Fillable checklist

Electrical Safety Checklist: Panel, Outlets, and Cords (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable US home electrical safety walk: panel, GFCI, outlets, cords, heaters, outdoor receptacles, and smoke or CO. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Safety Fillable form · 10 sections · 63 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against CPSC Pub 513, NFPA, and InterNACHI SOP · Last verified Sep 1, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is a US home electrical safety walk: panel cover, GFCI and AFCI where you can test them, outlets and cords, lamps, space heaters, extension-cord traps, water near electrics, outdoor receptacles, and smoke or CO alarms. It is not a licensed electrician exam and not a full NFPA 70 (NEC) inspection. Mark N/A on items the house does not have.

  • 10 sections
  • 63 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Property

This is a visual safety template, not a licensed electrician report and not a municipal electrical inspection. Adopted editions of NFPA 70 (NEC) and the IRC vary by state and city. InterNACHI 3.7 asks you to describe the main service disconnect amperage if labeled, and the type of wiring you can see. Do not guess an unlabeled amp rating.

9 fields
Property

Typical places: garage, basement, utility closet, or exterior wall. InterNACHI 3.7 inspects panelboards and the main disconnect. Write where you stood, even if you did not open the dead front.

InterNACHI 3.7: describe the main service disconnect amperage if labeled. InterNACHI is not required to measure amperage or voltage if it is not visibly labeled. Write unlabeled rather than inventing a number.

InterNACHI 3.7: describe the type of wiring observed, and report solid conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring if readily visible. Do not open walls. Mark Not visible if nothing shows at the panel cover or in unfinished spaces.

CPSC Pub. 513 asks for unused-outlet safety covers when children are present. Uncheck and mark those outlet-cover lines N/A if children are not a factor on this walk.

Inspection station

Panel and cover

Walk the panel from the outside. Do not remove the dead front. InterNACHI 3.7 is not required to remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead fronts, insert tools into the panel, or operate ordinary breakers. Do not invent an amp Pass or Fail.

9 items
Panel and cover

Panel cover or door is in place, closed, and not hanging open

CPSC Pub. 513 treats the circuit-breaker or fuse box as a station. InterNACHI reports a cover that is not in place on tested receptacles; the same idea applies here: exposed bus or breaker handles behind a missing door is a shock hazard. Do not take the inner dead front off.

Panel cover or door is in place, closed, and not hanging open: Yes, No, or N/A

Cover fasteners you can see are present; no sharp missing-screw holes left open

InterNACHI panelboard practice: check the condition of the front cover and fasteners. Missing screws that leave an open knockout or a floppy door belong in Notes. Mark N/A only if the enclosure is a sealed meter-main you cannot open without tools.

Cover fasteners you can see are present; no sharp missing-screw holes left open: Yes, No, or N/A

Unused breaker slots and knockouts you can see are filled or blanked

InterNACHI 3.7 requires reporting any unused circuit-breaker panel opening that was not filled. Look at the face of the panel with the outer door open. Do not pull the dead front to hunt hidden knockouts.

Unused breaker slots and knockouts you can see are filled or blanked: Yes, No, or N/A

No water, rust, or damp staining on the panel cabinet or the wall around it

Moisture at a panel is a shock and corrosion hazard. CPSC treats water near electrics as a serious shock risk. Mark No if you see rust trails, a wet floor at a basement panel, or an outdoor panel with standing water.

No water, rust, or damp staining on the panel cabinet or the wall around it: Yes, No, or N/A

No burning or rubbery smell, scorch, or buzzing at the panel

NFPA: call a qualified electrician or your landlord for a burning or rubbery smell, discolored or warm outlets, sparks, or frequent tripping. Do not keep using a panel that smells like hot insulation.

No burning or rubbery smell, scorch, or buzzing at the panel: Yes, No, or N/A

You can reach the panel and the main disconnect without moving stored goods

InterNACHI panelboard text: overcurrent devices must be readily accessible. This walk does not measure working-space inches. Mark No if boxes, a freezer, or a water heater block the door so you cannot open it in an emergency.

You can reach the panel and the main disconnect without moving stored goods: Yes, No, or N/A

A circuit directory is present on or next to the panel

InterNACHI is not required to determine the accuracy of labeling. Mark Yes if a directory exists. Write in Notes if labels are blank or obviously wrong. Do not invent an amp rating from a missing label.

A circuit directory is present on or next to the panel: Yes, No, or N/A

If the house uses fuses, replacements match the labeled size, not a larger coin or fuse

CPSC Pub. 513: the wrong size fuse can allow too much current and overheat the wiring. If the correct size is unknown, have an electrician identify it. Mark N/A on a breaker-only panel. Do not assign a Pass or Fail from an unlabeled amp number.

If the house uses fuses, replacements match the labeled size, not a larger coin or fuse: Yes, No, or N/A

No pattern of frequent fuse blows or breaker trips that is being ignored

NFPA: call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, flickering or dimming lights, or sparks from an outlet. One trip after a storm is a note. Repeated trips on the same circuit is No.

No pattern of frequent fuse blows or breaker trips that is being ignored: Yes, No, or N/A

Inspection station

GFCI and AFCI

CPSC and NFPA agree on bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and all outdoor receptacles. Later NEC and IRC cycles add laundry, crawl space, and receptacles near sinks and tubs. Local adoption varies. Mark N/A if that room does not exist. Do not fail an older house on a 15 A or 20 A label you did not read.

10 items
GFCI and AFCI

Bathroom receptacles have GFCI protection that you can identify

CPSC Pub. 513 and NFPA both list bathrooms. Protection may be a GFCI receptacle or a GFCI breaker that feeds ordinary receptacles. Mark No if a bath receptacle has no TEST/RESET device and you cannot confirm a GFCI breaker.

Bathroom receptacles have GFCI protection that you can identify: Yes, No, or N/A

Kitchen receptacles have GFCI protection that you can identify

CPSC Pub. 513 and NFPA list kitchens. CPSC also wants countertop appliances away from the sink, or on GFCI. Later NEC cycles expanded kitchen GFCI beyond countertops. This form does not treat one code year as federal law. Mark No if kitchen wet-area receptacles have no GFCI you can find.

Kitchen receptacles have GFCI protection that you can identify: Yes, No, or N/A

Garage receptacles have GFCI protection that you can identify

CPSC Pub. 513, NFPA, and InterNACHI IRC E3902 all list garages. Mark N/A if there is no garage. A refrigerator in a garage still belongs on GFCI under current model code; an older house may lack it. Recommend an electrician rather than inventing an amp fail.

Garage receptacles have GFCI protection that you can identify: Yes, No, or N/A

Basement receptacles have GFCI protection that you can identify

CPSC Pub. 513 (2008) lists unfinished basements. NFPA says basements. NEC 2020 and later treat finished and unfinished basement receptacles. Mark N/A if there is no basement. Cross-check: do not mark No solely because a finished basement predates the 2020 cycle; note the missing GFCI as an upgrade.

Basement receptacles have GFCI protection that you can identify: Yes, No, or N/A

Receptacles at a laundry, utility tub, or wet-bar sink have GFCI protection

CPSC Pub. 513 lists laundry or utility tubs and wet-bar sinks. InterNACHI IRC E3902 lists laundry receptacles and receptacles within 6 feet of a sink, bathtub, or shower as model-code locations. This walk does not require a tape-measure fail. Mark N/A if none of those fixtures exist.

Receptacles at a laundry, utility tub, or wet-bar sink have GFCI protection: Yes, No, or N/A

Outdoor receptacles have GFCI protection

CPSC Pub. 513, NFPA, and InterNACHI IRC E3902 all require or recommend GFCI on outdoor receptacles. A portable GFCI on the cord is a temporary CPSC workaround, not a substitute for a listed outdoor GFCI. Mark N/A if the house has no outdoor receptacle.

