Electricity is the life force behind any commercial or industrial operation. Without it, production would come to a standstill. Electrical inspections are the first line of defense for ensuring electrical systems work properly. Maintenance checklists ensure that personnel perform maintenance tasks consistently and thoroughly every time. Likewise, creating an electrical preventive maintenance checklist helps make sure electrical systems continue running effectively and efficiently. This article will go through the components of an electrical inspection checklist.
What is an Electrical Inspection?
An electrical inspection comprehensively examines a commercial, industrial, or home electrical system. Inspectors assess the condition of a building’s electrical systems, components, and assets to ensure they comply with regulations and safety standards.
Why Electrical Inspection is Essential
A malfunctioning electrical system can cause several safety issues and, if it fails, slow or halt production. An electrical preventive maintenance checklist helps facility managers with these critical duties.
- Maintaining electrical safety
- Ensuring regulatory compliance
- Assessing preventive maintenance needs
- Strengthening risk management efforts
- Meeting insurance requirements
Who Can Perform an Electrical Inspection?
Only qualified individuals with training and expertise in electrical systems and safety practices should perform electrical inspections.
- Licensed electricians
- Certified electrical inspectors
- Other professionals with qualifications and credentials
When to Perform an Electrical Inspection
Electrical inspections are a vital part of any facilities management effort, and on many occasions, an electrical inspection checklist is called for.
Routine Electrical Inspections
Schedule regular electrical inspections at predetermined intervals as part of a comprehensive preventive maintenance management plan. Whether your facility is encountering issues or not, routine inspections, conducted according to an electrical inspection checklist can help you prevent problems from developing.
Before Buying or Selling a Property
Experienced buyers and sellers advise conducting a comprehensive electrical inspection before any property transaction. Assessing the condition of electrical systems helps sellers address any issues to maintain the property’s value and ensure that buyers won’t encounter any surprises when taking possession of the property.
After Significant Events
Events such as natural disasters, utility power surges, and property renovations can impact the integrity of a facility’s electrical system. Perform an electrical inspection to assess and address any damage or changes that may have occurred to systems and assets.
Signs of Electrical Problems
Break out the electrical checklist when occupants notice signs of electrical issues. Breakers that trip repeatedly, continuously flickering lights, frequent power outages, and unusual odors or sounds are common indications that a prompt electrical inspection is necessary.
Regulatory or Insurance Claims
Regulatory authorities and building codes may mandate periodic electrical inspections to maintain compliance. Insurance companies frequently require inspections as a condition for coverage. Each state has adopted some variation of the National Electrical Code, which the National Fire Protection Association put forth. Check the regulations and standards set by your region and the National Electrical Code before including electrical safety inspections in your checklist.
Creating an Electrical Inspection Checklist
A thorough electrical inspection checklist is fundamental to overall facility upkeep. A comprehensive list should include these tasks to ensure personnel safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable plant operation.
1. Assess the Electrical System
Thoroughly examine the entire electrical system for indications of electrical safety issues or deficiencies. The assessment includes electrical wiring, lighting fixtures, the main electrical panel, subsequent circuit breakers, outlets, and switches.
2. Check Specific Components
Electrical inspection checklists should include key items. Assess the circuit breaker’s capacity. Check electrical wires for damage or fraying. Verify that the electric meter and ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI outlets, are wired properly.
3. Use a Template or Guide
Utilize a template, such as the electrical inspection checklist for one-family dwellings, as a model to help structure your electrical inspection checklist effectively. This is a handy tool for a residential electrical inspection checklist.
4. Ensure Safety and Compliance
Incorporate items into your electrical inspection checklist that focus on verifying adherence to regulatory requirements and industry-specific standards that focus on electrical safety.
5. Include Equipment Maintenance Checks
Ensure operational efficiency by assessing the condition of all electrical equipment. Verify that all electrical assets are well maintained and in good working condition, and address any deficiencies.
Essentials of an Electrical Inspection Checklist
Electrical inspection checklists should contain these essential items. Assess their safety and regulatory compliance and verify that they meet or exceed minimum standards.
Electrical Installation
Perform a comprehensive examination of the entire electrical system, and be sure to include these essential electrical components.
- Main electric panel or circuit breaker
- Branch circuit
- Electric meter
- Appliances
Interior Items
Examine these interior components to confirm electrical safety. Check for signs of wear, damage, and loose connections.
- Light fixtures
- Light switches
- Outlet receptacles
Exterior Items
Examine grounding electrodes, conductors, and connections of exterior electrical items to verify their integrity and compliance with code requirements, including these critical items.
- Outdoor outlets
- Outdoor lighting
- Exterior electrical HVAC components
Safety Devices and Equipment
Inspect crucial environmental safety and emergency equipment such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, emergency lighting, sump pumps, and security equipment.
Common Electrical Hazards and Solutions
No one can afford to take risks when it comes to electrical safety. Electric shock and electrical fires are serious dangers, and avoiding them is vital. When performing electrical inspections, look for hazards commonly found in unsafe commercial and industrial facilities and consider the solution guidelines provided.
Overloaded Circuits
Pushing a circuit beyond its intended capacity can lead to overheating, electrical fires, and system failures.
To avoid overloading circuits, redistribute electrical loads at the main circuit breaker and install additional circuits if necessary. Power strips with built-in circuit breakers help to eliminate potential overloads before they can affect the main circuit.
Exposed Electrical Parts
Exposed wires and electrical parts risk electric shock, and sparks can ignite electrical fires.
Prevent potential contact by ensuring all electrical parts are properly covered and insulated.
Inadequate Wiring
Improper wiring can cause short circuits and electrical malfunctions. Inadequate wiring can overload and overheat, potentially causing electric fires.
Have a qualified electrician inspect and upgrade the wiring if necessary. An experienced professional can ensure that the wiring meets safety standards and will handle the electrical load.
Damaged Tools and Equipment
Using worn-out or damaged tools and equipment poses a variety of dangers. Besides posing a risk for workplace accidents, damaged equipment can also become an electrical shock hazard.
Regularly inspect tools and equipment for damage or wear. Replace any faulty items and provide proper training on tool and equipment maintenance.
Improper Grounding
Improperly grounded equipment risks causing electric shock and damage to assets.
Test all electrical systems, tools, and equipment to ensure all items are properly grounded according to safety regulations.
Empower Your Space with Electrical Preventive Maintenance
Safety is key in any environment that uses electricity. Facility managers can ensure a safe and efficient operating environment by confirming that main panels can handle their load and providing proper electrical maintenance for tools and equipment.
Electrical safety begins with proactive preventive maintenance, and the right facilities management platform like ServiceChannel gives you the tools to effectively maintain all facility systems. Upgrade your electrical maintenance efforts and explore the ServiceChannel solution to find out how.