City Inspectors

Here I am, a law abiding (most of the time) resident of the City of Dallas wanting to change my electrical panel.

So after getting several bids, knowing that a permit is required, we give the go ahead to a reputable contractor. Work is done, then the games begin.

"We need to call for an inspection" says the electrician. "OK, lets do that" says me.
"They are coming on Monday" says Mr.Sparks, "What time" says me
"Between 8 and 4 pm"
" No window of time'
"No, Thats the way they are"

So having had the lady wife wait all morning and me wait all afternoon, no sign of said inspector. After a call to the City, find out that no inspection has been requested.

Having chewed out the electricians office ( who are responsible for arranging), inspection set for Thursday. We even get a window of between 8 and 11.

Inspector arrives, looking pissed off, "Where is the Electrician?" he asks. " Not here" I reply.

"Well sorry" he says "that's a red tag. New 2009 codes say he must be on site for me to inspect. But while I'm here, lets take a look."

Panel cover removed, much sucking of teeth, and then - " Ground wire to cold water not right gauge, wrong size breaker on A/C and telephone and cable not grounded using the new 2009 required receptical"

Bollocks - so 20 mins later, Mr Sparks arrives, and starts cussing like a sailor.

After 2 more red tags - due to said 2009 required receptical not being used ( Mr.Sparks, claims he has no idea what the inspector is talking about). The work is finally carried out to the inspectors satisfaction

As he hands me the green tag - he says " Sorry about that, but these guys need to learn the new 2009 codes, and you just happen to be the first customer for these guys in my area! Oh and by the way, you need to move your vegatable garden away from under the meter"

As The Silver Surfer would say " Kiss my Anorak!!!"

Bloody Jobs Worth - In future I will sail under the radar, and screw getting a permit!!!!