If you own a home or business, odds are you’re a regular consumer of electricity. Despite the fact that nearly every appliance and light in your home or office uses electricity, few people think about having the wiring in their home inspected. Problems with electrical wiring, however, are one of the most common causes of fires. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your home or office regularly inspected.
Electrical safety inspections are performed by a trained electrician. The first check is usually done while a building is being constructed. This inspection ensures that everything was installed correctly and that the proper amount of power is going to each outlet. After this initial inspection, however, it’s all to common for a home or business owner to assume that the wiring never needs to be inspected again. When any of the following situation arise, however, it’s time for a new inspection.
- Construction. After an addition is built or a section of a structure is torn down, it’s important to have the wiring inspected. Even a small room addition or sunroom warrants an inspection. Construction is a major change to the electrical layout of a home or office, and the new wiring should be treated the same as wiring in a newly constructed building.
- Flood. If there has been water damage to an area containing electrical wiring, it’s a good idea to bring in an inspector. Water can corrode metal wiring, causing it to short out and potentially creating a very dangerous situation. An inspector will be able to determine what needs to be replaced.
- Every ten years. Just like everything else in your home or office, wiring can wear out over time. Once a decade, have an inspector come out to make sure the everything is working properly and safely.
If you have any questions regarding electrical testing or power quality monitoring, contact PowerPlus Engineering Inc. today.