We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tabatha L. Gomillia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tabatha L. , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

What are some of the biggest trends you are seeing in your industry and what do you think about this trend?
As an electrical inspector/electrician, I have seen firsthand the profound advantages and incredible advancements that technology can bring. The advancing of technology, while undeniably beneficial, presents us with the challenge of understanding potential electrical risks and taking steps to mitigate risk. The world has been forever changed by the rapid progress of technology, which occurs through the advancing of technology in sciences and innovation. As technology advances, it becomes more sought after, more wanted, more powerful, and more efficient, resulting in breakthroughs that transform how we live, work, and interact within our communities. One of the biggest trends that technology has helped to transform: smaller electrical components creating NEC code issues and listing/labeling issues. These smaller components are assembly together to create electrical products such as: LED lighting (drivers not accessible), jacuzzi tubs (severe NEC violations), hotel furniture (components issues/) mall kiosk (component issues) and pergola (component issues) adjustable workstation desk (components issues), customize electrical furniture (components issues) just to name a few.

What do you think about this trend?
With the advancement of technology in the electrical industry, we are heading in a positive direction. But, as technology advances, the electrical industry must advance our working knowledge of how to apply NEC requirement when brainstorming new concepts for manufacturing electrical equipment. The electrical industry must support/safeguard the National Electrical Code (NEC) minimum requirements to ensure compliance. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that the components of any electrical wiring must be accessible after installation, that’s the minimum requirement.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires all electrical equipment be approved, listed and labeled by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) before it can operate in a workplace NEC 2023 Article 110.2 and 3. Article 100 of NFPA 70 defines listed and label, “components or products must be approved by the Authority Having jurisdiction (AHJ) (the electrical inspector) and labeled to indicate compliance”.
Article 100 of NEC. “Approved” and “AHJ” allows the AHJ to examine electrical equipment.
Number one question I get asked by local electrical contractors:
If an electrical product having a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) listing and labeled, how can this product fail an electrical inspection?
A Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) is a private-sector organization that OSHA has recognized as meeting the legal requirements in 29 CFR 1910.7 to perform testing and certification of products using consensus-based test standards. These requirements are:
 The capability to test and evaluate equipment for conformance with appropriate test standards.
 Adequate controls for the identification of certified products, conducting follow-up inspections of actual production.
 Complete independence from users (i.e., employers subject to the tested equipment requirements) and from any manufacturers or vendors of the certified products; and
 Effective procedures for producing its findings and for handling complaints and disputes. https://www.osha.gov/nationally-recognized-testing-laboratory-program/frequently-asked-questions
Electrical Inspection Fail
When the electrical product arrives on the job site, the electrical product does not meet the minimum requirements of the NEC.
Often the actual electrical product will arrive on the jobsite listed and label indicating the electrical product has been tested and the electrical product meet manufacture standards and compliance. The electrical inspector arrives on the job site, performs inspection, and finds NEC violations, on electrical equipment listed by a NRTL.
NEC code violations:
NEC requires “accessible wiring” means electrical wiring can be removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish, requiring that all wiring is reachable for inspection, maintenance, or repairs without needing to destroy parts of the building to access it. This includes junction boxes that contain electrical wiring.
Access panels are required to access electrical components.
 Drywall ceiling, two hundred can lights, depending on the layout of the can lights you can strategically place your access panel keeping at a minimum of fifty. Most owners will reject access panels. A minimum of fifty access panels, too many for some owners.
 Architect, electrical engineer, electrical lighting designer selected chosen non-compliant can lights. Design professional must adhere to the minimum requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) when selecting lighting outlets.
As an electrical inspector, my recommendation to the owners, please allow your electrical contractor to select ALL electrical equipment and supplies for your job project. Electrical contractors are responsible for installing electrical equipment, ordering material, passing electrical inspection and managing job growth. Failure to allow electrical contractor to order electrical job supplies could cause failed inspection and possibly cause delays in your project.
What are the concerns, opportunities, etc.
Rework, while sometimes necessary, poses challenges that can affect project and have a detrimental impact on project. While rework may be unavoidable at times, its implications are far-reaching. Rework not only escalates project costs but also prolongs project timelines, reduces overall efficiency, and jeopardizes the quality of the final deliverable. The need for rework often arises from errors or modifications in the project’s electrical design, leading to the repetition of tasks and the additional use of resources such as labor, materials, and equipment.
The relentless advancement of technology has brought about a plethora of NEC violations, altering the course of the electrical industry. Electrical equipment such as LED lights (drivers not accessible), jacuzzi tubs (NEC violations list issues), hotel furniture (components issues) theater seating (components issues) mall kiosk (component issues) and pergola (component issues) lit LED vanity bathroom mirrors, customize electrical furniture, kitchen cabinets, custom closets lit clothing closet bar hangers etc. These advancements also bring new challenges, including NEC violations, and the dissemination of false information regarding misleading information listing and labeling requirements.
Ask The Lady Electrical Inspector Podcast will offer an open forum to the electrical industry, with the desire is to effectively decrease rework occurrence. I am passionate when it comes to addressing electrical installation requirements before an electrical inspection fail. My goal is to counteract these unfortunate situations and ensuring the successful completion of the project. By addressing rework proactively and implementing strategies to minimize its occurrence, the electrical industry can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and uphold the electrical quality standards of the project. Understanding the challenges posed by rework and taking proactive measures to mitigate its impact are crucial steps towards achieving successful electrical project outcomes.
