NEC CODE & SAFETY INSPECTIONS
Schedule Your Inspection and Catch Problems Before They Happen!
The National Electric Code (NEC) maintains a set of standardizations for how the electrical systems of homes, buildings, and electrical devices should be built. These rules change over time, which is why all of our electricians study the code regularly, but houses and commercial buildings are often slow to follow.
While the majority of new code requirements are minor, and older homes are typically grandfathered in, some changes are extremely beneficial to follow. Changes in the code range from increased safety requirements such as upgrading from aluminum wiring or installing GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, to the more utilitarian requirements of additional outlets in each room and dedicated circuits for load heavy appliances.
Regardless of what the changes are for, it’s usually a good idea to meet the current standards set by the NEC. This is especially true for older homes which haven’t been upgraded in a few decades. Hickerson Brothers Electric Service offers full-home code inspections for just this purpose. We’ll examine your home for code problems, whether they are holdovers from when the house was built, or simply issues with how a previous contractor connected a new circuit.
Once we’ve had a look, we’ll give you the full list of differences, along with which code issues are essential. Then it’s up to you to decide how you want to proceed.
When Should I Get an Inspection?
Many of the safety issues and code violations are caused by age, but not all of them are. You should get an inspection if:
- You are buying or selling your home
- It has been more than 10 years since your last inspection
- You’ve recently had a major electrical repair
- Your circuit breaker seems to trip regularly, but is not itself the problem
Safety Inspections
Home safety inspections are a little different from code inspections. They cover much of the same ground, as NEC inspections cover many aspects of home safety, but a full-home safety inspection will also evaluate how much load is being placed on your circuit breaker and will check the physical conditions of the wiring in your home.
With a safety inspection we’ll test your circuit breakers, surge protectors, and GFCI outlets. The insulation and contact points for all of your wiring will be inspected. We’ll also take the time to inspect your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Once we’re done, you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure.
There’s no reason to wait, we answer our phones 24/7, so call to schedule your next home inspection with Hickerson Brothers Electric Service today at (703) 594-3913!