Should I Have My Electrical Wiring Inspected?

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Find Out How Often to Have Your Electrical Wiring Inspected

Most homeowners don’t pay that much attention to their home’s electrical system. But they should because neglecting it can result in perfectly preventable safety hazards. One of the most important things you should do concerning your electrical system is to have a qualified electrician perform an electrical wiring inspection.

By having your wiring system inspected regularly, you can reduce the chances of electrical risks like fires and burns due to faulty wiring, overloading circuits, and more. With that said, this blog is here to help you understand the importance of electrical wiring inspection, look for signs when it’s necessary, and how often it should be done.

Why Do an Electrical Wiring Inspection?

If you’re wondering why you should have your electrical wiring inspected regularly, it has to do with ensuring the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system. Some of the particular reasons why electrical wiring inspection is necessary include the following:

Safety

Faulty electrical wiring can cause fires, electrical shocks, and other hazards that can endanger people’s lives. An inspection can identify potential safety hazards, such as outdated or damaged wiring, and address them before they become problematic.

Compliance with Codes and Regulations

Electrical systems must meet specific codes and regulations to ensure they are safe and functional. An inspection can identify any violations of these codes and regulations, as well as the necessary corrections that can be made to bring the system up to code.

Our resident home repair guru, John Turpin, provides useful info on electrical wiring inspections including common issues and handy solutions and tips.

Identifying Electrical Problems

An electrical wiring inspection can identify any electrical problems, such as loose connections and overloaded circuits that may be affecting the performance and reliability of the electrical system. Addressing these issues can prevent future breakdowns and costly repairs.

Energy Efficiency

Outdated or inefficient electrical systems can waste energy and increase the cost of your utility bills. An inspection can identify opportunities to upgrade to more energy-efficient systems or components that can save money and reduce environmental impact.

Signs Your Electrical Wiring Needs Inspection

How do you know that your electrical wiring needs inspection soon? Take note of the following signs, and you’ll know when to perform an electrical wiring inspection.

Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping

A circuit breaker is designed to trip when the electrical circuit it’s protecting is overloaded or if there’s a fault in the wiring. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s a sign of an issue with your electrical wiring. It would be best if you had it inspected by a qualified electrician.

Buzzing or Humming Sounds

Buzzing or humming sounds from your electrical system can be caused by loose connections, damaged wiring, or other electrical issues. These sounds can be a warning sign of a potentially serious problem and should be inspected by a qualified electrician immediately.

Burning Smells

A burning smell from your electrical system is a serious warning sign of an electrical fire. If you smell burning, turn off your electrical system immediately and call an electrician. Ignoring the warning sign can lead to serious safety hazards, such as electrical fires and shocks.

Hot or Discolored Outlets or Switches

Outlets or switches that are hot to the touch or discolored can indicate an electrical issue. Hot or discolored outlets or switches may have been caused by damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, or other electrical problems that a qualified electrician can fix.

Old or Outdated Wiring

Older wiring can deteriorate over time and may not meet current safety standards or electrical code requirements. If your home is over 40 years old and has never had an electrical inspection or upgrade, it’s a good idea to inspect its wiring.

Shocking or Tingling Sensations

If you feel a shocking or tingling sensation when you touch an outlet or electrical device, it’s a sign of an electrical issue. This can be caused by faulty wiring or other electrical problems and should be inspected as soon as possible, or it can lead to serious safety hazards.

If you notice any of the signs above, maybe you should call a licensed electrician to schedule an electrical wiring inspection as soon as possible.

What Happens During an Electrical Wiring Inspection?

The electrician will thoroughly examine your home’s electrical system during a wiring inspection. The inspection will typically include the following steps:

Visual Inspection

The electrician will examine all visible components of your electrical system, such as the switches, outlets, and wiring. This is to identify any obvious issues or safety hazards.

Testing

The electrician will use specialized equipment to test all parts of the electrical system, from the outlets to the circuit breakers. Testing ensures that these components are functioning properly.

Panel Inspection

The next step involves inspecting the electrical panel. With this, the electrician can ensure that the panel is properly grounded and that there are no loose or damaged wires.

Wiring Inspection

Following the panel inspection, the electrician performs a wiring inspection. They will inspect the wiring in the walls, attic, and crawl space to identify any issues that may pose a safety hazard.

Code Compliance

The electrician also checks the electrical system for compliance with local building codes and regulations. This helps minimize safety hazards, such as shocks and fires.

Report

After the inspection, the electrician provides a detailed report of their findings, including any necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure the electrical system’s safety and reliability.

How Often Should Electrical Wiring Be Inspected?

So, you know it’s important to have your electrical wiring inspected and can recognize the signs when it’s time to do so. Now, you’re asking, “How often should electrical outlets be inspected?” “How often should electrical panels be inspected?”

Well, it’s recommended to have your electrical wiring inspected at least once every ten years. However, there are certain situations when you may need to have it inspected more frequently. You might need to have your wiring inspected more often if:

• Your home is over 40 years old and never had an electrical inspection.
• You are experiencing frequent electrical problems, such as circuit breakers tripping or lights flickering.
• You are planning to undertake a major renovation or addition to your home.
• You have recently purchased a new home and are unsure of the condition of the electrical wiring.
• You have concerns about the safety of your electrical system.

The frequency of electrical wiring inspections varies depending on the age and condition of your home. But it’s generally recommended to do so at least once every ten years or more frequently if you have concerns about the electrical system’s efficiency or safety.

Hire a Local Electrical Pro

Still need help after reading John’s useful info about electrical wiring inspections and investigations? Contact one of our technicians via the phone number or form on this page. They will be able to provide more specific recommendations based on your needs and circumstances.