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5 Signs It’s Time For An Electrical Inspection

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Electrical problems are more than just minor annoyances and can seriously threaten your and your family’s safety. At Carpenter Mechanical, we take customer safety seriously and do everything we can to ensure they have a safe place to call home. If you notice anything out of the ordinary with your property’s electrical components, we recommend hiring a professional electrician to come out and provide a thorough electrical inspection.

If you’re not an electrician, it can be hard to tell when an electrical inspection is necessary. While the following is not an exhaustive list, it does include the most common electrical warning signs. If you notice any of the following 5 signs, it’s time for an electrical inspection.

What is an Electrical Inspection?

The primary purpose of an electrical inspection is to ensure a particular property is free of any electrical defects that can cause fires and require costly repairs. During an electrical inspection, a licensed professional will check all the fixtures, connections, and wiring inside a residential or commercial property to ensure it is safe for its intended use.

Why It’s Important

Electricity is a modern marvel, and many of us wouldn’t last a day without it. Despite how standard electricity is, we must remember that it’s a powerful energy source capable of causing massive amounts of damage. Electrical inspections are important because they allow property owners to be aware of any existing or looming problems within their electrical systems. Such problems, when ignored, will continue to get worse and can cause damage to electrical appliances and ignite fires.

When to Get an Electrical Inspection

Now that you know why electrical inspections are essential, we can get into when they are needed. Sometimes an electrical inspection is a good idea, and other times they may be required by law. New construction projects, extensive remodels, and complete rewiring must be inspected by the proper local authorities. While not required by law, you should also get an electrical inspection if you plan to purchase a new property. Doing so could expose hidden electrical problems and save you from making a bad investment.

Aside from construction and property purchasing scenarios, there are other times you should get an electrical inspection. The licensed electricians at Carpenter Mechanical share the five most common signs it’s time for an electrical inspection so you can stay prepared and get ahead of the problem.

  • Flickering Lights
  • Frequent Breaker Tripping
  • Strange Sounds
  • Old Electrical Components
  • Strange Smells

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights typically indicate insufficient power from the respective circuit. If you have a flickering or dim light, there is not enough power coming from the circuit, or the power is going to a different appliance or fixture. Power deficits are not inherently dangerous but can be annoying and inconvenient. During an electrical inspection, an electrician can identify the underlying cause of flickering lights and suggest the most efficient way to fix the problem.

Frequent Breaker Tripping

Breaker tripping is a safety mechanism that prevents dangerous electrical overloads. While occasional breaker tripping is normal, frequent tripping indicates a serious problem. Faulty appliances, overloaded circuits, and outdated electrical components can pose a fire hazard. If you experience frequent breaker tripping, it’s imperative to get an electrical inspection as soon as possible.

Strange Sounds

A properly installed electrical system should not emit any sound. If you notice any strange sounds or buzzing coming from your walls or other electrical components, you could have a big problem on your hands. Strange sounds indicate faulty wiring, loose connections, or inadequate equipment. While the sounds may seem like a minor annoyance, they can cause a range of problems, including fire ignition.

Old Electrical Components

Old electrical components weren’t made to handle modern appliances and the heavier electrical load they demand. If your property has old outlets, switches, or circuits, you should consider getting an electrical inspection.

Strange Smells

Electricity shouldn’t smell. If you notice any strange smells coming from a fuse box, breaker box, outlet, or switch, you should cut the power and contact an electrician immediately. Burning smells are not standard and are a leading precursor to electrical fires.

Electrical Inspections from Carpenter Mechanical

Electrical inspections are meant to protect property owners and their property. At Carpenter Mechanical, we provide exceptional electrical inspections that give you peace of mind knowing your property is safe and sound from any electrical defects. If you notice any of the five common signs mentioned above, you should contact your local electrician to schedule an inspection