We were recently contacted by an electrician that needed Mike’s help and expertise. All identifying names have been removed in an effort to avoid any further conflict. We are sharing this story with the hopes of helping someone that may find themselves in a similar situation.

I recently took a call from a customer that was moving his business into a new building and the electrical inspector had placed a temporary operation restriction on a machine we had manufactured/sold to him some years ago. It stated that the equipment was not "Listed" and as such he would have to have it certified by a Third Party Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

Curious, I contacted the inspector inquiring as to the nature of this highly unusual request (it is cord/plug connected equipment). He indicated that he inspects all equipment and appliances (right down to microwaves and toasters) and generically cited NEC as his substantiation. It took about a week’s worth of exchange and the backing of a substantial industry authority (Thank you Mike Holt) to convince this inspector that cord/plug connected equipment was not subject to NEC.

I would like to have thought that would have been the end of the battle, but the inspector then came back citing a state law barring the sale or transfer of Consumer Electrical Products that were not Listed. (Wow,.. really? From a building inspector?) I pointed out that not only was no sale or transfer taking place, but that this very specialized piece of equipment was not subject to any Consumer Electrical Products law that I had ever seen. He did not care and was going to force the inspection anyway. I responded demanding to know the exact text of the statute that was driving this. The arguments that followed stretched on for weeks until it was escalated to the state level and, with my backing, our customer initiated legal action.

Yes, we were eventually successful, but Hindsight being 20/20 our customer would have waited for final inspection before moving his equipment into the building.

Thank you again for your support. It was pivotal in my effort to put this issue to rest. If there is ever anything I can do for you in return please do not hesitate to ask.