An electrical inspection sounds like something that only happens when you're having work done — but it's one of the most useful and underused services a homeowner can request. Whether you're buying a home, selling one, filing a homeowner's insurance claim, or just haven't had anyone look at your panel in 20 years, here's what an electrical inspection actually involves and what you can expect.
Electrical Inspection vs. Home Inspection: What's the Difference?
A general home inspector covers the whole house at a surface level — plumbing, structure, HVAC, and electrical. But a general inspector typically isn't a licensed electrician. They'll note obvious issues (missing outlet covers, double-tapped breakers, visible damage) but they won't open the panel, test individual circuits, or evaluate code compliance in detail.
A licensed electrician inspection goes deeper. We open the panel, inspect every breaker, evaluate the service entrance, test outlets for proper grounding and GFCI/AFCI compliance, and check for wiring hazards a general inspector might not flag. If you're making a major financial decision based on a home's electrical system, you want a licensed electrician — not just a home inspector — to sign off on it.
When Should You Get an Electrical Inspection?
- Before buying a home — Especially older NJ homes (pre-1980). A panel with Federal Pacific breakers, ungrounded outlets throughout, or knob-and-tube wiring can cost $10,000–$25,000 to remediate. Know before you close.
- Before selling a home — Proactively identifying and fixing electrical issues removes objections from buyers and their lenders. You negotiate from strength, not weakness.
- After purchasing an older home — If you just moved into a home and don't have a clear picture of its electrical history, a baseline inspection tells you exactly where you stand.
- Before a major renovation — Adding circuits for a kitchen remodel or basement finish? Know your panel's capacity and the wiring condition before your contractor opens walls.
- When your insurance company requires it — Some NJ insurers require a licensed electrician inspection for homes over a certain age, or when renewing after a lapse in coverage.
- After visible electrical problems — Burning smells, scorched outlets, breakers that won't stay set, or buzzing from the panel all warrant an immediate licensed inspection.
What the Inspector Looks At
A thorough electrical inspection covers:
- The service entrance — The connection from the utility to your meter, and from the meter to your main panel. We check for weather damage, proper clearances, and adequate service size.
- The main panel — Every breaker is evaluated. We check for double-tapping (two wires on one terminal), over-fusing, signs of overheating, and the panel brand (certain brands are known defective).
- Grounding and bonding — Proper grounding protects you from shock during a fault. Many older NJ homes have grounding deficiencies that are invisible without testing.
- GFCI compliance — We verify GFCI protection exists in all NEC-required locations: kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, and unfinished basements.
- AFCI compliance — Required in bedrooms and living spaces in most renovations and new construction since 2002. Older homes typically lack it.
- Visible wiring — In basements, attics, and utility areas, we look for damaged insulation, improper junction boxes, and DIY wiring that doesn't meet code.
- Outlet testing — We spot-check outlets throughout the home for proper grounding, correct polarity, and GFCI function where required.
What Happens If Problems Are Found?
The inspection produces a written report detailing what was found, how serious each issue is, and what remediation involves. We categorize issues as: immediate safety concerns (fix now), code deficiencies (should be corrected), and advisory items (things to watch or budget for). You're never obligated to have us do the repair work — though most clients find it easier to have one team handle both the assessment and the fix.
If you're in a real estate transaction, this report gives you or your attorney clear documentation to negotiate with or require remediation from the seller.
NJ Permits and Certificate of Approval
A standalone inspection doesn't require a permit — it's an assessment, not a construction activity. However, any remediation work we do following an inspection (replacing a panel, upgrading outlets, correcting grounding) does require permits in NJ. We pull every required permit and attend every municipal inspection. The Certificate of Approval from the inspector is your permanent record that the work was done correctly and to code.
How to Prepare for an Electrical Inspection
- Make sure the electrical panel is accessible — clear any storage in front of it
- Have any previous inspection reports, permits, or electrical records available if you have them
- Note any issues you've observed: flickering lights, tripping breakers, outlets that don't work, burning smells
- Write down any questions — our electricians are happy to explain anything they find in plain language
Ready to schedule an electrical inspection for your NJ home? Contact us here or call 1-855-55VOLTS. We'll give you a complete picture of your home's electrical health — no surprises, no upselling.