It may not be a topic you normally give much thought to, but understanding what will fail an electrical inspection is crucial when the time comes. This knowledge ensures your property meets legal requirements, saving you both time and money.
This guide will help you identify problem areas in your electrical system and explain how to correct these issues.
While you may already understand that complying with electrical codes protects you from fines and penalties, it’s important to know why these codes exist in the first place.
Electrical codes ensure that a property’s wiring and electrical components can safely handle energy usage. Inspectors examine wiring, outlets, electrical panels, lighting fixtures, and other equipment during an electrical inspection.
Failing an electrical inspection typically involves issues that pose safety risks, such as potential fires or electrical surges and shocks. Even if you pass, inspections can uncover problems that contribute to energy waste.
Generally speaking, any electrical feature that doesn’t comply with electrical codes will cause the entire system to fail the inspection. However, safety codes undergo updates as technology advances, meaning even a system that previously passed multiple inspections can fail a future inspection.
Keeping up with changing electrical codes will help you pass future inspections, along with being aware of the following common reasons for failing electrical inspections:
Overloaded circuits often top the list when determining what will fail an electrical inspection. They are common because people forget to update their electrical panels when introducing new electrical equipment into their homes.
Even adding small electrical devices to your home will cause the cumulative energy draw to rise quickly. As those new components draw more energy than your panel can handle, you’ll experience power outages from tripped circuit breakers.
Despite this safety feature that prevents your electrical system from overheating, frequent experiences with tripped breakers represent a problem that signals the need for an electrician to update your electrical panel.
Overcrowded Electrical BoxesIn a similar sense, as you add more breakers to your electrical box, the wiring can become overcrowded, increasing the risk that the wiring will overheat and become damaged. There won’t be enough space to dissipate the electrical heat generated through energy usage.
To avoid such a hazardous situation, hire an electrician to add new breakers to your box. They will know when it’s time to install a second box to handle extra circuits without overcrowding the first box.
Alongside overloaded circuits, incorrect breaker sizes are among the most common reasons for failing electrical inspections. You might have an improperly wired circuit with a gauge that doesn’t match the breaker size. In such a case, updating your electrical system will involve rewiring the circuit or changing the breaker for accurate compatibility.
An improperly wired light switch or outlet creates a shock hazard. Additionally, like any machine, the components in your electrical system will erode over time, resulting in potentially hazardous electrical wiring. You probably won’t notice these oversights unless you start experiencing shocks when operating the outlet or light switch.
Nevertheless, issues like these can lead to electrical fires as the wiring continues to erode and overheat. Eventually, you’ll need an electrician to install new electrical wiring before your next inspection.
Electric codes also address the need for adequate lighting in key locations. Stairways, attics, basements, and similar areas require sufficient lighting to prevent trips, falls, and other accidents. An inspection will also ensure the bulbs have the proper wattage for your lighting fixtures. Using a higher wattage can lead to overheating, fires, and other safety issues.
Don’t wait for your next electrical inspection if you suspect poorly grounded wires. These are not only electrical fire hazards but also violations of electrical codes. Avoid using the outlet or lighting fixture, and contact an electrician for immediate repairs.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) supplement the safety features of your electrical panel by detecting surges that are too small for the panel to detect. Although smaller, these arcs can still cause shock-related injuries. Malfunctioning reset/test buttons, electrical faults, and faulty connections can interfere with a GFCI outlet’s operation.
An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) delivers protection like a GFCI outlet. The key difference is that the AFCI guards against surges and overloading in the wiring behind your walls. Shared circuits, multiple arcs, and faulty wiring are some causes of AFCI damage.
Regardless of the kind of interrupter, damaged components will interfere with the protection it provides. Before your next inspection, contact an electrician to check and replace the wiring and install new GFCI/AFCI outlets.
Since your home’s electrical panel is responsible for managing all of its power usage, it’s important to ensure that it remains in excellent condition. You can easily fail an electrical inspection if the panel suffers from corrosion, loose wiring, or an inability to manage your property’s energy consumption.
