During construction, an electrical contractor discovers that the panel schedule conflicts with the floor plan regarding circuit routing. What is the proper procedure for resolving this discrepancy?
Correct Answer
B) Submit an RFI to the electrical engineer for clarification
When contract documents contain conflicts or discrepancies, the proper procedure is to submit a Request for Information (RFI) to the appropriate design professional for clarification rather than making assumptions.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because when two contract documents conflict, a contractor must never unilaterally resolve the discrepancy. An RFI (Request for Information) formally notifies the design professional — in this case the electrical engineer — of the conflict and puts the resolution decision where it belongs: with the licensed designer of record. This creates a paper trail, avoids contractor liability for incorrect interpretations, and ensures the solution complies with code.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Follow the floor plan as it shows physical locations
Following the floor plan without authorization is incorrect because the floor plan shows spatial layout, not the engineered circuit design intent. Choosing one document over another without design-professional approval exposes the contractor to liability if the chosen interpretation is wrong or causes code violations.
Option C: Make a field decision and document it in daily reports
Making a field decision and logging it in daily reports does not resolve a document conflict — it buries it. Daily reports are records of activities, not substitutes for engineering decisions. This approach could result in non-compliant work that must be demolished and redone at the contractor's expense.
Option D: Follow the panel schedule as it is more detailed
Defaulting to the panel schedule because it is 'more detailed' is an unauthorized interpretation. While panel schedules do contain detailed circuit information, detail level does not grant precedence over other contract documents. Precedence rules (if any) are stated in the contract's General Conditions, and even then a discrepancy still requires an RFI.
Memory Technique
Think of RFI as 'Resolve It Formally.' Whenever two documents fight, RFI wins — the engineer decides, you document, and work only after you have written authorization.
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