Rough-in is the first major phase of wiring a building, done with the framing open: mounting boxes at the right heights, drilling and running cable or conduit, pulling wire and making up grounds and splices in the boxes. It ends with a rough inspection that must pass before insulation and drywall go up. Getting rough-in right, especially box heights and box depth relative to the finished wall, decides how smoothly trim-out goes.
Rough-in inspection is Thursday, every box needs its grounds made up and the cables stapled close to the boxes.
Also heard as
- rough
- rough wiring
Related terms
Trim-out
Final stage of electrical work after walls are finished: installing devices, plates, fixtures and breakers.
Make up
To splice, pigtail and fold the wires in a box so it is ready for a device or cover.
Red tag
Failed inspection notice, or the act of an inspector failing work so it must be fixed and reinspected.