Despite these challenges, the advancement of technology will undoubtedly continue to shape the world in unprecedented ways. As a trained, educated and knowledgeable electrical inspector/electrician, my desire is to be a part of the solution.
Opportunities
With the advancement of technology in the electrical industry, and reoccurring electrical NEC issues, I received a vision to start a podcast. The concept of the podcast will offer electrical students, the electrical industry, homeowners, owners, realtors, etc. the opportunity to call in to my podcast Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector to ask questions and receive assistance while their electrical job is in progress. My analytical nature and keen attention to detail, has groomed me to figured out reoccurring patterns of the same electrical issue on different electrical project with different electrical contractors. While performing daily electrical inspection, I have noticed the exact same issues, my dedication and methodical approach has led me to a great career opportunity Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector Podcast. I love working in the electrical industry and want to make a difference to as many people as I can within the communities that I serve locally, and I claim it “internationally”. I love being a positive role model. Last year 2023, while performing an electrical inspection, a young lady electrician walked up to me on the job site and asked me will you mentor me. I asked her “did anyone put you up to this? She said no ma’am. I have heard your name in the trade, and I’ve wanted to meet you. Today I finally saw you and that’s why I asked would you mentor me”. I pulled her to the side, and I told her “You have just confirmed a vision that I keep see and this vision will not leave my mind. I told her I am working on this vision and when it come to fruition, I will mentor you because you have heart, and you have courage.
Finally, my hard work and dedication has led me to my destiny of being a loyal and dedicated problem solver. I strongly feel my electrical problem-solving skills are one of my strongest characteristics. I usually manage to solve complex problems effectively by taking into consideration different perspectives and breaking down the problem to analyze it. When solving problems, I apply active listening to understand the issues thoroughly using my educational background, my electrical experience and my electrical knowledge to help with a solution. I seek clarification from my mentors if the problem is not well understood. I effectively prioritize the most urgent tasks and decisions. When a difficult decision needs to be made, I evaluate the positives and negatives and possible outcomes to make an informed decision. When analyzing a problem, I research it and request evidence from those who are more familiar with the situation. I perform residential, complex commercial and industrial electrical inspections with diligence and a strong working knowledge of the national electrical code. I am often challenged, but I practice patience and offer solutions that will often lead the electrical contractor to a successful completion. A successful electrical inspection is the goal, however, sometimes late. When a project finally reaches the goal of completion, I walk away with a sense of fulfillment which makes the job success more rewarding.
Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector Podcast will provide educational information on NEC requirement, informative information for the electrical industry and the public. We can talk and discuss industry standards, ask electrical code questions, discuss job safety. Coming 2025 Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector Podcast will add a Co-Host to the weekly podcast adding more years of electrical experience.
Solution:
Invite electrical industry leaders/decision makers to the podcast to discuss/rectify the NRTL listed equipment with obvious NEC violations arriving on job sites in St Louis County.
Invitee to include Electrical contractors, Electricians, Electrical instructor, Electrical designers, Electrical Engineer, Architect, NTRL rep, lighting manufacture, adjustable desk manufacturer, Labor Unions, NECA, etc.
This podcast will improve the working relationship of the local electrical industry and hopefully influence much need improvement/correction of some electrical products. Each working professional has a job to perform. Each working professional wants to do the best job in their respected fields. Having a podcast to discuss NEC issues will allow each working professional to point out what the issues are, and corrective actions needed to be taken. Technology is constantly advancing. The minimum requirements of the NEC should never be compromised.
We’d especially appreciate if you can tell us about the trend through a story or anecdote that highlights the emergence of this trend.
Electrical can lights leaves the manufacturer listed. Once the equipment arrives on the job site the electrical inspector finds obvious NEC violations and informs the electrician and electrical contractor. After further investigation the electrical inspectors arrives at the conclusion or “listed” but, has NEC violations. The electrical inspector informs the electrician and electrical contractor the equipment does not meet NEC code requirements and cannot be installed.
Scenario: One Example
Ceiling cover inspection. ”3 or less inside diameter can light installed above a drywall ceiling. Component must be accessible. The design of some 3” inch can lights doesn’t meet the minimum requirements of the NEC for accessibility of components and wiring conductors. Can lights leaves the manufacture with NEC accessible code violation, arrive on job site, electrician is instructed to installed 250 can lights unaware of any code violations. Electrical Inspector arrives on job site for inspection. I will ask the electrician to demonstrate servicing/repairing the can light. I will ask, please show me how you can gain access to the driver and wiring without damage the drywall ceiling (cutting a hole in drywall ceiling) to replace one small component a driver and electrical wiring connection. If the electrician is unable to be removed driver inside the can light housing, this inspection will fail for the following reasons:
NEC Code Issues
Article 314.29 Boxes conduit, bodies and handheld enclosures shall be installed so that the wiring and devices contain in the box is conduit bodies and handheld enclosures can be rendered assessable in accordance with article 314.29 (A) and (B)
Article 410.24 (B) access to boxes electrical discharge and LED Lumineers surface mounted over conceal outlet pool or junction boxes and design not to be supported solely by the outlet box shall be provided with suitable open in the back of the luminaire to provide access to the wiring in the box.
 The junction box conductor/wiring for the light must be accessible, after installation.
 The driver must be accessible.
 Detached junction boxes must be supported to structure
Anecdote
When ordering lighting for a job, please take into consideration location above drywall ceiling or in suspended ceiling, sub-ceiling, or acoustic ceilings.

