It’s not often that we give our home’s electrical system a second thought. That is, until it stops working the way it’s intended to. Faulty wiring and poor craftsmanship can pose risks of electric shock or even cause fires. That’s why having an inspection of your home’s electrical wiring system is so important.
Why Should You Have An Inspection Done?
The point of having an inspection of your home’s electrical wiring system is to look for any potential safety hazards. As safety standards change, you may find that old wiring is no longer up to code. If you, or a previous homeowner, have ever done any DIY wiring, you and your family could be at risk of electric shock or fire. So, a thorough home inspection should look for the following issues:
- Overloaded circuits or equipment: An overloaded circuit can cause a domino effect. First, the breaker will trip, shutting off power to the circuit. With no breaker, the wiring could overheat and cause a fire.
- Wearing down of wiring and components: Over time, the components making up the electrical system will deteriorate. Sometimes, animals may even chew through them. Exposed wiring poses a fire and shock hazard.
- Identify any grounding problems: Electricity needs to be grounded to control the voltage delivered to your home. Otherwise, you could overload circuits, leading to fires.
- Uncover any faulty or poor electrical work: If anyone has ever performed DIY work, or a low-quality electrician has installed wiring, your electrical system could be a mess.
- Identify any lack of earthing or bonding in your wiring: Without proper earthing and bonding, you and your family are at risk of electric shock.
- Uncover issues with fuses and the breaker box: If your breakers have insufficient capacity, corrosion, or they trip often, they could pose a fire hazard.
When Should An Inspection Be Performed?
The average homeowner will find it difficult to properly identify electrical problems on their own. And any problems that go unaddressed will only get worse. That’s what makes an electrical inspection so important. It offers a chance for early intervention to prevent the potential for a catastrophic incident down the road. You can request an inspection at any time, but the most common times homeowners get their electrical wiring system inspected are:
- When purchasing a home: Hire an electrical inspector before purchasing a home to make sure the home is safe.
- If it’s been a while: When was your last electrical inspection? If your home’s electrical system has not been inspected in the last 25 years, you may be due.
- During a major home renovation: With home renovations, you want to make sure your new wiring is also up to code.
- Anytime you are suspicious: If your major appliances are behaving strangely, your breakers are tripping easily, or you notice exposed wiring, it’s better to get it checked out.
What Does An Inspector Look For?
A qualified electrical inspector will inspect your wiring from the inside out. He or she will make sure there are no threats to the safety of your home. If there are any concerns to address, you will make a plan together to get them resolved so you can have peace of mind. The inspector will make sure you are safe and compliant in areas including, but not limited to:
- Making sure light fixtures, switches, and electrical sockets are working properly
- Check wiring for wear and tear
- Verifying that all wiring is properly labeled in your distribution panel box
- Testing your home’s earthing/grounding is accurately set up
- Wires near wet/damp areas are properly insulated
What Happens If There Is A Problem?
Ideally, your electrical inspector will give you a clean report. But sometimes, they have to deliver news of necessary repairs. Even though electrical repairs can be a headache, don’t put them off. The risk simply isn’t worth it. For an electrician in Burlington, you can trust someone to inspect your wiring and carry out any repairs needed to give you peace of mind. Whether you are purchasing a home, starting a renovation, or suspect faulty wiring, you will receive the necessary compliance paperwork in co-ordinance with the ESA.
A certified professional should always perform electrical repairs and installations. With the risks too high, there is no room for error in a DIY job. When hiring professional services, look for technicians who hold an ECRA/ESA license. These professionals are guaranteed to be able to handle any issue you may be facing.
