A home inspection protects your family, improves the market value of your Katy, TX, property, and gives you peace of mind.
At Mister Sparky, our 20-point home inspections address any wiring or other electrical issues that may conflict with the National Electrical Code, state laws, and zoning regulations to keep you out of harm’s way.
We are a family-owned-and-operated company that only services homes. You can trust our experts to keep your family safe!
Is My Home Up to Code?
The U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70) published the National Electrical Code (NEC) to safeguard property owners in relation to electrical practices.
Our team will walk you through code requirements for different devices in your home. If you notice any issues, Mister Sparky offers repair and electrical services to ensure that your property is up to standards so that you can get back to your life.
Have your home inspected by a qualified Mister Sparky electrician before buying, selling, or remodeling to ensure your Katy, TX, home’s electrical system is safe and operating at the highest level.
Mister Sparky’s licensed and trained electricians comply with all local and state codes.
Surge Protection
A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage that can damage or destroy electronic equipment. Surges can occur when large appliances, such as air conditioners, turn on and off.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI), surge protection by either a type 1 or 2 device is now required for residential dwelling units. These devices protect from electrical devices and appliances that may not have been covered by point-of-use surge protection.
Surge protection offers you the best way to protect expensive electrical equipment.
AFCI Protection
Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) detect “arcs,” more easily understood as mini sparks that occur on an electrical wire and are hazardous. Since the 2008 edition, the NEC has included significantly expanded requirements for AFCI protection in all new homes.
AFCIs are vital to preventing fires, protecting homes, and saving lives. Parts of the home requiring AFCI include:
- Bedrooms
- Closets
- Kitchens
- Laundry areas
- Living rooms
- Family rooms
- Rec rooms
- Parlors, libraries, or dens
The only parts of the home that don’t require AFCI are the garage and exterior bathrooms.
GFCI Protection
Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) were introduced in the 1970s and have saved thousands of lives. These safety devices prevent deadly shock by shutting off the power to the circuit if water flows into the circuit by the slightest amount. This prevents homeowners from being electrocuted by their appliances since their inception.
GFCI protection is currently required in the following ways:
- Outdoors
- Bathrooms
- Garage
- Laundry
- Anything within 6 feet of a sink
- Jacuzzi tubs
- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal
Key changes in the 2020 code: GFCI protection is now required in all 125-volt through 250-volt receptacles. An example of a device needing protection would be a washer and a dryer.
Grounding
Electrical grounding refers to the electrical system’s connection to the ground itself. A copper or steel rod is driven into the ground and connected to your electrical panel with a grounding wire.
Grounding provides a safe place for “dirty electricity” to go, typically caused by lightning, line surges, or unintentional contact with higher-voltage lines. Grounding will direct that voltage into the earth rather than your home.
Most home inspectors only check if one is present; if there is a connection, they don’t check the condition. Your Mister Sparky electrician will always check the condition.
Smoke Detectors
Up until 1999, you were only required to have one smoke detector per level of the home. In 1999, the NEC started requiring every bedroom to be interconnected and powered from the same branch circuit. The interconnection causes all smoke alarms to signal an alarm when one device senses smoke, providing an early indicator of smoke throughout the home.
Electrical Panels and Breakers
The electrical panel holds the main circuit breaker that controls the power to an entire house. The NEC has some standard requirements for when breaker panels are installed to ensure the safety of residents.
The working space around the breaker must be at least 6.5 feet high, 3 square feet away from the wall, and have a 30-inch width. Installing a breaker in smaller rooms like closets, laundry rooms, utility rooms, and bathrooms is also frowned upon and often prohibited.
The panel must be easily accessible, and the NEC requires a light fixture in the room to perform work safely.
In 2020, the NEC announced its most recent change requiring an outdoor disconnect for indoor panels. First responders will be able to respond to emergencies much easier while avoiding potential electrical hazards.
Common Home Inspection Electrical Issues
Below are common issues that will often come up in an electrical home inspection:
- You cannot have an open bulb fixture in a clothes closet.
- Breaker labeling (when breakers are not labeled).
- Tested outlet that has no power or is not grounded.
The NEC is the minimum safety standard for electricians. Oftentimes, state or municipalities have their own ordinances and requirements for electrical work beyond the electrical code.
Call Mister Sparky for a Home Electrical Inspection
Schedule a home electrical inspection with Mister Sparky for peace of mind and ensure your Katy, TX, home runs efficiently. Call us at 281-907-8418 or request service online today.