Kingston Home Electrical Inspections

Home Electrical Safety Experts Serving Southeastern Ontario

Home electrical systems can degrade over time, leading to potential hazards like electrical fires, shocks, and costly repairs. Routine inspections can help uncover wiring problems, outdated components, and overloaded circuits before they escalate into significant problems, and professional electricians have the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to identify and correct issues that an untrained eye might miss. In addition, these inspections can confirm that your electrical system complies with the latest safety standards and regulations, which can provide invaluable peace of mind.

At Haven Home, we provide Kingston home electrical inspections to homeowners all year round. Our certified electricians are prepared to thoroughly assess every element of your home’s electrical system, from wiring to fixtures to your panel. After our careful evaluation, we provide a detailed report of our findings that outline potential areas of concern and recommended changes, repairs, or upgrades. We also offer electrical protection plans for proactive home maintenance. 

Are you concerned something may be seriously wrong with your home’s electrical system? We are available 24/7, so get it checked out as soon as possible by calling (343) 341-5806 or contacting us online!

How Often Should I Schedule Home Electrical Inspections?

The age of your home and the condition of your electrical system should influence how often you schedule professional home electrical inspections. If you have a newer home with no known electrical issues, we generally recommend an inspection every three to five years. If your home is over 20 years old or experiences frequent electrical problems, you should consider more frequent inspections, ideally every two to three years, to verify that your system is still safe and functional.

Furthermore, if you are in the process of buying a home, it is in your best interest to get an electrical inspection before you close. This inspection can reveal hidden electrical issues that might not be apparent during a standard home inspection, such as outdated wiring, faulty outlets, or unsafe modifications made by previous owners. Identifying these problems in advance allows you to negotiate repairs or price adjustments with the seller, potentially saving you significant costs and preventing future hazards. Additionally, verifying that the electrical system is up to code and capable of supporting modern appliances can provide peace of mind and a seamless transition into your new home without unexpected electrical surprises. Similarly, if you have undertaken significant renovations or added new electrical appliances, an inspection can help confirm that your electrical system is prepared to handle the increased load without any risk of overloading or hazards.

The bottom line: When in doubt, get it checked out. Our professionals at Haven Home are ready to conduct meticulous Kingston home electrical inspections whenever you need us, no matter the circumstances. 

Signs Your Home Needs an Immediate Electrical Inspection

Keeping to a regular inspection and maintenance schedule can help prevent many electrical problems from developing into serious issues. Sometimes, however, electrical malfunctions can arise between professional visits, and you should not wait to request an inspection if you spot signs of serious trouble. 

Give our team a call and request an immediate inspection if you are dealing with any of the following problems:

• Frequent circuit breaker trips. Circuit breakers are designed to trip and cut off the flow of electricity as a safety measure to prevent overheating and potential fires. However, frequent trips should not be dismissed as simple nuisances. They often indicate underlying problems, such as overloaded circuits, short circuits, or ground faults. These issues not only pose risks to your electrical system's integrity but also to the safety of your home and family. Our professional electricians can diagnose the underlying cause of the tripping and provide the necessary repairs or upgrades to help keep your system operating safely and reliably.
• Dimming or flickering lights. Lights that dim or flicker intermittently, particularly when turning on high-wattage appliances, can be more than just an annoyance. This behaviour may signal voltage fluctuations in your electrical system, which can be caused by loose or corroded connections, inadequate wiring, or an overburdened grid. These conditions can lead to inefficient electrical distribution and even pose risks of fires if left unchecked. An immediate inspection can help identify whether these symptoms are due to minor issues like a loose bulb or more severe concerns that require additional action. 
• Buzzing sounds from outlets. If you notice unusual buzzing or humming sounds emanating from outlets, switches, or electrical panels, there may be a poor connection or a problem within your electrical system, such as loose wiring or a failing breaker that cannot be rectified by simple fixes. These faults can lead to electrical arcing, which is when electricity jumps between connections, creating heat that can ignite surrounding materials. A prompt inspection can help detect the source of the noise and prevent potential disasters.
• Smell of burning plastic. A smell reminiscent of burning plastic is a major cause for concern that should never be ignored. This odour usually indicates that wires are overheating to the point where the insulation around them is melting. Causes can range from overloaded circuits and loose connections to faulty appliances and outdated electrical systems. The smell of burning plastic is often a precursor to electrical fires, so you should immediately turn off the power to the affected area if possible and call for professional assistance.
• Warm or hot electrical outlets or switches. Heat emanating from these components can be an indication of excessive current flow or a loose connection, both of which can lead to electrical fires if left unattended. Our electricians can diagnose and fix the root cause of the overheating. 
• Sparking or arcing outlets. Sparking or arcing outlets often indicate there are loose or damaged wires within the outlet, leading to electricity escaping its intended path. Such irregularities can cause overheating and potentially ignite fires. Consulting a professional electrician right away is crucial to correct the issue and prevent any accidents or damage to your electrical system.
• Discoloured or scorched outlets. Outlets that show signs of discolouration, scorching, or burn marks are clear indicators of overheating and potential danger. These visual signs suggest that electrical connections within the outlet are generating excessive heat, which can result from loose wires, overloaded circuits, or faulty outlets. You should immediately have an electrician inspect and replace the affected outlets immediately to prevent the risk of fire.
• Shock or tingling sensations. Experiencing a shock or tingling sensation when touching an appliance, outlet, or switch typically signals grounding issues or wiring faults that allow electricity to escape from safe channels. Such conditions are detrimental to your home's electrical system and can pose severe risks to personal safety.
• Rust or corrosion on your electrical panel. The presence of rust or corrosion on your electrical panel is a serious issue that can compromise the integrity of your entire electrical system. Moisture exposure can lead to these corrosions, which in turn can create resistance, overheating, and eventual failure of electrical connections. Addressing this problem promptly with professional assistance can prevent further deterioration and potential hazards.

Best Practices for Home Electrical Safety

Working with our Kingston home electrical inspection professionals is the first step to protecting your home’s electrical safety. There are also things you can do on a daily basis to help avoid safety hazards and reduce the risk of electrical problems.

Follow these essential home electrical safety tips:

• Avoid overloading circuits. Distribute electrical loads evenly by not plugging too many devices into a single outlet or circuit. Overloading can cause overheating and increase the risk of electrical fires. Use power strips with built-in surge protectors to manage multiple plugs safely and efficiently.
• Childproof electrical outlets. If you have young children, install protective covers on all unused electrical outlets to prevent accidental shocks. Consider tamper-resistant receptacles, which are designed to prevent objects from being inserted into the sockets.
• Use extension cords properly. Extension cords should be used as a temporary solution and not as a permanent fixture. Make sure they are not pinched by furniture, run under carpets, or placed in high-traffic areas where they can pose trip hazards or become damaged.
• Use correct wattage for fixtures. Always use the correct wattage light bulbs for your fixtures. Exceeding the recommended wattage can lead to overheating, increasing the risk of fire. Check the maximum wattage rating (typically indicated on fixtures) and adhere to it.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water. Keep electrical appliances and devices at a safe distance from water sources. This minimizes the risk of electric shocks and short circuits that can occur from water contact. Appliances designed for use near water, such as electric razors and hair dryers, should always be used with caution.

When you need a Kingston home electrical safety inspection, call (343) 341-5806 or contact us online!