A home electrical inspection is a critical step in making sure your living space is both safe and up to modern standards. While it might sound like a complex process best left to professionals, which it is knowing what goes on behind the scenes can help you appreciate its value. From testing your outlets to examining the wiring in your walls, a thorough inspection covers many areas. Here, we’ll walk through the main components of a typical home electrical inspection.
Call For a Quote
(302) 500-0049
- Get a Free Quote in less than 24 Hours
- Satisfaction Guaranteed
Checking the Electrical Panel and Breakers
The electrical panel, sometimes called the breaker box, is the heart of your home’s wiring system. Inspectors start here by:
- Identifying the panel type
They make sure it’s the correct size and rating for your home’s needs. Outdated panels may not handle today’s electronics safely.
- Testing each breaker
Breakers should trip when overloaded. Inspectors flip them off and on to confirm they work properly.
- Looking for corrosion and damage
Rusty terminals, loose screws, or burn marks can indicate wear or overheating.
- Verifying labeling
Each circuit should be clearly marked—kitchen, living room, HVAC, etc.—so you know which breaker controls what.
A well-functioning panel prevents dangerous overloads and helps you respond quickly if a breaker trips.
Inspecting Outlets, Switches, and Fixtures
Your everyday interactions with electricity happen at outlets, switches, and light fixtures. During the inspection, the technician will:
- Use a receptacle tester
This small tool checks that outlets are wired correctly and grounded. It detects open grounds, reversed polarity, and other common issues.
- Assess switch operation
Lights and ceiling fans should turn on and off without flickering or delay.
- Examine cover plates
Missing or cracked plates are more than cosmetic issues—they leave wires exposed, which can lead to shocks.
- Test lighting fixtures
From recessed cans to chandeliers, the inspector ensures bulbs fit properly and fixtures have no loose wiring.
Together, these checks help ensure that every point where you plug in or flip a switch is safe and reliable.
Testing Grounding and Bonding Systems
Proper grounding and bonding ensure that excess electricity has a safe path to the earth, reducing shock and fire risk. During inspection:
- A ground resistance tester confirms that grounding rods or plates are effective.
- Metal water pipes, gas lines, and service panels need bonding conductors to keep all metal parts at the same electrical potential.
- These devices, often found in bathrooms and kitchens, cut power when they sense a ground fault.
- If you’ve added a pool or hot tub, the inspector ensures it’s properly bonded to existing electrical systems.
A solid grounding system acts as your home’s safety net, redirecting faults away from people and belongings.
Assessing Safety Devices (GFCIs and AFCIs)
Modern electrical codes require specialized breakers and outlets designed to detect dangerous conditions:
GFCI outlets and breakers
By measuring current imbalances, GFCIs trip faster than standard breakers, preventing shocks in wet areas.
AFCI protection
Arc fault circuit interrupters guard against high-energy arcing faults, a leading cause of electrical fires. Inspectors test AFCIs using built-in test buttons.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detector wiring
Hardwired alarms should interconnect so that if one triggers, they all sound. Battery backup must also be tested.
Ensuring these safety devices work correctly can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious emergency.
Verifying Lighting Systems
Lighting plays a big role in comfort, energy efficiency, and safety. During an inspection, your technician will:
- From hallway sconces to landscape lighting, each fixture is checked for secure mounting and proper wiring.
- Dimmers should operate smoothly without buzzing or overheating.
- In closets and pantries, fixtures must be a safe distance from stored items, per fire codes.
- In multi-unit or commercial properties, these lights must illuminate during power outages.
Well-maintained lighting not only brightens your home but also prevents accidents caused by poor visibility.
Reviewing Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
While often considered part of home safety rather than purely electrical, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are tested as part of the inspection:
- Inspectors press test buttons on each detector to ensure alarms and interconnectivity work.
- Even in hardwired systems, battery backup must activate if main power fails.
- Detectors need to be installed in hallways, near bedrooms, and on each floor per local codes.
- Most detectors have a 10-year lifespan; older units should be replaced.
Keeping these devices in top shape is essential for early warning of smoke or dangerous gases.
Your Trusted Electrical Services Partner
At Turnkey Electric, we provide reliable, professional, and high-quality electrical solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial needs. From troubleshooting electrical issues to upgrading panels, installing energy-efficient systems, and handling complex wiring projects, our team is dedicated to delivering safe and efficient results. Whether it’s a new installation, emergency repairs, or custom solutions like home automation and EV chargers, Turnkey Electric ensures your systems are up to code and built to last. Trust us to power your home or business with excellence.