Templates

Electrical switchboard inspection

In short

This electrical switchboard inspection guide covers the routine visual checks a facilities team can record, from safe access and enclosure condition to labelling, signs of overheating and housekeeping, with a place to log the result. Run it as an inspection template in Cohiva Control and a failed item raises a work order automatically, with versioned, immutable records. Any work involving live parts or testing must be carried out by a licensed electrician under the applicable standards.

Electrical switchboard inspection

A switchboard rarely gives much warning before it causes a problem, which is exactly why regular, recorded inspection matters. A heat-discoloured cover, a door that no longer seals, a label that has fallen off: each is a small sign worth acting on. This guide sets out the routine, visual checks a facilities team can carry out and record, and shows how to run it inside Cohiva Control so anything found becomes a tracked job for the right person.

A clear safety boundary applies throughout. Routine observations with the board closed can be recorded by a competent person. Opening the board, testing, and any work involving live parts or the installation must be carried out by a licensed electrician under safe isolation procedures and the applicable standards. Nothing here authorises anyone to work beyond their qualification.

Before you start

  • Confirm you are only carrying out the visual checks appropriate to your qualification.
  • Open the asset or location record in Cohiva Control for the correct board.
  • Review the previous inspection and confirm earlier issues were closed out.

Check access and the immediate area

  • Confirm clear, unobstructed access to the board.
  • Check that nothing is stored against or in front of the board.
  • Confirm the area is dry and free of water ingress or leaks above.

Check the enclosure and physical condition

  • Inspect the enclosure, doors and hinges for damage and corrosion.
  • Confirm doors close and any seals or gaskets are intact.
  • Check that covers and escutcheons are in place and secure.
  • Look for discolouration, scorching or melting that could indicate overheating; report any sign to a licensed electrician.
  • Note any unusual smell or buzzing and report it for investigation.

Check labelling and signage

  • Confirm circuit labelling is present and legible.
  • Check that warning and safety signage is in place and correct.
  • Confirm any required identification and emergency information is visible.

Plan licensed testing

  • Confirm when the board was last tested by a licensed electrician.
  • Flag any testing, thermographic survey or maintenance that falls due to the appropriate provider.

Log and close out

  • Mark each item pass or fail.
  • Attach photos of damage, discolouration or housekeeping issues.
  • Record the date, the board and who carried out the check.

In Cohiva Control, a failed item can raise a work order automatically, so a sign of overheating or a damaged enclosure becomes a tracked job assigned to a licensed electrician with the photo attached. Inspection records are versioned and immutable once submitted, so you keep a clear, dated history that supports your obligations and your asset records.

Part of the Cohiva platform

Cohiva Control is part of the Cohiva platform. Leisure operators often run it with Cohiva Complex, and finance teams connect it to Cohiva Crunch for the general ledger. Explore the platform at www.cohiva.app.

Frequently asked questions

Who can inspect an electrical switchboard?
Routine visual observations with the board closed can be recorded by a competent person, but opening the board, testing and any work on live parts must be carried out by a licensed electrician under the applicable standards and safe isolation procedures.
What does a routine switchboard check look at?
The visible condition: the enclosure, doors and seals, labelling and signage, signs of overheating or discolouration, obstructions and housekeeping around the board. Detailed electrical testing is a separate, licensed activity.
How often should it be done?
Follow the applicable standards, the equipment guidance and your site's risk profile. Set the interval in Cohiva Control to match those obligations rather than a generic figure.
What happens when an item fails?
A failed item can raise a work order automatically, so a damaged door, missing label or sign of overheating becomes a tracked job for a licensed electrician. The inspection record is versioned and immutable once submitted.
Does completing it make the installation compliant?
No. It supports your own inspection regime and record keeping. Confirm your obligations against the applicable standards and use a licensed electrician for testing and any work on the installation.