Maintaining a home or business electrical system is something that seems to keep drifting down to the bottom of the things-to-do list—until there’s a problem. Problems can result in anything from small affordable repairs to disasters. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that electrical failures or malfunctions have been the second leading cause of electrical home fires, and failures in electrical and electrical distribution systems are leading causes of fires in commercial facilities. Electrical inspections are an important step in preventing fires, injury, and property loss. The electrical wiring team from San Luis Obispo’s Electricraft, Inc., has released this report to spread the word about the importance, and affordability of electrical inspections.
Experience, skill, and using state-of-the-art detection tools all contribute to accurate, efficient, and cost-effective inspections. There are very few reasons to delay an inspection. They are not disruptive because they can be scheduled at convenient times, and in most cases, are not as expensive as imagined.
The best time for inspections
Anytime there’s a problem, an inspection is needed to identify the source of the problem and make the repairs correctly. Regular inspections are key to preventing problems.
- An inspection is part of any remodeling or major structural repairs that involve the electrical system.
- Before buying or selling a home or commercial building.
- For residences, at least every three to five years, unless the home is 25 years or older, then every two years.
- As required by law. California requires commercial electrical systems to be inspected annually.
- Older buildings of any kind may have outdated wiring that is not designed to accommodate today’s electrical appliances, machinery, and equipment.
- Before installing new, upgraded appliances, machinery, or equipment.
Electricraft has been serving the needs of San Luis Obispo County’s electrical wiring, inspection, and maintenance needs since 1984. The company has an experienced and qualified team of electricians and solar technicians with the training, certifications, and licenses needed for every aspect of electrical wiring from new construction, to inspections, troubleshooting, repairing, and upgrading every component in residential, commercial, and public works electrical systems.
Common signs of trouble
There are common signs of trouble in all electrical systems, whether it’s a home or on the job. Those signs include:
- Flickering or dimming lights, signaling an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring.
- Burning or odd “fishy” odors, especially near electrical equipment, require immediate attention.
- Frequently tripped circuit breakers suggest the electrical system is overloaded or has a fault.
- Damaged, discolored, scorched or cracked outlets are warning signs of electrical issues.
- Sparking outlets, indicate a serious problem that needs immediate inspection.
- Loose outlets or switches. If plugs fall out easily or switches feel loose, it’s a sign of wear that needs checking.
- Buzzing or unusual sounds from outlets, switches, or the electrical panel warrant investigation.
- Tingling sensation when touching appliances could indicate improper grounding or other serious issues.
- Visible frayed, damaged, or exposed wires are a clear sign that inspection is needed.
Getting the job done
Electrical inspections are the best way to prevent emergencies by making sure the electrical system is performing properly. Whether it’s a routine inspection, troubleshooting, repairing, or upgrading, the San Luis Obispo team gives the electrical wiring, equipment, and components a thorough checkup and makes sure everything meets electrical codes.
The team streamlines inspections with state-of-the-art detection and voltage measurement equipment, including infrared (IR) cameras. The IR advanced technology detects problems easier and faster than traditional methods, including detecting moisture in walls, roofs, around doors and windows and near wiring and electrical components, overheated electrical components, overloaded and failing circuits and breakers, and more.
The Electricraft team inspects every aspect of the electrical system including wiring and connections in walls, crawl spaces, the breaker box, all service panels, and the garage, sheds, and anything that is wired for electricity.
Advanced inspection technologies take much less time than traditional inspections and are extremely accurate and very cost-effective. At the end of the inspection, you get a detailed report about the current condition of the electrical system, including recommendations for upgrades and any code compliance issues.
