Buying a new home or getting ready to sell one requires you to have everything in working condition including the electrical wiring and fixtures. However, trying to assess the condition yourself is not advisable simply because you may not have the requisite expertise in making electrical inspections. It would, therefore be wise to contact a licensed, professional company dealing with such tasks. They would be well equipped to inspect each and every piece of wiring, fuses, switches, sockets etc and give their detailed report. The hazardous areas are identified in the report and you can then request the same company or contact another electrician to implement the changes recommended by the qualified inspectors. Here is a list of the areas that the inspector is likely to look into in order to check the safety factor of your house.
- Service Panel– It is mandatory to install the service panel properly keeping all the precautions in mind. The inspectors also look to check whether it has been grounded properly. Each and every breaker is checked for damage too and the panel checked thoroughly for signs of moisture seeping in.
- Junction Box– The first sign of something gone awry is an untidy junction box with the spliced wires spilling out of it. The boxes should be properly installed and kept secure at all times say the electricians. An improper location for a junction box may cause a breach of safety too. The inspectors do look out for such boxes along with checking the boxes for damage and noting the ones that are missing. Labeling the breakers is another important aspect that the electrical inspectors insist on. Checking the underlying reasons for a tripped circuit is also the responsibility of the inspectors who will then go on to add it to their report and advise you to replace the affected parts.
- Conduits– Electrical conduits are usually used for safety but the ones installed incorrectly do not enhance the aesthetics of the house nor help in grouping the wires perfectly are best removed or replaced. The inspector is likely to ask you to add a few more conduits simply because it helps to keep the wires together, thereby making maintenance much easier. Using several pipe conduits will also help you to provide a protective cover for integrated circuits since they happen to be resistant to both water and fire.
- Wiring– The electrical wiring traversing through the building is an important part that needs to be inspected. Buildings that are more than 20 years old and in need of maintenance are sure to have frayed, bare, and damaged wiring. The inspection team usually makes recommendation for the hazardous wiring to be removed completely and replaced with a properly insulated, modern alternative. Finding a live knob or tube wiring is common in old houses too. You need to have them removed even before you move in for reasons of safety. Any receptacles that have been back wired will have to be replaced with a pig tail connection and wiring all outlets and switches has to be done properly and safely after the inspection team gives its report.
