The electrical panel in your home is the nerve center of its electrical infrastructure. It’s also the area with the highest amperage flow on your property. That makes regular inspections of your electrical panel critical. Inspections can help you maintain the stability and utility of your electrical system. More importantly, though, they can help prevent electrical fires. Here’s everything you need to know.
How Common Are Electrical Fires?
Although you may have never personally experienced an electrical fire, they’re more common than you think. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, there are approximately 51,000 residential electrical fires yearly. As per the National Fire Protection Association, there are another 33,470 commercial electrical fires yearly.
Combined, they do over $2.6 billion in property damage and claim hundreds of lives. Electrical malfunctions are among the leading causes of structural fires in the US annually. Keeping your electrical infrastructure in good condition is critical to protect your life and property. Those efforts should begin with your main electrical panel.
What’s Involved in an Electrical Panel Inspection?
During an electrical panel inspection, an electrician will examine your service-entrance conductors. Those are the wires that bring electrical service into your home or building. If they see any signs of damage or indications of slackening, they’ll note them. Those conditions could precede a line breakage that leads to a fire.
Then, we’ll examine the service disconnect that allows you to sever your connection to the grid. It’s a critical safety device that safely maintains your building’s inside wiring. We’ll test its functionality to confirm it works properly and look for unusual wear and tear.
Next, one of our electricians will open your electrical panel to inspect the wires connecting to its bus bars. If we find any loose wires, we’ll tighten them. If we find fraying wires, we’ll note their presence for follow-up repairs.
They’ll then move on to testing the functionality of your circuit breakers. Circuit breakers form the backbone of your building’s protection against any overcurrents that may cause fires. The inspection will also include checking your panel’s grounding and overall physical condition.
How Often Are Electrical Panel Inspections Necessary for Homeowners and Business Owners?
According to fire safety experts, the average home should have its electrical panel inspected once every three to five years. That’s frequently enough to spot typical signs of wear and tear that can lead to fire risk. Since most commercial facilities use more electricity than residential buildings, they should have an inspection every one to three years.
You should also watch for signs that may indicate a need for an urgent inspection. One is if your panel becomes hot to the touch, which may indicate electrical arcing that can cause a fire. Another is if you hear buzzing or unusual sounds coming from your panel.
Electrical panels should be silent when they’re working as intended. Flickering lights and frequently tripping breakers are also causes for immediate concern. By having your panel inspected on schedule and in between, as necessary, you can dramatically reduce your fire risk.
Your Trusted Local Electrician
Whether you own a home or small business in the San Antonio, TX, area, GVEC Electrician Services is where to turn for electrical panel inspections. We also offer a complete range of electrical services, including panel upgrades, minor and major repairs, rewiring, and more. Our team of qualified electricians has years of experience in commercial and residential settings.
We’ll protect your property from damage while we work and answer any questions you have. We’ll discuss your options if you find any electrical problems requiring additional attention. We’re the best in the business. But don’t take our word for it. Instead, check out our numerous five-star reviews.
Or, consider that we’re Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating. We’re also an Enphase Silver Installer and a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer. So, if you need an electrical panel inspected in the Guadalupe Valley, call GVEC Electrician Services today!
