Trystan Casey
Electrical inspections are an essential task to prevent hazardous situations, such as electrical fires or failures. They are typically conducted by a professional local electrical inspector or a certified electrician, who then provides a report on the state of the electrical elements. The inspector will check for proper wiring, outlets, circuits, electrical boxes, and other systems to ensure they are up to code and safe. They will also provide recommendations for repairs and updates if needed. Electrical inspections are particularly important when buying or selling a home, but it is recommended to get them done regularly, every few years, to prevent any potential dangers and maintain the efficiency of electrical systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inspection Type | Home or Building Electrical Inspection |
| Inspector | Certified home inspector or local building code enforcement agent/professional electrician |
| Inspection Elements | Electrical boxes, wiring, outlets, electrical panel, circuits, grounding, fuses, capacity of the circuit breaker, meter defects, conduits, panels/boxes |
| Purpose | Identify concerns, ensure safety, check for fire hazards, improve energy efficiency, ensure compliance with electrical code, prevent electrical shock, identify upgrades for efficiency |
| Cost | Home inspection: $300-$500; Building electrical inspection: $200 on average |
| Frequency | Every 3-5 years; every 2-3 years for homes older than 25 years; every 10 years, or 5-7 years |
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What You'll Learn
Electrical wiring
Visible wiring will be examined for signs of wear, damage, or improper installation. This includes checking for loose connections, frayed insulation, and outdated wiring types like knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Aluminum wiring, in particular, is a fire hazard and should be updated to copper. Inspectors will also check that wires are the correct gauge for the breakers.
The inspector will also check that all wires inside electrical boxes are labelled with the circuit number and amperage. While this is not always required by local codes, it is reassuring for the inspector to see this level of detail.
The inspection will also ensure that necessary locations, like restrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas, have GFCI and AFCI protection installed. GFCI, or ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets, are required on any outlets located outside, below grade, or within 6 feet of water (like above a sink). Most circuits in new homes or remodelled homes now require AFCI breakers (arc-fault circuit interrupter breakers).
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Electrical boxes
Firstly, inspectors will ensure that electrical boxes are securely fastened and attached correctly. This includes verifying that the cable sheathing at the point of attachment to the box sticks out at least a quarter of an inch, allowing the cable clamps to grip the sheathing securely. This secure fastening is crucial to prevent any potential hazards.
Secondly, inspectors will measure the height of electrical boxes, outlets, and switches to ensure they meet the required standards. Typically, outlets should be at least 15 inches from the floor, while switches should be at least 48 inches high. However, these heights may vary depending on specific requirements, such as accessibility needs or children's rooms, where lower heights may be permitted.
Additionally, inspectors will assess the size of the electrical boxes to ensure they can accommodate the number of wire conductors and devices they need to contain. Electrical boxes that are too small can lead to overcrowding and improper wiring, increasing the risk of electrical hazards. Therefore, it is recommended to use spacious electrical boxes to ensure compliance and facilitate easier wire connections.
Furthermore, inspectors will examine the cables and wires within the electrical boxes. They will check that the cables are correctly clamped and configured, with proper labelling of wires, including circuit numbers and amperage. This ensures that the electrical system is safe, efficient, and compliant with local codes and regulations.
Lastly, inspectors will verify that the electrical boxes are installed flush with the wall. This ensures a neat and secure installation, promoting the overall safety and aesthetics of the electrical system.
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Safety and fire hazards
Outlets and electrical boxes are another area of concern. Inspectors will check that outlets in kitchens and bathrooms have the correct dedicated circuit for appliances and proper grounding to prevent electrical shock if they get wet. They will also ensure that electrical boxes are large enough to accommodate the number of wire conductors and devices they contain and that they are securely fastened. Outlet and switch heights are also measured to ensure they are at a safe height, typically at least 15 inches off the floor for outlets and 48 inches for switches, though allowances may be made for children's rooms or accessibility.
During an inspection, the inspector will also look at the electrical panel and confirm that it is correctly grounded. An improperly grounded panel can create a dangerous build-up of electricity. They will also check the fuse box and ensure the system is not overloaded.
