USBC permits & inspections: Virginia Journeyman Electrician (Tradesman) Practice Questions

Under the Virginia USBC, when must a permit application be filed for emergency electrical equipment replacement?

USBC Section 108.1 lets emergency construction, alterations or equipment replacement start first, with the application submitted by the end of the first working day after the work begins.

Which electrical work in a single-family home (Group R-5) needs no USBC permit?

USBC Section 108.2 item 14.3 treats replacement of switches, 125-volt 15- or 20-ampere receptacles, luminaires and ceiling fans in R-3, R-4 and R-5 as ordinary repairs that need no permit.

Low-voltage wiring under 50 volts is generally exempt from a USBC permit. When is a permit still required?

USBC Section 108.2 item 1 exempts wiring under 50 volts unless it is in a plenum, penetrates rated construction, or is part of systems such as fire alarm, fire detection or smoke control.

During a USBC inspection, who must provide the ladder or test equipment the inspector needs?

USBC Section 113.1.1 requires the permit holder to provide any ladder, scaffolding or test equipment needed to conduct or witness a requested inspection.

Under the USBC minimum inspections, when must electrical systems be inspected?

USBC Section 113.3 lists inspection of electrical, mechanical and plumbing materials, equipment and systems before concealment, in addition to the final inspection.

A stop work order covers only the service work on a building. What may continue?

USBC Section 114.2 limits a stop work order to the work it identifies; other work may continue if it does not conceal the work covered by the order.