What Does an Electrical Home Safety Inspection Include?

A certified Home Inspector knows just what to look for when it comes to residential electrical hazards. The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends an electrical home inspection on four conditions: upon purchasing a home, when a home is 40 years or older, if an appliance has been added, and when a home has had a major renovation. Here are some of the check points that will be in my electrical inspection:

1. Verify the electrical in a home is safe before you purchase or sell it

2. Switch and wall outlet operation and condition

3. Check the condition of the electric meter and base

3. Check the main service disconnect

4. Shock or electrocution hazards

5. Verify a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)-protected using the AFCI test button, where possible.

6. A check of all safety and security lighting

7. Confirmation of grounding systems

8. Validation of appropriate surge protection

9. Verification of the proper placement of smoke detectors

10. Testing of smoke detectors

11. Testing of carbon monoxide detectors

12. Inspection of the electrical panel for appropriate labels, amps, and operation

13. An examination of outdoor electrical systems

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