Forensic Electrical Inspection After a Fire, Injury, or Equipment Failure
By Todd Hartzler, PE , Forensic Electrical Engineer at Hartzler Engineering & Consulting Services
Updated October 5, 2026
Why inspect the site electrical system?
The electrical system delivers power to every appliance and piece of equipment at a site. Think of it as the heart, arteries, and blood vessels of the building.
When you visit a doctor, your pulse and blood pressure are checked, and blood work may be ordered for a more detailed picture of your health. An electrical inspection does the same job for a building: it checks the health of the power delivery system.
A thorough site electrical inspection can:
- Find performance problems and safety hazards
- Identify code violations
- Confirm which parts of the system are, or were, working properly
After a fire, injury, or equipment damage, the electrical system often holds clues about where and how the damage occurred. Many of those clues are small. Finding them takes time and a trained eye, and a thorough inspection makes sure they are discovered and documented clearly.
A forensic electrical inspection is a systematic examination of a site's electrical system to find out what failed, where, and why. It documents conditions with photographs, measurements, and notes so the findings can support insurance claims, repairs, and legal proceedings. The best time to do it is right away, before anyone repairs or cleans up near the electrical equipment.
What to expect from a site electrical inspection?
An inspection gathers data that is later analyzed to answer important questions. Everything collected, including data, photographs, and observations, is documented and may be delivered in a report or other format that fits the needs of the client and the investigator.
A typical site electrical inspection includes:
- Travel to the site.
- Interviews with people who know the site and its history.
- Physical and visual inspection of the electrical system.
- Electrical tests and measurements, where appropriate.
- Documentation through photographs and detailed notes.
- Collection of other data, such as surveillance video and maintenance records.
- Identification and preservation of items for additional examination.
- Preliminary analysis of what was found.
- Reporting of findings to the client.
Who can inspect the electrical system?
Different professionals can contribute at different levels of detail. The right choice depends on what the inspection needs to accomplish. General observations can be made by anyone with a basic understanding of electrical systems and electrical safety.
Electricians, Technicians, Insurance Adjusters
- General overview - general picture of the situation, with clear cell-phone photographs. Typically done early and before a detailed inspection.
- No electrical testing or analysis
Certified Fire Investigators, Trained Investigators
- Mid-level - more detailed than a general overview, with high-quality photographs. Investigators have been trained in electrical systems and safety, as well as evidence preservation techniques.
- No electrical testing or analysis
Forensic Electrical Engineers
- Detailed - inspection with attention to nuance and technical issues. High-quality photographs and documentation needed for reliable expert analysis.
- Electrical testing and analysis
Forensic Electrical Engineers have the skills and experience to find, recognize, and document the details that reliable expert analysis depends on. Their work is performed with the goal that results will withstand legal scrutiny in a court of law.
Where does the inspection occur?
Every site has its own investigation goals, but almost every inspection covers three key areas. Damaged areas further into the building, downstream from the service equipment, are usually examined as well.
When is the best time for a site inspection?
As soon as possible after the fire or injury, and before any repairs or modifications are made.
Temporary electrical repairs and clean-up near electrical equipment, when done by people who are not trained in investigations, can alter or destroy clues about the electrical system. Inspecting and documenting the equipment in the condition closest to the time of the incident gives the investigation the best possible information.
Protecting electrical evidence until an inspector arrives:
- Do not re-energize or change anything, including resetting breakers or flipping switches.
- Do not clean up or move equipment, wiring, or debris near the electrical service or the area of damage.
- Photograph what you see from several angles before anything moves if necessary.
- Save records, such as surveillance video, maintenance logs, and performance data.
- Call early. Contact a qualified investigator before repairs begin.