17 Electrical Inspector Interview Questions and Answers

Electrical inspectors are responsible for ensuring that the wiring in buildings, both residential and commercial, meets safety standards. They work with architects, builders, and contractors to review blueprints and inspect the work as it is being done to make sure that it is up to code. Electrical inspectors may also work with the fire department to investigate fires that may have been started by faulty wiring.

If you’re interested in becoming an electrical inspector, you’ll need to be able to answer questions about your experience and knowledge of electrical wiring and codes. You’ll also need to be able to pass a background check. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some common electrical inspector interview questions and answers to help you prepare.

Are you familiar with the National Electrical Code?

The National Electrical Code is a set of standards that electrical inspectors must follow. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary knowledge and experience to do your job well. Before your interview, read through the National Electrical Code thoroughly. Make note of any sections you are familiar with or feel confident about. Share these with the interviewer to show them that you understand the code and can apply it in your work.

Example: “I am very familiar with the National Electrical Code. In my last position, I was responsible for enforcing all aspects of the code. This included inspecting buildings for safety violations and making sure they were up to code. If there were any issues, I would report them to my supervisor so we could fix them before anyone got hurt.”

What are the most important things to check when inspecting a building for electrical safety?

The interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have the necessary knowledge and experience to perform your job well. Your answer should include a list of important things to check when inspecting a building for electrical safety, such as:

Fuses or circuit breakers Ground fault interrupters Breakers that are too large for the load they’re supposed to protect Circuit wires that are frayed or bare Overloaded outlets Open ground wires Damaged insulation on wires Damaged wiring in general Example: “When I inspect a building for electrical safety, I make sure all fuses and circuit breakers are working properly, that there aren’t any open ground wires, that the breaker isn’t too big for the load it’s protecting and that the wires aren’t frayed or bare. I also look at the outlet to make sure it has proper grounding.”

How would you respond if you found a serious electrical safety hazard during an inspection?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and how you react in high-pressure situations. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure while also following proper procedures for reporting a safety hazard.

Example: “If I found a serious electrical safety hazard during an inspection, I would first report it to my supervisor immediately so they could take the appropriate action. Then, I would document the issue thoroughly in my inspection report so that the client knows about the situation and what steps they need to take to fix it. Finally, I would make sure that the property owner or manager understands the importance of fixing the issue as soon as possible.”

What is your process for ensuring that a building’s electrical system is properly installed and functioning correctly?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and what methods you use to complete it. Your answer should include a step-by-step process that shows how you conduct inspections, evaluate systems and make decisions about whether or not they are safe for use.

Example: “I first inspect all of the electrical outlets in the building to ensure that they have no visible damage and that their wiring is intact. I then test each outlet’s functionality by plugging in an appliance that has a built-in tester. If the outlet passes this test, I move on to testing the main breaker box. I open the box and check for any loose wires or damaged components. After closing the box, I turn off the power at the circuit breakers and then reset them one at a time to see if the system functions properly.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided guidance to a contractor or electrician regarding the proper installation of electrical systems.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your communication skills and how you can help their team members. In your answer, try to describe a situation where you helped someone understand the proper installation of electrical systems or equipment.

Example: “When I first started working as an electrical inspector, I had a contractor who was installing wiring in a commercial building. He didn’t know that he needed to use conduit for all of his wires instead of just using wire nuts. After inspecting the work, I explained why it wasn’t up to code and showed him how to properly install the wiring. He appreciated my guidance and fixed the issue.”

If a building owner or manager wanted to know if their electrical system met code, how would you go about determining this?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would apply your knowledge of electrical codes to a specific situation. Use examples from previous experience in which you helped building owners or managers understand their electrical systems and whether they were up to code.

Example: “I would first ask them what type of system they have, as this will help me know what codes it should meet. I would then inspect the entire electrical system for any violations. If there are none, then the system is likely up to code. However, if there are violations, I would explain to the owner or manager that these issues need to be fixed before the system can be considered up to code.”

What would you do if you found that a building’s electrical system was improperly installed and at risk of short-circuiting?

This question can help interviewers assess your problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions that are in the best interest of public safety. In your answer, try to demonstrate how you would use your critical thinking skills to find a solution that is both safe for the building’s occupants and cost-effective for the owner.

Example: “If I found an improperly installed electrical system, my first step would be to determine whether it was due to negligence or if there were extenuating circumstances. If it was due to negligence, then I would inform the property owner that they must fix the issue immediately or risk fines from the city. If it was not due to negligence, then I would work with the property owner to create a plan for fixing the issue at a reasonable price.”

How well do you perform when working under pressure to meet deadlines?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Your answer should demonstrate that you can manage time well, prioritize tasks and meet the expectations of employers in a timely manner.

Example: “I understand that working as an electrical inspector requires me to meet deadlines for submitting reports on inspections. In my previous role, I was responsible for managing projects with tight deadlines. I would always ensure that I had all necessary information before starting a project so I could complete it within the deadline. This helped me avoid missing any important details when completing inspection reports.”

