When it comes to the safety of your home and family, you can’t afford to make mistakes. That’s why getting a home electrical inspection is so important.
With the help of a talented electrician from Mister Sparky, you can determine the underlying cause of any problems, prevent major malfunctions, and avoid costly repairs.
How Long Does a Home Electrical Inspection Take?
A typical home electrical inspection will take about one to two hours to complete. However, this can vary significantly based on a few key factors.
The system’s complexity, underlying problems, age of the system, number of alterations, and ease of access can all cause the inspection to take longer.
The following list includes guidelines about how long different properties take to inspect.
- Small Apartments: 1 to 2 hours
- Normal Houses: 3 to 4 hours
- Offices or Businesss: 5 to 6 hours
- Industrial Buildings or Factories: 7 to 8 hours
Before your electrical inspection, you can talk to our team about what to expect. We’ll give you an accurate estimate about how long it will take, so you know how to schedule the rest of your day.
What Are the Factors That Impact How Long My Inspection Will Take?
There are a few important factors that will determine how long your home electrical inspection will end up taking.
- Condition of Your Electrical Systems: If your electrical systems are 25 to 40 years old, they may have additional wear and tear. Poorly maintained systems and outdated panels require more tests, which increases how long the inspection will take to complete.
- Complexity of Your Property: The size and complexity of your property will also determine the length of the inspection. As a general rule, a basic apartment is going to be much faster to inspect than a large industrial complex. Alterations also add to the complexity of the system, making the inspection take longer.
- Inspection Type: General inspections, specialized inspections, and rough-in inspections will all take different amounts of time to complete.
What Happens During a Home Electrical Inspection?
Before you originally moved into your home, the local zoning committee likely required a rough-in inspection. After the home is fully permitted, the routine inspections are called service inspections.
These inspections make sure that all of your electrical panels, wiring, and other components are in working condition. During a service inspection, the electrician will perform a few important steps.
Perform a Visual Inspection
The first step in carrying out a home electrical inspection is to perform a visual inspection. Your electrician will look at the electrical systems to see if they have any signs of wear and tear. They will check your outlets, switches, circuit breakers, electrical panels, and wiring. If there are any indications of overheating and damage, the electrician will recommend the appropriate repairs.
Test the Electrical Systems
Once the visual electrical inspection is complete, the inspector will perform a range of different tests to determine the condition of your electrical systems. For example, they may check the amperage and voltage of your electrical systems. Additionally, they will ensure your arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are working appropriately.
Document Any Problems
Next, the electrician will document the results from all of their tests. They will write down any malfunctions, hazards, or code violations in your home. If there are issues, they will also include ways to repair your system in the future.
Compile a Final Report
Finally, the electrician will write down all of their findings in a concise report. This final report will include any of your home’s issues as well as the recommended repairs. If you have any questions, you can always talk to the electrician about what different terms or upgrades mean.
How Often Should I Get My Electrical Systems Inspected?
Typically, homes should be inspected every three to five years. However, older homes must be inspected on a more frequent basis. Once your house is at least 25 to 40 years old, it will need to be inspected on an annual basis.
The Advantages of Getting Your Electrical Systems Inspected
Regular inspections ensure the safety of your home or business. By being proactive, you can avoid unexpected and dangerous malfunctions.
Our team of experienced electricians understands how electrical systems function, so we can help you prevent injuries, accidents, and fire hazards. Through an inspection, you can enjoy some of the following benefits.
Better Regulatory Compliance
Every county has specific building codes that buildings must comply with. By getting routine inspections, you can ensure that your system meets the minimum regulatory standard.
On a basic level, this is important because it helps you avoid penalties and legal issues. Because newer standards are often safer, it is also a good way to make sure your home’s electrical systems are in compliance with modern safety standards.
Improved Equipment Longevity
When electrical systems start to break down, it places added strain on other components. As a result, malfunctioning electrical wires and other problems can shorten the lifespan of your electrical systems.
Decreased Repair Costs
If electrical malfunctions remain, it can cause other components to break down. For instance, overheated outlets and power surges can cause appliances to stop working. In turn, this increases the cost of your repairs and replacement. By being proactive and repairing minor problems early, you can avoid more costly repairs in the future.
Improved Safety
One of the most important reasons why you need a home electrical inspection is for your safety. If electrical systems aren’t working properly, it can lead to a fire or an electrocution. Because of this, you should have a professional electrician check your home for faulty wiring and overloaded circuits.
Fewer Power Outages
If your electrical wiring or electrical panel malfunctions, it can cause a power outage. Loose connections, damaged wiring, and dead outlets impact your ability to use appliances in your home. By scheduling a routine inspection, you can spot and prevent these problems.
Schedule an Electrical Inspection Today
Getting a home electrical inspection isn’t simply a way to save money on repair costs. It also provides you with superior peace of mind. Electrical malfunctions can directly impact the safety of your family, so it’s important to prevent them whenever possible.
By reaching out to our team of dedicated electricians, you can learn more about the best electrical maintenance and repair options for your home. Our team will quickly inspect your electrical systems, create a report, and recommend any necessary repairs.
Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky!