A missing or improperly labeled circuit breaker can lead to confusion and serious injuries in an emergency. For example, if an electrician installs a lighting fixture, they want to ensure they switch off the circuit breaker. A mistake can lead to a serious electrical shock.
As such, poorly labeled electrical panels can result in a failed inspection even if your electrical system is in good condition. It’s best to consult an electrician before adding any new device or appliance to your home. They will properly connect the equipment to your circuits, add new wiring as needed, and then finish the job by adding the proper breakers and updating the panel’s labeling.
A damaged or missing outlet plate exposes the wiring within and raises the risk of electrocution. It is especially hazardous for young children, but anyone can inadvertently touch live wires. Make sure to replace broken and missing covers promptly.
Though extension cords are fine to use as power supply sources when using outdoor power tools or in similar situations, they should only serve as a temporary solution. You should never run an extension cord through walls, around doorways, or under carpeting.
Since extension cords lack surge protection and are easily damaged, they will not pass an electrical inspection. If you need to use an extension cord permanently, consult an electrician about adding more permanent outlets to your home.
Electric codes also address the need for adequate lighting in key locations. Stairways, attics, basements, and similar areas require sufficient lighting to prevent trips, falls, and other accidents. An inspection will also ensure the bulbs have the proper wattage for your lighting fixtures. Using a higher wattage can lead to overheating, fires, and other safety issues.
Wiring that extends less than two feet between connections won’t need support to comply with safety codes. However, any wiring that runs a longer distance will need brackets and other supports to keep the wiring stable. Longer wires are more likely to vibrate or move, resulting in electric shorts and other hazards. Consult an electrician before running any new wiring through your home’s walls.
Understanding how to pass an electrical inspection doesn’t just require ensuring your home is properly wired. It also involves following the proper legal procedures for performing electrical work. Some work, such as installing a single outlet, might not require a permit. Larger jobs, on the other hand, may require you to turn to a certified electrician.
Some will handle the permit process, but you will still pay the fee ranging from $50 to $500. After your electrician completes the work, an inspector will verify that it meets safety and electrical codes.
Non-Functional Smoke DetectorsAs one last part of an electrical inspection, your electrician will test each smoke detector in your home and ensure you have enough detectors for the size of your home. This aspect of the inspection helps you stay compliant with fire safety laws and electrical codes, all while continuing to guarantee adequate protection for you and your family.
Outside of an inspection, always remember to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors every year and test them regularly. Follow similar procedures for maintaining the carbon monoxide detectors in your home as well.
Given these potential failure points, it’s natural to ask, “How do you pass an electrical inspection?” The good news is that simply becoming aware of the above issues is an excellent first step. You’re now well-equipped to search for any of them before scheduling the inspection. And that will help you schedule repairs ahead of time to ensure your system passes.
Other tips and strategies to help pass an electrical inspection include the following:
Put together an electrical inspection checklist that you can follow before scheduling every inspection. Use the following ideas as a starting point:
As you go through your checklist, remember to check your outdoor/exterior electrical outlets and fixtures as well. Doing so should include inspecting your garage, swimming pool equipment, and patio fixtures.
The best way to catch problems early is to hire an electrician to do so on your behalf. They will go through the same process as any official inspector, and given that they have the certification and experience, they’ll be able to conduct the repairs and updates you’ll need to pass your next inspection.
Perhaps the best way to ensure you’ll pass your inspection is by reviewing your city’s safety codes. Even if you have previously done so, always check them before an inspection to learn about any potential updates to the regulations.
A good resource is the Advanced Florida Building Code pamphlet and the National Electric Code NFPA 70. Florida follows the latter as the basis for its electrical and fire safety codes.
Passing your home’s electrical inspection is important, but attempting electrical repairs or updates on your own is never wise. Trust the certified and experienced team at Brandon Electric to provide safe and effective electrical services. In addition to repairs and updates, we also conduct Tampa safety inspections to help you comply with electrical wiring codes. Contact us today to learn more and schedule prompt and skilled electrical services.
