Most of the time, an electrical inspection occurs when buying or selling a home. The inspector will evaluate multiple aspects of your property, including electrical layout and safety. He will check that you are up to code for your city and meeting the NEC basic requirements. Below is a basic guide on what he will be looking for and how to prepare for this inspection. 

Panel

Your panel will be the primary focus of his investigation. If you have an older home, this will be a very important aspect of his analysis, as older panels are prone to more problems. Red flags for panels include anything installed 25 years ago or longer, a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE), Stab-Lok or Zinsco brand panel, or if your panel does not have a main breaker on top. These are indicators that it may be time to upgrade your panel. 

Functionality

Inspectors will also check the functionality of your system. They'll make sure all receptacles and lights are working properly. Sometimes in older homes, issues can be "grandfathered" in, as long as safety requirements are being met. 

Code Compliance

The inspector will ensure that your system is up to code. The most common code violation found on inspections for the electrical portion is lack of GFCI outlets. For more information on GFCIs, see our blog here. A general guideline to check ahead of the inspection is to ensure you have GFCIs anywhere there is water present - kitchen, bathroom, outdoors and basement are the primary areas that require GFCIs. 

How You Can Prepare Ahead of the Inspection

If you are buying or selling a home and are responsible for the inspection, we recommend you hire an electrical contractor to complete an electrical inspection before the general home inspection. Why wait to find out what needs fixed and then be in a time crunch to fix it? We get calls regularly where a homeowner is on a deadline for the home closing and needs to get massive repairs scheduled right away. Save yourself undue stress by having a trusted electrician check your home and complete any necessary upgrades or repairs first. The electrician will be able to address all areas of concern-your panel, functionality, code compliance and above all, the safety of your system. 

If you are looking for a trusted partner to guide you in your next inspection, give us a call or send us a message today!