Although electrical safety is important in all homes, it is especially important in places like Melbourne. The added humidity and coastal location can increase some risks.
If you are aware of common hazards, you can take steps to protect your family and property. This guide will cover electrical hazards and solutions for reducing your electrical risks.
Why Get an Electrical Safety Inspection?
There are many reasons to schedule an electrical safety inspection. However, some of the major reasons include:
Complying With Electrical Safety Codes
Electrical safety codes are regularly updated, which means your electrical system should receive updates, too. When you schedule an inspection, electricians will help ensure that your electrical system meets the city and county’s electrical safety codes. Besides keeping you safe, complying with electrical safety codes can help prevent fines in the future.
Ensuring Safety in an Older Home
If you live in an old home, you may have outdated wiring or an outdated electrical panel. An inspection can ensure that your system can handle your electrical load. If not, electricians can offer replacement options.
Improving Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
If you suspect your electrical system is inefficient and using too much of your electricity bill, an electrical safety inspection can update electrical components to improve its efficiency. This may also mean swapping out old parts.
The Types of Hazards Electrical Safety Inspections Can Identify
An electrical safety inspection covers a lot of ground. Besides ensuring your electrical system complies with the latest codes and regulations, it can identify these hazards.
Outdated Electrical Panels
Homes that use fuse boxes or outdated electrical panels may not be equipped to handle your electrical load. The electricians at Mister Sparky can inspect your panel to ensure it functions efficiently. We can also provide replacement options.
Improper Grounding
Grounding is important as it helps direct excess electricity away from your home. Without proper grounding, this excess electricity could jump out of the wires and start a fire or damage your devices.
Faulty Wiring
Two-thirds of home fires are due to faulty wiring according to a recent NFPA report. Over decades, wires can degrade or even become frayed. Electricians can identify which wires need to be replaced.
Damaged Outlets or Switches
Switches and outlets can also become worn out or cracked after years of use. This can result in electrical shocks, sparks, or fires. It may be difficult to determine which outlets are old in your home, so if you need help, make an appointment with our electricians.
Electrical Fluctuations or Surges
If you’re experiencing frequent surges or fluctuations, an inspection can help identify the cause. Our electricians can then offer tips on preventing future surges and fluctuations, such as by adding additional outlets.
Exposed Wiring
Insulation on wiring can sometimes wear off. Alternatively, animals – like rats – may have chewed off the insulation, exposing the wiring. Exposed wiring can be dangerous as it increases the risk of electric shocks and short circuits. Our electricians can look for any exposed wires and fix or replace them immediately.
When Should You Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection?
Although you should consider scheduling an electrical safety inspection every few years, there are certain times when it’s crucial to schedule one. These times include:
After a Major Weather Event
If a major weather event, such as a severe storm or flooding, hits your neighborhood, you should schedule an inspection. Water can damage your electrical system while lightning can cause a power surge.
Buying or Selling a Home
When you’re buying or selling a home, you always want to ensure the electrical system is in tip-top shape and complies with all the codes and regulations. The last thing you want is an unexpected fire in your new home. On the other hand, if you’re selling a home, you don’t want to have to delay the sale due to potential electrical issues.
Moving Into an Old Home
If you plan to move into a home that’s 20 years old or older, you may need an inspection to replace your outdated panel. Many older homes don’t meet the current safety codes and need to be updated before they can handle modern electrical demands.
Completing a Major Renovation
If part of your renovation has included electrical work, such as installing new lighting fixtures, you should schedule an electrical safety inspection once the renovations are complete. You may have placed an extra electrical load on your system without realizing it.
Before Installing Energy-Hungry New Appliances
You may be surprised how much electricity new appliances pull from your electrical system. Schedule an electrical safety inspection after installing appliances like an HVAC system, a washer-dryer, or a hot tub. An inspection will ensure that your current electrical system can handle your current load.
Experiencing Frequent Electrical Problems
Are you experiencing frequent flickering lights or circuit breaker trips? This is usually an indication that something’s wrong with your electrical system. Have an electrician inspect it as soon as possible so you avoid electrical shocks or even an electrical fire.
If It’s Been a Long Time Since Your Last Inspection
We suggest scheduling an electrical safety inspection every three to five years just to ensure that your system is efficient, up to code, and safe. We can also help extend its lifespan by replacing worn-out components and adding extra outlets.
The Licensed Electricians at Mister Sparky
We believe electrical safety should be a priority for every homeowner. Our motto is “Don’t Put Up With Any Malarky!” This means we’re prompt, reliable, and thorough with our services. When we perform an electrical safety inspection, we inspect your breakers, outlets, and wiring to ensure everything works perfectly.
We make sure your electrical system complies with the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as local Melbourne, Florida, requirements. We also perform a detailed system assessment. Our final step is to identify any risks that could cause electrocutions or fires.
If you’re a home buyer, home seller, or you’re renovating a home, contact our team at Mister Sparky. We offer affordable, comprehensive, and efficient inspection services.