Tabatha L. , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Tabatha L. Gomillia. I was born and raised in the “The Show Me” state St. Louis, Missouri. I proudly served in the United States Navy as an Electrician Mate. After being honorably discharged, I was accepted into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One. I worked as a commercial electrician for IBEW Local One for 17 years. Later I went on to expand my career as an electrician as a Lead Electrical Inspector for a local government agency. I have 33 years of electrical experience. In 2009, I received a layoff, reduction in workforce. I was laid off for an indefinite amount of time. I decided to go back to school through Veterans Administration. I chose Ranken Technical College. I received an associate degree in 2012. I decided to continue with my education and received a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Applied Management with a Management Emphasis.
How you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc.,
The United States Navy provide me my first opportunity to be an electrician. I am grateful that I step out on faith not knowing the outcome.
What type of products/services/creative works you provide, what problems you solve for your clients
Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector Podcast will provide educational information on NEC requirement, informative information for the electrical industry and the public (homeowners). We will talk and discuss industry standards, ask electrical code questions, discuss job safety. I am passionate about safeguarding the construction projects in my community by enforcing the minimum requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC). I find my expertise and experience beneficial while collaborating with electrical contractors, enabling their success in the completion of projects. I love helping electrical contractors figure out what code articles apply to their unique projects.
My hobbies are continuous education throughout the year and attending sporting events. I love LEARNING anything new, I am a career student. I count it a privilege to offer my electrical experience and skills to listeners and callers by answering code questions and encouraging those questions during this new adventure Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector podcast.
And/or what you think sets you apart from others.
My knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Electrical Ordinance is my strengths. I have the professional traits to discuss the most complex issues, with all involved, in the inspection process. I can effectively communicate with contractors, design professionals and general contractors. In this ever-changing world, electrical products and installation methods change, and I am on the forefront with many of these changes. I have demonstrated my ability to function in a highly significant manner. My knowledge, leadership and experience has allowed me to gain trust and respect from most involved in the electrical inspection process. I strive for success. I continuously improved my knowledge of the code by taking refresher code classes. I am willing and able to disseminate all the information available and make an educated decision.
What are you most proud of
I am proud of being a woman in a male dominant professional (construction industry). I am proud of my confidence when expressing my professional electrical opinion throughout the electrical industry. I know my creative ideas and opinions add value to the successful completion of many electrical inspection projects. My knowledge, leadership and experience has allowed me to gain trust and respect from all involved in the electrical inspection process. I actively listen to the electrician without interrupting. I listen with a purpose to promote and sustain a healthy working environment.
And what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.
Ask The Lady Electrical Inspector Podcast will offer an open forum to the electrical industry, with the desire is to effectively decrease rework occurrence. I am sincere when it comes to is addressing electrical installation requirements before an electrical inspection fail. My goal is to counteract these unfortunate situations and ensuring the successful completion of the project. By addressing rework proactively and implementing strategies to minimize its occurrence, the electrical industry can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and uphold the electrical quality standards of the project. Understanding the challenges posed by rework and taking proactive measures to mitigate its impact are crucial steps towards achieving successful electrical project outcomes.
Please provide as much detail as you feel relevant as this is one of the core questions where the reader will get to know about you and your brand/organization/etc

