What is the role of plan review in the residential inspection process?

• A. To inspect the finished installation for code compliance after occupancy
• B. To verify that the proposed electrical design complies with the NEC and local amendments before field construction begins
• C. To approve building permits and zoning compliance
• D. To schedule field inspections during construction

Answer: (B)

Plan review focuses on the design before any work starts. Its job is to verify that the proposed electrical design complies with the NEC and any local amendments before field construction begins. This means checking the drawings and calculations for things like service size, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, grounding, GFCIs/AFCIs, and correct device placement to ensure the plan meets safety and code requirements. Catching issues at this stage prevents unsafe installations, reduces costly rework, and gives the field team a solid, approved blueprint to follow.

Post-approval work, field inspections verify that what’s actually installed matches the approved plan and complies with code during and after construction. The other options describe activities that happen later or are broader permit processes, not the pre-construction plan review itself.