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:
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load management controllers
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equipment inspections (such as air conditioner, furnace or other utilization equipment)
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registered employer work
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rough-in inspections with a three-circuit maximum
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re-inspections
Counties and regions:
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Kittson
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Marshall
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Nobles
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Northwest angle
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Pennington
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Pipestone
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Polk
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Red Lake
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Rock
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Roseau
Step 1: Are you eligible for an Electrical Remote Virtual Inspection?
You must be a Minnesota-licensed electrical contractor.
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Have you obtained the electrical work permit for the project you are scheduling a request to have inspected?
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Is the project located within a designated virtual inspection area and an approved inspection type? See lists above.
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The on-site electrician must be a licensed journeyworker or master to perform a virtual inspection. (No unlicensed registered electricians.)
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The on-site electrician must have the free Microsoft Teams app on their mobile device. (Download: Apple Store | Google Play Store).
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The inspections should take 15 minutes or less, assuming the electrical work is complete, and the proper credentials provided.
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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:
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Make sure your phone is fully charged.
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Turn your phone volume up.
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Turn off phone notifications that may interrupt Teams. Notifications can freeze video calls and cause disconnects.
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Use ear buds equipped with a microphone for better communication.
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Audio quality is better if nearby power tools and other equipment are off.
Step 3: Preparing for a virtual electrical inspection
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Assess the jobsite for a safe virtual inspection and be sure there is adequate lighting.
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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.
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Have the entire scope of inspection visible including listed equipment labels and all covers removed.
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Be ready to accept a Teams video call at the scheduled time.
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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:
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Make sure of a good Teams connection.
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Ask for the permit number and description of the work.
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Give a safety reminder.
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Ask to see the electrical license, and confirmation of the location.
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Give directions to inspect the work.
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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:
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electrician license number (journeyworker or master)
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electrical contractor license number (EA#)
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cell phone number you are using for the virtual inspection (for disconnected call backs).
Inspection details:
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electrical permit number
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type of project being inspected
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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.
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Schedule your inspection at least 30 minutes before the desired appointment.
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Your virtual inspection appointment is your inspection request. If you cancel your appointment, an inspection request will not be entered on your behalf.
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Do not schedule a virtual inspection if you have submitted a request for a normal field inspection for the same day.
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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.