Do you have experience working with electrical contractors to resolve issues quickly and efficiently?

Electrical inspectors must be able to work with electrical contractors and other professionals to resolve issues quickly. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working in a team environment. In your answer, share an example of how you worked with others to solve problems on the job. Explain what steps you took to ensure everyone was satisfied with the solution.

Example: “In my last position as an electrical inspector, I had to work with several electrical contractors to resolve issues they found during inspections. One time, I noticed that one contractor’s report stated there were some loose wires in a building. When I went into the attic to check for myself, I discovered that the wires weren’t loose at all. Instead, it turned out that the insulation around the wires was just falling off.

I called the contractor over to show them what I found. Together, we figured out that the problem was due to improper installation. The contractor then fixed the issue by re-insulating the wires.”

When inspecting a building, how do you determine if the electrical system is up to code?

This question can help the interviewer understand your knowledge of electrical codes and how you apply them to ensure a building’s safety. Use examples from past projects where you applied your knowledge of electrical codes to determine if a system was up to code or not.

Example: “I first look at the National Electrical Code book for my state, which lists all the current regulations regarding electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings. I then use this information to inspect the entire electrical system, including the wiring, breakers, fuses and other components that make up the system. If any part of the system is outdated or damaged, it may be necessary to replace it before the building can be occupied.”

We want our electrical inspectors to offer constructive criticism when necessary. How would you handle giving a client an unfavorable report?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to handle conflict. In your answer, try to emphasize how you would use your communication skills to help the client understand why a report is unfavorable and what they can do to improve their electrical system.

Example: “If I had to give a client an unfavorable report, I would first explain that it’s my job as an inspector to ensure safety standards are met. Then, I would offer suggestions on how they could make improvements to their electrical system so they meet code requirements. For example, if I found a building didn’t have enough outlets for its needs, I might suggest ways to expand the current wiring or add more outlets.”

Describe your process for giving a client an unfavorable report.

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle conflict. They want to know that you can be diplomatic and professional when delivering bad news. In your answer, try to emphasize the importance of being honest with clients while also showing respect for their time.

Example: “I always make sure to give my client a detailed explanation of why I’m giving them an unfavorable report. I explain what they need to do to fix the problem and set up a timeline for when they should expect to receive another inspection. If there are multiple issues, I prioritize which ones must be fixed first. This helps the client understand the severity of the situation and gives them a clear plan of action.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for an electrical inspector position with our company?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you would fit in with their company. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Focus on your relevant experience and skills as well as any personal qualities that may help you succeed in the role.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this electrical inspector position because I have five years of experience inspecting electrical systems. In my previous role, I also performed maintenance work on these systems, which is something I’m very comfortable doing. My communication skills are excellent, so I can easily explain complex procedures to other employees. I am also highly organized and detail-oriented, which helps me perform inspections thoroughly.”

Which areas of electrical work do you have the most experience with?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your experience aligns with the job description. It also helps them understand what you’re most passionate about and how much time you’ve spent in this field. When answering, try to focus on areas of electrical work that are relevant to the position.

Example: “I have a lot of experience inspecting residential wiring projects. I find it rewarding to ensure homeowners have safe wiring systems in their homes. In my previous role as an electrical inspector, I performed over 100 inspections per year. I also have some experience with commercial wiring projects, although I haven’t done many of these types of inspections.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of being an electrical inspector?

This question can help interviewers understand what you think about the job and how you approach it. They may also use your answer to decide whether or not you are a good fit for their organization. When answering this question, try to be honest while still being positive. You might mention some of the challenges that you have overcome in the past.

Example: “The most challenging part of my electrical inspector position is when I am inspecting an older building with outdated wiring. It can be difficult to determine if the wiring is safe without tearing out walls and floors. However, I always make sure to document everything thoroughly so that I can explain my reasoning to property owners.”

How often do you perform electrical inspections?

This question can help interviewers understand your experience level and how you might fit into their company. If you have a lot of experience, they may want to know what you’ve learned over the years that could benefit them. If you’re new to electrical inspections, they may be looking for someone who can learn from their more experienced employees.

Example: “I perform electrical inspections at least once per month. I started out doing them every two weeks, but as my knowledge grew, I realized there were some issues with certain buildings that needed to be addressed sooner than later. Now, I’m able to identify these problems before they become serious safety concerns.”

There is a new version of the National Electrical Code every three years. How familiar are you with the most recent version?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are up-to-date with the latest changes in electrical codes. It is important for an electrical inspector to be familiar with the most recent version of the National Electrical Code, as they must ensure that all projects adhere to these standards. In your answer, try to show that you have a good understanding of the code and how it applies to your work.

Example: “I am very familiar with the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code. I’ve been working as an electrical inspector for five years now, so I’ve had plenty of time to get acquainted with the new rules. The last three editions of the NEC have made some significant changes to the way we inspect electrical systems, so it’s important for inspectors to stay current.”