Electrical Checklist

https://gordonpowers.com.au/general-electrical-wiring/Buying a new house can be one of the most exciting phases in your life. The idea of walking into your house after a long day of work is the most relaxing thought. With your own house, you can have the interior design that most define who you are and change it as often as you can. The excitement to own a new house can be great that you overlook to do an electrical checklist. A faulty electrical system can cause electrocution leading to the death of the house occupants or damage of electrical devices. Malfunctioned and faulty electrical systems can actually lead to fire and loss of the entire house. In this piece, we will look at some electrical checklist before buying a house.

1) Electrical Service Panel

The electrical panel is the first thing you should check. It will help you know the age of the house you are about to buy. A rusty, smoky and worn electrical service panel should be replaced. If the panel has a fuse box and not a circuit breaker, then that is a sign the electrical system of the house is older and should be inspected if it needs to be replaced. The electrical panel will also help you to know if the electrical system is stable and durable. Most electrical panels last approximately 3 decades and after that, they need to be replaced. You should also take note of the size and capacity of the electrical panel. Most modern homes are built with panels of 200-amp whereas older houses have panels with approximately 100-amp. Some panels are not able to accommodate some modern electrical appliances. Before buying the house, ask if it is possible to expand the panel to accommodate more electrical devices.

2) Electrical Wiring

Most modern houses have aluminium wiring, which is considered more durable and less fire hazard, compared to older houses that have copper wiring. Both aluminium and copper have different performance and safety characteristics. However, they conduct electricity differently and therefore, they should never be used for electrical wiring together. If the house you want to buy is older, has outdated wiring or has questionable wiring system, then you should ensure the wiring is inspected by a professional electrician. Before buying a house, consider if the house will need a replacement of the wiring system which will affect the general price of the house.

3) Wet Area Outlets

Having water and electricity near each other is life hazard. This is because water is a good conductor of electricity and can cause electrocution. Wet areas in the house, such as the kitchen and bathroom, should have fitted Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). GFCI detect unbalanced electric current and cut off the power before it causes damage to electrical appliances in the house. GFCI also detect when water and electrical appliances come into contact and cut off the power supply. Before buying a house, ensure the house has a GFCI fitted and is working properly. In addition, light switches should be away from water.

4) Interior Outlets

Before closing the deal to buy the house, check light switches, and appliance cords. If they are loose, then they should be tightened or replaced. Ensure the outlets are not covered with soot and electrical cables are exposed. The house should also be inspected to ensure that power outlets have a firm grip on the wall. The wall should not be cracked and it should be able to hold plugs with the right tension. The house should also have a fitted earth wiring system for safety reasons, especially from lightning and power surges. If there are switching or humming sounds emanating from the electric system, then a professional electrician should be invited to do an inspection.

Repairing an electric system can be expensive to the house owner. Old electric systems are prone to malfunction, wear and tear. If you are considering buying a new house and need a professional electrician to conduct an electrical system inspection, you can rely on Gordon’s Powers. We are experienced, professional and reliable electricians that are always ready to offer you electrical services at an affordable price.