Daily Code Talk #11 – IMC Section 111: Inspections & Testing

🧠 Plain English Breakdown•Inspections (111.1): Permit work must stay visible and accessible until approved. An approval never legalizes a violation.•Required stages (111.2): Underground, Rough-in, and Final (plus others as needed). Exception: Ground-source heat pump loops tested per Section 1210.10 may be backfilled before inspection. Heater swap grace: Replacement heating serving occupied areas may operate before inspection if inspection is requested within 48 hours and before concealment.•Requests & access (111.2.2–111.2.3): Permit holder schedules inspections and provides access. Do not cover or proceed past a stage without approval. Noncompliant portions stay exposed until corrected.•Third-party help (111.2.4): AHJ can accept reports from approved agencies.•Prefabricated assemblies (111.2.5): Evaluation report required; AHJ or an approved agency performs follow-up factory inspections; keep test/inspection records available.•Testing (111.3): Systems must be tested by the permit holder, witnessed by the AHJ; permit holder provides equipment/labor; if something fails, correct and resubmit.🏗️ Why It Matters in Design & ConstructionInspection sequencing and visibility control protect life safety and your schedule. If you bury or conceal work early, expect demo and delay. Plan prefabricated assemblies with an evaluation report and follow-up inspection path, and treat testing as a witnessed event—tools, personnel, and scripts ready.🔧 Field TipProvide a one-page Inspection Plan in your set and hand it to the GC:•Stages & holds: Underground → Rough-in → Final (plus any special inspections).•“No cover” notes: Callouts on sheets showing inspection holds at slabs, shafts, and ceilings.•Prefab path: List evaluation report IDs and who performs factory follow-ups.•Test matrix: What is tested, who performs, instruments, pass/fail criteria, and AHJ witness requirement.•48-hour heater rule: Note the request window and “no concealment” clause right on the demo/RTU swap detail.Want a plug-and-play Inspection Plan template you can drop in your next set? Comment “INSPECTION” and I’ll share it.