Outdoor receptacles have GFCI protection: Yes, No, or N/A

Crawl-space receptacles, if any, have GFCI protection

InterNACHI IRC E3902 lists 15- and 20-amp receptacles in crawl spaces at or below grade. CPSC Pub. 513 does not list crawl spaces as a separate room. Mark N/A if there is no crawl receptacle. Do not treat the 15 A or 20 A wording as a Pass or Fail you measured.

Crawl-space receptacles, if any, have GFCI protection: Yes, No, or N/A

Each GFCI you found was tested this visit: TEST cuts power, RESET restores it

CPSC Pub. 513 and NFPA: test GFCIs monthly. CPSC method: plug in a lamp, press TEST (light goes out), press RESET (light returns). If TEST does nothing, replace the device. InterNACHI 3.7 tests GFCI receptacles and breakers with a GFCI tester where possible. Reset devices before you leave.

Each GFCI you found was tested this visit: TEST cuts power, RESET restores it: Yes, No, or N/A

AFCI breakers or receptacles, if present, were tested this visit with the TEST button

CPSC Pub. 513 and Pub. 5133: AFCIs detect arcing that ordinary breakers may miss. Test monthly the same way as a GFCI breaker. NFPA: if AFCIs are not installed, ask a licensed electrician to add them. Mark N/A if none are present. Do not fail an older panel solely for missing AFCIs.

AFCI breakers or receptacles, if present, were tested this visit with the TEST button: Yes, No, or N/A

GFCI and AFCI TEST buttons are reachable, not hidden behind appliances

InterNACHI: GFCIs and AFCIs must be in readily accessible locations because they have test buttons. A GFCI stuffed behind a fridge cannot be tested monthly. Mark N/A if all devices are in the open.

GFCI and AFCI TEST buttons are reachable, not hidden behind appliances: Yes, No, or N/A

Inspection station

Outlets, switches, and water

Walk a representative number of rooms. InterNACHI 3.7 inspects a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures, and receptacles. Stop and call an electrician for heat, sparks, or a tingle from an appliance.

10 items
Outlets, switches, and water

Every outlet and switch you checked has a faceplate covering the wiring

CPSC Pub. 513: exposed wiring is a shock hazard. InterNACHI 3.7 reports a receptacle where the cover was not in place. Mark No for a missing, cracked, or paint-glued plate that leaves slots or screws exposed.

Every outlet and switch you checked has a faceplate covering the wiring: Yes, No, or N/A

Outlets and switches are cool to the touch during this walk

CPSC Pub. 513: unusually warm outlets or switches may mean a loose connection. NFPA lists discolored or warm wall outlets as a reason to call an electrician. Some dimmers run warm in normal use; write that in Notes. Mark No if a receptacle or plate is hot.

Outlets and switches are cool to the touch during this walk: Yes, No, or N/A

Plugs fit snugly in the outlets you used or tested

CPSC Pub. 513: loose-fitting plugs can overheat. InterNACHI reports receptacles that are not secured to the wall. A receptacle that drops a plug under its own weight is No.

Plugs fit snugly in the outlets you used or tested: Yes, No, or N/A

Outlets and switches you tried work: no dead half, flicker, or spark

CPSC Pub. 513: improperly operating outlets or switches may mean unsafe wiring. NFPA: call an electrician for flickering or dimming lights or sparks from an outlet. InterNACHI reports tested receptacles with no power, reverse polarity, arcing, or excessive heat.

Outlets and switches you tried work: no dead half, flicker, or spark: Yes, No, or N/A

Unused outlets have safety covers if young children live in or visit

CPSC Pub. 513: children can be shocked or burned by uncovered slots. NFPA discusses tamper-resistant receptacles for new dwellings. Mark N/A if children are not a factor. Plastic plug-in caps are a CPSC check, not an NEC amp test.

