How Often Should You Have an Electrical Inspection?

Homeowners need to take care of their property's electricity supply. Without proper care and maintenance, you can experience severe issues that will affect your power supply and perhaps your safety. But knowing when to have an electrical inspection can be confusing.

If you ask, "How often should you have an electrical inspection," the answer depends on your specific circumstances. So the experts at Professional Services are here to explain the various factors that affect electrical inspection frequency, as well as the tell-tale signs that you need electrical inspection and information about the process itself.

Newer Homes

If you own a home built within the last ten years or so, you need an electrical inspection every ten years. Typically, electrical panels and wiring last anywhere between 20 and 40 years. So, if your home is newer, then you should get an inspection done once it reaches that timeframe.

But regular checks never hurt. With electrical inspections by Professional Services, you can identify and fix potential fire hazards before they start a fire.

Older Homes and Rental Properties

Do you own rental properties? Or do you have a personal home that's more than 20 years old? If so, we recommend that you have an electrical inspection every three to five years.

There's more at stake with rental properties. Tenants require dependable, safe electricity, and landlords need to provide electricity to ensure a steady stream of income. As for older homes, electrical fires and other serious complications unfortunately commonly occur as older electrical panels deteriorate and degrade more quickly.

Professional electricians can inspect your property and determine a more specific inspection timeframe based on your needs. Their skills help homeowners and landlords alike answer, "How often should you have an electrical inspection?"

Signs That You Need Electrical Inspection

Electrical issues are easy to notice if you know what to look out for. Continue reading for some of the most common signs that you need an electrical inspection.

Burning Smells

Many homeowners report smelling burning plastic or trash near their outlets and fixtures. Circuit breakers, in particular, often smell foul right before an electrical fire breaks out. 

Strange Noises

Sometimes, electrical fixtures make bizarre noises. Humming, buzzing, or crackling might not bother some homeowners, but these weird sounds indicate serious trouble. Loose wires often make humming noises, for instance.

Hot Electrical Equipment

Your home's switches, sockets, and circuit breakers shouldn't be hot to the touch. Often, old or frayed wiring causes heat buildup. When left unaddressed, this heat can create sparks that might result in a fire. 

Tripped Breakers

Your circuit breaker is your home's first line of defense from power surges. While breakers can sometimes trip, like during an intense storm, they shouldn't trip over and over again.

Are you experiencing constant tripping? Chances are, your home's electrical load is abnormally high. A high electrical load can blow fuses, damage wires, and cause more serious issues like fires.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights suggest that you need an electrical inspection. Usually, this occurs when your home's wiring has become unstable or old, impairing the connection between your power supply and the fixtures. But the experts can fix this problem in no time.

How Do Electrical Inspections Work?

Professional electricians approach inspection projects with a focus on prevention. Essentially, this means that they want to identify and prevent any problems before they develop into something more serious. But they can also fix problems that have already happened.

They'll arrive at your home ready to work and ask you important questions. How old is your home, and have you noticed any signs of trouble? They'll keep that in mind and develop a personalized inspection plan.

From there, they'll get to work. Smoke alarms, circuit breakers, wiring, and more: they'll inspect every aspect of your home's electrical supply. Afterward, they'll recommend an appropriate course of action.

Whether you need a few repairs or a new electrical wiring system entirely, the right technicians can get the job done. Best of all, they'll ensure maximum protection by following the proper electrical safety rules.

Professional Electrical Inspection Services

If you're still asking, "How often should you have an electrical inspection," Professional Services has you covered. We're local experts that know how to identify and solve electrical problems of all types. We blend high-quality craftsmanship with incredible customer service, so we guarantee that you'll be nothing but happy with us.

So if you need to schedule electrical panel repair and replacement or any other electrical service, call us at (973) 381-2726.