If you want to have some peace of mind when it comes to your electrical system, consider having a safety inspection completed. These inspections identify potential issues so that you can prevent dangerous situations and expensive repairs.
By addressing these risks, you can protect your property, ensure the safety of your loved ones, and gain peace of mind knowing that your electrical systems are functioning correctly. Let’s look at how these inspections work, why they are important, and how they can help you avoid serious hazards.
What Happens During an Electrical Safety Inspection?
This type of inspection is a thorough examination of a building’s electrical system. You will want to have this completed to make sure that everything is safe and functioning correctly. A licensed electrician always completes these inspections. They will assess the wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, and other electrical components to identify potential hazards or malfunctions.
Along with that, the electrician will inspect the connections, measure the electrical current, and assess the overall condition of the system. In all cases, they want to ensure compliance with local safety standards and regulations. If any issues pose a safety risk, they can provide recommendations for addressing them.
Why Are Electrical Safety Inspections Important?
Now that you know the basics of an inspection, why do you need to have them? There are many benefits to having them completed in your home. These include:
Prevent Electrical Fires
Unfortunately, electrical fires are one of the leading causes of home fires. They can start because of old wiring, overloaded circuits, or faulty electrical panels. With an inspection, the electrician can spot these problem areas. If they find them, they will suggest ways to fix the issue before it leads to a fire.
Find Faulty Wiring
Another problem in many homes is faulty wiring. Always hire a licensed electrician if you ever have any electrical work completed. In some situations, if the wiring system is not installed correctly, it can cause these problems in your home. Damaged and old wires can lead to short circuits and fires. An inspection with a trained professional will be able to spot any warning signs, such as loose connections and frayed wires.
Follow Electrical Codes
If you live in a town, city, or municipality with a building code, you need to follow them or face the possibility of fines. These codes make sure that electrical systems are safe. Often, they change over time to keep up with new safety standards. An electrical safety inspection checks that your property meets these codes. If it doesn’t, the electrician will recommend updates or repairs.
Make Electrical Components Last Longer
With regular use, electrical components wear out, especially in the wiring and outlets. When you have someone inspect these areas, you can catch the early signs of damage. Remember, if there are any problems, you will want to have them fixed right away. With that, you can save money on those costly repairs or replacements.
Save Energy and Money
While you will have to pay for an inspection, you will save money in the long run. A faulty electrical system can waste energy, leading to higher electricity bills. During an inspection, the electrician can provide suggestions that make your system more efficient, such as fixing overloaded circuits or suggesting energy-efficient upgrades. As a result, that can help lower your energy costs.
Common Electrical Hazards Found During Inspections
During an inspection, an electrician can discover many potentially deadly issues in your home. Some of the most common ones include:
Outdated Wiring
Sometimes, a home will have wiring that does not meet the current safety standards. Many older buildings have wiring not equipped to handle modern electrical needs. For example, homes built before the 1950s might have knob-and-tube wiring. This system is not safe for today’s appliances and devices. With an inspection, an electrician can identify outdated wiring and recommend safer options.
Faulty Electrical Panels
In all homes and businesses, the electrical panel controls the flow of electricity in your home. If installed incorrectly or too old, this component can cause problems like power surges or circuit overloads. During an inspection, the electrician checks the panel. This can ensure that it is working properly and can handle the electrical load of the building.
Damaged or Missing Insulation
Another important safety feature is the insulation around the wires. Without it, your wires can be exposed in the walls, which is a fire hazard. Over time, insulation can wear out or get damaged, increasing the risk of shocks or short circuits. A thorough inspection will find areas where it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Unsafe Outlets and Switches
In any home, you will use the switches and outlets to access the electricity. As you can imagine, these areas are the most likely to wear out. Also, if they are damaged, they can lead to shocks and fires. Some spaces, like the kitchen and bathroom, need specialized outlets to protect them from the heat and humidity. The electrician will examine all of these spaces for any issues. Sometimes, you may need to upgrade the outlet or switch to a safer option.
Overloaded Circuits
It can be easy to overload a circuit, and you might not even know it. This can happen when too many devices are connected to a single circuit. As a result, the circuit breaker trips, which can lead to overheating and fires. If the inspector spots this problem, they can suggest ways to spread the electrical load evenly.
Get an Inspection Completed for Your Home or Business
As you can tell, an electrical inspection is extremely important for your home or business. However, finding the right company for the job is even more vital to the process. You don’t want to choose anyone for the task. At Mister Sparky in Fort Myers, our licensed and trained electricians are here to make sure your building is safe. We will perform a full inspection and suggest if any components need replacing or repairing. Contact us today to set an appointment for your electrical needs.