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I recorded my first podcast episode on June 5, 2024, with zero listeners. As of this writing, my listeners have grown to five hundred and twenty-two, within 6 months. My listeners are in the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, Ghana, Denmark, Colombia, Canada, Türkiye, India, Philippines, Australia, Singapore. I will continue to strive for success and build my podcast one listener at a time. I am very results oriented. As my podcast grow; I will continually seek and obtain solutions for electrical projects. I will effectively lead by example. I love sharing my knowledge with others to help them resolve their electrical challenges and issues and I enjoy encouraging both theirs and my own personal and professional development.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
33 years’ experience in several electrical industries: Electrician Mate in the United States Navy (preventive maintenance), IBEW Local One Inside Journeywoman Commercial and Industrial Electrician installed electrical work, Lead Electrical Inspector, inspect electrical work installed by electrical contractor. I fully understanding my job description and there are times I must delegate my authority to obtain NEC compliance. I have a great working knowledge within the electrical industry. I value critical conversations and would rather welcome positive confrontation over ignoring problems and challenges. I am flexible while maintaining the integrity of National Electrical Code. My professional conduct allows me to have a civil discussion with the electrical contractors and property owners. My knowledge and experience have allowed me to gain the respect of municipal inspectors, supervisors, contractors and property owners. This quality was gained by the respect I show and the respect that I have earned.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2009, I received a layoff, reduction in workforce. I was laid off for an indefinite amount of time. I decided to go back to school through Veterans Administration. I chose Ranken Technical College. I received an associate degree in 2012. I decided to continue with my education and received a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Applied Management with a Management Emphasis.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: ask.the.lady.ei
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ask.the.Lady.EI
• Linkedin: ATLEI2024
• Twitter: @ATLEI2024
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@asktheladyelectricalinspector
• Other: rss.com/podcasts/ask-the-inspector-weekly-podcast-hosted-by-tabatha-l-gomillia

  blogtalkradio.com/askthelady

  music.amazon.com/podcasts

Image Credits

Tabatha L. Gomillia