Everything that happens during a mechanical rough-in inspection before walls and ceilings are closed up.
The rough mechanical inspection happens after ductwork and components are installed but before walls or ceilings are closed. It is your one chance to get sign-off before everything is concealed. Here is what the inspector looks for.
All ductwork must be installed and supported per FBC M603. The inspector checks that seams are sealed with mastic or UL 181 tape. Insulation R-value labeling needs to be visible and the vapor barrier must be intact. Loose or unsupported ducts are a common fail point.
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The air handler platform or location gets inspected for proper anchorage. Condensate line slope and secondary drain protection must be in place. Refrigerant line insulation, sizing, and UV rating are all checked. If any refrigerant lines are exposed to sunlight, the insulation must be UV-rated.
If the system includes gas-fired equipment, vent terminations and clearances are checked. Combustion air openings must not be obstructed. This is where many mixed-fuel installations run into issues.
Whip connections and bonding get inspected. Disconnects and service receptacles must be installed. The inspector confirms that the electrical rough-in supports the mechanical system being installed.
Mechanical penetrations through fire-rated assemblies must be fire-stopped. This is frequently missed and is a hard fail. The inspector checks every penetration through rated walls and floors.
If you close walls before passing rough, you open them back up. That is why rough inspection delays are so costly in new construction. A 4-day wait for the building department means 4 days your drywall crew sits idle on that job.
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