Like most homeowners, you probably don’t often think about your home’s electrical system. Unless something goes wrong. At that point, you have a costly repair to deal with. However, with a whole home electrical inspection, you can prevent unexpected and dangerous failures. 
Inspections are also important whenever you buy, sell or have a home built. They provide assurance that everything is functioning properly and constructed according to code.
When is an Electrical Inspection Required?
Electricians suggest having an inspection performed when:
- You purchase a new home
- You remodel your home
- Your home is more than 40 years old
- You are buying a large appliance
The inspection will ensure that the entire system is working right and meets the National Electric Code standards. It will also prevent electrical fires that put you and your family in danger.
Hundreds of injuries and deaths occur each year due to electrical issues. In the U.S., more than 45,210 home fires happened in the past four years. Many of the fires were caused by an electrical issue, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Electrical problems rank third on their list of top causes of fire.
Here are some things you should know about electrical inspection requirements and inspections:
The Three Kinds of Electrical Inspections
Electrical inspections involve many steps that focus on different aspects of the entire system. However, they generally include three main categories:
1. Rough-In Inspection
During this inspection, the electrician checks all conduits, wires, and electrical panels and boxes. They also ensure that all fire hazards are addressed.
2. Service Inspection
In this second stage of the inspection, a licensed electrician checks the main electrical panel. They make sure the panel is installed right and is grounded. If a panel is not grounded, electrical shock build-up is a risk.
3. Final Inspection
The inspector conducts various trial runs on the electrical system to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently. They look for common issues such as sliced wires or exposed wiring, ungrounded plugs or outlets, reversed polarity, and much more.
New systems are always inspected at installation. But things do go wrong, so it is wise to have your electrical system reviewed by professionals once a year.
What Does an Electrical Inspection Entail?
A professional electrical inspection gives you peace of mind that your family is safe in their home, but what does an electrical inspection entail? Overall, inspectors check for any potential electrical hazards that can put your family in danger.
Our team at Safe Electric will test and check your home’s electrical panels, including circuit breakers, wiring, and other components. We also test and visually inspect the home’s entire wiring system to ensure it is safe to use. The inspector also checks for fuses or breakers that may surge and overheat circuits.
We check outlets, light switches, and fixtures to ensure they are grounded and work properly. The inspection also includes making sure that the electrical system doesn’t have any code violations that must be resolved.
Home Electrical Inspection Checklist
You should have a professional inspection at least once a year. In the meantime, even if you have limited knowledge about electrical components, you can perform preventive maintenance occasionally. This maintenance will help you avoid common electrical inspection failures as well.
These are some things you can check for:
Light Switches and Outlets
- Do they work properly?
- Do plugs fit into outlets snugly?
- Are there any buzzing or popping sounds in switches or outlets?
- Is there a strange smell around outlets or switches?
Appliances
- Is there debris or dust on the back of your refrigerator?
- Are all appliances plugged into GFCI outlets?
- Are there any frayed, pinched, or damaged electrical cords?
- Are appliances plugged in when not in use?
Electrical Panel
- Does your panel list when it was last serviced?
- Are all circuit breakers labeled properly?
- Do breakers trip or blow fuses often?
- Is the proper amperage indicated for each circuit?
Also, if you detect a rotten egg or dead animal smell, it could signify plastic electrical components are burning. Contact Safe Electric in Columbus, OH for an electrical inspection if you have any concerns.
Home Electrical Inspection Near You
Are you looking for a home electrical inspection near you? Or, do you want to know more about what is involved in a home electrical inspection? If so, contact the experts at Safe Electric today. We will be happy to answer your questions and schedule an inspection for your home.