How often should you test your home electrical system
What happens during an electrical inspection?
An electrical safety inspection is an examination of your home’s entire electrical system. That includes making sure that all electrical wiring, components, and appliances are working according to legal safety standards. Inspectors work using the National Electrical Code (NEC), the most complete set of electrical Code requirements that governs electrical installations. During the process, the inspector will look over your:
Circuits
The inspector will want to make sure that they’re properly grounded and have the correct gauge wire to handle electrical loads.
GFCI and AFCI
The inspector will look over the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and the Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters(AFCI) to make sure that both are up to code. GFCI outlets are required for outlets that are within six feet of water (such as a sink), or outside. And since 2017, AFCI breakers are now required in more locations in the home.
Electrical boxes
The inspector will make sure your electrical boxes are flush to the walls and they’ll check that they can handle all the wires and devices they’ll contain. It’s suggested that homeowners use large electrical boxes to pass inspection, as well as making wire connections easier.
Box heights
Local box codes require outlets to be at least 15 inches above the floor and switches should be 48 inches above the floor. There are allowances, however.
Cables and wires
When looking at the wires inside the boxes, the inspector will make sure they’re all clamped correctly and in the right configuration. For example, the cable sheathing should stick in the box at least ¼ of an inch so that the cable clamps grab the sheathing, not the wires themselves.
Cable anchors
Cables should be anchored to wall studs via staples. The staples should start 8 inches away from the electrical box and be repeated every 4 inches.
Wire labels
This may vary depending on local codes, but wires within electrical boxes should be properly labeled with the circuit number and amperage.
Surge protection
The inspector may also recommend isolated ground receptacles for delicate electrical systems like TVs, stereos, sound systems and other equipment. Isolated ground receptacles can prevent interference and power fluctuations.
How often should you test your home electrical system?
Ultimately, this depends on your own set of factors. For example, homes that are over 40 years old should probably have their electrical systems inspected annually. For homes under 40 years old, experts generally recommend that homeowners should have their electrical systems inspected every three-to-five yearsminimum.
There are additional instances where homeowners should check their electrical systems. For example, if you’re buying or selling a home, it’s important to check the electrical system, as well as before you start any remodels or additions onto your home.
Golden Home Management—your home’s concierge
Whether you need to schedule an electrical inspection or are looking for electrical repairs, Golden Home Management is here to be your maintenance partner. Your Home Coordinator will go through your home with a licensed electrician to check the status of all of the electrical components, and record the status of everything so that we can see if something changes over time. Contact us today to schedule your FREE home assessment so we can start building the perfect maintenance plan for you, your family and your home.