Electrical standards change over time due to technology and new information. Having an electrical inspection every so often is a great idea to make sure your home and business are up to code. Read on to understand what an electrical inspection consists of and more.
When To Schedule an Inspection
There are a few necessary times when one should schedule an electrical inspection. Those times include the following:
- When purchasing a home
- When the home is 40 years old or older
- When you’re adding a new appliance
- When the house has a major renovation
What Is an Electrical Inspection?
An electrical inspection is just what the name implies: it’s a thorough examination of your home or business’s entire electrical system. The National Electric Code, or NEC, is the code all electricians operate under when providing tests, and it defines the parameters for minimum standards across the United States. It certifies all wires, systems, and components meet legal safety standards.
Electrical Inspection Types
There are different types of electrical inspections, and most fall under these three categories.
- Rough Inspection: A rough inspection is where the electrician will inspect wires, conduits, and electrical panels and boxes. An inspector is going to make sure all cables are intact. They will also make certain to eliminate all fire hazards around conduits and electrical panels. This type of inspection usually happens during the wiring and installation process.
- Service inspection: A service inspection is when a licensed inspector will observe the electrical service panel to ensure that the panel is installed correctly. They will also check that the service panel was correctly grounded.
- Final Inspection: During the final inspection, the breakers will be placed or inspected to ensure a properly functioning electrical system. The inspector may run a few trials to test the system.
- Visual Safety Inspection: With every residential service call, we perform a 10-point visual safety inspection.
What the Inspector Will Be Doing
Here’s a bit of what you can inspect when the inspector shows up for the inspection.
- Inspect the wall wiring for damages or signs of overheating, which could lead to insulation fires.
- Test your electrical panel to make sure it’s not overloaded and none of the breaker switches are worn out.
- Test every GFCI or AFCI circuit in your home.
- Check your smoke alarms to make sure they’re still in working order.
Now that you understand what an electrical inspection consists of, give Clinton Electric in Timonium, MD, if you’re looking for an honorary electrical inspection company.