Unused outlets have safety covers if young children live in or visit: Yes, No, or N/A

Three-prong plugs still have the ground pin; adapters are bonded if used

CPSC Pub. 513: never break the ground pin. If a 3-prong adapter is used on a 2-slot outlet, the grounding tab or wire must go to the cover screw. A cheater with the tab snapped off is No.

Three-prong plugs still have the ground pin; adapters are bonded if used: Yes, No, or N/A

No standing water, leaks, or wet counters at indoor outlets, power strips, or cords

CPSC Pub. 513: mix of electricity and water is a shock or fire hazard. Relocate entertainment gear away from plants, aquariums, and leaks. Mark No for a receptacle in a wet basement corner or a strip sitting in a spill.

No standing water, leaks, or wet counters at indoor outlets, power strips, or cords: Yes, No, or N/A

Kitchen countertop appliances sit away from the sink, or they are on GFCI

CPSC Pub. 513: relocate appliances away from the sink; if you cannot, plug them into GFCI. Unplug countertop appliances when not in use. Keep cords off hot range and toaster surfaces.

Kitchen countertop appliances sit away from the sink, or they are on GFCI: Yes, No, or N/A

Bathroom small appliances are unplugged when not in use and kept away from water

CPSC Pub. 513: hair dryers and similar tools can shock if they fall into water even when switched off. Unplug them. Avoid portable heaters in bathrooms; if one is used, CPSC wants a GFCI outlet or a heater with a GFCI plug.

Bathroom small appliances are unplugged when not in use and kept away from water: Yes, No, or N/A

No tingle or shock from any appliance, faucet, or the panel cabinet

CPSC Pub. 513: even a slight shock (other than static) means stop, shut the circuit off, and have an electrician check it. NFPA lists a tingling feeling when you touch an appliance as a reason to call a qualified electrician or your landlord.

No tingle or shock from any appliance, faucet, or the panel cabinet: Yes, No, or N/A

Inspection station

Cords and extension-cord traps

Extension cords are for temporary use. NFPA and CPSC want new receptacles, not a permanent cord. Do not assign Pass or Fail from an AWG number unless you actually read the cord jacket and the load. A warm cord is enough to mark No.

9 items
Cords and extension-cord traps

Lamp, appliance, and extension cords are not frayed, cracked, or cut

CPSC Pub. 513: damaged cords can expose live wires. CPSC 1990 extension-cord release: discard cracked, worn, or damaged cords. Replace the cord or the equipment. Do not tape over exposed conductors.

Lamp, appliance, and extension cords are not frayed, cracked, or cut: Yes, No, or N/A

Cords are not run across doorways or where they will be stepped on

CPSC Pub. 513 and NFPA: cords in a doorway or underfoot are trip and crush hazards. Move the cord or the appliance.

Cords are not run across doorways or where they will be stepped on: Yes, No, or N/A

No cord is under a rug, carpet, or furniture

CPSC Pub. 513: weight and traffic crush insulation. NFPA: fires can start when a cord is placed under a carpet, and heat can build with no flame at first. Space-heater cords belong on the next station, not here.

No cord is under a rug, carpet, or furniture: Yes, No, or N/A

Cords are not nailed, stapled, or tightly wrapped around an object

CPSC Pub. 513: nails and staples can cut conductors. Tight wraps trap heat. Unwrap and replace any cord that was pierced.

Cords are not nailed, stapled, or tightly wrapped around an object: Yes, No, or N/A

Extension cords are not used as permanent house wiring

CPSC Pub. 513: have new outlets installed or move the appliance. NFPA: extension cords are intended for temporary use; have a qualified electrician add receptacles. A cord that has been in place for months is No.

Extension cords are not used as permanent house wiring: Yes, No, or N/A

Major appliances plug into a wall receptacle, not an extension cord or plug strip

NFPA: refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, and microwave ovens should plug directly into a wall receptacle. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used for those loads. Space heaters have their own line on the heater station.

