When most people think of an electrical inspection, they tend to think only of a home that is on the market or a home that has existing electrical issues. The truth is, though, that even a healthy electrical system should be periodically inspected.
Just as a mechanic would inspect your car for functionality and safety measures, an electrician can do the same for your home’s electrical system. Having a good idea of the age and condition of your home’s electrical system can help save a lot of time and money down the road. Part of making sure the electrical needs of your home are being met is scheduling regular electrical inspections.
What is an Electrical Inspection?
It goes without saying that the electrical system is one of the most critical elements of any home. It’s also one of the most dangerous systems of the home, particularly if there are defects that go uncorrected.
The job of an electrician during an electrical home inspection is primarily to find and note any electrical system defects. An electrical home inspection provides a thorough examination of your entire electrical system, ensuring that all electrical wires, components, and systems meet legal safety standards.
What is Included in an Electrical Inspection?
During your home’s electrical inspection, the electrician will inspect components both inside and outside the home. Some of the things an electrical home inspection from Grounded Solutions may cover are the following:
- Remove panel cover
- Check termination on all wires in panel
- Check buss bar for damage, discoloration, or burn marks
- Check grounding system (two points of ground)
- Check wires in panel
- Check breakers to wire sizing
- Check random electrical outlets using plug tester
- Remove two outlets randomly to check for wiring method
- Check GFIs using plug tester
- Check for GFIs in all code required places (garage, unfinished basements, bathroom, kitchen, etc)
- Check all switches manually
- Check smoke detector operation
- Check smoke detectors locations to meet code (every bedroom, hallway outside of bedrooms, every floor)
- Check grounding on dryer, range
- Answer any questions or concerns you may have
Upon completion of your electrical home inspection with Grounded Solutions, your electrician will provide a detailed, prioritized checklist including areas in need of immediate attention, recommendations for improvements, and upgrade possibilities. If the home is being inspected as part of a sale, a Grounded Solutions electrician will be available to meet with both the buyers and sellers to review their findings and suggest improvements.
When is an Electrical Inspection Needed?
Just as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the same goes for an electrical inspection. The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends electrical home inspections:
• Upon buying a home.
• When a home is older than 40 years.
• When adding a major appliance.
• After a home has undergone a major renovation.
An electrical home inspection is important for the safety of your home and can give you peace of mind. Whether you are buying or selling a home, or just need confirmation that your home’s electrical system is functioning properly, talk to a licensed electrician at Grounded Solutions today.
