Everything You Need To Know About Your Next Electrical Inspection
An electrical inspection is an essential process to ensure the safety of your home or business. This is an in-depth process that ensures that your electrical system is fully functional, safe, and efficient and should be done periodically.
Whether you are moving into a new property, upgrading your current electrical system, or simply need some maintenance, a professional electrical inspection is essential to ensure your safety. When done ahead of time, these professional inspections can prevent potential hazards and costly repairs.
At SCV Electrical, we offer a range of services to both domestic and commercial clients across London including testing, maintenance and inspections. Working with our team can ensure that all electrical systems within your home or business are in prime condition, protecting you and ensuring efficiency.
In this guide, we are sharing everything you need to know about electrical inspections and what they involve so you can be prepared ahead of your next one.
What Is An Electrical Inspection?
An electrical inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of your property’s electrical system. This is a regular inspection which is done to identify any potential safety risks; ensure compliance with current standards, and verify the functionality and efficiency of the system.
Electrical inspections should be performed by licensed electricians, like those at SCV Electrical, as it is a thorough process which requires inspection of electrical wiring, outlets, panels and appliances to ensure all are operating as required.
Why You Need An Electrical Inspection
There are many reasons why electrical inspections are important and all property owners need to get them done regularly. These professional inspections are in-depth and a chance to assess the complete electrical system within a home or business.
When performed by professionals, electrical inspections offer a range of benefits and are done to ensure the following:
- Safety: Issues within your electrical system, such as faulty wiring and outdated appliances, can be dangerous. These issues can lead to shocks, fires, and other hazards, which can be prevented by performing regular electrical inspections.
- Compliance with Standards: Electrical inspections are done to ensure your systems, wiring and appliances are up-to-date with the current electrical codes. These codes are regularly updated, and inspections are a way of ensuring you are still compliant, and therefore safe.
- Cost Savings: Inspections will help highlight any issues within your electrical systems before they become a major problem, which can make repairs cheaper and also help reduce energy wastage.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your electrical system is safe and reliable can provide peace of mind, whether you are a business or homeowner.
When Do I Need An Electrical Inspection?
An electrical inspection can be delivered as part of regular maintenance, but there are some specific circumstances which require one to be done ahead of time.
It is a good idea to book an electrical inspection in the following:
Before Purchasing a Property
Electrical inspections are performed to ensure that the systems are not only safe but compliant with current regulations. This is vital ahead of purchasing a new home or business site, which is why electrical inspections should be performed ahead of making your final decision.
In many cases, electrical inspections are required when putting your home up on the market or before you can confirm your purchase to ensure you are going to be safe in the new space.
After Major Renovations
An inspection should be done following any major renovations of your home or commercial site, such as rewiring, to ensure that the new system is efficient, safe and compliant.
While all electrical renovations and modifications should be done by certified electricians, it is a good idea to get them or a third party to perform an electric inspection afterwards for complete peace of mind.
If You Notice Warning Signs
There are several signs that your electrical system is failing or needs attention, such as flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, or burning smells.
These can all signal an issue within the electrical system that warrants an inspection, and calling out professionals is the best way to resolve this issue and ensure you are safe.
After a Natural Disaster
Natural disasters or intense weather conditions, such as storms, flooding, or earthquakes, can damage electrical systems which is why an electrical inspection should be performed after these events.
This will ensure that everything is still functional and safe following the intense weather conditions and any necessary repairs can be handled by the professionals.
Routine Maintenance
As we have mentioned, electrical inspections can be offered as part of regular maintenance and this is particularly useful for older properties or systems.
Properties or electrical systems over 10 years old should be inspected regularly by professionals to ensure everything meets current safety standards.
What Happens During An Electrical Inspection?
Whether you are getting an inspection done because you are moving home or because you have noticed some warning signs, the process is always the same. This is a thorough inspection of your entire electrical system and a complex process which should be handled by professionals to ensure complete compliance.
