Safety Home Inspections
CALL TODAY and have one of our expert technicians perform a safety inspection.
Home Inspections are an integral part of our Maintenance Programs. As a Safety Club Member, we include an annual safety home inspection each year to give our customers the peace of mind of a safer, more secure and comfortable home.
WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH THE PEACE OF MIND OF KNOWING YOUR FAMILY IS SAFE.
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What We Look For in Our Safety Home Inspections to Keep You Safe
Main Electrical Panel
What are the key areas of inspection for the main electrical panel?
A thorough inspection of the main electrical panel, following proper safety standards and operation, includes many key factors. A standard checklist begins with determining the manufacturer, age, and ampere rating. This is followed by the yes/no listing of nine factors. These factors include whether or not the panel is UL listed, if the breakers/fuses are sized correctly, if the panel is protected by a main breaker, and if the main breaker is sized correctly. Next is checking if the GFI breakers are working correctly, if there is any burning or corrosion on the breakers/busbar, if all the connections are tight, if there is an antioxidant on all aluminum wires, and if the grounding is done correctly.
What We Check For & What it means:
Are breakers UL listed for this panel?
UL listing helps confirm that the breaker and panel have been tested together and meet all necessary safety standards. This is important because a breaker must be certified to work safely within the specific panel it is installed in; otherwise, the likelihood of hazardous failure increases.
Are breakers/fuses sized correctly?
Checking the sizing of breakers/fuses ensures the prevention of overheating and potential fires, as a breaker/fuse that is too large could inadvertently cause the circuit to overheat, while a breaker that is too small may trip more often than necessary under normal conditions. Whether too large or too small, both are conducive to an increased risk of shock hazards – so double check those sizes.
Is the panel protected by a main breaker?
We check if the panel is protected by a main breaker for multiple reasons, including the preservation of an emergency shutoff function and overcurrent protection for the panel’s internal busbar and downstream circuits, which are both provided by a main breaker. The main breaker protecting the panel is also code compliant with the NEC as well as insuring safe system operation.
Is the main breaker sized correctly?
We check to see if the main breaker is sized correctly because the main breaker is first and foremost in protecting the entire electrical panel from overcurrent surges. One that’s too large might not trip during an overload, causing severe wiring damage and equipment failure. A breaker that’s too small can trip under normal use and disrupt efficient performance.
Are the GFI breakers working correctly?
Checking the Ground Fault Interrupter is crucial because it protects against electrical shock and fire hazards. If the GFI breakers are not working correctly, it could be an indicator of a wiring fault or moisture issue.
Any burning/corrosion on breakers/busbar?
We inspect breakers and busbars for signs of burning or corrosion, as these indicate potential loose connections, overloads, or arcing. Seeing burning or corrosion is a tell-tale sign of deeper issues to be investigated.
Are all connections tight?
We check that all connections are tight to prevent overheating, to ensure proper circuit operation, to aid the reduction of wear and tear that leads to voltage drops or surges. Tight connections also aid breaker performance and prevent arc faults.
Is there an antioxidant on all aluminum wire?
Checking for antioxidants on all aluminum wire is important because it mitigates the buildup of non-conductive oxide layers. Antioxidant also helps to extend the life span of aluminum wiring.
Is the grounding done correctly?
Proper grounding is essential for protection from electrical shock, the assurance of breakers tripping when they should, and the prevention of equipment damage and fire risk.
Secondary Electrical Panel
What are the key areas of inspection for the secondary panel?
The inspection of the secondary panel follows all of the same procedures as the inspection of the main panel. This includes the notation of manufacture, age, and ampere rating, and all of the yes/no checklist options included in the main panel checklist.
What We Check For & What it means:
All instances of safety inspection follow the same lines of reasoning as the main breaker inspection found in sec. A.
Furnace & A/C Wiring
What to look for in furnace and A/C wiring?
The checklist inspection for Furnace and A/C wiring involves checking If the A/C breaker is sized correctly, if the A/C disconnect switch is sized correctly, and if all A/C wiring is done correctly and safely. It is also necessary to check if the furnace wiring is done correctly and safely.
What We Check For & What it means:
Is A/C breaker sized correctly?
If a breaker is too large, it may not trip during an overcurrent and allow damage to motors, compressors, or internal wiring. When a breaker is too small, it will trip under normal operating loads. HVAC systems produce heavy currents during start-up, and the correct breaker size helps sustain the system during these start-ups.
Is the A/C disconnect switch sized correctly?
Checking that the A/C disconnect switch is sized correctly is important because it allows for the A/C unit to be completely de-energized safely for maintenance. If the switch is improperly sized, it could overheat the equipment or fail to induce a shock risk.
Is all A/C wiring done correctly and safely?
It’s crucial that A/C wiring is done correctly and safely, as it prevents fire hazards and protects the equipment from voltage drops, power surges, or phase imbalances.
Is the furnace wiring correct/safe?
Ensuring that furnace wiring is correct and safe is very important as it prevents both fire and shock hazards, as most furnaces that are in enclosed spaces run a high risk of this happening. Correct wiring also helps guarantee more reliable heating performance.
Attic
What inspections are needed in an attic?
An inspection of the attic includes four points to check off. This involves inspecting the wiring to determine the quality of installation, the presence of any open splices or J-boxes, and verifying the operation of the vent fan, including the presence of a disconnect switch. Additionally, it checks if the whole-house fan operates and has a fire-stat switch.
