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Whether you are buying a new house or remodeling your current residence, electric work is inevitable. What is equally inevitable in NJ home inspection after the renovation is done, especially electrical inspection. So, what does an electrical inspection cover? Let’s find out.
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Circuit protection
Having GFCI circuit protection is a necessity today. As such, most electrical inspectors will check whether the outlets in rooms like the bathroom and kitchen, where water is commonly used, during an inspection. Furthermore, these days, outlets must also have AFCI protection. While this is not mandatory for existing outlets, any remodeling requires AFCI circuit breakers.
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Cables and wires
Yet another thing checked during an electrical inspection is the cable and how it is clamped in the electrical box. Ideally, cables must be clamped in a way that the clamp is attached to the cable sheath, not the conducting wires. Furthermore, the box must also have a usable wire of 8 inches to enable easy device connection.
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Electrical boxes
Electrical boxes, themselves, are inspected by the inspector. Inspectors usually make sure the box is flush with the wall and is spacious enough for the wires and devices enclosed in them. The box should also be secure that the device will remain safe when kept inside.
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Proper circuits
Perhaps one of the first things that an inspector will check is if the house has enough circuits for usage. The inspection will also cover dedicated circuits in the house—the inspectors will check if the kitchen and bathroom have dedicated circuits. This ensures that there will be no sudden trips due to overload.
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Outlet height
Electric inspectors also check the height at which the electric outlet is placed. Ideally, switches should be placed 48 inches and outlets must be 12 inches from the floor. Some exceptions, however, are allowed here if the room is used by a disabled person or a child.
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Surge protection
Most houses have sensitive electronic devices like TV, washer, sound systems, refrigerators, and more. These can be harmed with frequent voltage fluctuations. Therefore, most inspectors suggest and check for surge protectors in the house, either for individual devices or the whole house. Along with this, these devices can also be connected to isolated ground receptacles for further protection from fluctuations.
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Cable anchoring
Ideally, cables should run through the center of the wall studs—this keeps the wires safe from drywall screws and nails. Likewise, the first staple of the cable anchoring should be within 8 feet of the box and the following staples must be kept every 4 feet thereafter. These are also things that electric inspections cover.
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Wire labeling
Labeling the wires and circuits is not mandatory according to the code. However, it is always a safe practice in case you need to do some urgent electric work. Inspectors always appreciate this little detail in wiring installation and look for wire labeling for the most part.
Conclusion
Electric inspections are necessary to ensure that the house you are moving into is safe for you and your family. Thus, inspectors are always thorough in their inspection and check everything from the number of circuits, circuit protection, and labeled wires to electric boxes, outlet height, and cable anchoring. Therefore, when buying a new house, make sure to not skip this step.
