It’s easy to take electricity for granted until it is not working. Once the lights go out, you’ll quickly realize how much of an effect this invisible force has on almost everything in your home. You can’t watch television, your food is subject to spoilage, your HVAC won’t work, and you can’t charge your phones.
An electrical contractor near you can help with any issues your home is experiencing.
Since almost everything in your home depends on the energy surging through wires hidden behind walls in your home, it is critical to get regular electrical inspections to ensure your electricity is safe and working correctly. Keep reading to learn more about this type of inspection and what to expect.
What Is an Electricity Inspection?
According to a recent National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report, “Electrical failures or malfunctions were the second leading cause of electrical home fires in 2015–2019, accounting for 13% of home structure fires.” With such a high risk of unintentional fires starting with electricity, it is crucial to get an electricity inspection regularly.
An electricity inspection is an in-depth process in which an electrical inspector comes to your home to check the safety and functionality of your electrical systems. The electrician performs thorough checks to ensure that there are no code violations, that the passage of electricity through outlets in your home is safe, and that there are no potential hidden hazards with your electrical components.
Why You Need an Electrical Inspection
An electrical inspection is necessary to keep your family and your home safe. An enormous amount of power surges through your home at any given time. If your wiring isn’t properly configured, this could result in electrical fires or electrocution.
Regular inspections help minimize electrical emergencies, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve and increasing the value of your home.
What an Electrical Inspection Costs
Unless your local electricity company offers a special discount or a freebie for inspection, you can need to check with a licensed electrical contractor for a price, but they are usually a few hundred dollars more or less.
The size of your home may drive up your inspection costs by a few hundred dollars. Also, the type of inspection could tack on a few more hundred dollars. For instance, if you need a full-scale inspection complete with thermal imaging to check for hotspots that could cause a fire, you could pay an additional $100 to $200 more than a standard inspection. Your home’s age may also factor into the final costs.
An electrician may charge a flat rate or by the hour. When scheduling an inspection, providing details about your home will allow the contractor to give an accurate cost estimate before performing the inspection.
What an Electrician Will be Checking For
What an electrician checks on depends on the type of inspection you request. A standard inspection will likely involve a basic check of the circuit breaker, wiring, and outlets. A more comprehensive inspection will check all electrical connections, major appliances, and the condition of the electrical service entrance on the home’s exterior.
An electrician may have an electrical inspection list that includes various checks, including but not limited to checking grounding systems, verifying that the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is working properly, and ensuring that the surge system is present.
If serious problems are detected, an electrician may also check the wiring in your attic or crawlspace for damage, rust, or wear. If you have outdoor electrical components, such as a hot tub or an outdoor kitchen, they will also check to make sure these are safe and up to code.
After an inspection, the qualified electrician will provide you with an inspection report that includes all the potential hazards to the home’s electrical components. The report may also include an estimate on repairs or upgrades that will minimize electrical failures that could jeopardize your family’s and your home’s safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electrical inspection only necessary during a home inspection when I’m selling my home?
No. Although this may be the most common time to get your electrical wiring checked, this shouldn’t be the only time. It is ideal to get an electrical inspection every three to five years in a newer home and every two to three years in an older home.
Can I do an electrical inspection myself?
You can do some DIY electrical inspections to ensure your home is safe. For instance, you can check your fuse box for loose wires or signs of charring. You can also check around your house for evidence of loose light fixtures or light switches that aren’t working correctly.
If you have smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors that are hardwired, you can perform a test to see if they are working correctly.
Although you can perform these minor visual inspections yourself, it is best if you get the help of a professional electrician who will perform a more in-depth inspection. An electrician will be able to tell if you’re in any imminent danger and will recommend fixes as necessary.
How can I prepare for an electrical inspection?
The best way to prepare for an electrical inspection is to ensure that nothing is blocking your fuse box or electrical outlets. This will allow the electrician to inspect smoothly without moving your furniture. Also, an adult should be at home to let the contractor access the house’s interior and receive any findings and recommendations after the inspection.
Does getting an inspection help me save on my energy bill?
Yes, an electrical inspection can help you save on your energy bill. A licensed electrician will recommend fixes to issues causing overuse of energy, including inefficient lighting and dated appliances. Once you fix the problems they discover, you may see a significant reduction in the cost of your energy bill.
Would you like one of our licensed electrical contractors to assess the safety of your electrical system? Call Bratcher Electric in Wayne today to schedule an appointment and get an estimate on our top-rated electrical services.