Your home’s electrical system is likely one of the biggest conveniences in your life. However, it’s also one of the most likely causes of home property damage. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical issues are the leading cause of property damage in the United States. And as if that weren’t enough, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says small appliances plugged into faulty wiring are the largest cause of accidental electrocutions!

With so much at risk, it’s every homeowner’s obligation to ensure their home’s electrical system is safely wired and up to code. This is where a professional electrical inspection comes into play. Licensed electricians use the legal standards outlined in the National Electric Code to make sure your home’s electrical system is safe and effective.

To ensure safety, an electrical inspection is recommended every time you purchase a new home, when adding a large new appliance and when your home undergoes a major renovation. When it comes time to schedule your next electrical inspection, here are some factors to consider:

Electrical Panel Operation


Your electrical panel, also known as the breaker box, is like the control board for you home’s entire electrical system. The panel is typically located outside on an exterior wall, but may also be in a garage, basement or utility room. When an electrician inspects your electrical panel, they will consider its age and check for dark residue, wear and rust. Problems with the electrical panel can cause fires, so if the device is too worn or outdated, it will need to be replaced. An electrician will also make sure the panel functions properly and has appropriate labels.

Updated Wiring


It’s important that your home’s wiring is up to snuff. Many older homes have outdated knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring, both of which come with safety challenges. If your home’s wiring it too outdated, it may make it harder to get proper insurance. An electrician will check out your home’s wiring, whether it’s old or new, and make sure safety hazards are at a minimum.

Interior Outlet and Cord Safety


Inside your home, an electrician will inspect your outlets to make sure they are tight and do not present a fire hazard. An outlet that has black residue from smoke, is hot to the touch or makes a buzzing sound when in use could damage your electronic devices, or worse: cause a fire. The electrician will also check that all appliance cords are neatly tucked away and properly connected.

Code for Outlets in Wet Areas


There are special requirements for outlets in areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Because these outlets and the things plugged into them maybe exposed to water, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) must be installed to keep your home safe. Additionally, all outdoor outlets must have GFCIs installed.

Is Your Electrical System Safe and Updated?


With as much as we use electricity in our homes, it’s absolutely vital that everything is operating safely and efficiently. If something goes wrong with your electrical system, the results could be devastating.

At Mister Sparky® of Clearwater, our trained electricians strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code. If you’ve recently moved or added on to your house, call Mister Sparky to make sure your home is safe! If something’s not quite right, we’ll provide you with an effective solution. Give us a call today!