Electrical Inspections and Code Violations
Electrical Inspections are something we take seriously at Plumbline Services because all the mechanical systems and appliances in your home depend on electricity and we don’t have to tell you that electricity is dangerous when not maintained or handled properly. All of our expert electricians in Denver are trained to recognize safety issues in your home involving electricity. Here are just a few of the problems we see when inspecting electrical systems in homes.
Electrical Code violations: If you’re buying or selling a home it’s not uncommon for Home Inspectors to find outdated electrical wiring and other electrical problems that don’t meet code. If this is a problem for you; call us and we’ll correct any and all electrical code violations in Denver.
Electrical wiring that’s outdated: There’s wiring installed as long as 80 years ago in many older homes in Denver. This old wiring called Knob and Tube wiring deteriorates and can’t carry today’s electrical loads so we check all of this old wiring because overheating is common when wires are buried in insulation, but this wiring should be replaced.
Electrical Outlets not grounded: ungrounded outlets don’t provide an exit for electricity when it’s going somewhere you don’t want it to go. Many of the older homes in Denver still have the old two-pronged outlets with no ground.
Electrical panel needs to be upgraded: Many older homes have a 60 amp panel; newer homes use at least a 100 amp panel. Every time a pool, spa, room addition, or any other load is added, an improper load is be placed on your homes electrical panel, and upgrading the panel to handle the new load placed on it will cost several thousand dollars, but it’s an absolute necessity for your family’s safety.
No GFCI protection: or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (the outlets you see in bathrooms and kitchens with the reset button) they will detect electrical leaks and shut off power. They should be installed in kitchens, garages and bathrooms because they’ll help prevent shocks.
Electrical panels that are wired improperly: this is usually because of do-it-yourself homeowners or handymen that don’t have the knowledge necessary to do electrical work. All electrical work in your home should be done by a licensed electrician because this is the cause of fires and many other accidents every year.
Note: Many insurance companies won’t insure homes with Knob and Tube wiring, so call us if this is a problem and we’ll replace it for you.
Improper use of extension cords: Extension cords should never be used as a permanent source of power. We see them hanging from ceilings and inside walls and this is a recipe for disaster.
Uninsulated wires: electrical wires should always be insulated with a protective sheathing; many times this covering is damaged with age and this is the cause of fires and electrical shocks in many homes.
Breakers or fuses that are too large or too small: Fuses or breakers must be the right size to work correctly. A breaker that’s too large won’t shut off the electricity if it’s overheated, and a breaker that’s too small will shut down the power too soon.
Damage to Electrical panels from moisture: electrical panels should be kept free of water, and if they’re used outside they must be waterproof.
For Electrical Inspections; call us at 303.436.2525 in Denver for same day service, upfront pricing from expert electricians who are clean and courteous. We’ll listen to you first, diagnose your problem, and put our recommendations and pricing in writing, and our Electricians will wear shoe covers, perform your electrical repairs and thoroughly clean up the work area in your home, and most of all, you’ll get the best warranty in the business!
