Prevention is better than cure. That phrase has been around since the 1500s and still holds today. When the check engine light comes on in our car, we bring it to the mechanic for a quick check-in and tune-up. We change the air filters in our homes every few months. We even treat our bodies this way and visit our doctors and dentists annually just to check up on our health. It is better to catch possible problems early on. In the long run, this saves us time and money, and can even be good for our health and safety. We should do this for our home electrical as well. We rely on our home’s electrical system everyday. With a simple annual safety inspection you can catch issues early and make any minor repairs before they cause you a big problem.

What is an Electrical Safety Inspection and How Often Should it be Done

Regular electrical safety inspections help to ensure your home is safe from electrical hazards that may cause electrical failures, shocks, and fires. New construction is less susceptible to electrical issues, but should still be checked at least every 3 years. Older homes, with aging systems should look to have an inspection done annually. If you have questions about the state of your home and how often it should be inspected you should contact your local electrician.

Here are other signs you may want to schedule an inspection.

• You are making a home renovation or adding a new major appliance such as an HVAC or washer/dryer.
• Your outlets or switches are hot to the touch.
• You are experiencing regular power surges, flickering lighters, or tripped circuit breakers.
• You hear humming, buzzing, or other strange sounds coming from your electrical systems.

During a standard safety inspection, your licensed and insured electrician will complete an examination of your entire electrical system. They will check to ensure that all electrical wiring, components, and appliances are compliant with legal safety standards under the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC is our country’s electrical code outlining the minimum electrical safety standards. They will provide you with a copy of the report with recommendations on priorities that require your attention.

Prevention Beats a Cure When it Comes to Electrical Safety

Homeowners who stay on top of their regular electrical inspections and maintenance will find a bounty of benefits. Over time this will be a cost efficient choice. You will spend less money on substantial repairs. The small, recommended maintenance projects will also reduce the chance of any failures and malfunctions. This is a smart and effective way to protect your home and family while saving money. If it has been a while or you have never had your home electrical system inspected, it’s time. Contact your local, family-owned electricians at Pat Myers Electric. We will provide a comprehensive inspection of your electrical system and provide an honest recommendation of what you need to focus on.