Home Electrical Checklist Helps Prevent Potential Injury, Power Loss And Property Damage

Even in a brand new house, not all home electrical systems are created equal which is why long-time homeowners and new home buyers should inspect electrical for signs the system is inadequate, or worse, a safety hazard.

In older homes in particular, even homes built within the last decade, the chances are good that the electrical system is not up to par. Many older homes, of course, may have issues of being out of modern electrical code requirements, but even homes recently build to the prevailing code were never equipped with enough capacity to handle the rush of electrical equipment that defines modern life. Multiple computers and accessories, HD television gear, sound systems, air conditioning, a myriad of plug-in chargers, whirlpool baths, hot tubs and spas, powerful appliances in kitchens and bathrooms, even electric plug-in vehicles - the spike in home electrical demands was never anticipated when electricians were wiring new homes even 10 years ago.

Reported by experienced electricians, nearly all homes - the exception being brand-new luxury builds - require electrical upgrades not only to comply with new codes, but also simply to protect the home from electrical failure or fire. The y advise that homeowners do a self-check of their own properties for any obvious sings of electrical stress and safety issues, and if there is anything in question to contact a professional, licensed electrician to address the issues. All but the most minor issues of electrical maintenance, like replacing a light switch, are required to be executed by a licensed electrician in the majority of jurisdictions.

Here is a handy Home Electrical Checklist to help homeowners inspect their own properties:

Look at all of the receptacles in the kitchen and bathroom to see if they are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, GFCIs. These are the plugs that have a circuit breaker with a button switch in them, and they are required for all receptacles within six feet of a water source. These plugs act immediately to protect against accidental electrical shock or even electrocution by shutting down the circuit if the sense a "leak" or ground fault of current off the current. These should be properly installed near sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, dishwashers, laundry and any water source.

Many electricians also recommend GFCIs throughout the home for added safety. Look at all light switches and receptacles (plugs) throughout the home for signs of discoloration, particularly a brown stain that could be an indication of a spark or heat. Place a hand on the switch plate to check for heat. It is the sign of a problem if the plug or switch is warm; Get a licensed electrician as soon as possible and unplug everything connected there.

Inspect outdoor receptacles - plugs and switches - and confirm that they are rated for outdoor use and are protected from the weather properly. If in doubt, shop a hardware store to see what outdoor electrical receptacles look like.

Check each room in the home to see if there is at least one plug on each of the four walls, which is the modern code. Also, if a room has a multitude of electrical equipment check to see if there is enough direct-connect receptacles for all of the devices.

Check for receptacles that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire. Wall Switch plates that are broken or missing need to be replaced.

Be positive that any unused outlets anywhere in a home with children have protective covers installed properly.

See if lights and lamps light evenly when you turn them on; gently rap on the wall or table to see if it seems to disrupt the electrical stream. Flickering lights are an indication of a problem.

Look for any electrical appliances - anything; lights and lamps, radios, TVs, etc. - that are being powered by the use of an extension cord. Extension cords are intended for temporary use only, not permanent connections, and the need for them indicates a lack of electrical capacity in that room. Also, extension cords are subject to deterioration; make sure they are not brittle or discolored, and dispose of any questionable cords (electricians recommend cutting extension cords into pieces when disposing of them so others won't scavenge and use them.)

Electric cords - extension cords, cords to lamps and appliances, etc. - need ventilation. Any cords running under carpeting or behind baseboards can overheat and cause a fire.

Check every light fixture and lamp in the home to ensure installed bulbs are not higher wattage than the recommended. Also, make sure the bulbs are screwed in securely as loose bulbs may overheat.

Make sure circuit breaker boxes and/or fuse boxes are labeled correctly to show which circuits they govern. Outdoor boxes should be more than five feet off the ground and protected against the weather, and easily accessible even in bad weather.

Check the circuit breakers and fuses to ensure they are the proper size for their circuit.

Make sure all occupants of the home know where the main electrical shut-off breaker switch is located and how to use it.

Check the wires coming into the home for electrical service, phone service and/or cable television. They should be more than 12 feet off the ground and they should not be compromised by trees, bushes or other obstructions.

This Home Electrical Checklist is by no means a complete electrical inspection; only a licensed electrician is qualified to perform a complete inspection. This is merely a guide which may indicate a problem needing professional help.

In a home is more than 10 years old and hasn't had an inspection, or if there has been a remodel involving electrical wiring, the addition of many electrical devices, or even the introduction of new power-based appliances, an electrical inspection is recommended. Electricity is a very dangerous commodity that, obviously, can cause electrocution, shock and fires from improper use and overloading, and the intervention of a licensed electrician is advised to protect the safety of the home and its occupants.


Copyright (c) 2010 Gerry Stringer