Electrical Inspections For Safety In Older Homes
Faulty wiring is the biggest cause of house fires in the United States, and this is most prevalent in homes with old wiring. Identifying and addressing electrical safety issues is an important part of home maintenance. A professional electrical safety inspection should be done to provide you with a detailed checklist of prioritized repairs and upgrades that the inspector recommends for your home.
Whether you have an old home, new home, or home addition, an electrical safety inspection can be done by your local electrician to help prevent fires and other dangers. Here’s the why and when you need to get an electrical safety inspection.
Why You Need Electrical Safety Inspections
The purpose of an electrical safety inspection is to ensure the safe operation of your home’s wiring, electrical panel, outlets, lights, and other components. Since most of the electrical system is behind walls or out of sight, an inspection is a vital part of home safety.
Anything can happen at any time including overloaded and overheated wiring, oversized breakers, or old wiring that has damaged insulation. Even past electrical repairs should be inspected for mistakes. In general, there’s no good reason not to have an electrical safety inspection.
When To Get An Electrical Safety Inspection
An electrical safety inspection should be done anytime you are concerned about the safety or function of your outlets, lights, or other components. Additionally, get an electrical safety inspection when:
- If you are buying or selling a home.
- If your home is 20 years old or older.
- If you plan to add an appliance to the mix.
- Anytime to check on past electrical repairs.
- Every five years if you rent out your home to tenants.
- Every seven to ten years if you live in your home.
- When the electrical system has been through changes of any kind.
What An Electrical Safety Inspection Covers
An electrical safety inspection involves testing and a visual inspection of the wiring, connections, breakers, electrical load, and other components of your electrical system. You will receive a detailed report from the inspector which lists any problems that need to be addressed. The process covers the safety of all the components of your home’s electrical system with these basics covered.
- Damaged or outdated wiring
- Up to code electrical service panel (main breaker box)
- Grounding system components
- Arc fault circuit interrupters
- Electrocution or shock hazards
- Wall outlets and switches
- Circuit loads
- Lighting
- Carbon monoxide/smoke detectors
- GFI outlets – operation & location
Our San Francisco electricians at Brookline Electric want everyone to have a safe and happy home. Don’t put your electrical safety inspection off for another day, schedule one with your local electrician today. For homeowners in San Francisco, contact us today.
