Before buying a house, you ought to inspect or have an expert inspect the electrical installation, as well as its components. You might have the city or county inspector check it out, or you might find an electrical contractor that can help you with this task. Be certain that the house is updated and meets the safety standards set forth by the National Electrical Code.
You ought to have an electrical service that’s big enough to supply the house and have room for expansion in the future. The wiring ought to be grounded and in good condition. The outlets and switches ought to be inspected to make sure they’re in good condition and of the proper type. Below are a few of the electrical components of the electrical system which ought to be inspected.
Receptacles Must Be Inspected
The receptacles, oftentimes referred to as outlets, must be inspected to ensure that they have a ground, do not have any physical defects or cracks, that they have the right tension to hold in a cord that’s plugged into them, and that they’re the right type for the space. Certain spaces to be on the lookout for are outdoor outlets, garages, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Any of these spaces could be damp or wet and are required to have GFCI installed.
Common Electrical Errors
There is an abundance of common electrical errors people make. In conjunction with that, you might be wondering if your old wiring is safe? One other concern might be whether your house has aluminum wiring. You may check for improper electrical wiring and save yourself a migraine later. Because after all, it’s the house you’re considering buying and you do not want large expenses or surprises later on to repair problematic areas. You then might’ve had a prior owner who overloaded a circuit. It may be evident while assessing the attic or basement areas for indications of overloaded circuits.
Since 1900 Electrical Service Panels Have Changed
To assess the electrical system further, it’s possible to conduct a service panel checklist exam. Yes, it’ll take a bit of time to do all this; however, it’s worth the effort of discovering what makes your house tick. Because after all, you would not purchase a sinking ship that has holes in it and you should not purchase a faulty house either. If you have knowledge of the defects beforehand and negotiate the cost to offset its faults, you might just receive your dream home at a cost you can afford and a safe house at that!
Electrical Wiring’s Lifespan
Just like everything else, electrical wiring has a specific safe lifespan. In its day, tube and knob wiring was cutting edge, but now, it is out-of-date and lacks a ground wire. What’s good today does not mean you’re able to trust the wiring for hundreds of years, as you can see.
For more information on our home electrical inspections contact a full-service electrical contractor of Powertec Electric today!
