Have you been instructed to conduct an electrical inspection on your home or business? When selling a property, applying for insurance, or scheduling needed renovations, you might be asked to have your property’s electrical system inspected for regulation compliance and safety. Professionals will come to do the inspection, but what should property owners in Sarasota know before the inspection is conducted? Today, we will discuss what electrical inspections are, when they might be required, and how you can help make the process as smooth as possible.
Electrical Inspections
Electrical inspections are required in a wide range of scenarios. Prospective buyers want to know that their new home is up to code and safe before moving. Insurance companies want to ensure the house they insure will not likely catch fire soon. A homeowner might need to figure out why their breaker keeps tripping. Basic electrical inspections will check that all wires and outlets are safe and inspect the quality of installed electrical system components like circuit breakers and meters.
Upon the completion of the inspection, you will receive a report detailing any deficiencies or needed upgrades on the property. If you pass with flying colors, you can show this report to any interested third parties, like insurance companies.
Before The Inspection
Passing a home inspection the first time can simplify the process, as you do not have to pay for a second inspection following repairs. Let’s talk about some common problem areas in electrical inspections that you can address before the inspector makes their report. As always, hiring an electrician to conduct electrical repairs and upgrades is recommended to ensure the job is done correctly, up to code, and in a safe manner.
Bathrooms and Kitchens – Someone conducting an electrical inspection will undoubtedly check to ensure that GFCI outlets, which protect against electrical shocks due to water coming into contact with powered devices, are installed in necessary areas. These areas are most commonly bathrooms, kitchens, and workshops. Many appliances in these areas draw an excessive amount of power from outlets, so the inspection will inspect the outlets and ensure they are in working order. When using things like hair dryers, rice cookers, lamps, and other related appliances on a countertop, make sure to spread their power usage out to multiple outlets if possible. Having two plugged into the same outlet can be dangerous. If you don’t have enough outlets, it’s a good idea to have another one installed.
Wires – An old, unused outlet or wall plug might seem harmless, but lingering faulty wires are a significant fire hazard. An electrician can upgrade, remove, or reinstall wiring in old outlets to ensure your inspector does not mark you down as at-risk for house fires. Hot or buzzing outlets are an early indicator that something is wrong.
Electrical System Degradation – It is not uncommon for old houses to have dusty circuit breakers tucked into the corner of a garage. Corrosion, water damage, or physical damage to electrical panels can limit your ability to address electrical emergencies when they occur. An inspector will note whether or not these aspects of the electrical system are up to date, regardless of the safety of the rest of the system.
Whether you want to sell your house or gain peace of mind for yourself and your family, an electrical inspection is a fantastic way to get an overall sense of your property’s electrical safety. Promise Electric provides professional electrical services with exceptional customer service. Call today to discover why so many Sarasota home and business owners trust us with their electrical projects and installations. (Did you hear? Promise Electric is also a Tesla-approved partner for installing EV charging stations at home!)
