Inspector's Blog

Home Owner FAQ

Why ought I get my home’s electric system inspected?

A recent study from the FPRF or Fire Protection Research Foundation showed older homes may have life-threatening electrical conditions that need to be inspected and corrected by electric experts, such as a certified electrician. Electric fires that begin behind your walls can be amongst the most dangerous and deadly. Your family and the fire alarms in your home may not notice an electrical fire until it is fully engulfed, affording you less time and fewer choices for escape. Having your abode inspected by a skilled electrical professional person, such as a qualified electrician, is a simple step to protect you, your family unit, and your household.

Who would be considered a ?qualified electrician??

A qualified electrician is a disciplined professional who has skills, knowledge, and experience associated with the installation and repair of electric cabling and equipment. These electricians ought be familiar with the electrical building code prerequisites in the localities in which they do work, and should likewise be familiar with the most recent requirements of the National Electrical Code? (NEC?). If you’ve an older home and need it inspected, you also might want to consider finding an electrician who’s familiar with the NFPA 73, Electric Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings.

How much does an electrical inspection cost?

For a assortment of reasons, the price of an electrical inspection may deviate, although it’s typically low in comparison to other costs related to purchasing a home. Above all, the value of such an inspection is clear. By identifying potential perils before a dangerous situation occurs you’ll be protecting your family and your home.

My electrical outlets appear new. How do I know if there’s a problem in my home?

A recent first-of-its-kind study from the Fire Protection Research Foundation shows that substantial electrical system risks can exist and may stay out of sight within and ?behind the walls? of older homes. The best way to evaluate and improve the electric safety of your home?s electrical system is to have it scrutinized by a competent electrician.

Can I do my own wiring?

Our lives virtually depend upon the safe utilization of electrical energy in our homes. Electricity is a leading cause of home fires in the United States. Even what some might think of as a ?minor? problem can lead to fire. So, it’s always safest to consult a educated electrical professional prior to having any electrical work done.

What type of wiring should my home have?

If wiring is properly installed and maintained, even aged wiring can continue to perform effectively and safely. Troubles can occur in any type of wiring when it’s not been properly put in or maintained. Problems also come about when changes, that did not meet well accepted, established safety provisions, have been made in the electrical system after the home was originally constructed. For owners of older homes, it’s vital that their entire electrical system be scrutinised by a qualified electrician. Confer with these professionals to ascertain what wiring would fit your home best.

What is the National Electrical Code? and how does it affect my home?

The National Electrical Code?, or NEC?, is the world’s most widely embraced electrical safety code. The code is on a regular basis updated to include the latest safety provisos and is issued by the National Fire Protection Association. Homeowners should insure that all electrical work done in their home conforms to the current electrical safety provisions. To do so, work with a qualified electrician.

What sorts of electrical safety risks can I look for on my own?

* Check electrical cords to make sure the wires are not beaten-up, cracked or loose. Whenever the cords need to be repaired, take the item to a professional repair shop, employ a qualified electrician, or replace with a new item.
* Make sure cords are not coming across thresholds or below carpets and avoid pinching cords against walls or furniture. If needed, have a qualified electrician put in more outlets.
* Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) reduce the danger of electrical shock by interrupting the electrical circuit when a electric shock hazard exists. Your home should have GFCIs about kitchen countertops, in bathroom(s), near laundry and utility sinks, in the garage, outside areas, in crawlspaces, and in unfinished basements.

But remember, the recent, first-of-its-kind written report from the Fire Protection Research Foundation demonstrates that real electrical system dangers might exist and can remain concealed in older homes. The best way to assess and improve the electrical safety of your home is to have your home audited by a trained electrical professional, such as a qualified electrician.

Where are ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) required to be installed by the current NEC??

The 2008 National Electrical Code? (NEC?) mandates GFCI protection for all 125V, 15A, and 20A receptacles installed:

* in bathrooms
* to serve kitchen countertop surfaces
* near wet-bar, laundry and utility sinks
* in garages and accessory buildings
* in unfinished basements or crawl spaces
* outdoors
* near a pool, or almost anywhere else you are likely to come across water or moistness.

The NEC? also now expects that if you replace an existent outlet in a position requiring GFCI protection, you must put in a GFCI.

If your home does not have GFCIs in these areas because the electrical system was installed in accordance with prior editions of the NEC?, you may desire to look at installing GFCIs anyhow. In the United States., GFCI outlets are very low-cost. Valuate your own risk factors: Does your finished basement ever get wet? Do you have little children? Do you employ your garage outlets to power outdoor tools? Does H2O or melted snow ever pool inside your garage? If so, you had better, at a minimum, have GFCI protection in those regions.
What problems constitute a fire risk?

Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have:

* Continual problems with blowing fuses or tripping breakers
* A tingling feeling when you contact an electrical appliance or other metallic objects
* Discolored or warm wall outlets
* A continual burning aroma or rubbery smell coming from an appliance, room, or area
* Flickering lights
* Sparks from an electric outlet
* Animal or insect infestation with the possibility of them gnawing on wiring
* Degradation due to moisture or flood damage
* Aged homes with out-of-date wiring that may demonstrate signs of cracking or damage to the wire insulating material.

Once again, check with a qualified electrician prior to doing any work on your electric system.

If my house doesn’t meet some of the rules and regulations, what should I do?

If you’re planning to modify your wiring, first check with your local building department about the licencing, permitting, and inspection necessities that may apply in your community. Prior to doing electrical work, we recommend that you have your home?s electrical system visited by a trained electrical professional person, such as a qualified electrician. And, make sure that work done in your home meets the most current electric safety requisites.