Inspections will cover various components of your electrical system, testing them to ensure safety and compliance. This includes:
1. Assessment of Electrical Panels
The electrical panel (or fuse box) is the backbone of your system, and therefore a key element of electrical inspections. During this process, the electrician will check for proper labelling of the fuse box, any wear and tear that may require repairs or upgrades, as well as overall functionality to ensure safety.
2. Wiring and Cable Condition
During the inspection, the electrician will inspect the wiring throughout your property to ensure it’s in good condition and compliant with regulations. This step is vital to prevent electric fires and ensure your home or business is safe at all times.
When assessing the wiring, they will look for issues such as loose connections, frayed wiring, or any signs of overheating.
3. Outlet Testing and GFCIs
In a complete electrical inspection, each outlet within the property will be tested to ensure functionality, grounding, and safety.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), which protect against electrical shock in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms, are also tested to ensure they’re operating correctly to deliver complete peace of mind.
4. Testing Of Lighting Systems
All elements of electrical systems and appliances will be tested during this inspection, which is where lighting systems and fixtures come in. These will be reviewed and tested by the electrician to ensure they have been installed properly and are completely functional.
As well as testing functionality, the inspector will also check lighting fixtures for any potential hazards such as exposed wires, which could lead to electrical shocks, as well as determine their energy efficiency.
5. Appliance Checks
As well as the wiring and electrical system as a whole, major appliances across the premises will also be tested during electrical inspections. This is done to ensure they are safely connected to the mains and operate efficiently, per current regulations.
Major appliances refer to things such as refrigerators, ovens, water heaters, and HVAC systems all of which will be tested individually.
6. Circuit Load Testing
An electrician will assess your system’s load capacity during the inspection to ensure it can meet your property’s energy demands without overstressing the circuit.
This is an especially important step in inspections for businesses or properties with high electrical usage.
7. Inspection of Surge Protection Systems
If your property uses a surge protector, this will also need to be inspected by the electrical to ensure that it is in good condition and is working to protect your devices from sudden voltage spikes.
8. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Inspectors will also check any smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the property to ensure they meet current regulations, are fully functional and placed correctly for maximum safety.
9. Outdoor Electrical System Checks
If your property has outdoor components, such as lighting, power outlets, or generators, these will also be tested for safety and compliance, as well as appropriate weatherproofing.
Common Issues Identified During Electrical Inspections
While no two properties are the same, many of the same electrical hazards and issues surface during inspections that need to be addressed. These issues, if left unresolved, could pose serious risks to your safety.
Some of the most common issues we find during electrical inspections include:
- Outdated or aluminium wiring
- Unsafe modifications to electrical appliances, outlets or wires such as DIY installations
- Overcrowded or poorly secured electrical panels
- Lack of grounding or GFCI outlets
- Overloaded circuits and/or breakers
- Signs of damage from pests or moisture
Addressing these issues early on can prevent them from becoming worse and leaving your property in an unsafe condition.
Following The Inspection: Receiving Your Report
Once the inspection is complete, the property owner should receive a detailed report outlining the findings. This report is a vital document for the business or homeowner and should include:
- A summary of the system’s overall condition
- A list of any code violations or hazards
- Recommended repairs or upgrades
- An estimated timeline for addressing significant issues
Following an inspection, the team at SCV Electrical will walk you through your report and ensure that you understand everything that has taken place, as well as our recommendations for your property.
We can then move forward by scheduling the necessary repairs or upgrades which may be needed.
Conclusion
Electrical inspections are vital assessments of a property’s electrical systems, wiring and appliances. This is a regular inspection which is done to ensure your site is up to current standards for electrical safety, efficiency and functionality.
This is a complex process and one which requires an in-depth assessment of all areas of your electrical system, which is why it should be performed by qualified electricians, like those on our team.
Schedule Your Inspection Today
An electrical inspection is an investment in the safety of your home or business. Don’t take chances with your safety or compliance standards – contact SCV Electrical today to book your next inspection, and ensure protection and peace of mind.
