What does this electrical final checklist cover?

15 items across 3 sections, covering devices and finishes, panels and labeling, energization and closeout. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.

Who should run this inspection?

The electrical foreman at trim-out, then the GC or owner's representative at final acceptance.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

After devices and fixtures are installed and the system is energized, before the AHJ final and owner turnover.

Why do these items ask for a photo?

14 of the 15 items call for photo evidence, 19 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.

What most often fails an electrical final inspection?

Panel schedules handwritten, missing, or not matching what is actually in the panel. Devices energized and photographed before cover plates are on, so the plate damage shows up at turnover. GFCI/AFCI devices claimed tested with no record of which devices were actually exercised.

Can I use this checklist in RTI?

Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Free checklist

Electrical

Electrical final inspection checklist

Electrical final inspection is where the punch list is either short or expensive. This checklist walks the finished work the way an owner or AHJ will see it: devices on, systems running, everything labeled. Each item gets the photo that closes it instead of reopening it. Work is commonly verified against NEC (NFPA 70). Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

Start free with this checklist Download as PDF

The checklist

Every item, and the photo evidence it needs

The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.

Devices and finishes

Devices straight, flush and undamaged
Receptacles and switches plumb with plates seated; no paint in slots, no cracked plates.
GFCI and AFCI protection tested at each required location
Test and reset each device with a tester, not just the button; record per room.
Fixtures lamped, aimed and operating
Every fixture lights, dimmers sweep their range, no flicker or dead lamps.
Exterior receptacles weather-resistant with in-use covers
Outdoor and wet-location receptacles carry the weather-resistant marking and have covers that close with a plug inserted.
Lighting controls respond per the control intent
Occupancy sensors time out and re-trigger, daylight zones dim, and switching groups match the control sequence on the drawings.
No photo

Panels and labeling

Panel directories typed and matching the field
Each breaker identified by the actual room or load served, verified by operating the breaker.
Disconnects, panels and equipment labeled
Nameplates on every disconnect and panel, with source and load identified where required.
Torque and termination check documented
Lug torques marked or logged per panel after the final torque pass.
Unused breaker spaces closed with listed filler plates
Dead front installed with every screw, each open breaker space closed with the manufacturer's filler, no openings to live parts.
Arc flash warning labels on panels and disconnects
Field-applied warning label on each panel, switchboard and disconnect likely to be serviced energized, with the details the engineer provided.

Energization and closeout

Receptacle polarity and grounding verified
Tester reading at a sample of receptacles per circuit, including at the end of each run.
Spare conduits and unused openings capped or sealed
No open knockouts, no uncapped stub-ups left above ceilings or in slabs.
Equipment whips landed per nameplate and motors bumped
Whips to HVAC units, water heaters and motors supported and on the circuit the nameplate calls for; three-phase motors bumped to confirm rotation.
Emergency fixtures switch to backup on loss of normal power
Normal power interrupted to the area and every emergency fixture and exit sign comes on from its battery or the emergency source.
As-built panel schedules and test records turned over
Final directory, megger or continuity results where taken, and O&M data in the turnover package.

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

Panel schedules handwritten, missing, or not matching what is actually in the panel.
Devices energized and photographed before cover plates are on, so the plate damage shows up at turnover.
GFCI/AFCI devices claimed tested with no record of which devices were actually exercised.

Verified against

NEC (NFPA 70)

Common questions

6 answers

What does this electrical final checklist cover?: 15 items across 3 sections, covering devices and finishes, panels and labeling, energization and closeout. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
Who should run this inspection?: The electrical foreman at trim-out, then the GC or owner's representative at final acceptance.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: After devices and fixtures are installed and the system is energized, before the AHJ final and owner turnover.
Why do these items ask for a photo?: 14 of the 15 items call for photo evidence, 19 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
What most often fails an electrical final inspection?: Panel schedules handwritten, missing, or not matching what is actually in the panel. Devices energized and photographed before cover plates are on, so the plate damage shows up at turnover. GFCI/AFCI devices claimed tested with no record of which devices were actually exercised.
Can I use this checklist in RTI?: Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Related checklists

Electrical Rough-inElectrical rough-in inspection checklistBoxes, raceways, conductors and grounding before the walls close15 items18 photos Electrical Pre-coverElectrical pre-cover inspection checklistThe hold-point walk before insulation and drywall bury the rough-in13 items18 photos Electrical PMElectrical preventive maintenance checklistRecurring walk of panels, devices and life-safety circuits in an occupied building14 items12 photos

Run it with the Photo Gate

A checklist nobody can submit half-finished

Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 19 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.