How is electrical service capacity verified by an inspector?

Verifying electrical service capacity is primarily done by checking panels and wiring against demand calculations. This process involves evaluating the electrical panel to ensure it can handle the electrical load required by the building. Inspectors look at the size of the service feeder and the circuit breakers, as well as the wiring size, to ensure they meet code requirements and are adequate for the expected demand. By comparing these components to established demand calculations, inspectors can determine if the electrical service is sufficient to safely supply power to all devices and systems in the structure.

This approach ensures that there is a clear understanding of how much electricity the building will consume and confirms that the installed systems can handle that demand without risking overload. It evaluates both the capacity of the installation and the anticipated usage rather than simply examining outlets or fixtures, which don't provide a comprehensive view of the system's capacity. Reviewing past inspections may provide context but does not verify the current capacity of the system as directly as demand calculations do.