Electrical Inspection
Electrical inspection is one of the most safety-critical parts of any home inspection. We evaluate the panel, branch wiring (visible), outlets, switches, GFCI/AFCI protection, and any unsafe conditions.
Electrical inspection is one of the most safety-critical parts of any home inspection. We evaluate the panel, branch wiring (visible), outlets, switches, GFCI/AFCI protection, and any unsafe conditions.
What we check on every electrical inspection
- ✓Service entry, meter, drip loop
- ✓Main panel: brand, amperage, breaker condition, double-tapping
- ✓Sub-panels and their connections
- ✓Visible branch wiring (basement, attic, accessible areas)
- ✓Outlets tested for proper wiring and grounding
- ✓GFCI protection in required wet locations
- ✓AFCI protection in bedroom circuits (current code)
- ✓Smoke and CO detector hardwired or battery placement
Common defects we find
- Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panels (known to fail)
- Double-tapped breakers
- Missing GFCI protection in bathroom, kitchen, garage, exterior
- Knob-and-tube wiring still in service
- Aluminum branch wiring in 1960s-1970s homes
- Improperly grounded or open-ground outlets
- Over-fused circuits
Southern Minnesota considerations
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels are common in southern-MN homes built 1960-1985 — both brands have documented failure patterns. Knob-and-tube wiring is still active in many central-Fairmont and Blue Earth homes despite kitchen and bath updates.
Common questions
Do you replace electrical panels?
No. We are inspectors, not electricians. Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels are flagged for replacement by a licensed electrician.
What about knob-and-tube wiring?
Active knob-and-tube is documented and flagged. Most insurance companies will not insure a home with active knob-and-tube — your buyer should know before closing.
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