CEI Plan Review & Permit Processing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NEC Article 220, which method is commonly used to calculate residential service loads for plan review purposes?
- Optional calculation method (220.82) (Correct answer)
- Standard calculation method (220.42)
- Demand factor method from Article 430
- Unit load method from Article 220.12 only
Correct answer: Optional calculation method (220.82)
NEC 220.82 provides the optional calculation method most commonly used for existing and new single-family dwelling service sizing.
Question 2: During review of a tenant improvement permit, the plans show new receptacle circuits but no panel schedule update. What should the reviewer require?
- Nothing — panel schedules are not required for tenant improvements
- An updated panel schedule showing new circuits and remaining capacity (Correct answer)
- Only a load calculation letter from the engineer
- A separate permit for the panel work
Correct answer: An updated panel schedule showing new circuits and remaining capacity
An updated panel schedule must be submitted to verify available capacity and document circuit assignments for inspection purposes.
Question 3: What is the maximum time the AHJ typically has to act on a permit application before it is considered approved by default, according to most model codes?
- There is no default approval provision in model codes (Correct answer)
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 10 business days
Correct answer: There is no default approval provision in model codes
Most model codes, including the IBC and IEBC, do not provide for automatic approval by default; the AHJ must take action on the application.
Question 4: A contractor submits plans stamped by a licensed engineer showing a 3-phase 208V panel fed from a 480/277V system without a transformer on the drawings. What should the reviewer do?
- Approve — engineer's stamp certifies correctness
- Request clarification or correction to show the step-down transformer (Correct answer)
- Reject and require a new licensed engineer
- Approve if the calculations show correct breaker sizes
Correct answer: Request clarification or correction to show the step-down transformer
The reviewer must ensure the drawings are complete and internally consistent; a missing transformer feeding a 208V panel from a 480V source is a critical omission.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT typically required on electrical permit drawings for a new commercial building?
- Single-line diagram
- Panel schedules with load calculations
- Equipment manufacturer's installation manuals (Correct answer)
- Site plan showing service entrance location
Correct answer: Equipment manufacturer's installation manuals
Manufacturer installation manuals are not typically submitted with permit drawings; the plans must reference listed equipment, but manuals are field documents.
Question 6: An inspector reviewing plans sees that a 100A feeder is protected by a 125A breaker. Under NEC 240.4, what determination should be made?
- Violation — overcurrent protection must not exceed conductor ampacity without exception
- Potentially acceptable — NEC 240.4 allows next standard size up under certain conditions (Correct answer)
- Violation — overcurrent must match conductor ampacity exactly
- Acceptable only if the feeder serves motor loads
Correct answer: Potentially acceptable — NEC 240.4 allows next standard size up under certain conditions
NEC 240.4(B) permits the next higher standard overcurrent device size when the conductor ampacity does not correspond to a standard rating, subject to conditions.
Question 7: When an electrical permit is issued for new construction, at what point does the permit typically expire if no inspection has been requested?
- Never — permits remain valid until the project is complete
- 180 days after issuance with no work or inspection activity (Correct answer)
- 30 days after issuance
- 12 months regardless of activity
Correct answer: 180 days after issuance with no work or inspection activity
Most jurisdictions expire permits after 180 days (6 months) of no work activity or inspection requests, though local ordinances may vary.
CEI Plan Review & Permit Processing 3
Under NEC Article 220, which method is commonly used to calculate residential service loads for plan review purposes?