Electricians use standards set by both our electrical training and safety codes.
The modern home is filled with many gadgets, appliances and electrical fixtures. We rely on these things every day, yet we rarely stop to think about whether or not our systems are working properly or safely. In order to ensure that they are actually effective or safe, electricians use standards set by both our electrical training and safety codes. But you have to get checked for it to matter. Will your home pass an electrical inspection today? Read on to learn more about common reasons for electrical inspection failure.
Common household electrical faults
The code is actually a bit strict, and if you haven’t done an inspection in about five to ten years, you’ll probably have to update some things. Here are some common errors during electrical inspection:
– Fire and smoke detectors are old or failed
– New or newer appliances installed in much older wiring or systems
– No GFCIs in kitchens, utility rooms, bathrooms, and home exteriors (anywhere that could be exposed to water)
– Do not use designated outlets for major home appliances
– Old wires and incorrect size
– Pull string lights instead of wall switches
– Knob or tube wiring is present in your home
– Wire congestion, or wires touching insulation or other wires
This list is long, but believe us, this is just scratching the surface. There are many electrical safety requirements that must be kept up with. But although this may seem frustrating or painful, it is necessary. These codes are designed to help keep your home safe, your family safe, and to help reduce the amount of property losses.
Signs that you need an inspection
Of course, it will be difficult to verify all of this on your own. There’s a lot of it in your walls, under your floorboards, and in other hard-to-reach places. These are some easy signs to watch out for:
– It’s been too long: Inspections should be done every five years for a business, and at least every ten years for a home. We recommend it more often for homes, because electrical technology is changing rapidly.
Flickering lights in your home: This is a sign that the wiring is old or outdated, and is worth checking.
– Crusher trips all the time: Crusher trips are annoying, but they usually tell you when something is going wrong. If your breakers trip all the time, you may need an electrical repair or inspection.
For all your residential or commercial electrical needs, contact TriStar Electric!
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, as well as an after-hours phone line and an emergency phone line for advice or service!
If you have any questions about the electrical repairs or upgrades we offer, please contact TriStar Electric, Maryland’s leading residential and commercial electrical company, by calling 410-799-5791 or 301-384-8880. Or you can fill out the contact form on our website.
Are you looking for a quality electrician in Maryland, Washington, DC, Southern Pennsylvania, or Northern Virginia? Check out TriStar Electric’s online reviews and ratings on Angie’s List, Yelp, Google, Facebook, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland, and the Better Business Bureau.
