How to Build a Home, Step 48
Electrical Trim in Cabinet
The electrical trim is the next step in our “How to Build a Home” blog series. Over the past several months we’ve taken you through the first 47 steps to building your own home. Now we will be sharing some of the fine points associated with the electrical trim activity.
Electrical Trim Scope of Work
So what exactly does the electrical trim, sometimes called the electrical final, entail? It’s basically a chance for the electrician to return to the home to finish what was started on the electrical rough. Here are some of the major items to be completed…
- Plugs and Switches – Install all outlets and switches per the electrical plan.
- Light Fixtures – Assemble and install all light fixtures throughout the home.
- Appliances – Hookup electrical to all appliances including the range, electrical cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal…etc. If the appliance supplier is scheduled to deliver and install the appliances later on, the electrician should provide all necessary whips and outlets at this time.
- Service Panel – Finish up all work in the main electric service panel including installation of all circuit breakers and labels.
- Cable Outlets – Install jacks and cover plates for all cable boxes.
- Phone – Install jacks and cover plates for all phone outlets.
- Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Detectors – Install all detectors as indicated on the house plan.
- Door Bell – Complete the installation of the door bell button and chime.
- Bath Fans – Finalize the installation of all bathroom ventilation fans.
- Weatherproof Outlets – Install plugs and housings for exterior weatherproof outlets per plan.
- Electrical Final Inspection – Contractor should schedule and ensure approval of final electrical inspection.
- Finalize all wiring to sump pump, furnace, and air conditioner.
- Attic Lighting – Pull chains or switched keyless lights should be trimmed in all attic accesses to light egress.
- Basement – All exposed wiring in unfinished basement or garage should be enclosed in protective conduit or as per local code.
Schedule
The electrical trim must be completed after the plumbing trim and cabinets. This allows the electrician to finalize all outlets and terminate wiring to appliances. All light fixtures should be delivered to the home the day before the electrical contractor is scheduled to show up. This will allow the person managing the schedule to check and verify all fixtures were delivered prior to having the electrician come out. The electrical trim should take no longer than two days for the average sized home.
Quality Check
- All switched electrical outlets should be labeled for identification purposes.
- All switch and outlet plates should be flush with the drywall surface. If not, the electrician should make the appropriate adjustments.
- The main circuit panel should be clearly marked showing the locations covered by each breaker.
- All GFI outlets shall be tested and in working order.
- All arc fault protected circuits should be installed per local code.
- All hanging lights should be at the height indicated on the plans. If no height is noted on the plan, the scopes of work and specifications should provide dimensions.
Well that about does it for the electrical trim. If you missed out article on the electrical at the rough in stage, you can check it out here…Electrical Rough-in. Stay tuned to our next post as we cover the details surrounding the heating, air conditioning and ventilation final.
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