Jeson Pitt 11/17
If you use power tools in your work space, you understand there are several risks associated with the same — electrical fire being one of them. An effective way of preventing them is conducting regular safety inspections. When do you know it is time for an inspection? Read on.
Signs Indicating You Need an Electrical Inspection
- Electrical shocks
If you feel a tingle or a mild shock when you touch any electrical appliance, the reason would most likely be improper electrical wiring. If you experience electrical shocks of any kind, get an inspection done immediately.
- Circuit breaker problems
Circuit breakers trip when a circuit gets overloaded. They prevent wires from heating and starting a fire by shutting off the electrical supply. They may also trip when they get old. When they trip occasionally, it indicates an overload, however, if it trips frequently it’s time to bring in an electrician.
- Hot ceiling fixtures
Check the area around the light fixtures on the ceilings whether they are warm or not and confirm that they are well-insulated. The fixtures may get overheated even if you exceed the maximum recommended wattage for the fixtures. Too much heat buildup could pose a fire hazard.
- Flickering lights
If the lights flicker too much, it may be due to a loose bulb which can be resolved by replacing the bulb. However, if the issue is solved, the fault is most likely in the light fixture or because the fixture connections or electrical wiring in the electric circuit breaker box may be loose, for which you would have to call an electrician.
- Electrical outlets not working
If the light switches or electrical outlets are not working, it may be due to a loose wiring or because the device is cracked internally. It may be a problem even if the plug is loose in a receptacle. You must call an electrician to inspect electrical wire & cables to determine if there are any loose connections or not and replace the defective devices.
Home Inspection Checklist
- Old or Outdated Wiring/equipment: If you live in a house whose wiring systems dates over 3 decades, you might notice signs like fuses blowing frequently, circuit breakers tripping constantly or needing extension cords and surge protectors in several outlets. A thorough electrical inspection will reveal if the wiring is outdated and if would put you at a risk of an electric fire.
- Aluminum wiring: Aluminum oxidizes quickly which leads to corrosion. Once it starts corroding, it won’t take too long for an electrical fire to start. Aluminum wires have an extremely short lifespan. In an electrical inspection, the technician would determine if aluminum wiring at your home is safe or if you need new wiring.
- Damage to Electrical plugs and cords: One of the primary causes of electrical fires is faulty wiring in the electrical system and damage to the electrical cord. An inspection will reveal if there are any frayed, worn out or tattered wires which may need replacement.
- Overburdened electrical outlet: Overloading, a common cause of electrical fires, occurs when you plug too many electrical appliances into the same outlet, power strip or extension cord. If detected during an inspection, the technician would recommend you purchase power strips that are equipped with internal overload protection that ensure that a strip shuts off as soon as it becomes overloaded.
- Arc Faults: They occur when electric current veers from its intended path. Inspections will detect arc faults and determine if you need to install arc fault current interrupters to protect you from them.
Keep an eye on the different wiring types at your home and schedule an inspection if you suspect anything out of the ordinary.
Author Bio: Jeson Pitt works with the marketing department of D&F Liquidators and regularly writes to share his knowledge while enlightening people about electrical products and solving their electrical dilemmas. He's got the industry insights that you can count on along with years of experience in the field. Jeson lives in Hayward, CA and loves to explore different cuisines that the food trucks in the Bay area have to offer.