Our homes’ electrical systems are largely invisible, yet they arguably can be the most critical. When electrical systems are ignored for too long, they can put our homes in danger. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) cites electrical problems as the most common cause of property damage in home structure fires across the U.S.
As part of our Home Maintenance Plan, Lee Company offers a yearly home electrical inspection to customers because we’d rather spot any issues (including improper wiring, corrosion, or other hazards) before they become dangerous.
What to expect during an electrical inspection
Your electrician will first and foremost want to make sure your home electrical wiring is done safely and that everything is in order. Three important elements of a safety checklist include checking for code violations, inspecting your fuse box or circuit box, and testing voltage and surge protection across the system. Lee Company technicians perform the following home electrical inspection checklist:
- Verify voltage check on all phases
- Visually inspect panel/bus condition
- Visually inspect breaker condition
- Verify that ground is present and is inspected
- Verify that GFCI protection is present
- Test all safety devices for functionality
- Check that arc fault protection is present and functioning
- Inspect and tighten all panel connections
- Check to verify that the surge system is present and functional
- Check smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning properly
- Check all CO sensors
- Perform an attic visual inspection to identify possible hazards/code violations
- Perform a crawl/basement inspection to identify possible hazard/code violations
We also inspect your electrical service entrance to make sure it is securely attached to the side of your home and free from damage or defect. Following the inspection, your professional will put in writing anything they recommend to be fixed and can provide an estimate for the work to prevent any electrician fails.
How to troubleshoot electrical issues on your own
While it’s best to leave the actual electrical work to trained professionals, there are a few things you can do on your own to ensure things are running safely.
- Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors: Press the test button on your alarm and after a second or two it will make a loud siren or alert.
- Perform a visual wiring inspection of your circuit breaker or fuse box: Check for signs of charring or for loose circuits.
- Test GFCI outlets: Manually test the reset or test button on your outlets to make sure they shut off and turn back on.
You can do these few things on your own, but if your home has had any DIY electrical work, it’s important to have a professional check for mistakes. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), inadequate or improper home electrical wiring is a leading cause of accidental electrocution.
Experience worry-free protection with a Lee Company Home Maintenance Plan
It pays to have a plan for your home’s most critical systems, and Lee Company Home Maintenance Plan is the best in the business. For as little as $144 a year, you can receive annual inspections of your air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. As a member, you’ll also receive priority service and a discount on service calls in case you need us for anything else, and you’ll never pay emergency rates.
Call us today to learn how you can become a member.