What We Check For & What it means:
Is the wiring done correctly?
Its important to check the wiring in the attic as attics are likely to be full of potential fire hazards found in the form of insulation, wood framings, and dust. Checking the wiring involves looking for exposed wires, signs of damage, and proper clearance from fire hazards like insulation.
Are there any open splices/J-boxes?
Open splices are when wires are joined together while not being properly enclosed in an electrical box, and an open J-box is one missing its panel. These are fire hazards, shock risks, and code violations. These open splices should be moved to UL-listed junction boxes, and the box itself should be securely mounted with a fitted cover installed.
Does the vent fan work & have a disconnect switch?
Checking a vent fan involves the verification of its functionality as a fan, The disconnect switch helps ensure that power can be safely shut off before thorough inspection. First you should locate the vent fan, turn it on, and check its operational capability. Check for a disconnect switch’s functionality, and check for damage to the wiring and fan.
Does the whole house fan work & have a fire-stat switch?
A fire stat helps keep the fan from potentially feeding flames should a fire break out. Checking a fire stat involves checking that it’s wired in series with the fan and is securely mounted while confirming that it’s part of the circuit through the use of a non—contact voltage tester or multimeter.
Basement/Crawlspace
What to examine in basement/crawlspace inspection?
Basement/Crawlspace inspection is a relatively short process. There are two elements to check off: the inspections of wiring and the notation of any open splices or junction boxes.
What We Check For & What it means:
Is the wiring done correctly?
Basements are susceptible to damp conditions and pests, therefore, it’s important to check for any exposed wiring that could suffer in these conditions. In any damp areas, wires should be securely fastened through bore holes or framing and be moisture resistant.
Are there any open splices/ j-boxes?
In the basement/crawlspace conditions, open splices or j-boxes are a concern. Wire splices should be in UL – listed junction boxes, and those j boxes should be both securely covered and accessible.
Smoke Detectors
What to look for when inspecting smoke detectors?
The inspection of smoke detectors is checked against four elements: are the smoke detectors all tested and working correctly, the total number of batteries changed out, determining if GFI protection is in all required areas, if there is ARC fault protection in all required areas, and if there are necessary areas.
What We Check For & What it means:
All tested and working correctly?
Smoke detectors are some of the most critical pieces of equipment for safety. Testing them involves holding the test button until the alarm sounds, making sure the alarm is sounding consistently, and if not – them checking the batteries.
Total number of batteries changed out?
Knowing the total number of batteries changed out helps sustain the knowledge of the smoke detector’s functionality.
Is there GFI protection in all required areas?
Required areas include kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry areas, exterior outlets, basements, and crawl spaces. When testing each GFI receptacle, you should press the test button to cut power, then the reset button to restore power. You should also use a GFCI tester to double-check protection and proper wiring.
Is there ARC fault protection in all required areas?
Required areas for ARC fault protection include bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, hallways, closets, sunrooms, laundry areas, and kitchens. Make sure to check for AFCI breakers in the main electrical panel and press the test button on the breaker, causing it to trip. Reset it to restore power, and use a plug-in AFCI tester to ensure that there is proper arc fault protection at all outlets.
Are there necessary areas?
AFCI protection is necessary for 120-volt and 15 and 20-amp branch circuits in bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, hallways, closets, sunrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Keep in mind that for older homes, AFCI protection might not have been originally required, but installation is recommended when upgrading or replacing circuits.
MISC. Safety Concerns
What are the miscellaneous safety concerns?
Miscellaneous Safety Concerns may involve the general inspection of any potential electrical hazards. These hazards may include things like the improper use of extension cords in a way that is conducive to a fire hazard, obscured access to electrical panels, unsecured wiring, and electrical equipment at risk to water exposure. There could be any number of safety concerns beyond the standard inspection requirements previously listed.
Other
What qualifies as “other?”
The other section deals with concerns that are not related to the standard inspection categories like panels, breakers, grounding, etc. These concerns could be related to documentation issues such as outdated or missing schematics, load calculations, and panel schedules. Other concerns may include modifications to electrical work, the presence of temporary power sources, and access to electrical rooms.
Surge Suppression
How do you inspect Surge Suppression?
This refers to the use of systems that serve to prevent damage to electrical equipment caused by voltage surges. The inspection of surge protection measures would involve the checking of efficacy for Surge Suppression devices via observations of any potential damage or warning indicators.
Additional Installations/ Proposed Work
When and why would additional installations be needed?
Inspectors might recommend additions to deal with concerns regarding safety, reliability, and adherence to code compliance. These recommended additions or proposed work would be included in this section. These additions are typically related to any deviations or absences of the standard safety requirements found throughout the checklist.
Whether or not this additional work can be done during inspection will be noted, as well as the quantity of any specific installations. There will also be the inclusion of cost both for a standard rate and a member rate for each installation. This work can include installations of new surge protection devices or additional GFCI protection in damp areas, or any other concern, major or minor.
Additional Job Notes: Instructions
What kind of notes should you keep?
This section is the helpful sidebar for any concerns raised during the inspection or regarding things like the necessity for new materials to complete any proposed work or additional installations. This section can even serve as an effective shorthand for locations of breakers or any issues noted outside of the predetermined areas of inspection.
Other uses of the job notes section can include conversations between clients or any extenuating circumstances or conditions that would typically be outside the realm of a standard safety inspection, such as weather. Basically, anything that is considered of note but not directly related to the other items of the checklist should be included here.