Prepare for an electrical inspection with a thorough examination of your household’s electrical system. It’s done before moving into a new home, renting a property, or for renovation projects.
It’s conducted by an authorized inspector or a licensed electrician in your local area. Browse this article to get started on the what, where, when, and hows of preparing for an electrical inspection.
Importance of an Electrical Inspection
Electrical inspections secure your home and alert you to hazards such as faulty wiring or overloaded power strips and circuits. Left unchecked, these could result in injuries, house fires, and fatalities.
An electrical inspection also ensures that your electrical systems comply with local codes and regulations, saving you from costly fines and repairs in the future.
When Do You Need an Electrical Inspection?
When is it required to conduct an electrical inspection? Here are a few scenarios.
- Newly built homes: Before moving into your new home, schedule an inspection to verify that your electrical systems are working properly and that they satisfy code requirements.
- Renovated properties involving electrical work: If major renovations are underway, make sure to prioritize an electrical inspection before commencing the work. This guarantees that your existing electrical system can sustain your renovation plans. This avoids wasting money on incompatible outlets and fixtures.
- Selling or buying property: Always schedule an electrical inspection before any sale. It reviews that the property meets the latest electrical safety standards. This will save you and others from making a poor investment.
- Older homes: Most houses built before 1940 relied on knob-and-tube wiring, which left wires exposed, unlike today. In this case, contact an electrical inspector to examine whether your systems need an upgrade.
Periodic electrical inspections are recommended every 3 to 5 years for your safety. When it comes to electrical wiring, you should never be complacent to prevent accidental fires.
Key Preparations for an Electrical Inspection
Preparing for an electrical inspection involves more than just completing the physical work—it’s about your installation meeting safety and compliance standards outlined by local building codes.
Taking the time to organize documentation, provide easy access to inspection areas, and address potential code violations can streamline the process and help you pass on the first attempt.
Below are key steps to follow to prepare effectively.
Gather permits on your recent electrical works.
Before scheduling an inspection, confirm that all necessary permits are in place. In Los Angeles County, permits are required for most electrical work, including panel upgrades, new installations, and rewiring.
Without the correct documentation, your inspection may be delayed or even denied. To check your permit status or apply for one, visit the LA County Building and Safety Department website.
Provide access and clear space around electrical panels.
Inspectors need unobstructed access to electrical panels, junction boxes, and other key components. Clear at least 3 feet of space around electrical panels to ensure safety and compliance.
Remove any furniture, tools, or storage items that may block access. Ensuring a clean and well-lit area will also help the inspector perform a thorough review.
Consider hiring a C-10 Local Electrician for extensive checks.
For complex or large-scale electrical work, hiring a licensed C-10 electrician in the Greater Los Angeles area is highly recommended. These professionals are certified to perform advanced electrical inspections and repairs, ensuring your project meets Los Angeles County codes.
A C-10 electrician can pre-inspect your setup and address any issues before the official inspection, saving you time and potential re-inspection fees.
Refer to the LA County Building and Safety Department for electrical codes.
Understanding local electrical codes helps ensure your work complies with safety standards. The Los Angeles County Building and Safety Department provides detailed guidelines and resources for electrical inspections.
Reviewing these codes can help you avoid common violations, such as improper wiring or incorrect circuit breaker sizes. If you’re unsure about specific requirements, consult a professional electrician familiar with local regulations.
Common Residential Electrical Checks
The inspector will test your home electrical system by visually inspecting the areas below. These include the electrical panel, outlets, lights, GFCIs, and circuit breakers.
You don’t have to worry about doing the heavy lifting during an electrical inspection. As handling electricity is dangerous on your own, it’s best to leave it in the hands of a licensed professional.
These are some of the most common electrical checks your electrician ticks off to help you prepare for an inspection.
