It’s important to schedule a wiring inspection to make sure your home’s wiring is up-to-date and safe. Whether you’ve just purchased a home, are having trouble with circuit breakers or simply can’t remember the last time you’ve had an inspection, a wiring inspection conducted by a licensed electrician will help keep your gadgets working well and your family safe.
If you’re buying a home, be aware that it’s unlikely that a home inspector will catch every possible malfunction. Because most of a home’s electrical system is located behind walls and in ceilings, home inspectors are unlikely to spot subtle signs of an electrical issue.
What to Expect
During a wiring inspection, the electrician will inspect the following components:
Meter Socket
Is it showing signs of damage and does it appear to be detaching from the wall?
Service Cables
Are there visible signs of fraying or other damage to the wires?
Grounding System
Is the system up to code and has it been installed correctly?
Main Electrical Panel
Does it look like the electrical panel is outdated or damaged? Are the circuits overloaded?
Breakers
Are the breakers mismatched or too large? Are there signs of overloading?
GFCI Outlets
Are there enough GFCI outlets installed and are they located in areas where running water is used? The electrician will perform a test to make sure they are functioning properly.
Wiring Hazards
Are there any exposed wires or other hazards, such as improperly used extension cords or overloaded power strips?
Surge Protection
Are devices and appliances protected with surge protectors? Does the home’s main panel have a surge protector?
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Do the batteries still work? Are the detectors located in correct locations around the home? Have they been updated recently? The electrician will also check to make sure the smoke detectors haven’t turned yellow. This is a sign that they are outdated.
During a wiring inspection, the electrician will also check to make sure the outdoor outlets are rated for outdoor use. In addition, we’ll check for red flags, such as knob-and-tube wiring. This is the biggest sign of an outdated electrical system.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a wiring inspection, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.