Home electrical inspections are performed by a licensed master electrician to ensure the home’s electrical system is up to code.
This is different from the general inspection often performed when purchasing a home or an inspection done during the construction process. It is recommended to have an electrical inspection performed every 5 to 7 years.
Just like your car, the electrical system in your home requires periodic maintenance and should be inspected to assure the safety of your family. Preventative maintenance is essential for your electrical equipment to work correctly and to avoid any future issues. A licensed electrician will perform both interior and exterior checks of your electrical system.
Here are the standard checkpoints of an electrical inspection.
Service Line & Meter
During the inspection, a technician will assure that the service line entering the home is properly secured and clear.
Electrical Panel
The electrical panel will be examined – this includes checking if the breakers are properly sized and if there is any possible corrosion or the potential for overheating. Also, your technician will make sure that the breakers are not overloaded.
GFCI and AFCI circuit protection
Proper placement and correct function of you GFCI outlets will be tested. An inspector will make sure they’re wired correctly and will test them to make sure they’re working properly.
Other outlets and switches
Your technician will check for any visible signs of problems with your outlets and light switches. A loose outlet can be problematic and eventually pull out of the wall.
Surge protection
If your house has many electronic devices such as TVs, computers and other equipment, the inspector may recommend installing a whole house surge protection. This will prevent the damage to many sensitive electronics in an event of a power surge.
During the inspection, your electrician will provide you with a summary and next steps as far as fixing any issues that were discovered.
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at Westphal Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!
