The Importance of Regular Electrical Inspections for Your Home

Residential electrical fires are the reasons behind an estimate of 51,000 fires each year as stated by the Electrical Safety Foundation. The possibility of the occurrence of electrical hazards will continue to persist as long as an individual is involved in the usage of electrical appliances. 

However, preventative measures such as electrical safety inspections can be authorized to avoid the dangers of electrical hazards. 

Why Regular Home Inspections Are Important?

Electrical safety inspections are a necessity as they help address and identify issues in the electrical systems to ensure its smooth operation. The usage of electrical components and appliances have grown in the contemporary times. 

With constant usage over prolonged periods of time, these electrical components can depreciate, leading to potential electrical hazards. Faulty wires, overloaded circuits, and outdated panels are a result of constant wear and tear. If the usage of these defaulted electrical components persists, it could ultimately lead to the occurrence of an electrical hazard. 

The importance of developing the habit of conducting regular safety inspections lies in their ability to avoid dealing with consequential aftermaths such as electrical fires or a complete shutdown of the electrical system. These risks can be monitored and avoided by contacting a qualified electrician to ensure the smooth running of the electrical system. 

What Does A Home Electrical Inspection Include?

A residential electrical inspection comprises a thorough inspection of the electrical systems by a qualified electrician, including circuits and other electrical components such as:

• Outlets:

 An electrician will inspect the outlets as a standard procedure, as overloaded circuits are a leading cause of electrical fires. 

• Safety devices: 

Ensure the placement and the working capability of safety devices such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and whole house surge protectors. 

• Light fixtures:

Examine the wiring and wattage of light fixtures and bulbs. 

• Grounding: 

Ensure the electrical system is grounded, allowing excess energy to maneuver safely to the earth. 

• Electrical Load: 

Ensure that multiple electrical appliances are not focused on a single circuit, which can cause overloading of the circuit.

• Code violations:

Check if there are any safety measures to be taken against code violations, such as outlets near a water body or defective wiring.

Once the inspection is completed, an electrician will present a detailed report of the condition of the electrical system and appliances, along with recommendations for repairs or upgrades. 

How Often Should You Get An Electrical Home Inspection?

The question of how often an electrical home inspection should be conducted depends on several factors, such as:

• The age of the home: 

The frequency of electrical safety inspection is primarily dependent on the age of the home.

Newly constructed homes: During the development of new homes, a thorough inspection should be conducted to ensure the smooth operation of the electrical system. A following inspection should be performed after the first year. 

Homes with a lifespan of under 40 years:  If there are no electrical issues, an electrical inspection should be conducted every 3 to 5 years. 

Homes above 40 years of age: With old homes, electrical inspections are a requirement as they pose a risk to the well being of the residents. Inspections should be performed every 1 to 3 years. 

• The quality of the electrical systems:

Electrical systems should be constantly updated and monitored to ensure their smooth operation. An electrical system that is up to date with the latest safety codes is far more suited to avoid possible electrical hazards.

Benefits of a Regular Electrical Inspection:

Employing regular electrical safety inspections is part of adhering to safety electrical codes that reduce the risk of electrical hazards such as fires and electrical shocks. Residential electrical inspections offer multiple benefits, such as: 

• Safety Measures against Electrical fires:

A licensed electrician can look for symptoms for electrical fires such as loose wiring and overloaded circuits. Once identified, safety measures can be conducted to prevent the risk of electrical fires. 

• Prevention of Electrical shocks: 

Residential electrical inspections can address the issue of fault wiring, frayed cords and other electrical issues that induce the possibility of electrical shocks. 

• Reduce Energy Costs:

Electrical systems and their components are often victims of wear and tear, which is caused by constant usage and exposure to elements over time. An electrical safety inspection can determine which electrical components require replacing to ensure effective use of energy, thereby reducing energy costs. 

• Adherence to Local Regulations:

 States possess their own set of electrical codes and standards that are imposed upon residents. Homeowners should adhere to the set standards to avoid incurring additional costs by failing to conform to regulations set by the local government and authorities. 

Shortcut to Safety with Randy's Electric: 

The likelihood of residents encountering electrical hazards will remain a probability. However, this can be easily managed by adhering to precautionary measures. Electrical home inspections are a shortcut to ensuring you don't encounter electrical hazards down the line. Contact Randy's Electric, your local electrician in Minneapolis and the surrounding area, for thorough electrical inspections. We conduct meticulous inspections according to the latest safety regulations to ensure your well-being and that of your family.