Electrical Inspections
Ensuring Code Compliance & Safety Standards
Mister Sparky® holds ourselves to the strictest standards, including compliance with all local and national codes dictated by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Our standards ensure our customers' homes are as safe and as reliable as possible, and also protects their investment: by complying with the NEC, our electricians make sure homeowners can sell their homes with minimal trouble.
For homeowners who are buying, selling, or considering a new home, electrical inspections are crucial to a.) understanding what you're getting into, and b.) ensuring a home is safe. Even newly-remodeled homes might have neglected electrical systems with aging components, outdated design, and other problems that range from inconvenient to dangerous.
It's also worth noting that older homes might not be up to the most recent codes, as the NEC is constantly improving and iterating. Even if a home is up to code, it may not be suited for the demanding power needs of the average family. With several laptops, smartphones, screens, and other devices for each family member, having reliable power everywhere in the house is vital—an inspection lets you know what you're working with.
Local jurisdictions and code enforcement boards inspect for compliance with the minimum standards, as set forth in code. The extensively trained and licensed technicians at Mister Sparky electrical comply with all local and state codes. Our techs are specifically trained to flag and take corrective action to keep your property and family safe.
Some electric code violation guidelines include:
Bathrooms
- GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms.
- There must be a receptacle within 3 feet of the outside edge of the sink basin.
- No receptacles face-up on countertops.
To avoid critical overloading on receptacles where high wattage power devices like hair dryers could be in use, there must be at least one separate 20 amp. branch circuit.
General Rooms
- There should be wall receptacles every 12 feet.
- Receptacles should be on any wall space that is more than 24 inches wide.
- Hallways more than 10 feet in length must have at least one receptacle.
Kitchens
- All countertops receptacles must be GFCI (ground fault current interrupter).
- There can be no receptacles more than 20 inches above countertops (Exceptions are for the physically handicapped and for islands or peninsulas where this is not possible).
- There should be receptacles above all countertops that are 12 inches or wider.
- No face-up receptacles.
- At least one receptacle should be located on islands or peninsulas.
Electrical Safety Inspections Can Prevent Electrical Fires & Electrocution Risks
Outdated wiring is one of the most common problems found in older homes. Fires can start when wires fray or when breaker boxes can’t handle the demands placed upon them. When these things occur, heat transfer to surrounding objects can cause them to smoke or ignite. Arcing is an even more dangerous possibility where the electrical current jumps across connections instead of moving through a circuit. This is essentially a form of lightning and the risk of fire or electric shock is very real. Ungrounded plugs and faulty outlets are also causes of home fires. The best way to stop fires and electrocution from happening is to have your home electric system inspected by a pro.
Experienced Electrical Safety Inspectors for New Homes & Renovation Projects
Protect your investment and avoid surprises by getting an electrical inspection for your new home or renovation. Mister Sparky provides comprehensive inspections to uncover hidden electrical risks. We can also help you determine how new appliances will affect your home if you are making upgrades. If you are adding a new water heater system, extra refrigerators, an outdoor oven, or more space heaters, these will all make heavy demands on your home’s wiring and breakers.
If you need to upgrade your box or add a new subpanel, we can advise you on next steps. If you are unsure about the state of your system, our team can tell you the exact condition of your home’s outlets, wiring, breakers, grounding, and insulation.
Electrical Home Inspection
Inspections are quick and remarkably affordable. By making sure you have a thorough electrical inspection completed by a qualified Mister Sparky electrician before buying, selling, or remodeling a home, you can help ensure your home's electrical system operates at the highest level of safety possible. Our trained technicians can provide whole house rewiring and evaluation of your circuits to ensure compliance to code and the safe delivery of electrical current within your home.
Call (936) 265-7266 to schedule an electrical inspection today!