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Your electrical system gradually deteriorates with use, abuse, time and increased demand. Systems installed in the 1970's or earlier probably never anticipated the demand that is required of them today. To ensure the electrical safety of your home, your electrical system should be up-to-date with problems corrected and the service upgraded to meet present and anticipated demands. Based on current trends in the Insurance Industry, it appears that some insurance companies are now considering that a risk assessment be made of electrical systems as a requirement for coverage. Some broker underwriting guidelines specifically state that wiring should be updated to meet the demands of modern day appliances with a modern circuit breaker system suitable for these loads. Many companies recommend higher premiums or even not insuring homes with knob and tube or aluminum wiring. These are just guidelines and not enforceable regulations, but if they are looking at these items now it will not be long before they become enforceable regulations. The insurance industry's concern about the electrical integrity of properties they insure demonstrates that there must be a growing problem for them in this area. |
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) recommends asking the following questions to determine whether you need to have your home electrically inspected: •Is your home 40 years old or older? •Has your home had a major addition or renovation or major new appliance added, such as a refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner or electric furnace, in the last 10 years? •Are you the new owner of a previously owned home? •Do your lights often flicker or dim momentarily? •Do your circuit breakers trip or fuses blow often? •Are your outlet and light switch face plates hot to the touch or discolored? •Do you hear crackling, sizzling or buzzing from your outlets? •Do you have extension cords and multiple power strips permanently in use around the house? If you answer yes to any one of the above questions, you should consider having Reinhart Electric, we are licensed electrical inspector What is Included in an Electrical Safety Inspection by Reinhart Electric |
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This inspection should require 30 minutes to 1 ½ hours depending upon size of residence. |
| 1. Point of delivery, meter base, service conductors a. Proper torque on connections b. Discoloration of bus from heat or arching c. Weather heads (if present) d. Hubs e. Strapping f. Attachment g. Proper grounding and bonding |
2. Main panel and sub-panels a. Proper torque on connections b. Proper over current protection c. Wire properly attached to panel d. Discoloration of breakers or bus from heat or arching e. Balance load if needed f. Labeling g. Proper grounding and bonding |
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| 3. Equipment disconnects a. Proper torque on connections b. Over current protection sized properly c. Wire properly secured where entering panel d. Labeling e. Proper grounding and bonding |
4. Receptacles a. GFCI Receptacles/circuits operate properly b. AFCI circuits c. Proper tension d. Correct polarity and grounding e. Voltage drop at receptacles f. Cracked or over heated insulation of wires g. Cracked or damaged cover plates h. Missing cover screws i. Properly fits to wall with plate not supporting receptacle j. Waterproof plates seal properly |
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| 5. Switches a. Operation b. Cracked or over heated insulation of wires c. Cracked plates d. Missing cover screws 6. Smoke Detectors a. Operation b. Battery 7. Junction boxes a. Covered b. No open splices c. Terminations made properly |
8. Cable and flexible conduit a. Condition of outer covering b. Properly supported c. Aluminum Wiring i. Check for proper termination ii. Torque connections in mechanical lugs 9. Light Fixtures a. Proper lamp wattage b. Loose lamp holders c. Cracked or over heated insulation of wires 10. Ceiling Fans a. Attached by a approved means of support b. Loose blades |
11. Cord Connected Equipment a. Frayed cord b. Condition of plug c. Use of extension cords |
