Home Buyer’s Electrical Checklist

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Oozle Media

You thought you’ve found your dream home — a big yard, wood floors and park down the street. However, your “dream home” could become a nightmare if you don’t take the time to do a thorough inspection of the electrical units. To make this process easier, here is a list of things to look for when evaluating your home:

Check the wiring

Older homes usually have aluminum wiring which erodes and weakens the electrical connection. With a weak connection, the home is at risk of overheating which leads to fire. Make sure wiring is copper or safety measures have been put into place to avoid a weak connection.

Check the outlets

Outlets that are close to water should have functioning Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and all outlets should be grounded. Beware of loose fitting, buzzing, hot or discolored outlets.

Check all light switches

See that all light switches work properly, are cool to the touch and have faceplate covers. When turned on, make sure the lights function properly and don’t flicker due to a poor wiring connection.

Check the fuse box or circuit breaker

Make sure the fuses are the correct size for the circuit. The wrong size fuse allows for too much current flow which causes overheating and puts your home at risk of fire.

Learn more: How do circuit breakers trip?

Check all cables

Cables should be intact without cracks, fraying or exposure to inside wires. Cables between framing members need to be protected and are at risk of damage if not.

Check the National Electrical Code

The National Electrical Code provides a standard for proper and safe electrical systems and all homes should be updated and compliant with these regulations.

Many of these problems have a simple fix but that must be taken into consideration when making your final offer. Checking these things will help ensure your new home is a perfect fit for you. Contact us for any electrical inspection or maintenance needs you might have while making your buying decision.

READ MORE: TOP 6 HOME ELECTRICAL MISTAKES

Categories: Electrical MaintenanceTips

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