Safety audit checklist for new home & industrial electrical installations with IE rule-based inspect

General Information

Project Name

Location

Date of Inspection

Inspector's Name

Client/Owner Name

Contact Information (phone number and email)

Type of Installation (Residential, Commercial, Industrial)

Installation Date (date the electrical work was completed)

Inspection Type (Initial, Routine, Follow-Up)

Documentation Review

Verify that all necessary permits are obtained.

Check that installation complies with local electrical codes and IE rules.

Review design plans and specifications.

Confirm that all documentation is up to date and reflects the current installation

Ensure that any previous inspection reports are reviewed and addressed

Verify that all contractor licenses and qualifications are current and valid

Check that equipment specifications match the installed components

Review maintenance and operational manuals for all major electrical equipment

Ensure that as-built drawings are available for reference

Confirm that any change orders or modifications to the original plans are documented and approved

Check that all required inspection certifications and approvals are present

Verify that emergency shutdown procedures are documented and accessible

Ensure that any risk assessments or safety analyses related to the installation have been completed

Power Supply and Distribution

Inspect main service panel for proper installation.

Ensure circuit breakers are appropriately rated and labeled.

Check for proper grounding and bonding.

Verify that the main service panel is accessible and not obstructed

Inspect the condition of the main service entrance conductors for signs of damage or wear

Confirm that the main disconnect switch is functioning properly and is easily operable

Check for adequate clearance around the service panel as per local code requirements

Ensure that all wiring within the service panel is neatly arranged and secured

Inspect for the presence of a surge protective device (SPD) and confirm its proper installation

Verify that feeder conductors are adequately sized for their load requirements

Ensure that all connections within the panel are tight and free from corrosion

Inspect the load calculation to ensure it meets the requirements for the total connected load

Check for the presence of any unapproved modifications or alterations in the service panel

Ensure that the panel is properly labeled with all circuits and their corresponding loads

Verify that all conduits and raceways are securely fastened and properly sealed where necessary

Inspect for any signs of overheating or arcing around connections or conductors

Confirm that the service panel is rated for the environment in which it is installed (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor)

Ensure compliance with local electrical codes and standards throughout the power supply and distribution system

Wiring and Connections

Inspect all wiring for proper gauge and insulation.

Ensure that all connections are tight and secure.

Check for the use of appropriate conduit and raceways.

Verify that wiring methods comply with local electrical codes and regulations

Inspect for any signs of wear, damage, or overheating on wiring insulation

Ensure that wire splices are properly insulated and secured

Check that wires are properly identified and labeled according to their function

Confirm that appropriate separation is maintained between power and low-voltage wiring

Inspect for any exposed wiring and ensure it is properly protected

Ensure that all junction boxes are accessible and properly covered

Verify that grounding and bonding connections are made correctly

Check for adequate slack in wiring to allow for expansion and movement

Inspect for proper routing of wiring to avoid sharp edges or potential damage points

Electrical Equipment

Verify that all electrical equipment is listed and labeled.

Check that motors and other devices are installed according to manufacturer specifications.

Inspect for proper installation of transformers and generators.

Confirm that all electrical equipment is suitable for the environment in which it is installed (e.g., moisture, temperature, dust)

Ensure that grounding and bonding for all electrical equipment is properly implemented and compliant with regulations

Inspect the condition of electrical enclosures for any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage

Check that all electrical equipment is properly secured and mounted to prevent movement or vibration

Verify that appropriate clearances and access are maintained around electrical equipment for safe operation and maintenance

Ensure that any required labels for voltage, phase, and hazard warnings are clearly visible and legible on the equipment

Check that all circuit breakers, fuses, and disconnect switches are correctly rated for the equipment they protect

Inspect for the presence and proper operation of emergency shutoff switches for critical equipment

Verify that all equipment is regularly maintained and that maintenance records are up to date

Ensure that all electrical equipment is free from dust, debris, and other contaminants that could affect performance

Review manufacturer’s instructions for any special installation requirements or cautions that may have been overlooked

Safety Devices

Ensure that GFCI and AFCI devices are installed where required.

Check that emergency shutoff switches are accessible and functional.

Verify that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed.

Confirm that surge protectors are installed for sensitive equipment and appliances

Ensure that all fire alarm systems are operational and have been tested recently

Check that all safety interlocks on equipment are functioning properly

Verify that circuit breakers are appropriately rated and labeled for their respective circuits

Inspect that safety signage is present and visible near electrical panels and high-risk areas

Ensure that all grounding systems are properly installed and tested for effectiveness

Confirm that personal protective equipment (PPE) is available for use during maintenance or inspections

Check that electrical panels have clear access and that the area around them is free of obstructions

Verify that all emergency exit lighting is operational and complies with local regulations

Ensure that all safety devices are regularly maintained and have a documented maintenance schedule

Lighting and Outlets

Inspect placement and installation of all light fixtures.

Ensure that all outlets are properly grounded.

Check that outdoor outlets have weatherproof covers.

Verify that light fixtures are securely mounted and stable

Check that light bulbs are the appropriate wattage for each fixture

Ensure that dimmer switches are installed correctly and functioning properly

Inspect outlets for signs of wear, damage, or overheating

Confirm that GFCI outlets are installed in required locations, such as bathrooms and kitchens

Test all outlets for proper polarity and voltage using a multimeter

Ensure that all switches and outlets are installed at appropriate heights for accessibility

Verify that all fixtures and outlets are free of obstructions and easily accessible for maintenance

Inspect any extension cords or temporary wiring for damage and proper usage

Check that all lighting complies with local codes and standards regarding energy efficiency

Testing and Certification

Verify that all circuits are tested for continuity and insulation resistance.

Check that equipment is tested for functionality.

Ensure that all test results are documented and available.

Conduct a voltage drop test on circuits to ensure they meet acceptable limits

Perform earth fault loop impedance testing to verify proper grounding

Check residual current devices (RCDs) for correct operation and trip times

Inspect and test emergency lighting systems for functionality and compliance with standards

Verify that circuit breakers and fuses are correctly rated and functional

Test surge protection devices to ensure they are operational

Conduct thermal imaging of electrical panels and connections to identify hotspots or deficiencies

Validate that all test equipment used for inspections is calibrated and within its certification date

Ensure that any deficiencies found during testing have been addressed and retested

Review and confirm compliance with relevant local and national electrical safety standards and regulations

Document any deviations from standard requirements and ensure corrective actions are taken

Provide a final certification of compliance for the electrical installation, including all documentation and test results

Final Review

Conduct a walk-through of the installation.

Discuss any issues or concerns with the installation team.

Prepare a final report summarizing findings and recommendations.

Follow-up Actions

Schedule any necessary repairs or corrections.

Set a date for follow-up inspection.

Ensure that all stakeholders receive a copy of the audit report.

This checklist can serve as a comprehensive guide for conducting a safety audit of electrical installations in both residential and industrial settings.