When Do You Need an Electrical Inspection

Why is it important to get an electrical inspection and testing?

Electricity is something everyone utilizes every day. As time goes by, there could be some damages to the components or the whole system may not be working efficiently anymore. Periodic inspections are necessary to make sure that no one in your home will get an electric shock, that none of the wirings is damaged, that your home has complied with the state regulations, and that there is no risk of a fire happening anytime soon.

It’s important to only get certified electricians to do the inspection. You want to get an accurate diagnosis, and only professionals can do that.

When will you need to have your home undergo an electrical inspection?

Proper maintenance is essential to keep the whole system running smoothly. Consider getting a professional electrical inspection if

Your house is over 25 years old or had a renovation

We cannot deny how expensive the whole system cost cost, if more than 25. years have passed since then, there will be wear and tear. Aside from the higher risk of damaged wirings and the like, some of the technology used might already be obsolete. If you’re quite the DIY expert, you might have also done some changes to your house over the years. To ensure that it is safe, do get an electrician first to test.

You are moving to a new home

You may actually do this before you commit to buying or renting a new house. Certified electricians are very helpful in spotting any potential issue that you may not notice at all. But don’t stop at an initial inspection. Do consider getting an electrical inspection every few years so that you are a step ahead of any problem that may arise in the future.

Before and after a storm

You don’t have to get an inspection every time you get the news that a storm is going to your location. But a major storm can cause damage, and you want to be assured that your home and appliances will be safe. You want to do this before and after a storm. The latter is important especially if your house was flooded.

If you have noticed some problems like flickering lights

If you have not had an electrical inspection in a while, your system may already be compromised and will need a professional to fix it. Some of the signs to look out for include flickering lights, sparking, or your circuit breakers tripping more often than usual. All these are signs that your electrical panel may need some repairs or even an upgrade.

How often should you get a home electrical inspection?

There is no one answer to this question as it can depend on the type of property you have. Some newer homes may only require an inspection every few years or so. But those that have deteriorated due to age may require a yearly inspection. It would be better to schedule an inspection first with a certified electrician. Once they give you their assessment of your property’s electrical system, they can also give advice to you on when you should schedule your next electrical inspection.

What are the tests that must be done during an electrical inspection?

When conducting a test, professional electricians will most likely do any of the following tests:

Testing your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Attesting the proper wattage for your lighting
Looking for any potential electrical hazards such as exposed wires or outdated wiring
Checking if there are electrical items that violate the state's regulations

These are just some of the things that happen during an electrical inspection. Your electrician will take a look around the house and look for red flags that may lead to any issue in the future. Of course, aside from pointing out these hazards, they will also give you options on how they can be dealt with properly. If maintained properly, your property might not even need any maintenance work done. But be sure to still get your report for documentation.

Home Electrical Safety Inspection Checklist:

The cost of getting an EICR or electrical installation condition report can depend on how big your property is.

Now that you know how important it is to have an electrical inspection, don’t hesitate to schedule one with a certified electrician.

Phase 1 Electric Services can help you maintain an efficient electrical system in your home. Don’t wait until you are experiencing electrical problems before you call us. We can give you a free quote so that you will have an idea of how much it will cost you.