Serving Milford, MA & the 
Every home requires a routine electrical system inspection to prevent issues that may potentially lead to electrical fires. Data published by the National Fire Protection Agency shows that electrical malfunctions were the second-leading cause of house fires from 2015 to 2019.
In order to prevent this, schedule an annual inspection where every aspect of your home’s electrical system will be examined. During the inspection, our electricians will check for possible hazards such as overloaded outlets and circuits and improper use of extension cords.
Types of Electrical Inspections
At Tingley Home Services, we have over 20 years of experience handling electrical inspections. We can provide you with three main types of inspections:
1. Rough-in Electrical Inspection
This is the first electrical inspection we perform in any building. This type of inspection occurs during the wiring installation phase before the builders can close the walls and install the insulation materials. During our inspection, we’ll examine the conduits, wires, and electrical boxes/panels. The electrician will confirm that all cables are intact and eliminate any hazards located around the electrical panels and conduits.
2. Service Inspection
A service inspection occurs after the electrical service panel has been installed. It focuses on checking whether the installation and fastening have been completed correctly. The electrical inspector will check to confirm that the panel is grounded correctly to prevent electric shock buildup.
3. Final Inspection
In the final inspection, the entire focus will be on the breakers. During this exercise, the electrician will either put them in place or examine those already in place. Several trials may be conducted to verify the safety and effectiveness of your residential electrical system.
Having looked at the different types of electrical inspections, let’s now look at what to expect from these inspections.
1. The Electrical Panel
The electrical panel serves as the electrical brains of any building. Its job is to control the current running through it and to ensure that the electrical supply gets disabled immediately when a problem arises. Its continued maintenance is key to ensuring electrical safety and efficiency.
During an inspection, our electricians will begin by checking the condition of the panel before inspecting the bus and circuit breakers as well as testing the amperage. Other activities will include tightening all the connections and confirming that all breakers are clearly labeled.
2. Lighting and Light Switches
Lighting is one area in a residence that can be a concern for electrical fire safety. Statistics show that poorly wired light fixtures are the leading cause of house fires. Many of these problematic fixtures are located in the bedroom.
A routine inspection allows our electricians to check the lighting and light switches to confirm that they’re wired correctly. Please note that installing the incorrect type of light bulb in a building can cause it to overheat and explode.
The electrician will evaluate the bulbs and fixtures for efficiency and safety. If you haven’t switched to LED bulbs, they may recommend that you do, as they’re cooler and much more energy-efficient than regular bulbs.
3. Voltage, Grounding, and Surge Protection
To make sure that the electrical wiring in a home is working as it should, an electrical inspection will also include testing the voltage at various outlets. Additionally, it will confirm that your house has proper grounding and surge protection.
The latter helps in ensuring the safety of your appliances. Your ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlets, which are generally found in bathrooms, will be tested as well. If they’re not present, a recommendation will be made to install them for your safety and that of your loved ones.
If the electrical inspector detects a problem with the wiring, they’ll extend the inspection to the crawlspace or attic.
4. Electrical Service Entrance
The electrical service entrance refers to the location where electricity enters the residence from the external meter. We’ll need to inspect the exterior meter to ensure that the electrical load is being delivered safely and efficiently.
While inspecting the service entrance, our electricians will also check for possible signs of wear and tear, which may need immediate attention. For houses that have smart meters, the inspection will include checking the kilowatt and voltage draw.
5. Smoke/CO Detectors
An interior residential electrical inspection isn’t complete until the smoke detectors inside the residence have undergone a thorough inspection. That inspection will include running tests to determine whether enough units are present. Other checks will focus on their placement.
Typically, smoke detectors fail because of the following reasons.
- Placement
- Steam or high humidity
- Overcooked food
- Dust buildup
- Pesky insects
- Drained batteries
- Strong chemicals nearby
If the smoke detectors are malfunctioning, the electrical inspector can guide you on how to reduce their sensitivity and prevent this from happening.
6. Outbuilding Electrical Systems and Outdoor Lighting
When done with the interior, the residential electrical inspection will head outdoors, where the outdoor outlets, lighting, and wiring will be assessed. Outbuilding electrical systems inspection is vital for outdoor kitchens, garages, and shops.
For houses that have water features such as pools or hot tubs, the electrician will need to check them to ensure that their electrical hookups are up to code.
Why Schedule an Annual Electrical Inspection?
Residential electrical inspections are crucial because they allow you to know whether there are any discrepancies that may lead to unwanted circumstances. Therefore, we recommend scheduling an inspection of your electrical systems at least once a year.
The inspection will assist in unearthing and addressing the following concerns:
- Defective wiring
- Lack of earthing
- Oversized breakers
- Overloaded circuits
- Old electrical components
What If I Fail the Electrical Inspection?
Incorrect cable anchoring, sliced wires, and exposed wiring are some of the reasons why your residence can fail an electrical systems inspection. If this happens, worry not, as our electricians can fix any problems to ensure your safety and that of your home.
Prioritizing electrical safety by scheduling an annual inspection is key to ensuring the well-being of your house and its occupants. A licensed electrician holds the relevant skills needed to assess the compliance and safety of the residential electrical system.
Through an inspection, they can uncover existing hazards that may have gone unnoticed by the home’s occupants. Remember, the number of inspections needed will vary depending on the age of your residence. Older homes can benefit from annual assessments.
Why Hire Tingley Home Services for an Electrical Inspection?
The team at Tingley Home Services has years’ worth of experience handling electrical inspections for residential property owners in Milford and the surrounding areas. Our electrical team specializes in providing a wide variety of electrical services.
Besides electrical inspections, homeowners in Milford also trust our team to handle their heating and cooling needs. Our other services include the installation and maintenance of EV charging stations, generators, and electrical installation and repair. You can trust our in-house team of professionals to approach every electrical project with care and dedication to meeting your goals.
Are you looking for residential electrical inspection experts in Milford? Contact Tingley Home Services today for prompt service!
