As a homeowner, prioritizing your property’s safety and maintenance is crucial. One aspect that often gets overlooked is regularly inspecting your electrical system. With our heavy reliance on electricity in our daily lives, ensuring its proper functioning is essential for safety and convenience.
Many people wonder when it’s the right time to schedule an electrical inspection. There is no one answer, but it all depends on various factors discussed in this article.
Understanding a Residential Electrical Inspection
A residential electrical inspection involves thoroughly examining all components related to electricity in your home, including wiring, light fixtures, grounding systems, outlets, switches, circuit breakers, fuses, and main electrical panels.
The main aim of residential electrical inspections is to promptly identify and fix potential hazards, thus preventing accidents and promoting peace of mind.
When Do You Need an Electrical Inspection?
Many homeowners wonder how often they should schedule an electrical inspection. The general recommendation is every three to five years for homes over five years old. However, there are other instances where an inspection may be necessary.
An Old House
If you live in an older home (20+ years), it’s best to have more frequent inspections, preferably annually, as wear and tear can cause the electrical system to deteriorate over time. It’s also important to note that most old homes have outdated components, such as aluminum wiring and older electric panels, which do not meet the current safety standards.
High Energy Consumption
If you notice a significant increase in your energy bills without any changes in usage habits or appliances, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your electrical system.
Alternatively, you have added electrical appliances that require heavy energy in your home. In that case, you must schedule an electrical inspection with an electrician.
Opt for any decent local electricians. For example, if you live in Nashville, you need to find an electrician near Nashville, TN. Check reviews and find an experienced one who can check where your current electrical setup can accommodate the ongoing energy load.
Post Renovations
Any major renovations or additions to your home require an electrical inspection to ensure everything is done correctly and safely.
This is especially true if the upgrades were done in areas that may affect the wiring. Schedule an inspection with a certified electrician to ensure you comply with the safety standards.
Purchased a New Home
Before moving into a new house, you must schedule an electrical inspection with a licensed electrician. In the same way you would schedule an inspection with a building inspector, you must also schedule an electrical inspection with a licensed electrician.
They will help check the entire electrical system and ensure your new house is free of electrical hazards like fires or electrocution.
They will also ensure that the electrical setup can handle the energy load needed to keep your home running without causing any damage to appliances. This will give you peace of mind, knowing everything is up-to-date and safe before settling in.
Made Changes in Your Electrical System
With technological advancement, you’ll inevitably want to update your home by installing intelligent systems, such as automatic lighting or an upgraded HVAC system.
Given the extra load, you must schedule an inspection to ensure everything is correctly integrated into your electrical system and working seamlessly.
Signs That Your House Needs Electrical Inspection
Aside from the recommended timeframes, there are also warning signs that indicate your home needs an inspection. These include:
- Flickering light usually happens when your house’s wiring system is unstable or old, thus impairing electricity flow between the main power supply and fixtures. Your electrician can quickly fix this problem.
- Frequent tripped circuit breakers: The circuit breakers in your home help protect your appliances from power surges. They are essential during storms, but when your circuit breaker trips often, it’s a sign that something is wrong. It can be due to an overload or damaged wires, which can cause electrical fires or damage to appliances. If this happens, schedule an inspection promptly to avoid accidents.
- Burning smells or sparks from outlets or switches indicate that something is wrong with your electrical system or that the outlets or switches were overloaded. Outlets should be inspected every three years to ensure they are functioning correctly and up to date with safety standards.
Critical Components of an Electrical Inspection
During an electrical inspection, a licensed electrician will focus on specific areas to ensure the safety and efficiency of your system.
Examine the Indoor and Outdoor Electrical System
The outdoor electrical system includes exterior outlets, lighting fixtures, and other outdoor equipment. The electrician will check for damage caused by weather elements and ensure everything is grounded correctly.
You must also check all the indoor electrical components, such as outlets, switches, wiring, and cables.
Examine the Power Box
The power box (or panel) is where all the electricity in your home originates. The electrician will inspect it for loose connections or damaged components that could cause fire hazards or power outages. You must also ensure the power box is located at a safe height, usually 15 inches above the floor.
Check for Uncovered and Outdated Wiring
Exposed wiring poses a significant risk of electrocution and fire hazards. During an inspection, all wiring will be checked for proper insulation and covering. If a house is using outdated wiring, such as aluminum, you must recommend changing the entire wiring.
Test Safety Switches and Grounding System
Safety switches protect against electrical shocks by detecting faults in appliances or circuits. They need to be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly. Additionally, checking the grounding system ensures there are no risks of electrocution.
Ensure Your Electrical Systems Comply With Safety Standards
Throughout the inspection process, the electrician will also verify that your electrical systems comply with current safety standards set by authorities such as the National Electric Code (NEC).
Surge Protection
Ensure the house hash isolates ground receptacles to help prevent interference and power fluctuations. This prevents damage to appliances.
Final Thoughts
An electrical inspection is a crucial aspect of home maintenance that should never be skipped. By following the recommended timeframes and being aware of warning signs, you can ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system at all times.
Contact Bates Electric today to schedule an inspection and have peace of mind knowing your home’s electrical system is in good working condition.
Article by Community Writer.