Buying a new House – Electrical Checklist
Buying a new house can be one of the most exciting phases in your life. The idea of walking into your house after a long day of work is the most relaxing thought. With your own house, you can have the interior design that most define who you are and change it as often as you can. The excitement to own a new house can be great that you overlook to do an electrical checklist.
A faulty electrical system can cause electrocution leading to the death of the house occupants or damage of electrical devices. Malfunctioned and faulty electrical systems can actually lead to fire and loss of the entire house. In this piece, we will look at some electrical checklist before buying a house.
1. Electrical Service Panel
The electrical panel is the first thing you should check. It will help you know the age of the house you are about to buy. A rusty, smoky and worn electrical service panel should be replaced. If the panel has a fuse box and not a circuit breaker, then that is a sign the electrical system of the house is older and should be inspected if it needs to be replaced. The electrical panel will also help you to know if the electrical system is stable and durable. Most electrical panels last approximately 3 decades and after that, they need to be replaced. You should also take note of the size and capacity of the electrical panel. Most modern homes are built with panels of 200-amp whereas older houses have panels with approximately 100-amp. Some panels are not able to accommodate some modern electrical appliances. Before buying the house, ask if it is possible to expand the panel to accommodate more electrical devices.
2. Electrical Wiring
Most modern houses have aluminium wiring, which is considered more durable and less fire hazard, compared to older houses that have copper wiring. Both aluminium and copper have different performance and safety characteristics. However, they conduct electricity differently and therefore, they should never be used for electrical wiring together. If the house you want to buy is older, has outdated wiring or has questionable wiring system, then you should ensure the wiring is inspected by a professional electrician. Before buying a house, consider if the house will need a replacement of the wiring system which will affect the general price of the house.
3. Wet Area Outlets
Having water and electricity near each other is life hazard. This is because water is a good conductor of electricity and can cause electrocution. Wet areas in the house, such as the kitchen and bathroom, should have fitted Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). GFCI detect unbalanced electric current and cut off the power before it causes damage to electrical appliances in the house. GFCI also detect when water and electrical appliances come into contact and cut off the power supply. Before buying a house, ensure the house has a GFCI fitted and is working properly. In addition, light switches should be away from water.
4. Interior Outlets
Before closing the deal to buy the house, check light switches, and appliance cords. If they are loose, then they should be tightened or replaced. Ensure the outlets are not covered with soot and electrical cables are exposed. The house should also be inspected to ensure that power outlets have a firm grip on the wall. The wall should not be cracked, and it should be able to hold plugs with the right tension. The house should also have a fitted earth wiring system for safety reasons, especially from lightning and power surges. If there are switching or humming sounds emanating from the electric system, then a professional electrician should be invited to do an inspection.
Repairing an electric system can be expensive to the house owner. Old electric systems are prone to malfunction, wear and tear. If you are considering buying a new house and need a professional electrician to conduct an electrical system inspection, you can rely on Gordon’s Powers. We are experienced, professional and reliable electricians that are always ready to offer you electrical services at an affordable price.
Switchboard Upgrades Installation
Friendly and Efficient. No fuss. Switchboard Upgrades Installation
Are you struggling with an inadequate power supply? In today’s modern world, we rely more and more on power to maintain our daily routines. Naturally, we place more demands on energy supply so that we can continue to enjoy watching high-definition TV, play with the latest games console or perhaps cook using the food processing equipment. A Switchboard Upgrades Installation is a system that operates your everyday appliances, lighting, cooktop, heavy machinery, motors, hot water systems and more, without a safe system, you could be exposing yourself from an accident that could happen at any time.
If you are wondering whether it’s time to upgrade and replace your switchboard, you should probably consider it, if you experience any of the following:
- Does it seem like your appliances struggle to get the power they need?
- Does it seem like your fuse/circuit breaker trips every time you turn on microwave or kettle?
- Do I have a safety switch installed?
- Do your lights constantly flicker back and forth from dim to bright?
- Can I see any ceramic fuses in my meter box/switchboard?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then it is most likely time for a switchboard upgrade.
Time for a Switchboard / Fusebox Upgrade?
The performance of your home’s appliances and general power supply starts with the switchboard. The role of the switchboard is to ensure that your appliances are getting the power that they need to work efficiently. A switchboard or fuse box upgrade also consists of having the latest circuit protection devices to protect you and property from dangerous electrical faults.
A Switchboard / Fusebox upgrade also gives you peace of mind knowing your power supply is safe and within the current electrical regulations.
Many older properties do not have a switchboard that is designed to keep up with today’s demands, therefore, modern power consumption can cause this out-dated piece of equipment problems. Older switchboards simply cannot cope with the volume and power of modern-day appliances. If you consider the air-conditioning, hot water, electric stove and many other modern luxuries you use today, it is no wonder it could be time for an upgrade.