Doing an electrical inspection in your new home is easier than you may think. Most wiring problems are easy to spot and fix once you know what to look for, and can save you in pricey electrician bills. Use this checklist as a guide and be sure to check every room of your new house. Most importantly, if you’re replacing or inspecting switches and receptacles, double-check that you’ve turned off the breaker first to ensure your safety.
Safety first
Each year, thousands of people in the United States are critically injured as a result of electrical accidents in the home, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. A few simple steps can go a long way in keeping you safe during this project.
Turn off the power by switching off the circuit breaker in the main service panel.
Prepare your safety gear such as gloves, a flashlight and a voltage or receptacle tester and keep them handy.
Be sure to test wires before you touch them to ensure that there is no electrical current still running through them.
Steer clear of plumbing or gas pipes when performing a do-it-yourself electrical project.
Make sure you’re not standing on a damp floor.
Be sure to unplug any lamp or appliance before working on it.
Know when to call a professional. Stop and call an expert from The Home Depot Home Services if you’re unsure at any stage of your project.
Check receptacles
Prevent electric shocks and shortages by replacing any missing or cracked cover plates on switches or receptacles.
Check for any ungrounded receptacles using a receptacle analyzer, with the power on but all items plugged into the receptacle.
Add a 3-prong adapter to 2-hole receptacles and ensure that the metal tab is connected to the screw.
Upgrade ungrounded receptacles with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle that monitors the current and shuts it down when there’s a surge to prevent electrocution.
Test previously installed GFCI receptacles, since they lose their protective capacity over time. Push the test button; if the reset button doesn’t pop out, it’s time to replace the receptacle.
Check polarization with a receptacle analyzer. Reverse polarity occurs when the wires have been connected incorrectly. This is easy to fix, but before you do, be sure to turn off the circuit breaker and double-check that the power is off.
Ensure receptacles have the black (feed) wire connected to the copper-colored screw, the white (neutral) wire connected to the silver screw, and the bare or green wire connected to the green ground screw.
Consider moving or at least capping any receptacles placed in damp areas such as beside sinks or in an exposed area outdoors.
Call an expert from The Home Depot services if you need help moving or fixing your receptacles.
Look over fixtures
Check switch toggles. If you hear a pop when the switch is turned on or off, the device should be replaced.
Cover bare light bulbs with a globe or install a surface-mounted fluorescent light.
Tighten or replace loose or unsecured globes and ceiling fixtures.
Inspect wiring
Ensure your home inspector checked all your wiring and informed you of any issues. However, it never hurts to double-check as part of your walk-around inspection.
Make space in overcrowded junction boxes by installing a box extender or replacing the box with a larger one.
Check that cable entering a metal junction box is properly clamped. The vibration in unclamped cables can rub against metal edges, harming the insulation.
Secure loose cables to a stud or joist within 12 inches of the box. To do so, shut off the power, unhook the wires and attach the cable with a cable clamp.
Check cables and wires for any poorly joined or exposed splices. These weak connections can cause shorts and are a fire hazard. Use wire nuts and compression sleeves to splice wires together safely and securely.
Check knob and tube wiring. The insulation can become brittle and easily damaged. Call a pro from The Home Depot Home Services to help you fix it.
Recheck wiring regularly and make a walk-around inspection part of your yearly duties.