There are a wide variety of electrical systems with an even greater
variety of components.
Your NAHIPA Member Inspector will carefully evaluate the
condition of the visible
electrical system and check for any improper wiring and hazards.
In addition to the main panel and sub-panels, your inspector will examine
and test readily accessible outlets, switches, fixtures, circuit breakers,
and GFCI outlets throughout the home. Most homes today have at least a 100 amp power supply with 110/220 voltage
capability, which was normal residential capacity until the
mid-1960’s.
Today, many jurisdictions have electric codes that require a minimum
electrical capacity of 100 amps and in some even require 150 or 200
amps.
However, electrical codes are not retroactive, and therefore many older
residential systems do not comply with the latest safety standards.
A 100 amp service, may be adequate if the home has gas appliances rather
than electric.
Most newer homes are built with 200 amp service and 400 amp service is
commonplace in larger homes
An inadequate electrical system containing overloaded circuits or
defective wiring and outlets can pose a severe safety and fire
hazard. There are many different varieties of electric panel boxes.
The National safety standards require electrical panels to be weatherproof,
readily accessible, and have a minimum of 36 inches of clear space in front
of them for service.
In addition, the panel should have a main disconnect, and each circuit
should be clearly labeled. The panel box must be installed correctly and sized properly to handle
the incoming electrical service lines, and the lines used to distribute
the electric current for each circuit in the home.
Overcrowded and corroded boxes pose a hazard and need to be addressed.
Most modern homes use circuit breakers for overload protection although many
older homes and some equipment use fuses. Sometimes there is more than one electrical panel.
Usually the line providing electrical service comes into the main panel,
which then distributes the power to the other service panels. However,
that is not always the case.
In any event, your NAHIPA Member Inspector will examine all of the accessible
electrical service panels during your home inspection. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are required by code when
outside, in a garage, in an unfinished basement or within 6 foot of a water
source such as kitchen countertops and bathrooms. Additionally, all
exterior outlets should have proper covers. Industry standards require that we test a representative sample of
outlets, switches, and light fixtures.
However, your NAHIPA Member Inspector will attempt to test every one
that is unobstructed and accessible at the time of the inspection. | 
