Home electrical safety inspections are a central piece in a homeowner’s electrical safety toolkit. They give you vital information about the safety and performance of your equipment. Inspection reports also identify the required upgrades to reach modern safety standards.
If you’re interested in learning more about the inspection process, this latest post uncovers the multiple steps involved in comprehensive electrical safety inspections.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Needing an Electrical Inspection?
There are several circumstances in which the experts recommend an electrical inspection to maintain the safety of your current home circuitry. But remember, you can book a visitor from a local electrical inspector any time.
Your home is over 40 years old
If you have an older home with older-style aluminum wiring, prioritize booking an electrical inspection. Otherwise, new appliances may place excessive demand on your power supply, potentially causing a fire hazard.
You’ve installed a new home addition
If you made significant changes to the home, an electrical inspection helps ensure any changes to the wiring, outlets, and breakers are to code.
You’ve added a new power-intensive appliance to the home
Adding a large appliance to your home may impact the power balance in the rest of the property. Booking an inspection is a great way to check your capacity remains optimal with the new equipment in the home.
You’ve recently purchased the home or are trying to sell
A new home can hide many flaws. That’s why it’s recommended you book a home inspection before you move in.
However, if you’ve recently moved, booking an electrical inspection will give you the complete layout of the electrical system and allow you to decide on the next upgrade project. For those trying to sell the house, a fresh electrical inspector’s report is a valuable asset that shows the property’s exceptional potential to interested buyers.
What Does the Electrical Inspection Include?
Identifying potential electrical and fire safety hazards
One of the high-priority elements of the inspection process is checking for electrical safety hazards likely to cause injury or start a fire. Potential high-risk hazards include arc faults (where the electricity can leak and take an unplanned path resulting in high heat), ground faults (where the electrical charge connects with a person or exterior element), faulty appliances, and broken smoke or fire alarms.
Checking light bulbs for proper wattage
Your inspector will ensure you’re using the optimal wattage levels for efficient light bulb use, helping you cut down on everyday costs.
Checking the surge protection system
Inspectors will analyze your home surge protection to ensure you have a system to identify high power demand and then protect your connected circuitry and appliances.
Confirming the condition of switches and wall outlets
During the inspection, the electrician will ensure you have GFCIs in place and that your wall outlets provide the optimal power level for your appliances. They will also note any loose or malfunctioning light switches.
Reviewing the electrical panel
The electricians will check the electrical panels in your home for issues such as undersized wiring for breakers and fuses. They’ll also look for double-tapped connections and burnt wiring, which could indicate previous problems with power surges and overheating.
Ensuring correct wiring of smoke and carbon monoxide detection systems
Electricians can check the performance of home safety equipment and identify improper placement or maintenance.
Your Electrical Inspection Report
Once the inspector has written down their findings, they compile the data into an electrical report and provide it to you in the days after the inspection.
The report is a step-by-step guide to the electrical performance and safety improvements needed within your home. After you read it, you can call your electrician directly to fix the faults the inspector uncovered.
Book a Comprehensive Electrical Inspection with Custom Electrical Services
Custom Electrical Services is a leading electrical repair and installation company Central and Eastern Iowa homeowners. We take pride in our service work and understand the vital safety role we play in the lives of our clients. Begin 2023 with a focus on home electrical safety, and book your electrical safety inspection with Custom Electrical Services today.