Major appliances plug into a wall receptacle, not an extension cord or plug strip: Yes, No, or N/A

No extension cord, plug, or outlet feels warm while in use

CPSC Pub. 513: if the cord, plug, or outlet feels warm, it may be overloaded. CPSC 1990: do not overload cords by drawing more watts than the cord rating. This form does not use an AWG Pass or Fail. Warmth, discoloration, or a melted plug face is No.

No extension cord, plug, or outlet feels warm while in use: Yes, No, or N/A

Only one heat-producing appliance is plugged into a receptacle at a time

NFPA: only one heat-producing appliance (coffee maker, toaster, space heater, and similar) per receptacle outlet at a time. Two toasters on a cube tap is No.

Only one heat-producing appliance is plugged into a receptacle at a time: Yes, No, or N/A

Unused slots on indoor extension cords have safety covers if children are present

CPSC Pub. 513: use covers that fill unused extension-cord outlets. Mark N/A if there are no extension cords or no children.

Unused slots on indoor extension cords have safety covers if children are present: Yes, No, or N/A

Inspection station

Lamps and lighting

Check lamps and ceiling fixtures in the rooms you walk. CPSC Pub. 513 wants the bulb wattage at or below the fixture rating. NFPA says use the watt number on the sticker.

5 items
Lamps and lighting

Each bulb is at or below the wattage marked on the fixture

CPSC Pub. 513: a higher-wattage bulb can overheat the fixture, wiring, or nearby combustibles. If you are not sure, CPSC says use 60 watts or less, and 25 watts for unmarked miniature-bulb ceiling fixtures. NFPA: use a bulb with the right number of watts from the sticker. Do not invent a second limit.

Each bulb is at or below the wattage marked on the fixture: Yes, No, or N/A

Hot bulbs and shades are not against cloth, paper, or bedding

NFPA: fires can start when a hot light bulb is near things that burn, such as cloth or paper. CPSC Pub. 513 covers lamps in all rooms. Mark No for a bare bulb in a closet against stored clothes, or a lamp shade scorched on the fabric.

Hot bulbs and shades are not against cloth, paper, or bedding: Yes, No, or N/A

Portable lamps sit stable and are not used as a substitute for house wiring

A wobbly floor lamp that can tip onto bedding is a fire hazard. Cords on lamps follow the cord station. Mark N/A if you checked only ceiling fixtures.

Portable lamps sit stable and are not used as a substitute for house wiring: Yes, No, or N/A

TVs, computers, and similar equipment have room for air to circulate

CPSC Pub. 513: blocking airflow can cause overheating. Do not enclose gear in a cabinet without openings or store papers against it. Follow the owner manual if you have it.

TVs, computers, and similar equipment have room for air to circulate: Yes, No, or N/A

Electric blankets, if used, are flat, undamaged, and not covered while on

CPSC Pub. 513 bedrooms: discard a blanket with cracked wiring, charred or frayed spots. Do not fold it in use, pinch heating wires at the corners, or put another blanket, pet, or object on top while it is on. Mark N/A if none are used.

Electric blankets, if used, are flat, undamaged, and not covered while on: Yes, No, or N/A

Inspection station

Space heaters

Mark every line N/A if no portable electric heater is in the house. CPSC and NFPA treat space heaters as a high fire load. Keep 3 feet of clearance. Plug into a wall outlet only.

7 items
Space heaters

Each portable heater has a mark from a nationally recognized testing lab (UL, ETL, or CSA)

CPSC Pub. 513: replace an uncertified heater. Look for the NRTL seal on the nameplate. Check CPSC recalls before seasonal use.

Each portable heater has a mark from a nationally recognized testing lab (UL, ETL, or CSA): Yes, No, or N/A

Each heater sits at least 3 feet from drapes, furniture, bedding, paper, and clothes

CPSC Pub. 513 and the CPSC January 2026 heating release both use 3 feet from combustibles (front, sides, and rear in Pub. 513). That distance is cross-checked. Move the heater or the drapes. Mark N/A if no heater is in use.

