Electrical Inspections for Better Safety
There are many reasons to schedule an electrical inspection, and our Dundee electrician can tailor your assessment. Homeowners often schedule inspections for maintenance purposes and code compliance.
Perhaps you’re considering buying a home or planning to sell yours. An inspection is also a good idea when planning a major home improvement. That can include a home addition, standby generator, EV charging station, or tankless water heater.
How often should you schedule a routine electrical inspection? The industry rule of thumb is to schedule an inspection every three to five years. Many electricians prefer three years because it’s how often the National Electrical Code (NEC) updates. You may need to schedule more frequently if you have an older electrical system that will soon need upgrades.
Your home’s main distribution panel will be a focal point of any inspection. Even newer homes often require upgrades. Consider that whole-home surge protection wasn’t an NEC requirement until 2023. Another common issue is older homes with outdated electrical panels. The power needs of the modern household have grown tremendously over the years. A 100-amp panel is the minimum, with many households needing 150, 250, or more amps.
Why Should I Have My Electrical Panel Inspected?
A panel inspection is also an excellent time to make those electrical improvements you’ve been thinking about. Many families find they never have enough lights and outlets in the rooms they use most often.
Our electrician can add more circuits up to the panel limit. That allows you to add more lights, outlets, switches, and other devices without overloading a circuit. If you don’t have surge protection, you can add it to your existing panel. The NEC now requires GFCI and/or AFCI protection in many living areas as well.
Do you need an electrical inspection when adding or replacing appliances? For standard appliances, schedule an inspection if it’s been 10 years since your last one. That includes stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and tank water heaters.
Schedule an inspection ahead of HVAC system installations. You should also schedule one any time you want to install a high-consumption appliance. That includes on-demand water heaters and EV chargers.
There are many reasons to schedule routine electrical inspections.
- Peace of mind
- Code compliance
- Improved electrical safety
- Optimized energy efficiency
- Lower maintenance and repair costs