When you sell your home, there will be an inspection required. Part of that inspection will include checking the electrical components of the house to ensure they all meet local code and safety requirements.
Even if you don’t plan to put your home on the market in the foreseeable future, it’s a good idea to have your electrical system checked and upgraded as needed. There could be elements that are fire hazards and putting your property and family in danger.
The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends that homeowners make an appointment for an electrical home inspection at these times:
- When purchasing a home
- When a home is 40 years or older
- When adding an appliance
- When a home has had a major renovation
- When a lender requires it for refinancing your home
What Electrical Inspections Include
All electrical components must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC). This is the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards.
A comprehensive electrical inspection may involve the following:
- Determining any electrical hazards
- Checking for uncovered permanent wiring.
- Checking for any exposed wires
- Checking for outdated wiring
- Testing safety switches
- Examining the power box
- Checking safety switches
- Testing power points and lighting
- Evaluating the level of electrical service
- Assessing whether the home includes any DIY wiring
- Noting the location of smoke alarms and testing them
- Scanning for any electrical items that don’t comply with current government regulations
Common Electrical Issues that Require Remediation
There are certain issues when, if uncovered during an electrical inspection, that must be fixed in order to pass inspection or ensure your safety.
- Wiring
- Wires that are exposed or spliced together and not in a junction box
- The junction box is not covered.
- Worn, hot, or defective wiring
- Knob-and-tube wiring (uses no grounding or fault protection)
- Outlets
- Three-prong plugs that are ungrounded
- Paint in an outlet’s slots
- Reversed polarity (slots have been mixed up)
- Circuit Breakers
- Double tapping (more than one hot wire connects to a single circuit breaker)
- No GFCI protection (reduces chance of electric shock in areas where they could come in contact with liquids)
- Electrical Panels
- Panels were improperly modified
- Missing knockouts
- Federal Pacific breaker panels (tests show that one in four is defective)
- More than one neutral wire in a slot
Hire an Experienced Electrician for Your Home Inspection
Preventive measures are always recommended when it comes to electrical systems. Any of the above issues could put you, your family, and your property at risk of injury or fire damage.
Whether you’re planning to sell your home, do extensive remodeling, or want to ensure your safety, hire a licensed electrician. Working with electricity is not a good candidate for a do-it-yourself project. Unlike some other home projects, it can be dangerous and put you at risk of injury, even death, from electrical shock.
Pallardy Electric has the expertise and equipment to thoroughly inspect your home’s electrical system. We can also repair or replace any components that are faulty or not up to code. Call us first before you hire a home inspector. We’ll make sure your electrical system will pass their scrutiny. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is safer.
Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive home electrical inspection today.