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Most homeowners realise the importance of regular maintenance, like changing air filters or cleaning gutters. However, the electrical system is often overlooked until a problem arises. Outdated wiring and overloaded electrical circuits can present unseen hazards in any home.

Periodic electrical inspections can identify issues before they become safety risks. Read on to learn what’s involved in a professional inspection and how it can prevent fire hazards, shock risks and other dangers lurking in your home’s electrical system.

Identifying Electrical Hazards and Risks

According to the National Fire Protection Association, faulty electrical wiring and components cause over 40,000 home fires each year. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and over $1 billion in property damage annually.

Electrical Sparking Hazard

Electrocution is another deadly threat, causing electrical fatality rates per 100,000 workers, according to Electrical Safety Foundation International. Beyond dramatic incidents like fires and electrocutions, outdated electrical systems can also cause constant issues like flickering lights, tripping circuit breakers and appliance malfunctions. Detecting and addressing problems early is key.

Some common hazards that a professional electrical inspection can uncover include:

Faulty Wiring

Outdated wiring lacking grounding or deteriorated insulation can lead to short circuits or fires. Loose connections can also cause overheating. These issues may be invisible without testing.

Overloaded Circuits

Overheating can occur when more appliances and devices are plugged into a circuit than it’s designed for. Signs include frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights, and outlets or switches that are warm to the touch.

Ground Faults

Improper grounding or ground wires that have become damaged can lead to electrocution and shock risks. GFCI outlets can help prevent injuries.

Arc Faults

Electrical arcs can occur in damaged wiring and cords. This dangerous discharge of electricity can quickly lead to fires.

Water Leakage

Leaky plumbing or faulty appliances can allow water to come into contact with electrical systems, increasing fire and shock risks.

In addition to these common hazards, out-of-date electrical equipment and components can become fire and shock dangers as they age. Inspectors check that systems comply with current safety codes and standards.

What an Electrical Inspection Involves

So, what exactly will a professional inspector look for in your home? The inspection process focuses on systematically examining the key components of your electrical system.

The electrical service panel/breaker box is checked for:

  • Adequate capacity to handle your home’s needs without overloading
  • Proper overcurrent protection from circuit breakers
  • Grounding and bonding for shock prevention
  • Signs of arcing or overheating

Your home’s wiring is inspected for:

  • Correct wire gauges for power needs of connected devices
  • Secure, intact connections with no exposed copper
  • Proper grounding and insulation

All outlets and switches are tested for:

  • Tight connections with no signs of arcing or overheating
  • Ground fault protection (GFCIs) on outlets near water sources
  • Adequate electrical load for devices/appliances

Major appliances and equipment are inspected for:

  • Damage to power cords and plugs
  • Proper overcurrent protection from fuses or breakers
  • Appropriate gauge extension cords, if applicable

Inspectors use tools like voltage testers, GFCI outlet testers, and thermal imaging cameras to identify issues not visible to the naked eye. Good inspectors also assess the big picture, ensuring all electrical components work harmoniously as a system rather than only looking for individual defects.

Electrical Hazard Stickers

Preventative Fixes and Solutions

The results of your electrical inspection will guide upgrades and repairs to address any hazards or deficiencies found. Common solutions recommended by inspectors include:

  • Rewiring old, damaged or insufficient wiring
  • Replacing obsolete electrical panels with modern circuit breaker panels
  • Upgrading undersized breakers or fuses
  • Adding GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and other moisture-prone areas
  • Installing AFCI outlets to protect against dangerous arcs
  • Applying protective covers to exposed outlets or wiring
  • Repairing loose connections and insulation issues

Burnt Electrical Outlets

In addition to fixes identified during inspections, several electrical preventative best practices exist. Replacing old extension cords and power strips when signs of wear arise removes fire and fault risks. Upgrading aged window air conditioning units, space heaters, or other appliances prone to faults helps avoid potential hazards.

Calling a licensed electrician to handle complex wiring jobs in areas beyond your skill level, like rewiring rooms, ensures work is to code. Never overloading outlets keeps wires from overheating or shortening out.

Together with thorough periodic inspections, instituting these simple prevention measures proactively is crucial for complete home electrical safety. Rather than just addressing issues post-failure, having systems evaluated early regularly confirms your electrical infrastructure still meets modern safety and performance standards. Spotting worn parts or code gaps before incidents offers invaluable peace of mind that faults are not lurking unseen. Combining preventative upgrades between scheduled main inspections gives the best protection.

Baby Touching Oven

Make Electrical Inspections a Routine Checkup

Electricity provides essential power to our modern lives. But outdated wiring, overloaded circuits and other common electrical hazards can put your home and family at serious risk of fire, shock and electrocution.

Stopping these threats before they cause harm relies on diligent preventative care of your electrical system. A professional electrical inspection goes beyond what’s visible to the eye, using advanced testing to uncover lurking dangers.

Taking the step to schedule periodic inspections can give you confidence that your home’s electrical system is operating safely and prevent costly damage down the road. Contact Bright Force Electrical today to schedule a comprehensive inspection and provide your home and family with invaluable peace of mind.

With many years of experience, our master electricians use state-of-the-art tools and attention to detail to identify issues before they become emergencies.

Reach out to Bright Force Electrical today to schedule your electrical inspection and protect your home. Our team looks forward to your call and providing you with a safer living environment.

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