Wondering how often you should have your home inspected? Regular electrical inspections are crucial for ensuring your home’s safety. They ensure your electrical setup complies with current safety codes, reducing the risk of accidents. For older homes or properties with high energy consumption, these inspections are even more critical, as wear and tear can lead to serious issues.
In this blog, we will help you find out how often you should schedule electrical inspections. Also discover the signs that indicate you need an electrical inspection.
Let's start by understanding when you need one!
Signs That You Need an Electrical Inspection
These are just a few signs that indicate you need an electrical inspection. Ignoring these warning signals could lead to dangerous consequences.
1. Flickering or dimming lights
If your lights flicker or dim unexpectedly, this could be a sign of a deeper electrical issue. It may indicate faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or an outdated electrical panel. This problem shouldn't be ignored, as it can worsen over time and lead to more serious hazards.
2. Burning smell from outlets or switches
A burning smell coming from any outlet or switch is a major red flag. It could be due to overheated wiring or an electrical short, both of which pose a risk of fire. If you notice this smell, it's best to turn off the power and call a professional electrician immediately.
3. Frequently tripped circuit breakers
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by shutting off power when circuits are overloaded. However, if they are tripping frequently, it could mean your electrical system is struggling to handle the load. This is a clear sign that an inspection is needed to prevent potential damage.
4. Warm or discoloured outlets
If you feel warmth or notice discoloration around your outlets, this could indicate an electrical fault. Over time, wiring behind these outlets may degrade, increasing the risk of electrical fires. It's crucial to have these inspected by a licensed electrician.
5. Unexplained power surges
Frequent power surges can damage your appliances and electronics, and they may be a sign of faulty wiring or poor grounding. If you experience regular surges, it's time to schedule an inspection to identify the root cause and prevent further issues.
How Often Should You Schedule Electrical Inspections?
For most homes, it’s recommended to schedule an electrical inspection every 3-5 years. This regular check ensures that your wiring, outlets, and electrical systems are safe and up-to-date with current codes.
Homes over 25 years old, or those that haven’t had an inspection recently, should consider more frequent checks. Older electrical systems are more prone to wear and tear, increasing the risk of problems like faulty wiring or outdated components that could pose safety hazards.
If your home has high energy consumption—due to heavy appliances, air conditioning systems, or home automation—you should consider more frequent inspections, perhaps annually.
Conclusion
Scheduling regular electrical inspections is essential to ensure your home’s safety and efficiency. By having your home inspected every 3-5 years, or more frequently for older homes and high-energy properties, you can catch potential issues before they become costly or dangerous.
Contact Unique Electrical today to schedule your next inspection and keep your home safe and up to code!
