Home Improvement

Electrical inspections are important for the safety of your home. They involve having a qualified electrician come in and check the wiring, outlets, and other electrical components in your home. Scheduling an annual inspection is vital to ensuring your electrical system is up to code and working properly. An electrician will also check for any potential hazards. Here are some electrical inspections that can make your home safer. Check the Wiring in Your Home One of the most important things an electrician can do during an inspection is check your home's wiring. If the wiring is old or damaged, it could be a fire hazard. For instance, if the insulation on the wires is worn, it could short-circuit and start a fire. An electrician can tell if the wiring needs to be replaced and can do so safely. Electricians at Safe Electric in New Albany note that some of the wiring problems you may have include: Faulty outlets due to loose wires - If you have any loose outlets, it's time to have them checked. The wires could be loose, which is a fire hazard.Damaged or frayed wires - If you see any damage to the wires, such as fraying or exposed copper, have an electrician inspect them.Wires that are not properly grounded - If your home's wiring is not properly grounded, it could lead to an electrical shock. Inspect Your Home's Electrical Panel Your home's electrical panel is the main distribution point for electricity in your home. It contains circuit breakers that control the flow of electricity to different parts of your home. An electrician will inspect the panel to ensure it is working properly and that there are no loose connections. If your electrical panel is over 20 years old, it may need replacement. Over time, exposure to power surges and general wear and tear will take a toll on your electrical panel. If it is not working properly, it affects how power is distributed throughout your home, which can be a fire hazard. During an inspection, an electrician will also look at your fuses and breakers to ensure they are the correct size for your home's electrical load. Test Your Home's Grounding System An electrician will test your home's grounding system to ensure it is up to code and functioning properly. The grounding system helps protect you and your home from electrical shocks by redirecting excess electricity away from your home. If you live in an older home, it is especially important to have your grounding system tested regularly. Older homes may not have been built to today's electrical safety standards, which means they're more vulnerable. An electrician will use a special device called a voltmeter to test your home's grounding system. This device measures the amount of electricity flowing through your home's wiring. If the voltmeter shows that too much electricity is flowing through your home's wiring, your grounding system is not working properly and needs to be fixed. Inspect Your Home's Outlets and Switches Your home's outlets and switches are another critical part of your electrical system. These are where electricity comes into your home, so it's important to ensure they're in good working order. Considering that many homes today have high-energy appliances such as air conditioners and clothes dryers, it's even more critical to ensure that your outlets and switches can handle the load. An electrician can tell you if there are any problems with your outlets or switches and can also help you upgrade them if necessary. For example, if you're planning on adding a new appliance to your home, you may need to install a new outlet. Or, if you have outdated switches with no ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), an electrician can install these for you to help prevent shocks. Don't Ignore Electrical Problems Don't ignore electrical problems in your home. Problems with your home's electrical system can lead to serious consequences, including fires, so taking action as soon as possible is vital. The electrician will also recommend upgrades that improve your home's safety and energy efficiency.