one-level house, one can be in the hallway and one in each bedroom.

Electrical Panel:

All wiring ties back to the panel. During roughing, wires are inserted into the panel and grounds are done.
The inspector issues a roughing inspection with a construction hookup, allowing up to 10 circuits energized for construction use (e.g., heaters). This replaces the temporary service, which is usually rated only for 30-40 amps. The construction hookup allows the full 200 amps to be used temporarily to keep the job moving, especially in cold months for drying.

Low Voltage Wiring:

Phone, cable, internet, and other low voltage cables must be kept at least two inches away from electrical wiring to prevent noise interference.
Communication wires must run through separate holes from electrical wires, never combined.

Final Notes:

These rules and inspections ensure safety and code compliance in new homes.
After the drywall is up, the face out stage begins — installing plugs, switches, light fixtures, and powering up circuits.
The inspector’s stamp of approval during roughing is critical before moving forward.

Hope this helps! Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and we’ll see you in the next video.