Podcast
"Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector ” Bi-Weekly Podcast Hosted by Tabatha L.
Hosted by Tabatha Lorena Gomillia · EN
EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS WEEKLY TO ASKTHELADYELECTRICALINSPECTOR@GMAIL.COM
Listen weekly to the only National Electrical Code (NEC) podcast in St. Louis. Launched on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Host Tabatha L. brings 33 years of electrical experience in the electrical industry to listeners. Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector podcast will focus on the minimum requirements for the NEC on electrical installation for new construction projects, and existing structures. This is the hour for local electricians and other trades in the electrical industry to sharpen their knowledge; we all have jobs to perform. Do you want to be the best in your field? Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector podcast provides the platform for open dialogue surrounding NEC requirements and the actions needed to complete projects. Tune in weekly to begin equipping yourself with the knowledge needed to guard against compromising any NEC requirements.
NO FREE ADVERTISING FOR ANY ORGANIZATION OR PERSONAL BUSINESS!!!!!!!!
ALL ARE WELCOME TO CONTRIBUTE ELECTRICAL QUESTIONS.:
Occasional electrical industry guest
Electrical contractors, Electricians, Electrical apprentices, electrical industry to a forum to discuss/rectify the possible NEC electrical violations/issues on your job sites.
No profanity!!!! Respectful dialogue ONLY!
No electrical code calculation questions.
ABOUT ME
My name is Tabatha L. Gomillia. I was born and raised in the “The Show Me” state aka “The Lou”—St. Louis, Missouri. I have an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree from Ranken Technical College in Construction Design and Management, and I proudly served 5 years 9 months and 27 days in the United States Navy as an electrician. 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 with St. Louis County Government where I am now an Electrical Inspector, with 33 years of experience in the trade.
I am passionate about safeguarding the construction projects of 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 mentoring and 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, the UFL St. Louis Battlehawks, and my all-time favorite – “The St. Louis Cardinals.” I also enjoy spending time with my family and traveling around the world with them.
I count it a privilege to offer my electrical experience and skills to listeners and callers by answering code que...
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Best of Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector - May 2026
1w ago00:34:09Tap to summarizeThis episode includes excerpts from just three of Tabatha L's best shows:Storm-related Electrical Work (St. Louis Tornado in May 2025) - episode 41Inground Swimming Pools - episode 36Generator Installation Requirements - episode 20Tune in and re-visit any of these episodes in their entirety.
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Unpermitted Electrical Work & Electrical Inspection Failures
3w ago00:24:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tabatha L discusses the problem of electrical work being started without the prerequisite of a permit and the issues it presents in remedying unauthorized work.Tune in to find out how to avoid legal issues.
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Building Classifications in the NEC: What They Are and Why They Matter
Apr 900:15:06Tap to summarizeIn episode 54, Tabatha L covers:· What building classifications are· Where they come from· How they impact electrical installations· Why misunderstanding them leads to failed inspections and unsafe systemsAsk the Lady explains that understanding how a building performs during a fire is important to the preservation of life and that minimum construction standards are designed to preserve structural integrity long enough for occupants to evacuate or relocate to a place of safety.This information is important for homeowners, businesses, contractors, and inspectors. Tune in and learn.
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No Shock Learning: Ask, Learn, Stay Safe
Mar 2600:31:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tabatha L addresses various questions/issues:1. Junction boxes on ceiling grid wires2. Alternatives for grounding a detached permanent structure when there is no way to get water ground to house3. Regulation around adding a bidet or heated floor to an existing bathroom circuit4. Insurance requiring panel replacement5. Responsibility for owner-furnished equipment6. Regulation around pull chains vs wall switches7. Permits for residential elevatorsTune in and learn!
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NEMA 3R Enclosures
Mar 1200:24:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tabatha L discusses failed inspections for NEMA 3R Enclosures and the only listed connector approved for conduit entry above uninsulated live parts in a NEMA 3R enclosure. Other key points covered for installations are:Water-tight fittingsLocation constraints for conduit entriesProper sealing of openingsWhy top entry should generally be avoidedTune in for invaluable tips for passing inspection.
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Solar Panels: Common Reasons They Fail Inspection
Feb 1200:28:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tabatha L provides listeners with inside knowledge of what electrical inspectors look for when inspecting solar panel installations. This knowledge is based on the National Electrical Code’s (NEC) standards across the United States. She not only provides information but shares how to remedy the issues that can cause a failed inspection.Reference: NEC - Article 690
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Top Updates to the 2026 National Electrical Code
Jan 3000:53:55Tap to summarizeIn this 50th episode of Ask the Lady Electrical Inspector, Tabatha L addresses some of the most significant updates to the National Electrical Code (NEC) for the year 2026.The primary themes of the 2026 NEC revisions include:Expanded safety protocols addressing new technologies and configurations.A reorganized code-structure aimed at enhancing clarity and usability.A focus on emerging technologies, such as electric vehicle infrastructure and energy management systems.Alignment with future developments, providing a foundation for the NEC 2029 cycle.Towards the end of this episode, there is a special call-out regarding NEC updates that will impact those who are electrical contractors, inspectors, and apprentices.
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Frequently Asked Questions from Electrical Industry, Owners, Homeowners, General Contractors
Dec 1800:26:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tabatha L takes time to delve into questions received from listeners, those within and outside the electrical industry. She provides answers according to code and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
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Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Dec 500:22:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tabatha L gives a brief overview of tankless water heater equipment—systems that have gained popularity and have become essential to modern living. As Tabatha L does in all her podcasts, she provides common reasons these systems fail electrical inspection and gives solutions for experiencing a successful inspection.
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Separately Derived Systems
Nov 600:29:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tabatha L discusses electrical systems that obtain power independent of the building’s main utility power source. These systems are called—Separately Derived Systems. NEC Article 100 is a point of reference for this discussion. As inspector Tabatha L normally does, she explains common reasons these systems often fail electrical inspections and how to remedy the issues according to NEC standards.
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