Home Electrical Safety Inspections
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At Atlas Electrical, we specialize in providing comprehensive home electrical safety inspections, ensuring that your home is not only up to code but also safe for you and your family. With over 33 years of licensed experience, our team goes beyond the surface to uncover potential hazards that other general home inspectors might miss. Whether you’re buying a new home, upgrading an older one, or simply want peace of mind, our in-depth electrical inspections provide you with a detailed understanding of your home’s electrical systems to help to keep you and your family safe .
HOME ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTIONS
What We Do as Electrical Home Inspectors
Our home electrical safety inspections are designed to uncover potential hazards in your home’s wiring, panels, outlets, and safety devices. We dive deeper than general home inspectors by focusing solely on the electrical system, offering an expert view on what’s working, what needs fixing, and how to ensure long-term safety. From outdated wiring to overloaded circuits, our inspections give you a comprehensive understanding of your home’s electrical health.
Licensed and Experienced: What Sets Us Apart
At Atlas Electrical, we believe that electrical safety requires a level of expertise that general home inspectors simply don’t have. Our team consists of licensed electricians with decades of experience in handling complex electrical issues. We know the code inside and out and are equipped to not only identify issues but also provide solutions. Unlike other inspection services, we bring the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to ensure your home is safe and functional for years to come.
While general home inspectors may provide an overview of a home’s condition, they often lack the depth of knowledge required to assess the intricacies of an electrical system thoroughly. Their inspections typically include a cursory look at visible components like outlets, switches, and the electrical panel, but they are not licensed electricians and therefore are not equipped to identify deeper, potentially dangerous issues. This is where Atlas Electrical sets itself apart.
We are licensed electricians, with over 40 years of experience, focused solely on electrical safety. Unlike general home inspectors, who have to divide their attention across plumbing, roofing, and structural issues, we are dedicated solely to your electrical system, ensuring we don’t miss critical details.
Common Oversights by General Home Inspectors:
• Electrical Panels: General inspectors may visually check if the panel is functioning, but they often overlook deeper issues like overloaded circuits or loose connections that can lead to overheating and, in extreme cases, electrical fires.​
• Grounding and Bonding: General inspectors often lack the expertise to verify proper grounding and bonding, which are critical for preventing electrocution and ensuring the safety of your home’s electrical system.
Our focus on electrical safety inspections allows us to look beyond surface-level issues. We inspect every inch of wiring, ensuring that outdated or unsafe wiring is not present.
At Atlas Electrical, we are more than just inspectors—we are specialists. Our inspections dig deeper because we understand the risks. Faulty electrical systems are a leading cause of residential fires, and only a licensed electrician can fully assess and remedy the dangers lurking in your home’s wiring. We don’t get distracted by checking the foundation or the roof. We focus solely on electricity, ensuring your home is protected from the unique dangers that electrical issues present.
Comprehensive Electrical Safety Inspections
Here’s a comprehensive list of home electrical safety inspection items to help you
ensure a thorough check of any residential electrical system:
1. Electrical Panel/Breaker Box
• Check for loose connections or signs of corrosion.
• Ensure all breakers are functioning properly and are correctly labeled.
• Look for any overheating, scorching, or burn marks on or around the panel.
• Confirm the panel is properly grounded.
• Inspect for correct breaker sizing and appropriate amp rating.
• Verify the absence of double-tapped breakers unless designed for that purpose.
2. Wiring and Cables
• Inspect visible wiring for wear, damage, or fraying.
• Ensure no wiring is exposed or poorly insulated.
• Check for outdated or dangerous wiring types (e.g., aluminum wiring, knob-and- tube).
• Confirm that wires are properly secured and are not touching any heat sources.
• Verify appropriate wire gauge for circuits (e.g., 12-gauge for 20 amps).
3. Outlets and Switches
• Test all outlets for proper grounding and polarity using a tester.
• Inspect outlets for any signs of burning or discoloration.
• Ensure GFCI outlets are installed in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas.
• Test GFCI outlets for proper operation.
• Check for AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupters) protection in appropriate areas like bedrooms.
• Confirm all outlets and switches have proper faceplates and are securely fastened.
• Test all switches for proper operation.
4. Lighting Fixtures
• Inspect light fixtures for loose connections, especially in ceiling fans or chandeliers.
• Ensure that bulbs are of the correct wattage to avoid overheating.
• Check for any signs of scorching or damage around fixtures.
• Verify proper wiring in recessed lighting, ensuring they are not in contact with insulation (fire hazard).
5. Grounding and Bonding
• Confirm that the home’s electrical system is properly grounded.
• Inspect bonding of water pipes and gas lines to the electrical system.
• Ensure all outlets have grounding prongs where necessary.
6. Electrical Appliances and Devices
• Inspect large appliances for proper connections and dedicated circuits.
• Check surge protectors and power strips for overloads.
• Verify proper grounding and connection for outdoor equipment, like HVAC units and pool systems.
7. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Ensure detectors are hard-wired with a battery backup where required.
• Confirm proper placement of detectors (one on each level, outside sleeping areas).
8. Exterior Electrical Components
• Inspect outdoor outlets for GFCI protection and proper weatherproofing.
• Check exterior wiring and connections for weatherproofing.
• Verify proper functioning of outdoor lighting and motion sensors.
• Inspect electrical connections for pool, spa, or hot tub equipment.
9. Service Entry and Meter
• Inspect service entrance cables for wear or damage.
• Check the electrical meter for secure installation and signs of damage.
• Ensure the drip loop (if overhead service) is properly installed to prevent water
entry.
10. Surge Protection
• Verify that the home has whole-house surge protection or that critical devices are connected to surge protectors.
11. Electrical Code Compliance
• Ensure that the home complies with local electrical codes and standards (this will depend on the region or state).
• Check if any electrical work done on the property has permits and was inspected.
12. Electrical Boxes and Junctions
• Inspect junction boxes for proper covers and wiring organization.
• Ensure that all junctions are inside appropriate enclosures, not left exposed.
13. Voltage and Circuit Load Testing
• Use a multimeter to test voltage at all outlets.
• Perform a load test to ensure circuits aren’t overloaded.
14. Tamper-Resistant Outlets (for homes with children)
• Ensure tamper-resistant (TR) outlets are installed where necessary for child safety.
By thoroughly checking these items during a home electrical safety inspection, you can identify potential hazards and help ensure the electrical system is safe and up to code.
Why Choose Atlas Electrical?
Homeowners choose Atlas Electrical because we focus on safety, not just compliance. We offer detailed reports and practical recommendations that go beyond a basic inspection. Whether you’re buying a new home or maintaining an older one, our expertise ensures that no electrical issue goes unnoticed. With our specialized home electrical safety inspections, you’re getting more than a report—you’re getting the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home’s electrical system is in expert hands.