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Virtual electrical inspections

Note:  Electrical Remote Virtual Inspections are currently only available for electrical contractors for the following inspection types and in the following areas:  

Inspection type:

  • load management controllers

  • equipment inspections (such as air conditioner, furnace or other utilization equipment)

  • registered employer work

  • rough-in inspections with a three-circuit maximum

  • re-inspections

Counties and regions:

  • Kittson

  • Marshall

  • Nobles

  • Northwest angle

  • Pennington

  • Pipestone

  • Polk

  • Red Lake

  • Rock

  • Roseau

Step 1: Are you eligible for an Electrical Remote Virtual Inspection? 

You must be a Minnesota-licensed electrical contractor.

  • Have you obtained the electrical work permit for the project you are scheduling a request to have inspected? 

  • Is the project located within a designated virtual inspection area and an approved inspection type? See lists above.

  • The on-site electrician must be a licensed journeyworker or master to perform a virtual inspection. (No unlicensed registered electricians.)

  • The on-site electrician must have the free Microsoft Teams app on their mobile device. (Download: Apple Store | Google Play Store).

  • The inspections should take 15 minutes or less, assuming the electrical work is complete, and the proper credentials provided.

  • The inspection area must have 5G, 4G, LTE or Wi-Fi connectivity for your mobile device. Teams will not work well enough for inspection purposes without it.

Step 2: Set up Teams and prepare your mobile device

Download the free Microsoft Teams App (Apple Store | Google Play Store).

Check the inspection area to make sure your smartphone has 5G, 4G, LTE or Wi-Fi connectivity. Other considerations to keep in mind when using a smartphone and Teams for an inspection:

  •  Make sure your phone is fully charged.

  • Turn your phone volume up.

  • Turn off phone notifications that may interrupt Teams. Notifications can freeze video calls and cause disconnects.

  • Use ear buds equipped with a microphone for better communication.

  • Audio quality is better if nearby power tools and other equipment are off.

Step 3: Preparing for a virtual electrical inspection

  • Assess the jobsite for a safe virtual inspection and be sure there is adequate lighting.

  • Have your electrical license and necessary hand tools available. For example, you may need to carry a tape measure, flashlight, various hand tools and/or ladder.

  • Have the entire scope of inspection visible including listed equipment labels and all covers removed.

  • Be ready to accept a Teams video call at the scheduled time.

  • If you do not hear from us within five minutes of your appointment start time, contact us at 651-706-0525.

In general, during your virtual electrical inspection, the inspector will:

  • Make sure of a good Teams connection.

  • Ask for the permit number and description of the work.

  • Give a safety reminder.

  • Ask to see the electrical license, and confirmation of the location.

  • Give directions to inspect the work.

  • Provide the results of the inspection.

Step 4: Scheduling a virtual electrical inspection

To schedule a virtual electrical inspection have the following information available:

On-site contact information:

  • electrician license number (journeyworker or master)

  • electrical contractor license number (EA#)

  • cell phone number you are using for the virtual inspection (for disconnected call backs).

Inspection details:

  • electrical permit number

  • type of project being inspected

  • project name

Schedule an inspection

If you haven't been contacted by your local inspector, but meet the virtual inspection requirements shown above and would like to schedule a virtual inspection, contact Jason Ekholm at 651-706-0525 or ERVI.DLI@state.mn.us.

  • Schedule your inspection at least 30 minutes before the desired appointment.

  • Your virtual inspection appointment is your inspection request. If you cancel your appointment, an inspection request will not be entered on your behalf. 

  • Do not schedule a virtual inspection if you have submitted a request for a normal field inspection for the same day.

  • Cancel an existing appointment at least one hour before the requested time using the link in your email reminder or contact us at 651-706-0525. You can reschedule the inspection when you're ready.

Questions?

Contact Jason Ekholm at 651-706-0525 or ERVI.DLI@state.mn.us.