How often should your home undergo a home electrical safety inspection?

There are times where it’s obvious that you should undergo an electrical safety inspection, such as during a remodel or moving into a new home. Yet, if you’ve been in your home for numerous years, how often should you be checking your electrical wiring to make sure that everything is up to par? Electrical professionals advise homeowners to undergo home electrical safety audits every six months to make sure that no problems arise. Is your home well overdue for an electric safety check? Here are some things that the professionals will look for:

Extension cords

When it comes to wiring your home, we often rely on extension cords to help us plug in our electrical needs. This becomes a problem when electrical cords can be tripped over are overloaded with too many plug-ins. In fact, extension cords are meant to serve as a temporary measure. If you are using your extension cord for more than 30 days, it might be time to consider reconfiguring your space, so your appliances are plugged directly into an outlet.

Outlets

If your outlets are discolored or hot to the touch, it’s time to get a professional in to see what is causing this. This could be a problem with a burning outlet or a problem with the electrical wiring. Furthermore, if odd odors such as burning plastic, dead animals or fish is emitting in your home, it’s time to call your electrical professionals immediately. This is also a sign that there is a bigger problem with your electrical wiring that a professional needs to address ASAP.  

Detectors

Your home should be outfitted with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, but when is the last time that you tested to make sure they were working? Both of these detectors should be tested every 30 days. An electrical professional will also check to make sure that you have the detectors spaced evenly throughout your home and in the necessary areas.

Electrical problems can quickly escalate into bigger issues if left unaddressed. This is why it’s essential to have your home’s electrical system inspected every six months. Plan your next safety electrical check with the electrical professionals at Nies Electric today.