Electrical Safety & Hazard Inspection Checklist | Middle TN

At Atchley Home Inspections LLC, we treat the electrical system as the most critical safety component of the home. We don't just "flip switches"—we evaluate the integrity of the entire system from the street to the outlet.

• Panel Brand & Model: Identification of recalled or hazardous panels (Zinsco, Federal Pacific/Stab-Lok) that may fail to trip during an overload.
• Amperage Compatibility: Verifying the service size (e.g., 100-amp vs. 200-amp) is adequate for the home’s modern cooling and appliance loads.
• Breaker Condition: Checking for "double-tapped" breakers, scorched wiring, or breakers that have been improperly modified.
• Dead Front Inspection: Removing the cover to inspect for "pigtail" aluminum connections, moisture intrusion, or evidence of past electrical "arcing."

• Service Drop: Checking for frayed insulation on overhead wires and proper "drip loops" to keep water out of the meter.
• Grounding Electrode System: Verification of the ground rod and connections to ensure the house is safe from surges.
• Gas Line Bonding: Ensuring gas piping is properly bonded to prevent fire hazards during lightning strikes.

• Wire Type Identification: Checking for dangerous ungrounded "Knob and Tube" or branch-circuit Aluminum wiring that requires specialized connectors.
• Junction Box Safety: Locating open splices in attics or crawlspaces that should be enclosed in proper enclosures.
• Abandoned Wiring: Checking for "live" wires left behind after renovations that pose a shock risk.

• GFCI Protection: Testing every outlet in "wet" zones (kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exteriors) to ensure they trip at the correct millamp level.
• AFCI Verification: Checking for Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters in bedrooms and living areas—critical for detecting small arcs that start house fires.
• Tamper-Resistant Outlets: Verifying proper safety outlets are in place to protect children.

• Polarity & Grounding: Using a circuit analyzer on a representative number of outlets to find "reverse polarity" or "open grounds" that can fry electronics.
• Loose Devices: Checking for outlets that pull away from the wall or "warm-to-the-touch" switches.

• Strategic Placement: Ensuring detectors are located in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
• System Integration: Checking if alarms are interconnected so that if one sounds, they all sound.

Most electrical hazards are silent. You won't smell them or see them until it's too late.Every Atchley Home Inspection includes this comprehensive electrical hazard and safety evaluation to give you total peace of mind.