Electrical Safety Inspections in Northern Virginia

Trust the Experts at Reddick & Sons to Care For Your Prince William County Home!

Everything may seem completely fine with your electrical system, but is it completely safe? With so much hidden inside your walls and so much more invisible to the naked eye, finding problems can be tricky for the average homeowner. Yet these unseen issues can be the cause of all sorts of issues, including causing fires or even potential injuries. This is why it’s a good idea to periodically have your electrical system inspected by a Northern Virginia electrician who can locate any potential issues and notify you about any hazards that may be in the process of developing or already exist.

At Reddick & Sons Inc., your safety is our number one priority. Our electrical inspections are thorough, honest, and rigorous so that you can have a crystal clear picture about exactly what’s going on with your electrical equipment. Our Northern Virginia electricians are equipped with the latest tools for testing and inspecting your system, plus they undergo hours of supplemental training every year to ensure that they are the best they can be. When it comes to your electrical system, we understand that you want to minimize risk as low as possible, and that’s why we make it a point to deliver outstanding quality results and ensure you’re happy with the service you receive.

If you need an electrical inspection in Northern Virginia, call Reddick & Sons at (703) 348-9881 today and make an appointment with our team.

Common Issues That Can Be Uncovered in an Electrical Inspection

Electrical inspections are crucial for identifying potential safety hazards and ensuring that electrical systems comply with local codes and regulations. Here are some common electrical issues that may be uncovered during an electrical inspection:

Faulty Wiring

• Overloaded Circuits: Circuits that carry more current than they are designed for can overheat, leading to fires.
• Incorrect Wiring Connections: Poorly connected wires can result in electrical arcing and create a fire hazard.

Outdated or Insufficient Electrical Panels

• Obsolete Panels: Old or obsolete electrical panels may not meet current safety standards and may need to be replaced.
• Insufficient Panel Capacity: Panels that are too small for the electrical load can cause tripped breakers and overheating.

Inadequate Grounding

• Lack of Grounding: Proper grounding is essential for electrical safety. Lack of grounding increases the risk of electrical shock and equipment damage.
• Faulty Grounding: Grounding systems should be tested to ensure they are effective.

Electrical Code Violations

• Non-compliance: Electrical systems must comply with local electrical codes. Any violations found during an inspection need to be addressed.

Unsafe Outlets and Switches

• Damaged Outlets or Switches: Worn-out or damaged outlets and switches can pose safety risks.
• Incorrectly Installed Outlets: Outlets installed in areas where they are exposed to moisture without proper protection can be hazardous.

Inadequate Insulation

• Insulation Issues: Damaged or insufficient insulation can expose wires, leading to the risk of electrical shock and fires.

Lighting Issues

• Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit areas can contribute to safety hazards.
• Incorrectly Installed Lighting Fixtures: Fixtures installed too close to combustible materials or inappropriately wired can pose risks.

Appliance and Equipment Concerns

• Faulty Appliances: Appliances with damaged cords or faulty components can be dangerous.
• Unsafe Use of Extension Cords: Extension cords should be used appropriately and not as permanent wiring solutions.

Electrical Panel Accessibility

• Blocked Access to Electrical Panels: Electrical panels should be easily accessible for maintenance and in case of emergencies.

Inadequate Surge Protection

• Lack of Surge Protectors: In areas prone to electrical surges, the absence of surge protection can lead to damage of electronic devices.

It's important to note that electrical inspections should be carried out by qualified professionals who are familiar with local electrical codes and safety standards. If any issues are identified during an inspection, they should be promptly addressed to ensure the safety of the electrical system and the occupants of the building.

When Should You Get an Electrical Inspection?

There’s almost never a bad time to get an electrical inspection—the more you know about your electrical equipment and the devices that depend on it, the better. Electrical and building codes are also always changing, and that means you’ll need to regularly update your system in order to ensure you stay safe and that your home won’t experience any issues if you’re planning on selling or if you’re trying to purchase home insurance.

We strongly advise getting an inspection in the following situations:

• When purchasing a new home
• Every five years after your home reaches the age of 40
• When adding a new appliance or replacing an existing one
• When your home has undergone a major renovation

What’s Covered in an Electrical Safety Inspection?

Our Northern Virginia electrical inspection services are thorough and meticulous, ensuring that no potential problem is missed and no system goes unchecked. Each inspection is different because each home has a unique electrical system. While we follow a pattern to ensure nothing is missed, we tailor our inspection to deliver personalized results.

Our inspections cover a wide range of electrical components, from the most common and basic to the most unique and individual. We even cover things that you may not anticipate!

Our inspections cover:

• Switch and wall outlet condition
• Electrical panel condition
• Function of arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI)
• Proper installation and function of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector testing
• Verification and testing of surge protection
• Confirmation of grounding systems
• Safety and security outdoor lighting checks
• Electrical code conformity inspections

While there are certain times where it’s extremely important to have an inspection, we strongly advise having your electrical system inspected at least once every two to three years to ensure that everything stays up to date and that no potential issues have emerged. Our electricians especially advise this if you’ve experienced any major issues, such as one particular circuit continually shutting off, rolling brown-outs, and more. There could be an issue with your system that you’re unaware of causing these symptoms.

Contact Reddick & Sons to get more information about our high-quality electrical inspections in Northern Virginia and to schedule one for your home!