- Electrical panel
Keep this accessible and its surrounding areas clean and dust-free. If yours is too old, consider upgrading to a modern one to stay compliant with your local code. - Electrical plans
To ease the inspection process, you should hand over your electrical plans or blueprints to the inspector for clarity and documentation. These will help them better understand the layout of your home, and where your outlets, circuits, and switches are located. - Cables and wiring
Check for any exposed or faulty wires lying around to reduce the chances of fires or electrocution. During their inspection, the electrician will list any exposed wires and any signs of damage. Additionally, your cables must be properly clamped in the designated area in the electrical box. - Circuit breakers
As these secure your wires and devices from overloading or short circuits, ensure this is functioning well, labeled appropriately, and free from dust or grease. - Light bulbs and outlets
Before the electrical inspection, double-check that your lights and receptacles are functioning correctly. All outlets must be properly grounded to guard against electric shocks. Consider investing in ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages, as water and electricity may converge here.
Home Electrical Inspection Checklist
Keep this checklist handy for any inspections at home.
| Important checks during pre-inspection | YES | NO | N/A | ACTION REQUIRED |
| Is the electrical panel accessible, clean, and rust-free? | ||||
| Are all visible electrical wires and cords securely fastened? | ||||
| Are there any frayed, damaged, or exposed wires lying around? | ||||
| Is the circuit breaker functioning and labeled properly? | ||||
| Are the busbars in good condition and corrosion-free? | ||||
| Are there any overloaded circuits? | ||||
| Is there a safe distance between light fixtures and ignitable items? | ||||
| Are high and low voltage conductors properly segregated inside the junction box? | ||||
| Are the voltage systems within the acceptable range? | ||||
| Are all outlets grounded? | ||||
| Are there cracks in the extension cords? | ||||
| Does every switch turn on and off correctly? | ||||
| Are GFCI outlets installed properly in damp environments? | ||||
| Does the electrical meter display an accurate wattage? | ||||
| Do all mounted cables come with a protector plate? | ||||
| Are there any missing or defective wall plates? | ||||
| Does the house contain any surge protectors? | ||||
| Are the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed properly? | ||||
| Are the insulations correctly installed? | ||||
| Are the HVAC appliances wired and grounded? | ||||
| Are there any unusual noises coming out of the appliances? | ||||
| Is each light bulb securely fastened? | ||||
| Do all fixtures match the wattage of the lightbulbs? | ||||
| Do the installations adhere to the local electrical codes and regulations? |
Getting a Licensed Electrician for a Pre-inspection
Here are some of the basic requirements to look for in a pre-inspection electrician.
State License
To prepare for electrical inspection, verify that your electrical contractor has a state license before the transaction. This proves they’re authorized to provide services to residential homeowners.
For those residing in Greater Los Angeles, the California Code of Regulations requires a C-10 Electrical Contractor license. This ensures the contractor is properly trained to perform electrical work safely.
Relevant Experience
When narrowing down your search, select electricians with several years of experience handling residential needs similar to yours. This assures you they can work efficiently and correctly. After all, you wouldn’t want to entrust your home to inexperienced workers!
If you’re located in Southern California, we’ve found the perfect contractor for you. Lineside Electrical is a company you can trust. As a C-10 licensed electrician, they’ve been around for over 18 years, proudly serving homes and businesses. Some of their services include electrical wiring repair, lighting, and electrical panel installation across Orange, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties.
Good Reviews
A company with multiple positive reviews on its website reflects its consistency in providing reliable and professional services. Additionally, you can ask your neighbors if they have any recommendations for residential contractors.
Insurance and Workers’ Compensation
Your chosen contractor must offer liability insurance and workers’ compensation for their crew. These will save you from the burden of shouldering hefty expenses should an incident arise during the performance of electrical work.
What Will Fail a Home Electrical Inspection?
Before concluding with the top reasons why homes fail electrical inspections, consider the value of preparing for an electrical rough-in first. If house renovations are underway, you can ace this initial phase by hiring a trusty electrician to secure your wires, conduits, and electrical boxes.
Note that these must be organized and properly installed in their assigned locations to avoid failing your incoming electrical inspection.
Below are the common reasons why a home fails an electrical inspection:
- Failure to adhere to local code requirements
- Missing work permit
- Issues with the electrical panel
- Incorrect wiring and insulation
- Ungrounded receptacles
- Inadequate grounding
- Outdated wiring systems