Electrical inspections are an important way to prevent fires and other hazardous situations. They are recommended every three to five years, or more frequently for older homes.
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Outlets and circuits
The inspector will also check that the home or addition has the proper number of circuits for the electrical demand of the space. This includes dedicated circuits for appliances that require them, such as garbage disposals and dishwashers, particularly during the final inspection. It is critical that kitchens have a dedicated circuit serving each appliance that requires one, such as the microwave, garbage disposer, and dishwasher. The inspector will also make sure there is an appropriate number of general lighting and general appliance circuits for each room.
The wire gauge must also be appropriate to the amperage of the circuit. For example, a 14-gauge wire is used for 15-amp circuits, while a 12-gauge wire is used for 20-amp circuits. The inspector will also check that cables are clamped correctly and in the right configuration in their electrical boxes. Cable anchors will also be inspected to ensure they are installed and anchored so that they won't come loose.
Electrical boxes will be inspected to ensure they are large enough to accommodate the number of wire conductors they will contain and any devices. They should be securely fastened and flush with the wall. The height of outlets and switches will also be measured to ensure they are consistent and at a proper, safe height. Outlets are usually required to be at least 15 inches above the floor, while switches need to be at least 48 inches above the floor. However, there are exceptions for accessible constructions, such as a child's room, where heights may be much lower to allow for access.
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Building inspections
Firstly, it is important to distinguish between a home electrical inspection and a building electrical inspection. A home electrical inspection is often conducted as part of a whole home inspection, and it involves a certified home inspector performing basic checks on the home's electrical system. This includes examining essential elements such as wiring, outlets, and the main electrical panel. On the other hand, a building electrical inspection is more comprehensive and is usually carried out by a local building code enforcement agent or a professional electrician. This type of inspection provides a detailed report on the electrical components and systems throughout the building.
During a building electrical inspection, inspectors will typically examine the following:
- Electrical boxes: Inspectors will check if electrical boxes are securely fastened and flush with the wall. They will also ensure that the boxes are large enough to accommodate the number of wire conductors and devices they need to contain.
- Outlet and switch heights: Inspectors will measure the heights of outlets and switches to ensure they comply with local codes. Typically, outlets should be at least 15 inches above the floor, while switches should be at least 48 inches above the floor.
- Kitchen and bathroom outlets: Inspectors will confirm that outlets in these areas have dedicated circuits for appliances and proper grounding to prevent electrical shock in case of moisture.
- Wiring: Inspectors will carefully examine the wiring in attics, ceilings, walls, and visible areas to ensure safe connections and identify any signs of fraying, defects, or exposure to moisture.
- Electrical panels and breakers: Inspectors will verify the proper installation and grounding of electrical panels to prevent electric shock hazards. They will also inspect the breakers to ensure the electrical system is fully functional and safe.
- Electrical meters and circuits: Electricians will often check the electric meter for defects and ensure proper circuit functioning to prevent overloading.
It is recommended to hire a qualified electrician or building electrical inspector to conduct these inspections, especially when building a new home or adding new electrical systems. Regular inspections, typically every three to five years, can help prevent electrical fires, improve energy efficiency, and ensure the safety of occupants.
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Frequently asked questions
An electrical inspection is an in-depth examination of all the electrical components in a building. It can be conducted by a certified home inspector or a professional local electrical inspector, who then provides a report on the state of the electrical elements.
Electrical inspectors will check wiring, electrical boxes, outlets, electrical panels, and fuses. They will ensure that everything is wired and connected safely, confirm that outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms have the appropriate dedicated circuit, and check for any fire hazards. They will also check for any overloaded systems, power surges, bad installations, and repairs.
A standard building electrical inspection typically costs between $200 and $500, depending on factors such as the size of the building, the demand for inspectors, and whether permits are required.
It is recommended that a full electrical inspection is carried out every 5-10 years, or every 2-3 years for buildings that are 25 years old or older. Electrical inspections are also commonly carried out when buying or selling a property.
