What will fail an electrical inspection in Louisiana? For Louisiana homeowners worried about electrical inspection failure, the experienced Alexandria electrical inspector team at Lombardi Electric is here to help. We go over what inspectors look for during electrical home inspections and what code violations will cause a homeowner to fail a home inspection.
Take the first step towards electrical safety and peace of mind–call us at (318) 545-7575 to schedule your electrical inspection today!
What is an Electrical Safety Inspection?
An Alexandria home electrical safety inspection is a thorough assessment of your property’s electrical systems, wiring, circuit breakers, and other components. The primary purpose of electrical inspections is to identify potential safety hazards and ensure compliance with local codes. By conducting home inspections with a licensed electrician, you can protect your house from the risks associated with faulty wiring and other potential dangers.
When is an Electrical Inspection Required in Louisiana?
The necessity of electrical inspections depends on the following:
- New Homes: For new home construction, an initial home inspection is essential to ensure compliance with every building code requirement.
- Older Homes: Older homes should have an electrical safety inspection at least every 10 years.
- Home Renovations: Whenever a property undergoes significant renovations, an electrical safety inspection should be completed to verify that the new electrical work meets current code requirements.
Be sure to look into your local code requirements if you need to know what will fail an electrical inspection for another area, as this list is not comprehensive.
What Will Cause a Failed Inspection in Louisiana?
Whether you’re in need of a home electrical inspection or Alexandria residential electrical services, our team is ready to get to work.
Ungrounded Receptacles
Ungrounded receptacles are damaged outlets with no hole beneath them for the ground wire. Two-prong outlet receptacles aren’t safe and should be upgraded.
Double-Tapped Circuit Breakers
If your home’s circuit breaker keeps tripping, your electrical system may be overburdened or may have some underlying faults. Double-tapped circuits occur when two wires are connected to one circuit breaker. Most circuit breakers are designed for only one wire, so connecting two wires can lead to loose connections and potential fires.
Heavily Relying on Extension Cords
Extension cords can be great for convenience, but a heavy reliance on extension cords can be a sign that your home’s electric system isn’t up to local codes. From any point along the wall line, a receptacle outlet needs to be within a 6-foot reach of appliances. Overusing extension cords can indicate a lack of sufficient outlets, leading to overloaded circuits and an increased risk of electrical hazards. The fewer extension cords used in your house, the better.
Inadequate GFCI Protection
What is a GFCI outlet? GFCI outlets must be present in rooms where moisture is present. The Alexandria electrical inspector team at Lombardi Electric knows how to test a GFCI outlet properly, as malfunctioning GFCI protection outlets could hint at bigger electrical issues.
Faulty Wiring
Wiring that is damaged or is deteriorating poses a significant risk. Exposed wires, loose connections, and frayed insulation will all cause a failed inspection.
Inconsistent Outlet, Box, and Switch Heights
Switch heights should be about 48″ above the ground unless the switches are intended for children or those in wheelchairs. Most homeowners expect the switches to be a certain height.
If you’re not an electrician and are doing your own work, we recommend using large electrical boxes. This helps ensure you won’t have a failed inspection and makes it easier to complete wire connections as well as for repairs.
Flickering Lights
Flickering light fixtures are one of signs of faulty electrical wiring and often point to bigger issues. This can be caused by faulty wiring or overtaxed electrical work. An electrical safety inspection can determine the cause and help ensure that your home’s electrical system is safe and reliable.
Buzzing Sounds
Any buzzing from electrical wires or outlets could be a sign of a bigger electrical issue. If you notice any consistent electrical buzzing noises coming from your electric system, call a licensed electrician. They can evaluate your home for faulty wiring, disconnected or loose wiring, faulty outlets, and more.
Burning Smells
This odor often suggests overheating or wiring issues and can cause electrical shorts and life-threatening house fires. Any burning smells around any outlet or appliances should receive immediate attention from professional electricians. Electrical safety inspections can indicate the cause of the smell so that electricians can repair and replace any broken or faulty parts.
Common Electrical Code Violations in Electrical Inspections
If you’re looking at ‘what will fail an electrical inspection,’ you may worry about your home’s electrical work. An understanding of common code violations can help homeowners address issues with a professional electrician before the code violations lead to electrical inspection failure:
- Inadequate Grounding: Proper grounding is required for electrical safety. Lack of this will lead to a failed final inspection.
- Improper Outlet Installation: Outlets that are installed too close to water, such as sinks or pools, are dangerous. Code violations will likely occur if a contractor chose to install outlets that lack Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) near water.
- Obsolete Wiring: Homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring will often cause a failed inspection due to potential fire hazards.
Benefits of a Home Electrical Inspection
An electrical inspection, particularly one conducted by professional electricians, can ensure the safety of your home by identifying potential hazards, such as outdated wiring or overloaded circuits.
Additionally, professional inspectors can identify and fix any inefficiencies, enhancing the efficiency of your electrical system and potentially reducing energy costs.
Licensed Electrician in Alexandria, Louisiana
The Alexandria inspector team at Lombardi Electric is committed to helping you maintain a safe environment within your home. Whether you’re looking for a residential electrical inspection or an Alexandria commercial electrical inspection, our licensed inspector team is prepared to help.
For home inspections, call us at (318) 545-7575 or contact us online to take a proactive step towards a safer, more efficient home.
