An electrical inspection involves a thorough examination and testing of your electrical systems. Regular electrical inspections are a good idea to help keep your home safe and give you peace of mind.
An electrical checklist is a good idea to have on hand for any electrical inspection. Emergency electricians will usually have their own electrical inspection checklist, but you, as a homeowner, can also benefit from having one on hand.
It will help you identify and document any faults or systems at risk of becoming electrical hazards, such as defective wiring methods or faulty cables.
Download The Complete Electrical Inspection Checklist
What’s Included in an Electrical Inspection Checklist?
It’s in your best interest to get a thorough electrical evaluation at least once every three to five years.
Electrical maintenance might seem like a chore, but it’s more work in the long run! Some electrical hazards aren’t obvious at first, but have the potential to grow into far bigger problems down the road.
A routine residential electrical inspection should include the following:
- Identifying potential electrical hazards
- Ensuring everything is up to code
- Ensuring GFCI outlets are wired properly
- Testing fire and carbon monoxide alarms
- Testing safety switches and the electrical meter
- Examination of the electrical panel by checking the circuit breaker capacity
- Assessing and maintaining past repairs
Homeowner’s Electrical Inspection Checklist
Unless you’re a licensed Cochrane electrician, you’ll need to bring in a professional in order to do a proper electrical inspection. However, as a homeowner, you can still go through your home’s electrical system to ensure safety and that nothing needs immediate attention.
When completing your electrical inspection checklist, be sure to keep track of which items are looking good, and which items are cause for concern. Here are the major areas of your electrical system you should verify.
Download The Complete Electrical Inspection Checklist
- Are all wires appropriately covered (no exposed wires)?
- Are all outlets and light switches working properly (no buzzing or crackling sounds, discolouration, or broken covers) Learn about how long outlets last.
- Are your outlets cool to the touch?
- Are all cords intact (no frayed casings or broken parts)?
- Are all cords free of pinching from doors, windows, or furniture?
- Are all cords free of nails or staples?
- Do you use surge protectors?
Lighting
- Are all lightbulbs the right wattage for each fixture?
- Are all lamps/light fixtures kept at least 30 cm from anything flammable?
- Are you lights dimming or flickering?
- Is it time to install new light fixtures?
Electrical Panel
- Has your electrical panel been inspected in the last 3 years?
- Is the cover of your electrical panel cool to the touch?
- Do you rarely (if ever) experience a tripped circuit?
- Do you have whole-home surge suppression?
Appliances
- Are your unused appliances unplugged?
- Are all your appliances in proper working condition?
- Are all major appliances (fridge, stove, etc) plugged directly into the wall?
Electrical Fires
- Do you have at least one multi-purpose fire extinguisher?
- Are all your smoke detectors/carbon monoxide alarms working?
- Are all flammable materials kept away from electrical appliances/lights?
- Is your household familiar with your emergency plan should a fire occur?
Outdoors
- Are all outdoor electrical outlets free of debris, blockages, and properly protected with a weatherproof safety cover?
- Are cords approved for outdoor use?
- Is there any electrical equipment used around water (swimming pool, hot tub, etc.) properly protected and plugged into GFCI outlets?
Why Do You Need an Electrical Inspection?
It’s a good idea to have an electrical inspection is a good idea regularly, such as once a year, even if your electrical systems appear to be in good condition.
There are a few reasons why you would need immediate electrical safety inspections, such as:
- Obvious problems such as flickering lights, electrical wiring issues, regular circuit breaker capacity problems, or any other electrical safety concerns
- Before buying a home
- After major renovations or construction
- After a large storm (especially if you’re experiencing area-wide electrical outages)
Sun Electrical Ltd. — Electricians Who Care
When it comes to your home’s electrical inspections, electrical maintenance, and electrical safety, choose licensed electricians who care about you and your family. Reach out to us and we’ll assess your needs and provide a quote.