What's included
- Lockout/Tagout Safety Procedure — 8 steps
- Residential Service Call Procedure — 10 steps
- Electrical Panel Upgrade Checklist — 12 steps
Lockout/Tagout Safety Procedure
Mandatory de-energization protocol before any electrical work begins.
- Identify all energy sources that feed the circuit or equipment you'll be working on. Check the panel schedule and verify with a one-line diagram if available.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Notify the homeowner or site supervisor that power will be shut off. Confirm no one is dependent on the circuit (medical equipment, security systems, refrigeration).Notes: _______________________________________________
- Switch off the circuit breaker. If working at a panel, also switch off the main breaker feeding that panel.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Apply your personal lock to the breaker. Attach a tag with your name, date, and reason. Only YOU remove your lock — never let someone else remove it for you.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Verify the circuit is dead at the point of work using a non-contact voltage tester first, then confirm with a contact meter. Test the meter on a known live circuit before and after to confirm the meter itself is working.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Only after double-verification of zero voltage do you begin work. If at any point you're unsure, test again.Notes: _______________________________________________
- When work is complete, remove all tools and materials from the work area. Verify all connections are secure and covers are in place.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Remove your lock and tag. Re-energize the circuit. Test the work.Notes: _______________________________________________
Residential Service Call Procedure
Standard workflow for troubleshooting and repair calls at residential properties.
- Review the work order. Note the reported issue, property type, and any special instructions. Check customer history for prior electrical work.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Text the customer your name and ETA when 15 minutes away.Notes: _______________________________________________
- On arrival, introduce yourself and ask the customer to describe the problem. Ask: when did it start, does it happen all the time or intermittently, has anything changed recently (new appliance, renovation, storm)?Notes: _______________________________________________
- Start at the panel. Check for tripped breakers, signs of overheating, corrosion, or double-tapped breakers. Note the panel brand, age, and condition.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Trace the circuit from the panel to the affected area. Test voltage at the panel, at junction boxes along the path, and at the device or outlet where the problem exists.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Diagnose the root cause. Explain it to the customer in plain language. Present repair options with pricing before starting work.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Follow lockout/tagout procedure before making any repair. No exceptions.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Complete the repair. Test under load — not just with a meter, but by running the actual device or appliance that had the issue.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Clean up all wire scraps, packaging, and dust. Leave the work area cleaner than you found it.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Walk the customer through what was wrong and what you fixed. If you noticed other issues (outdated panel, missing GFCI protection, aluminum wiring), mention them as recommendations — don't hard-sell.Notes: _______________________________________________
Electrical Panel Upgrade Checklist
Full procedure for residential panel replacement — 100A to 200A upgrade or like-for-like swap.
- Pull the permit. Verify the scope with the inspector if needed — some jurisdictions require service entrance upgrades with panel changes.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Verify the new panel, breakers, and all materials are on the truck before heading to the job. Match the breaker count and types to the existing circuits.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Coordinate the utility disconnect. Schedule the meter pull with the power company if required. Confirm the time window.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Once power is confirmed dead at the meter, verify with your meter at the main lugs. Then proceed with the lockout/tagout procedure on the existing panel.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Label every existing circuit wire before disconnecting anything. Use numbered tape that matches the panel schedule. Take photos of the existing wiring as backup.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Remove the old panel. Inspect the service entrance cable, grounding electrode conductor, and neutral-ground bond. Replace or upgrade any that don't meet current code.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Mount the new panel. Level it. Connect the service entrance conductors, neutral bus, and grounding system. Install an approved neutral-ground bonding screw or strap.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Land each circuit on the appropriate breaker. Match the wire gauge to the breaker amperage — no exceptions. Arrange circuits for a balanced load across both buses.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Torque all lugs and terminal screws to manufacturer specifications. Use a torque screwdriver — this is a code requirement, not optional.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Create the new panel schedule. Label every breaker clearly. Include the panel schedule card inside the panel door.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Restore power. Test every circuit — verify voltage at each breaker and at a representative outlet on each circuit. Test all GFCI and AFCI breakers.Notes: _______________________________________________
- Schedule the inspection. Walk the homeowner through the new panel and explain the breaker layout.Notes: _______________________________________________
Want your crew to run these on their phone?
Import these checklists into WithoutMe. Your crew checks off each step at the job site. You see who finished what.
Start with Electrical procedures — free No signup required.Common questions
What checklists does a electrical business need?
Every electrical business needs at minimum: lockout/tagout safety procedure, residential service call procedure, and electrical panel upgrade checklist. Start with the one your crew asks about most often or the one that leads to the most complaints and callbacks.
How do I get my electrical crew to actually use a checklist?
Print it and hand it to them. A checklist in a binder nobody opens is worthless. Keep it short, make the steps specific to how your company does the job, and check that it's being followed for the first two weeks. If you want them to use it digitally, share a link they can pull up on their phone at the job site.
How many steps should a electrical checklist have?
Keep it under 15 steps. A checklist with 30 steps won't get used because it takes too long to follow on a live job. Focus on the steps that matter most: the ones your crew skips, forgets, or does inconsistently. You can always add detail later.