PNNL

Abstract

Most electrical inspectors never evaluate completed residential and commercial buildings with respect to energy efficiency provisions adopted and enforced by a state or jurisdiction. Why? Electrical-plan review and inspection do not typically involve energy provisions and, more significantly, most electrical inspections occur before energy-saving measures are even installed. These final inspections are typically the responsibility of the building inspector. However, while the roles of building and electrical inspectors are different, they are complementary. Understanding these roles and the code requirements they involve furthers the primary goal of both electric and energy codes—the construction of safe and energy-efficient buildings.