Prerequisite Proof of Completion
Electricity
Scout’s name: ____________________________ Date: ______
Troop: ______ Week: ______
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Requirement 2: Complete an electrical home safety inspection of your home, using the
checklist found in the Electricity merit badge pamphlet or one approved by your counselor.
Discuss what you find with your counselor.
Proof of Completion: Use the Sample Home Electrical Inspection Checklist on the next page.
(This checklist
is
approved by your TMR Merit Badge Counselor).
Make sure to fill out the “notes” section to note what you find. This will contribute to your
discussion with the counselor.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sample Home Electrical Inspection Checklist
Outlets
Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire.
Replace any missing or broken wall plates.
Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.
Outlet Notes:
Line Cords
Make sure cords are in good condition-not frayed or cracked.
Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas.
Make sure that cords are not nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to another object.
Make sure that cords are not under carpets or rugs or any furniture rests on them.
Line Cord Notes:
Extension Cords
Check to see that extension cords are not overloaded & only be used on a
temporary basis, not as permanent wiring.
Make sure extension cords have safety closures to help protect children from
shock hazards and mouth burns.
Extension Cord Notes:
Plugs
Make sure your plugs fit securely into your outlets.
Make sure no plugs have had the ground pin (the third prong) removed in order to
make a three-prong fit a two-conductor outlet; this could lead to an electrical shock.
Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn't fit.
Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances.
Plug Notes:
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical
circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help
prevent serious injury from electrical shock. GFCIs can be installed at the outlet, or as a
replacement for the circuit breaker for an entire circuit at the fuse box.
Kitchen Bathrooms Garage Laundry room Outdoors
Test GFCIs according to the manufacturer's instructions monthly and after major
electrical storms to make sure they are working properly.
GFCI Notes:
Light Bulbs
Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage
for the size of the fixture.
Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; if you don't know
the correct
wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture.
Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely; loose bulbs may overheat.
Light bulb Notes:
Circuit Breakers/Fuses
Make sure circuit breakers and fuses are the correct size current rating for their circuit.
If you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size to be
used. Always replace a fuse with the correctly specified size fuse.
Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main breaker is located and how to
shut of power to the entire house.
Circuit Breaker/Fuse Notes:
Plug In Appliances
Make sure there are no plugged-in appliances where they might fall in contact with
water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it out—even if it's
turned off. First turn off the power source at the panel board and then unplug the
appliance. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it until it has been checked
by a qualified repair person.
Plug In Appliance Notes:
Appliances
If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker or if it has given you a
shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.
Appliance Notes:
Entertainment/Computer Equipment
Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly. Look for
cracks or damage in wiring, plugs and connectors.
Use a surge protector bearing the seal of a nationally recognized certification agency.
Entertainment/Computer Equipment Notes:
Outdoor Safety
Electric-powered mowers and other electric tools should not be used in the rain, on
wet grass or in wet conditions.
Inspect power tools & electric lawn mowers before each use for frayed power cords,
broken plugs & cracked or broken housings. If any part is damaged, stop using it
immediately. Repair it or replace it.
Always use an extension cord marked for outdoor use and rated for
the power needs of your tools.
Remember to unplug all portable power tools when not in use.
When using ladders, watch out for overhead wires and power lines. Stay at least 10 feet
from all overhead lines.
Outdoor Safety Notes:
Lightning
During an electrical storm, do not use appliances (i.e., hairdryers, toasters and
radios) or telephones (except in an emergency); do not take a bath or shower;
Keep batteries on hand for flashlights and radios in case of a power outage.
Use surge protectors on electronic devices, appliances, phones, fax machines and
modems.
Lightning Notes:
Space Heaters
Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at least
3 ft. away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies,
furniture and rugs.
Don't use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised and remember to
turn off and unplug when not in use.
Do not use space heaters with extension cords; plug directly into an outlet on a
relatively unburdened circuit.
Space Heaters Notes:
Halogen Floor Lamps
Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard
incandescent light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in contact
with draperies, clothing or other combustible materials.
Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever you leave the room for an extended period of time.
Never use torchiere lamps in children's bedrooms or playrooms. Consider using cooler
fluorescent floor lamps.
Halogen Floor Lamps Notes: