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Skilled Trades Project Requirements:
Electrical Systems Work & Inspections

Special and Progress Inspections

As per Chapter 17 of the Building Code, new building work may require certain Special and Progress Inspections to be performed during and at the end of construction as outlined in the table below. Prior to approval, the Applicant of Record is required to identify all required Special and Progress Inspections (BC 1704.1). Prior to DOB permit issuance, the owner must typically engage a registered Special Inspection Agency (SIA) who will take responsibility for the Special and Progress Inspections. The Applicant of Record may perform these inspections if they are also an SIA. Inspection discrepancies and hazardous conditions shall be reported to the super-intendment of construction, as well as to the site safety coordinator or site safety manager, for correction, per BB 2016-006 and 1 RCNY 101-06. Per BC 1704.1.2, the contractor cannot hire the special inspector.

Based on the scope of work, a new building project may be required to comply with the following Special and Progress Inspection requirements:

SPECIAL/PROGRESS INSPECTION

DESCRIPTION OF CODE REQUIREMENTS

Fire-resistant Penetration and Joists

Special Inspections for penetration of fire-resistant elements and assemblies; and related firestops in accordance with Sections BC 1704.27.1, BC 1704.27.2 and BC 713.4.1.1

Required Electrical System Inspections

In accordance with 27-3017 and 27-3018, DOB requires inspections at various stages of completion during work, as well as at final completion of all permitted work. Access must be provided to the work site for all inspections of permitted work. Based on the scope of work, the following inspections from different DOB Inspection Units may be required:

  • Electrical Inspection – Final Inspection

Licensed Master and Special Electricians and property owners are responsible for scheduling and completing all required inspections. Prior to scheduling an inspection, Electricians must:

  • Confirm that all electrical work completed matches the approved drawings

  • Confirm that relevant progress and special inspections are on-site and clearly approved by the SIA.

  • Periodically check that no safety hazards exist on the active construction project

  • Confirm that work complies with code and other requirements

Contractor Self-Certification of Inspections

Licensed Master and Special Electricians cannot self-certify the completion of electrical work. DOB Inspection Units must conduct an inspection to ensure compliance with code and regulations.

Other Regulations

  • Submission of special inspections’ reports can be done online by a Special Inspection Agency.

  • Inspections by the DOB Inspections Unit may be required during various project stages. Such inspection requests may be made online and any objections raised may be resolved on-line.

  • The DOB Inspection Unit shall complete inspection report after the final sign-off inspection to close the project or objections shall be issued if the inspection has not passed.

  • If the completed project has changes that are minor, an “As-Built” submission is required. The applicant must submit an “As-Built” drawing prior to project sign-off.

Inspection Requests

The Department’s online portal for scheduling appointments for required DOB inspections must be used. DOB NOW provides robust online accounts, making it easier to submit applications, make payments, schedule appointments, check the status of an application or inspection, pull permits, and make renewals.

Electrical Systems

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