Do I Need an Electrical Inspection?

A reliable electrical system is a must-have in any Tacoma business or home. Without it, you may be looking at a space that is prone to flickering lights or even worse, fire hazards that pose a safety threat. An electrical inspection by our experienced team of Tacoma electricians will ensure that the wiring at your residence or business is in good working order. Not sure if you need an electrical inspection? Here, we will go over what

occasions could benefit from an electrical inspection and what the process entails.

Here are some of the most common occasions when a professional electrical inspection by our team at Tapps Electric is necessary.

#1: When you’re buying a home.

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. So, making sure it is safe and sound is critical. Whether you are buying a historic Craftsman home, a log house on the water, or a home that was built in the last few years, it’s important to take note of the home’s electrical system. Home inspections are usually a requirement for the home purchase process, but not every inspector will catch every little detail that is wrong with the house. Most of the time, the electrical system inside the home is integrated into the ceilings and walls, making it difficult for inspectors to catch everything. Not to mention, home inspectors are usually not licensed electricians. So, even though they might make a note of an obvious electrical problem – like loose wires or an electrical panel that is overloaded – they will likely just include that in the report and recommend that you follow up with a professional electrician.

#2: If you have never had an electrical inspection.

If you have worked in your commercial space or lived in your home for a long time and you have never had an electrical inspection, it’s a good idea to have it checked. This is especially the case if you live in an older home or work in an older building. Old buildings often have wiring that is out of date or simply worn out. In addition, sometimes these kinds of spaces have a history of “do-it-yourself” repairs that could be problematic

in the long run. It is so much better to have an electrician look at the system while there are no signs of issues, rather than later when you notice a problem that could cause an electrical malfunction or pose a safety threat.

#3: If there is an apparent problem.

Is your circuit breaker tripping all the time? Have you noticed discoloration around an electrical outlet in your office, bedroom, or kitchen? It might seem obvious, but if you notice something that seems out of the ordinary with your electrical system, don’t ignore it. Call a licensed Tacoma electrician at Tapps Electric right away. Most of the time, electrical problems are not isolated, fluke incidents. They are oftentimes problems that need to be fixed right away before something more dangerous occurs.

What does an electrical inspection entail?

First, our electricians will look at the electric meter to ensure there are no defects. They will look for signs of water damage or any other mechanical flaws that could be there due to regular wear and tear.

Second, they will check the circuit breaker to make sure it is functioning well and not at risk for overloading. They will test to make sure the breaker can maintain currents at safe levels and look to make sure there is no damage or corrosion to the breaker itself.

Third, our electricians will inspect electrical wires that may be frayed, exposed, or popping out of the protective coating. Inspecting the small, hard to see areas in the building is important here, because those areas are often spaces that can be overlooked or ignored. If any wires are noted as unsafe, we will talk with you about that and recommend how to get them fixed safely.

Last, our electricians will make sure ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are installed correctly. These devices are installed on outlets to cut off power supply if the GFCI notices any abnormalities, including moisture or water in the outlet, or things inside the outlet that are not plug-ins.

An electrical inspection is not something you should attempt to do by yourself. Our team of experienced Tacoma electricians at Tapps Electric are the people to call! Our licensed electricians have the training and expertise to get the job done right, so you can rest knowing your electrical system is working exactly how it should. Contact us today to get your inspection scheduled.

Will Morris

William Morris leads Tapps Electric, a top-rated electrical contractor. He and his wife Kayla run the business with a dedication to excellence. Their team consists of highly skilled Union Electricians. This ensures high-quality service across various electrical construction and service projects. They train their employees well, fostering a culture of reliability, humility, and professionalism.