Pass or Fail … National Preparedness Month Begins
September kicks off a month of National Preparedness. How prepared for safety are you when it comes to your electrical systems? Our modern homes are filled with all sorts of cool things that we rely on daily, from appliances & fixtures to electrical tools. But do you ever consider whether or not your systems are operating safely & correctly? Using standards set by our training and by the NEC electrical code (National Electrical Code - a regionally adoptable standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States), the Sylvester electricians work to ensure these systems are safe & effective for our clients.
Would your home pass an inspection? The code is very strict and frankly, if you’ve not had an inspection in the last 10 years, chances are good that you’ll need to update a few things in order to pass. Here are some of the most common electrical home defects:
- Outdated or failed smoke and fire detectors
- New or modern appliances installed into older wiring or systems
- Not using dedicated outlets for major appliances
- Outdated or incorrectly sized wiring
- Pull-chain lights as opposed to wall switches
- Knob and tube wiring present
- Wire overcrowding, or wiring in contact with insulation or other wires
- Lack of GFCIs in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, home exteriors (anywhere that can be exposed to water)
And believe it or not, that’s just dipping into the waters because there are so many more electrical safety requirements you need to keep up with! These codes are important because they’re set up to provide safety and to help to keep your home and family safe, as well as to reduce the risks of property loss.
Electrical Inspection Checklist
Let’s face it, some of this would be pretty hard to check out yourself. There are all kinds of hiding places for stuff like the walls, under floorboards, etc. DIY can create some great problem-solving, but when it comes to anything electrical, we don’t recommend it.
Signs You Need An Electrical Inspection
If you want to know whether or not you’re in need of an inspection, look for these warning signs:
1. Tripped Breakers
Tripped breakers can be annoying but if they’re tripping all the time, that’s a good sign you might need electrical repair or at the very least an inspection.
2. Lights Flickering
Lights flickering can definitely be a sign of outdated or aging wiring, which is inspection-worthy.
3. Outlets Not Working
Any of your outlets not working? That is a sign of a big issue somewhere in your home.
When Is An Electrical Inspection Required?
Stay current! Inspections should be performed every five years for business and at least every 10 for a home. Home safety inspections bring peace of mind and act as a safeguard against appliance failures and electrical fires. Sylvester Electric continues to serve our community by providing safety inspections that leave nothing unexamined. We want your family to be safe so let a Northern Massachusetts electrician from our team help protect your family and home.
At Sylvester Electric, we are known to exceed electrical expectations all around the Merrimack Valley. Trust us to be your electrical inspector. Contact us for your electrical safety inspection today!