ELECTRICAL SAFETY INVENTORY INDOORS

There is a considerable market for previously-owned homes, which always bring a unique brand of excitement for the buyer because it is a thrill to take possession of a home and create it into the kind of place your family needs and wants. So, one of the first things you'll want to do when you buy a house is to make an inventory list of electrical issues and problems to bring to the attention of your electrician.

If you didn't have a home inspection, or if you didn't read your home inspection report, do it yourself insofar as you can. It's much easier to see problems before moving day when your sofa or buffet will hide them. Plus, it's more convenient to have an electrician to take care of your electrical needs before you move in. Even those already living in a home for a while will find this list a great way to review the electrical situation.

Make an inventory of electrical issues and problems to bring to the attention of your electrician.

Your needs

Before you start, consider your family and their needs and desires. Now is the perfect time to add lights, an electrical outlet in the master bedroom, heated flooring in the master bath, or move the wiring to a convenient location for the internet hub if it's in an undesirable place. Here are some of the things you'll want to check. Keep your eyes open for items that may not be included in this list.

Lighting

Check the light and dimmer switches. If any of them are hot, it means electricity has built up in the switch; shut it off and call an electrician immediately. Note: a dimmer switch will be warmer if you have it to the darker setting; however, it should never be hot or smoke. Also, the old dimmer switches don't play nice with LED lights, so if you plan on using those and want to be able to dim them, you'll need the LED-compatible dimmer switch.

Outlets

Examine the outlets in each room of the house. You're checking to see that all the receptacles are three-pronged, that all outlets and switches have a switch plate covers, and that they are in a convenient position to where you want your furniture. They shouldn't wobble or move when you plug something in, either.

If you need new outlets, consider upgrading some of them to include GFCI and USB ports. Think about your safety and convenience and make sure there is plenty of both! If you have a senior or someone else with mobility issues, consider installing AFCI outlets for their room.

Switchplate and outlet covers

Sometimes homeowners buy decorative switchplate or outlet covers and then remove and take them when they move, which means you need to replace them. You should do this right away for two reasons: first, it keeps moisture from getting into the wires. Second, it keeps you or your family members from getting an electrical shock.

Light fixtures

The next thing you want to check for is light fixtures. First, make sure that the ceiling-mounted fixtures are secure, and then check the wattage and bulbs. Former owners may have put a higher wattage bulb in their light fixtures than they were safely designed to handle. (Realtor's trick: brightly lit homes sell faster.) It only takes a few minutes to make sure this is not the case. Do you like the fixtures? What about ceiling fans? Under counter lighting in the kitchen is always a great value.

Cooking

Check the range hood fan and lights, the garbage disposal, the built-in microwave oven to be confident they're working. The outlets within six feet of the sink must be GFCI outlets.

In our next blog, we'll continue our new home electrical inspection by highlighting safety issues and outdoor electrical inspection.

Kennedy Electric is a reliable full-service electrical company serving residential and commercial customers in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. We offer electrical repairs, boat lift wiring, remodels, low voltage lighting, generator hookups, RV power, electrical inspections, fan installation, home lighting, new circuits, panels, and more. Call today at 352-251-2795.