Each heater sits at least 3 feet from drapes, furniture, bedding, paper, and clothes: Yes, No, or N/A

Each electric space heater plugs directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip

CPSC January 2026 heating release and CPSC Pub. 513: never power the heater with an extension cord or power strip. This is a fire-overload rule, not an amp Pass or Fail you calculate.

Each electric space heater plugs directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip: Yes, No, or N/A

Each heater is on a stable, level surface out of traffic

CPSC Pub. 513: a tipped heater is a fire hazard. Children, pets, or blowing drapes can knock it over. Tip-over switches help; they do not replace a stable placement.

Each heater is on a stable, level surface out of traffic: Yes, No, or N/A

Heaters are turned off when people sleep or leave the room

CPSC Pub. 513 and the January 2026 release: never leave a heater operating while unattended or while you are sleeping.

Heaters are turned off when people sleep or leave the room: Yes, No, or N/A

No portable heater is used in a bathroom, or it is on a GFCI if one is used

CPSC Pub. 513: portable heaters in bathrooms are an electrocution hazard because of water and grounded surfaces. CPSC prefers a fixed heating fan. If a portable heater is used, plug it into a GFCI outlet or use a heater with a GFCI plug.

No portable heater is used in a bathroom, or it is on a GFCI if one is used: Yes, No, or N/A

The heater cord is not under a rug, and the plug and outlet stay cool

CPSC Pub. 513: never run the heater cord under rugs. If the plug, cord, outlet, or faceplate is hot in use, stop and have an electrician check the outlet. Keep electric heaters away from water.

The heater cord is not under a rug, and the plug and outlet stay cool: Yes, No, or N/A

Inspection station

Outdoor receptacles and tools

Mark N/A if the house has no outdoor receptacle or corded yard tools. GFCI for outdoor receptacles is also on the GFCI station. This station is covers, outdoor-rated cords, tools, and pool or spa equipment.

6 items
Outdoor receptacles and tools

Each outdoor outlet has a weatherproof cover, kept closed when nothing is plugged in

CPSC Pub. 513: moisture in an outdoor outlet can cause shock or fire. Keep unused covers closed.

Each outdoor outlet has a weatherproof cover, kept closed when nothing is plugged in: Yes, No, or N/A

A weatherproof-while-in-use cover is used if a cord stays plugged in during wet weather

CPSC Pub. 513: most bubble-less covers do not keep water out around a cord. Install a while-in-use (extra-duty) cover if the outlet is used in the rain. Mark N/A if outdoor outlets are unused in wet weather.

A weatherproof-while-in-use cover is used if a cord stays plugged in during wet weather: Yes, No, or N/A

Extension cords used outdoors are marked for outdoor use

CPSC Pub. 513: indoor cords will not take outdoor temperature, humidity, and wear. CPSC 1990: use cords labeled for outdoor use for tools and garden products, and plug into GFCI. Mark N/A if no outdoor cord is used.

Extension cords used outdoors are marked for outdoor use: Yes, No, or N/A

Outdoor 3-prong tools use 3-prong outdoor extension cords, not a 2-wire adapter

CPSC Pub. 513 and CPSC 1990: always use 3-wire cords for 3-prong plugs. Never remove the third prong. Mark N/A for battery tools only.

Outdoor 3-prong tools use 3-prong outdoor extension cords, not a 2-wire adapter: Yes, No, or N/A

Corded garden tools have undamaged cords and are not used in ponds or standing water

CPSC Pub. 513: damaged outdoor cords are shock and fire hazards. Avoid corded tools in damp or wet locations. If a tool gets wet, unplug it before you touch it. Double insulation does not make a tool safe in water.

