Most home electrical inspection in the Seattle area requires three safety inspections: cover, service and final. For convenience, we would suggest having your electrician’s service and make these appointments for you. However, you can also schedule these inspections yourself if you want to undertake the permitting process. 

Cover Inspection

Once all new circuits are wired, schedule the cover inspection. Do not cover any work with insulation, receptacles or wall switches because you have to wait until the work has been approved.

Do not cover trenches, ditches or slabs either since cover inspections also include underground installations. In other words, be patient and comply.

Service and Feeder Inspection

This inspection follows the installation of any electrical masts, meter bases, grounding electrode conductors, and branch circuits. 

Final Inspections

This inspection follows the completion of your electrical work. More importantly, you must have all equipment and appliances installed. Also, it has to be grounded and energized for final inspection. Make sure all the covers are in place and circuits are labeled. 

What Inspectors Look For Home Electrical Inspection

All electricians must adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as any local or state regulations. All states have different codes which is why your electrician needs to have a license in your state. 

Electrical inspectors look for a plethora of potential safety hazards. You may be able to see some of these issues yourself.

The best electricians know how to comply with local standards so the inspections should be straightforward. Some of the things inspectors look for include are: 

  • Damaged or frayed wires 
  • Cords are in good conditions and do not show wear and tear 
  • Using correct wires 
  • Proper sizing of circuit breakers 
  • No overloading of circuit breaker boxes 
  • Correct wiring of ground fault circuit interrupters 
  • Proper grounding and wiring to the electrical panel
  • House is compliant with branch-circuit voltage limitations 
  • Right grouping of all conductors of a circuit 
  • Proper installation of switches in wet or damp locations within weatherproof enclosures
  • All appliances with proper grounding
  • Wiring is suitable for current capacity 
  • Outlets spacing
  • All light fixtures have diffusers installed 

 

The list goes on! At Wire Craft, our experienced electricians can take the load off your shoulders and make sure your electrical systems are up to local Washington codes. More importantly, your home will be much safer with compliant, up-to-date electrical systems.