What do you do when your breaker panel is acting funny? You waste no moment to call an electrician. A breaker panel acting funny is an electrical issue you can see, but what about those electrical issues that you don’t see or notice until it is a much bigger problem?
This is where electrical safety inspections come in. An electrical safety inspection is exactly what it sounds like. It is carried out by a professional and licensed electrician to determine the status of your electrical system and if they meet legal requirements. The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the code that governs all electricians. It defines the minimum standards for an electrical system across the United States. The professional electrician will carry out a safety inspection with this code as a guide. After the inspection you will receive a detailed report that shows recommendations for improvement, areas in need of quick attention, and areas that can be upgraded for better performance. Such inspections are to be carried out periodically, so nothing goes undetected.
An electrical safety inspection will identify if;
- Any electrical components and wiring have degraded over time
- Any electrical circuits are overloaded
- There are potential shock risks
- There is a lack of earthing
- There are oversized fuses or breakers that seem like a potential fire hazard
- There is defective wiring or mistakes made by unqualified electricians or DIY homeowners.
The primary importance of an electrical safety inspection is to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. It also allows you to enjoy a fully functioning and efficient updated electrical system.
You should schedule an inspection when;
- Purchasing a new home
- Your home has undergone renovation or remodeling projects
- Your home is an old home (40 years or older)
- Adding a new appliance
- It’s been a few months since your last inspection
An electrical safety inspection includes a lot of things, which is why it requires a professional, licensed, and experienced electrician. The following are involved with an electrical safety inspection;
- Verifying light bulb wattage
- Identifying shock or electrocution hazards
- Checking the condition and operation of switch and wall outlets
- Verifying the smooth operation of arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)
- A prioritized report on all areas needing attention in the home
- Confirmation of grounding systems
- Checking all safety and security lighting
- Testing of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and verifying their proper placement
- Validation of appropriate surge protection
- Examining the outdoor electrical system
- Examining the electrical panel for appropriate labels, amps, and operation
Electrical safety inspections also offer other benefits aside your protection and a reliable electrical system. These benefits include;
- Save the cost of repairs or replacement by finding issues on time
- Recognizing outdated wiring such as aluminum or knob-and-tube
- Save energy and reduce costs
- Helps you meet insurance risk assessment inspections requirements
Schedule an inspection today with Captain Electric.