Corded garden tools have undamaged cords and are not used in ponds or standing water: Yes, No, or N/A

Electrical equipment at a pool, spa, or hot tub stays dry and is on working GFCI

CPSC Pub. 513: keep pool and spa equipment dry and on GFCI. Unplug wet equipment before you handle it. This is not a full swimming-pool bonding inspection. Mark N/A if there is no pool, spa, or hot tub.

Electrical equipment at a pool, spa, or hot tub stays dry and is on working GFCI: Yes, No, or N/A

Inspection station

Smoke and CO alarms

CPSC Pub. 513 pairs this electrical walk with smoke-alarm checks when clocks change. InterNACHI 3.7 inspects for the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and reports their absence. InterNACHI is not required to operate or test the alarms. This owner walk does test them.

7 items
Smoke and CO alarms

A working smoke alarm is on every level, including the basement

CPSC Pub. 559, CPSC January 2026 heating release, and NFPA smoke-alarm pages all ask for an alarm on every level, including the basement. Mark N/A only if the house is a single level with no basement and that level is covered by the next two lines.

A working smoke alarm is on every level, including the basement: Yes, No, or N/A

A working smoke alarm is inside each bedroom

CPSC Pub. 559, CPSC 2026, and NFPA: install smoke alarms inside every sleeping room. Mark No if a bedroom has no alarm.

A working smoke alarm is inside each bedroom: Yes, No, or N/A

A working smoke alarm is outside each sleeping area

CPSC Pub. 559 and NFPA: also install an alarm outside sleeping areas, such as a hallway. A bedroom-only layout with no hall alarm is incomplete.

A working smoke alarm is outside each sleeping area: Yes, No, or N/A

Smoke alarms were tested this month with the test button

CPSC Pub. 559 and NFPA: test monthly. Press the test button. CPSC Pub. 513 suggests doing this electrical checklist when you change clocks and check smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms were tested this month with the test button: Yes, No, or N/A

Smoke alarms you can date are not more than 10 years past the manufacture date

CPSC Pub. 559 and NFPA: replace smoke alarms 10 years after manufacture. If there is no date, note that and plan replacement. Do not invent a year.

Smoke alarms you can date are not more than 10 years past the manufacture date: Yes, No, or N/A

CO alarms are on every level and outside sleeping areas

CPSC Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet and CPSC 2026: install battery-operated CO alarms or units with battery backup on every level and outside sleeping areas. Many states require CO alarms; local rules vary. CPSC does not recommend putting a CO alarm in the kitchen or above a fuel-burning appliance.

CO alarms are on every level and outside sleeping areas: Yes, No, or N/A

CO alarms were tested this month per the manufacturer instructions

CPSC: follow the manufacturer. The test button checks circuitry, not sensor accuracy. CPSC 2026: test smoke and CO alarms every month. Mark N/A if there is no fuel-burning equipment, no attached garage, and no CO alarm is required locally, and you still choose not to install one. InterNACHI reports absence of CO detectors as in need of correction.

CO alarms were tested this month per the manufacturer instructions: Yes, No, or N/A

Form details

Findings and sign-off

List every No line here. This worksheet is not a licensed electrician report, not a home-inspection report, and not an official NFPA 70 inspection.

5 fields
Findings and sign-off

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References

  1. Home Electrical Safety Checklist, Pub. 513 - U.S. CPSC
  2. Electrical Safety in the Home - NFPA
  3. Electrical Safety Tips sheet - NFPA
  4. International Standards of Practice, section 3.7 Electrical - InterNACHI
  5. Inspecting the Main Electrical Panelboard (IRC E3902 GFCI locations) - InterNACHI
  6. Keep Warm and Safe This Winter: generators, furnaces, and space heaters - U.S. CPSC
  7. Preventing Home Fires: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters, Pub. 5133 - U.S. CPSC
  8. Smoke Alarms: Why, Where, and Which?, Pub. 559 - U.S. CPSC
  9. Smoke Alarm Information - NFPA
  10. Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet - U.S. CPSC
  11. Limit Extension Cords To Reduce Risk Of Fire - U.S. CPSC

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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.