No matter the age or condition of your home, regular electrical inspections are vital for the safety of everyone who lives there.
During such an inspection, a qualified local electrician will examine the various aspects of your electrical system: the circuits, the wiring, the large appliances, and so on.
Let’s now consider why these inspections are so helpful and how they can eliminate any electrical hazards inside a home.
Why Should You Get an Electrical Inspection?
Unfortunately, the electrical elements inside any home will wear out over time. And those that are exposed to the elements — humidity, heat, and so forth — degrade faster.
What’s scary is that faulty electrical devices and wiring can lead to electrical fires and other serious problems.
Moreover, if your home suffers damage due to an electrical problem, your home insurance company will likely ask if you’ve had any electrical inspections done. If not, it might deem you negligent and hold you responsible for that damage. Thus, it might refuse to give you any money for repairs.
When Should You Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection?
If your home is 25 years old or older, it’s a good idea to schedule an electrical inspection once every two or three years. If your home is newer, once every three to five years should suffice.
On top of that, if you’re about to buy a new house, sell your current home, renovate your home, or build an addition, you should have this inspection conducted.
Above all, if you notice anything suspicious about your electrical system, don’t delay calling an electrician for an inspection. Such signs include any of the following:
- Lights that often flicker
- Humming or buzzing sounds
- A circuit breaker that keeps tripping or a fuse box that keeps blowing fuses
- Electrical outlets that are cracked or discolored
- Outlets that feel warm to the touch
- Unusual odors — burning smells in particular
- Monthly energy bills that are rising for no apparent reason
Also, were any of your electrical components installed or repaired recently? If so, you’re legally required to have a licensed electrician inspect that work. This professional will make sure the new electrical feature is safe and has all the right components.
The electrician will also verify that the work meets the standards of the National Electrical Code. By the way, the National Fire Protection Association updates that industry standard code every few years.
What Does an Electrical Inspection Involve?
During your routine electrical safety inspection, the electrician will thoroughly assess your entire electrical system. And below are just some of the things your inspector will do.
This person will look at your electrical panel and meter. Are they up to date and in good condition? Your meter should be measuring your electricity accurately as well.
Your wiring also needs scrutiny. If any wire is broken, frayed, or just too old, your electrician will ask you to replace it. Moreover, do any wires have nails or staples in them? Are any of your power strips overloaded? Are there exposed wires in your attic, basement, or yard that animals could chew on? These items all represent common household hazards.
Your electrical outlets will likewise be inspected. In particular, your inspector will see if your ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are working. GFCIs are electrical outlets near water sources: in bathrooms, in kitchens, and near washing machines. To protect people from electric shocks, they shut off whenever they’re overloaded.
Furthermore, are any of your outlet plates loose or damaged? If so, they ought to be reattached or replaced right away.
Your inspector will study your lights and light bulbs, too, certifying that their wattage is appropriate and they’re safe to use. Plus, this expert will see if your light switches are functioning properly.
Larger electrical appliances like refrigerators must be investigated, too. Therefore, your electrician will make sure they’re working correctly and not wasting any power.
Then there’s general fire safety. Your inspector will ensure that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are functional and placed appropriately throughout your home.
This professional will also see if you have enough fire extinguishers and if your flammable materials are stored far enough from your electrical outlets and appliances.
The Results of Your Inspection
Once this inspection is complete, the electrician will give you a detailed report about your home’s electrical system. That document will alert you to any potential hazards, and it will explain the specific steps you could take to eliminate those dangers.
This report will also tell you if there’s anything you should monitor, just in case it could develop into a problem later on.
On the other hand, maybe your home’s electrical components are in excellent condition, meeting all applicable building codes. In that case, your report will let you know.
As a final note, a full electrical inspection is not something amateurs should attempt on their own. It takes extensive training and experience to identify every potential safety hazard within a home.
However, once a trustworthy electrician evaluates your home — an expert at Mister Sparky, for example — you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a fully functioning electrical system.