The electrical system is something many people rarely think about unless there’s an electrical problem. However, your electrical system is made up of many wires and circuits that can become outdated or damaged. Some of these issues can result in power failures or expensive repairs. To avoid emergency electrical situations, it’s a good idea to schedule regular electrical safety inspections. Besides keeping your system up-to-date, these inspections can also help identify hazards.
What Is an Electrical Safety Inspection?
An electrical safety inspection is a thorough checkup of the electrical system in your home. During an inspection, electricians look for anything amiss, such as faulty wiring or outdated components. They also ensure that your electrical system is up to code. Electrical safety inspections are especially important for old homes or homes that have been recently renovated, but they can benefit all homeowners.
What Kinds of Hazards Can an Electrical Safety Inspection Identify?
While the main purpose of an electrical safety inspection is to ensure your system is functioning effectively, it can also identify hazards. Here are some hazards that a safety inspection can uncover.
Faulty Wiring
There are many reasons you may have faulty wiring. Faulty wiring can be due to old age, for instance. If you live in an old home and electricians haven’t inspected your system in decades, your wires may have suffered years of wear and tear. In addition, some wires may be damaged or frayed after years of use. In other cases, faulty wiring can be due to poor DIY work where someone in the home attempted to fix a nagging electrical problem. Our electricians at Mister Sparky can identify the wires that need to be replaced before you suffer a power failure, a power surge, or even an electrical fire.
Outdated Materials
Electrical codes are constantly updated. If you live in an older home, you may be using electrical components that are no longer safe or particularly effective. Older homes use aluminum wiring, for example, which can lead to overheating. Our electricians will inspect your electrical system and offer options to upgrade any components that are outdated or represent code violations.
Overloaded Circuits
An overloaded circuit happens when too many devices are drawing power from a single circuit. This can lead to tripped breakers, overheating, and electrical fires. During an electrical safety inspection, our electricians inspect each circuit in your home to ensure it’s not exceeding its limits. In the event there is an overloaded circuit, we offer solutions, such as adding a new circuit or spreading out your electrical load. Furthermore, if you’re thinking about adding a home office, our electricians can ensure your new office doesn’t cause an electrical overload either.
What Do Electricians Do During an Electrical Safety Inspection?
When you schedule an electrical safety inspection with our team, a licensed electrician will come to your home and perform a thorough visual audit. Here are some of the tasks involved:
Check the Electrical Panel
Electricians always check the electrical panel to see if there’s any wear and tear, corrosion, loose wires, or overloaded circuits.
Examine All Wiring
Next, they will look at all the wiring in your home to see if there are any damaged or frayed wires, old wires, or outdated wires. They also ensure all outlets are properly grounded.
Check for Overloaded Circuits
Electricians will inspect each circuit to ensure it’s not handling too much power. Talk to our team if you experience flickering lights or tripped breakers.
Inspect Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
In areas where there’s a lot of water, like the laundry room, kitchen, and bathrooms, electricians ensure the GFCIs are functioning correctly. GFCIs help prevent electric shocks by turning off your power if they detect an imbalance in the current.
Ensure Safety Code Compliance
Electricians also make sure your home meets the latest safety codes. Checks include ensuring the correct circuit breaker sizes and ensuring your home has proper grounding.
Points Out Outdated Materials
If you have outdated materials, electricians will typically make a note of it and offer replacement options so you can update components to ones that are safer and more energy-efficient.
Provide a Detailed Report
Electricians will then provide you with a detailed report of their findings. This will include any hazards they find.
Additional Benefits of Getting an Electrical Safety Inspection
Besides identifying hazards, there are additional benefits to scheduling regular electrical safety inspections. These include:
Extends the Life of Your Electrical System
By replacing worn-out parts, catching issues early, and replacing outdated components, electricians can help extend the life of your electrical system.
Improves Energy Efficiency
An inefficient electrical system will strain your system, causing higher electricity bills. By replacing damaged or old parts, electricians can help your system run smoother, thereby reducing your energy bills.
Protects Electronics and Appliances
An overloaded circuit or damaged electrical panel can cause a power surge, which can – in turn – fry any devices or appliances plugged in at the time. Regular inspections can ensure your system is efficient enough to handle all your appliances and electronics.
Peace of Mind
Lastly, having regular inspections gives you peace of mind that you are well-protected in your home for years to come.
Mister Sparky
Electrical fires happen far more frequently than people imagine. When it’s time to protect your Daytona, FL home, our electricians at Mister Sparky can help. Our affordable electrical safety inspections can identify hidden hazards and place a shield of protection around your home. If your home is older than 20 years, we recommend getting an inspection every 1-3 years. If your home is newer than 20 years, we recommend getting an inspection every 3-5 years.
We have over 30 years of experience in the electrical industry, and our licensed electricians can identify issues before they become costly repairs. Contact us today to schedule an electrical safety inspection.