Electrical safety inspections are essential for preventing the risk of electrical fires in homes, businesses, and public spaces. Electrical fires can cause extensive property damage and even loss of life. It is important to understand the dos and don’ts of staying safe from electrical fires, including when to call for an electrical safety inspection.
Electrical safety inspections assess the safety of the electrical systems in a home or business and can detect potential hazards, such as loose wiring, faulty circuit breakers, and other issues that can lead to an electrical fire.
Additionally, they can identify any code violations or outdated wiring and suggest repairs or upgrades to ensure that the electrical system is safe and compliant with local codes. Knowing the dos and don’ts of staying safe from electrical fires, in addition to the importance of regular electrical safety inspections, can help keep you and your family safe from the danger of an electrical fire.
Reasons to get an electrical safety inspection
Any time you undertake electrical repairs or renovations, or add new electrical equipment, an electrical safety inspection is essential for preventing electrical fires and keeping you and your family or employees safe. Electrical safety inspections can also help you catch any code violations or outdated components in your electrical system before they lead to a fire.
What do electrical safety inspections include?
Electrical safety inspections include a number of different components, including an assessment of the electrical panel and wiring, an inspection of the equipment in the home, and a review of the local electrical codes.
Do’s of staying safe from electrical fires
- Inspect your electrical system regularly for potential hazards, including loose wiring, broken switches, and ungrounded equipment.
- Ensure your electrical system’s components are in good working order.
- Keep your electrical appliances, including appliances and tools, unplugged when they aren’t in use.
- Install and maintain a smoke detector in every room of your home.
- Report any electrical hazards you find in your home to your landlord or property manager.
- Schedule regular electrical safety inspections, especially when you undertake electrical repairs or renovations.
Don’ts of staying safe from electrical fires
- Touch any electrical equipment or wires that are sparking, smoking, or have fallen to the ground.
- Use damaged electrical equipment, including extension cords.
- Leave electrical appliances plugged in when they aren’t in use.
- Let any water come in contact with electrical wiring or equipment.
- Install faulty electrical components.
- Use electrical equipment in wet conditions, including outdoor electrical outlets.
- Keep electrical appliances in areas where young children and pets are present.
When should you call for an electrical safety inspection?
Electrical safety inspections should be conducted every 2-5 years for older electrical systems and every 8-10 years for newer systems. If you are unsure when your electrical system was last inspected, you should call for an inspection to ensure that it is safe.
Additionally, you should call for an inspection if you are planning to make any major renovations or upgrades to your electrical system. For example, if you are planning to install a new circuit breaker or add a new circuit, it is important to call for an inspection before beginning. This will allow the inspector to make any necessary repairs before beginning the work, which will help prevent electrical fires.
Cost of electrical safety inspections
The cost of electrical safety inspections will vary depending on the size of your home and any upgrades that are necessary. It is important to note that the cost of an electrical safety inspection is likely less than the cost of repairing the damage caused by an electrical fire. Electrical safety inspections are essential for preventing electrical fires and ensuring that your electrical system is safe and up to code.
Electrical safety inspections are required before undertaking any electrical repairs or renovations and when adding new electrical components to a home. These inspections include assessing the electrical panel and wiring, inspecting the electrical equipment in the home, and reviewing local electrical codes to detect any potential hazards in the system, such as loose wiring or broken switches.
Electrical safety inspections are essential for homes and workplaces with children, the elderly, pets, or high-volume foot traffic and can help you catch any code violations or outdated wiring. Suggestions on repairs or upgrades to ensure that the electrical system is safe and compliant with local codes are provided by our team.
Contact Patterson Electrical Services today for your electrical safety inspections.
