ELECTRICAL INSPECTION
SAFETY AND PERIODIC
TESTING
Objectives:
•The Learner demonstrates
understanding in conducting
Electrical inspection
regularly or periodically.
The Importance of
Regular Electrical Safety
Inspections for Your Home
Periodic inspection and
testing is necessary
because all electrical
installations deteriorate
due to a number of factors
such as damage, wear
and tear from normal use,
corrosion, excessive
electrical loading
(overload), aging and
environmental influences.
Who should carry out the periodic inspection?
So what in detail will an electrician
do during the home inspection?
•In the breaker box,
check the breakers
for proper capacity,
aging and unusual
heat development,
make sure all
screws are
tightened and
check for a match
of breaker
specification and
wiring.
•In the house, check that all receptacles are properly
grounded (earthing) and for wear and tear. Check for
unusual voltage drop and heat development under load.
Where ground fault interrupters (GFI) are installed ensure
proper function.
The inspection should however not stop here. The
closest inspector is you, the home owner and
operator of the electrical system. Therefore if you
notice any of the following you should understand
that the electrical system is deteriorating and will
cause functional and more important safety
problems.
•If you feel a mild shock
when touching an
appliance, a ground fault
in the appliance or the
improper
wiring may be a cause.
Yes, and when you get
shocked immediate action
is required.
•You should
occasionally check the
area around your
ceiling light fixtures for
warmth because not
all fixtures are
well insulated. Hint:
discoloration around a
ceiling light fixture
might be heat
development and not
just dust.
•Flickering lights may be a
sign of a defective or loose
wiring or switch. And often
it’s just a loose light bulb.
•Light switches or
receptacles that work only
intermittently are a sign of
wear and tear. The wiring
may be loose or the device
may be cracked internally.
•If a plug is loose in a
receptacle, it can pose a
problem as well. There is
the problem of inadequate
contact resulting in
excessive heat
development and if the plug
partially falls out, an
unsuspecting individual
could accidentally receive a
shock when unplugging the
cord
• If you notice a burning
odor coming from any
outlets, switches or from
an electrical devices turn
the power off at the
electrical panel. The
problem may be a faulty
device, but it could also
be a wiring or overload
problem. A burning smell
is a serious issue
because it could indicate
the start of an electrical
fire.
• And last but not least
any receptacle or
connected electrical
cord/plug that is
warm to the touch is
a serious warning
sign of an electrical
problem.
These safety hazards can be easily identified,
addressed and prevented with a home
inspection. It is important for the safety of
your home and it can help you save energy
and reduce costs!
•Thank you!!!!!