National Fire Protection Association
NEC (NFPA 70)
The National Electrical Code is the installation baseline nearly every electrical inspection in the United States is measured against. On site it shows up as the questions an inspector asks at rough-in and again at final: is the box fill right, is the equipment grounding conductor continuous, is every circuit protected and identified.
Adoption varies by jurisdiction — confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
What it covers
- Conductor sizing, protection and support
- Box fill, mounting depth and accessible splices
- Grounding and bonding continuity
- Overcurrent protection and circuit identification
- Working clearance at panels and equipment
What the evidence looks like
- Photograph rough-in wiring, box fill and grounding before the walls close — after cover, a defect is a demolition bill.
- Panel schedules photographed legible, with the directory filled in rather than promised.
- Working clearance measured and shown in frame, not asserted in a note.
Checklists that verify work against NEC (NFPA 70)
4 free checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Electrical Rough-inElectrical rough-in inspection checklistBoxes, raceways, conductors and grounding before the walls close10 items14 photosElectrical Pre-coverElectrical pre-cover inspection checklistThe hold-point walk before insulation and drywall bury the rough-in6 items14 photosElectrical FinalElectrical final inspection checklistDevices, terminations, labeling and energization before turnover9 items14 photosElectrical PMElectrical preventive maintenance checklistRecurring walk of panels, devices and life-safety circuits in an occupied building6 items8 photos
Common questions
- What is NEC (NFPA 70)?
- The electrical installation baseline — conductors, boxes, grounding, overcurrent protection. It is published by the National Fire Protection Association. The National Electrical Code is the installation baseline nearly every electrical inspection in the United States is measured against. On site it shows up as the questions an inspector asks at rough-in and again at final: is the box fill right, is the equipment grounding conductor continuous, is every circuit protected and identified.
- What does NEC (NFPA 70) cover?
- Conductor sizing, protection and support; Box fill, mounting depth and accessible splices; Grounding and bonding continuity; Overcurrent protection and circuit identification; Working clearance at panels and equipment.
- What does a field inspection against NEC (NFPA 70) look at?
- Photograph rough-in wiring, box fill and grounding before the walls close — after cover, a defect is a demolition bill. Panel schedules photographed legible, with the directory filled in rather than promised. Working clearance measured and shown in frame, not asserted in a note.
- Which edition of NEC (NFPA 70) applies to my project?
- Adoption varies by jurisdiction — confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
- Which checklists verify work against NEC (NFPA 70)?
- 4 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family — each listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.
A standard is only met if the evidence exists
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.
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