What is a Temporary Electrical Inspection Checklist?

A temporary electrical inspection checklist helps with the official examination of a non-permanent electrical installation done by qualified electrical inspectors. Using a checklist ensures that the systems used are, though temporary, safe, code-compliant and suitable to be used within any establishment. Included in this are questions to aid in inspecting temporary power services, panels, wiring, and any equipment used to supply temporary power.

Importance

According to the US Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), contact with electricity is one of the leading causes of construction workplace fatalities. Conducting a  temporary electrical inspection plays a vital role in preventing these incidents by providing protection against electrical fires, shock, and other hazards that a temporary solution may bring. This type of inspection also verifies compliance with local electrical and building safety codes before the system is used, further amplifying the confidence in the usage of the systems.

A checklist serves as a quick methodized guide for electrical inspectors to use during each required safety check. It provides documentation, accountability, traceability and compliance all in one go.

One of the perks of using a temporary electrical inspection checklist is that it ensures no important element is overlooked during an installation, assessment, and removal. This type of inspection involves equipment and parts that are often exposed to harsh and unpredictable conditions, making the maintenance of each all the more important. A dedicated checklist also ensures inspectors stay safe, while enabling them to perform their tasks efficiently.

Guiding Regulations to Consider for the Checklist

Regulations regarding temporary electrical inspections vary per district, but they generally require that these installations be reviewed and approved by certified inspectors to ensure they meet the minimum safety and code requirements before use.

• OSHA 1910.305 defines how temporary electrical power and lighting installations may be used and inspected. After serving its purpose, the installations must be removed immediately and should be used as permanent systems for the establishment.

• Although it's not considered as an official government regulation itself, the US National Electrical Code (NEC), is widely adopted as law by various local districts and states, including temporary power installations. According to article 590 of the NEC, temporary wiring and power provisions must have a 90-day limit; after which the installations must be promptly dismantled and removed.

What to Include in a Temporary Electrical Inspection Checklist

Having an easy-to-follow checklist ensures no step is forgotten when inspecting temporary electrical systems. It also promotes compliance and helps inspectors quickly verify that all essential components of the temporary electrical setup meet required standards. To achieve these, here’s an idea of what fields to include in a temporary electrical inspection checklist:

• Project information: Identifies key project details, responsible parties, and location to ensure all temporary electrical work is properly documented.

• Temporary service and panels: Covers requirements for installing and maintaining temporary electrical service and distribution panels.

• Grounding and bonding: Ensures all temporary systems are safely grounded and bonded to prevent electrical shock and equipment faults.

• Temporary wiring methods: Regulates how temporary wiring is installed, routed, and secured throughout the project site.

• Extension cords and portable equipment: Addresses the safe use, inspection, and maintenance of extension cords, tools, and portable electrical devices.

• Lighting and temporary fixtures: Focuses on proper setup of temporary lighting systems and fixtures on site.

• Equipment safety and compliance: Verifies that temporary electrical equipment meets regulatory requirements and operates safely.

• Coordination with other trades: Ensures electrical work is coordinated with all other onsite trades to prevent hazards, conflicts, or interference within the building site.

• Review and authorization: Captures final remarks and confirms that all temporary electrical work has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate personnel.

Sample Report

Below is a sample temporary electrical inspection checklist template designed to help organizations document and verify the condition and compliance of all temporary electrical installations on a job site.