Electrical hazards cause approximately 160 workplace fatalities and thousands of injuries each year in the United States, with electrocution consistently ranking among OSHA's "Fatal Four." OSHA Subpart S (29 CFR 1910.301–399) establishes the baseline electrical safety requirements, while NFPA 70E provides the detailed safe work practices that OSHA references as industry consensus standards. Regular inspection of electrical panels, wiring, and associated equipment is essential to identify deterioration, code violations, and hazardous conditions before they result in shock, arc flash, or fire. This guide covers the complete inspection requirements with a free downloadable checklist.
Free Electrical Panel Inspection Checklist
Download our Word document checklist covering panel condition, clearances, labeling, grounding, and arc flash requirements.
Download Checklist (.docx)Regulatory Requirements
OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S — Electrical
- 1910.303(e): Electrical equipment shall be marked with voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary.
- 1910.303(f): Each disconnecting means shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose unless in a location and arrangement where the purpose is evident.
- 1910.303(g): Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained around all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance.
- 1910.305(d): Panelboards shall have a dead front — no live parts exposed to a person on the operating side.
- 1910.334(c)(2): Test instruments and equipment shall be visually inspected before each use for defects and damage.
Panel Exterior and Access
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Working clearance | Minimum 36 inches (3 feet) clear in front of panel for equipment ≤600V per OSHA 1910.303(g). Width at least 30 inches or width of equipment, whichever is greater. Height 6.5 feet minimum. No storage in working space. |
| Access and egress | Panels ≥1200A and >6 ft wide: entrance at each end of working space. Path to panel unobstructed. Panel door opens at least 90 degrees. |
| Enclosure condition | No damage, rust, or corrosion to enclosure. Door closes and latches securely. No holes or missing knockouts. NEMA rating appropriate for the environment (indoor/outdoor, wet/dry). |
| Dead front | All live parts covered per 1910.305(d). No exposed energized conductors on operating side. All blank covers in place for unused openings. |
| Floor marking | Working clearance zone marked on floor (recommended). Area free of obstructions, materials, equipment, and tripping hazards. |
Labeling and Identification
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Panel identification | Panel clearly identified with a designation (Panel A, MDP-1, etc.). Voltage and phase markings legible per 1910.303(e). |
| Circuit directory | Complete, accurate, and legible directory inside panel door per 1910.303(f). Each breaker clearly identifies the circuit it controls. Directory current — updated after any modifications. |
| Arc flash labels | NFPA 70E-compliant arc flash warning label present. Label includes nominal voltage, arc flash boundary, and incident energy or required PPE level. Labels legible and not obscured. |
| Disconnect labeling | Each disconnecting means legibly marked to indicate its purpose. Labels durable and permanently attached. Disconnect identification matches one-line diagrams. |
| Warning signs | Appropriate caution/danger signs posted per 1910.335(b). High-voltage equipment marked per 1910.303(e). "Qualified Personnel Only" signage where applicable. |
Internal Components
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Circuit breakers | All breakers seated properly. No signs of overheating (discoloration, melting, burnt smell). Breakers trip freely when tested. No unapproved double-tapping (two wires on one breaker). |
| Wiring and connections | No loose connections. Wiring neatly organized and properly supported. Wire insulation intact — no cracking, fraying, or exposed conductors. Wire gauge appropriate for breaker rating. |
| Bus bars | No signs of overheating, pitting, or corrosion on bus bars. Connections tight. No evidence of arcing. Insulation/barriers in place. |
| Grounding | Equipment grounding conductor connected. Ground bus bar connections tight. Ground rod/system bonding verified. No improper neutral-to-ground bonds in sub-panels. |
| Environmental conditions | No moisture, condensation, or water intrusion inside enclosure. No pest intrusion (insects, rodents). No excessive dust or debris on components. Temperature within normal range. |
Corrective Actions
Requires Immediate Attention When:
- Exposed live parts on the operating side of the panel (dead front violated)
- Evidence of arcing, burning, or overheating on any component
- Missing or non-functional circuit breakers
- Working clearance obstructed or below minimum requirements
- Missing or illegible circuit directory
- Water intrusion or moisture inside the enclosure
- Missing arc flash labels on equipment likely to be serviced while energized
- Missing or broken ground connections
Download the Free Checklist
Get our electrical panel inspection checklist in Word format. Customize for your facility.
Download Checklist (.docx)Ecesis EHS Software
Inspections
Digital electrical panel inspections with photo documentation and deficiency tracking.
Safety Inspections
Facility safety inspections including electrical clearance and labeling verification.
Preventive Maintenance
Schedule thermographic surveys, breaker testing, and annual inspections.
Compliance Calendar
Track inspection schedules, arc flash study renewals, and training expirations.
Task Management
Assign and track corrective actions for electrical deficiencies to completion.
Training
Track qualified electrical worker training, NFPA 70E, and LOTO certifications.
