Understanding how a certified home inspection evaluates the electrical system.

When it comes to powering the home, electricity is what makes it run. But while this technological discovery keeps our devices humming and our bodies warm, it is also very dangerous if it goes unmaintained. If you are worried about your homes electrical wiring or you are purchasing a new home, have an inspection done for peace of mind about your investment and your family.

What’s behind the wall?

As part of our home inspections, we identify what is going on behind the walls. This is done through inspecting access points that are available which allows us to see behind the drywall and what kind of wiring is being used. Older homes tended to use old knob and tube, aluminium, or ungrounded copper wiring, all of which can be dangerous in many cases. This wiring tends to crack or heat up which can cause electrical fires. If we find old and damaged wiring behind the walls you can quickly get understanding of the state of the home.

We will also use our thermal imaging camera to identify areas where there is extensive heat. If this heat is found near outlets or at certain junctions, there is an indication that the wires are overloaded.

What is the condition of the electrical panel?

The electrical panel is what controls the flow of electricity into the home and is also responsible for protecting your from power surges and overloads. One look at an electrical panel from a professional home inspector and we can quickly find areas where there are problems. In many cases, electrical panels are added on to over the years and these additions are not completed properly, and more importantly, safely . If the electrical panel is overloaded or unsafe, you will likely need to look at purchasing a new panel.

What are the visible conditions?

Some problem areas can be seen without looking behind the walls. These areas include flickering or dimming lights. By activating appliances and fixtures together it can indicate the load on a circuit and whether it is overloaded. We can also use tools to find the voltage being fed to outlets to ensure that is being fed correctly. Lastly, we can use our thermal camera imaging to identify efficiency issues. In the kitchen we can identify leaks in the refrigerator or cold/hot spots in/on the oven. These are indications that the appliances are not running efficiently and will cost you on every monthly energy bill.

These are just a few of the ways that our home inspectors will review your home. After years of home inspecting we know what to look for, and indications in the home that tell us the overall health of the electrical system. Contact us at 289-686-9482 to arrange a home inspection for your home.