The Ultimate Residential Electrical Inspection Checklist for Safe Living

Electricity keeps a home running smoothly, but even small problems can grow into major hazards if they go unnoticed. A thorough residential electrical inspection ensures your home’s wiring, connections, and devices stay safe, efficient, and up to current codes. At A Good Electrician, we prioritize professional inspections and installations to protect homeowners in Northern Virginia, offering peace of mind that your electrical system is running at its best.

Understanding what to look for during an inspection can save you from unexpected outages, costly repairs, and even fire risks. Here’s a modern, no-fluff guide to what a full residential electrical inspection should cover.

Service Panel and Circuit Breakers

The service panel is the heart of your electrical system. During an inspection, the first stop is always here. Look for clear labeling of each circuit, no signs of rust or corrosion, and ensure the breakers are securely seated with no buzzing sounds. If you notice warm spots around the panel or frequent tripping, these are red flags.

Breaker sizes must match the wiring they protect. Overloaded circuits or oversized breakers can create dangerous overheating conditions. It’s smart to also check if your panel can handle the demands of modern living, especially if your home still runs on an outdated 60-amp service instead of the more standard 200-amp service used today.

Wiring Systems and Connections

Older homes, especially those built before the 1970s, might still have aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube systems. These outdated setups pose serious fire risks. Inspect visible wiring in basements, attics, and crawl spaces for cracking, fraying, or signs of overheating like darkened insulation.

Spliced wires, makeshift connections, and open junction boxes need professional correction immediately. Exposed wiring should never be left unprotected, and all connections should be enclosed in approved electrical boxes with secure covers. Remember, any repair or replacement involving house wiring should be performed by licensed electricians to meet safety standards.

GFCI and AFCI Protection

Modern codes require ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor outlets, and anywhere moisture is present. These devices protect against shock hazards and should trip when tested.

Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are equally important, designed to prevent fires caused by electrical arcing. Inspections should confirm that these devices are installed where required by code, typically in bedrooms, living areas, and sometimes basements.

Both GFCIs and AFCIs should be tested monthly using their built-in test buttons. If a device fails the test or does not reset properly, it should be replaced without delay.

Outlets and Switches

Every outlet and switch in the home should feel firm and snug, not loose or wobbly. Loose outlets can arc internally, creating fire risks. Inspect for discoloration, buzzing sounds, or any signs of heat, which indicate deeper problems behind the faceplate.

Polarized and grounded outlets should be standard. If you find two-prong outlets without a ground connection, an upgrade is advisable for today’s electronics and appliances. Grounding reduces the risk of shock and protects sensitive equipment from surges.

Smart home installations have made it even more important to ensure that outlets can handle high-draw devices without overloading. Overheating smart plugs, chargers, or power strips point to bigger problems that need a trained eye.

Lighting Fixtures

Every ceiling light, pendant, recessed fixture, and sconce should be firmly mounted and free from visible damage. During an inspection, check for overheating signs like blackened or brittle wire insulation inside the fixture box.

Use the correct wattage bulbs as specified by the fixture manufacturer. Over-lamping—using bulbs with a higher wattage than recommended—is a frequent cause of fixture overheating and fire.

Special attention is needed in bathrooms and outdoor spaces. Fixtures here must be rated for damp or wet conditions. Any indoor-rated light installed in these areas should be replaced to prevent short-circuiting and corrosion.

Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

An electrical inspection isn’t complete without verifying that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are correctly installed, interconnected, and operational. Current recommendations call for smoke detectors inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home, including basements.

Hardwired alarms with battery backup offer the best protection. Test each device using the “test” button, and check the manufacturing date—alarms older than 10 years should be replaced even if they seem to work fine.

Combination smoke/CO alarms are popular choices for streamlining safety measures, but they must still meet both sets of standards.

Outdoor Electrical Systems

Outdoor outlets should be GFCI-protected and covered with “in-use” rated weatherproof covers that protect even when cords are plugged in. Lighting fixtures and wiring need to be rated for outdoor use, resisting moisture and temperature extremes.

Inspect exterior conduits for cracks or gaps that allow water intrusion. Pool, hot tub, and landscape lighting systems must also be checked for code compliance, proper grounding, and secure connections.

If you have an EV charger or plan to install one, ensure the outdoor installation has a dedicated circuit and meets all NEC (National Electrical Code) standards. This is not a DIY job—licensed electricians should handle installations to avoid safety risks and ensure warranty compliance.

Surge Protection

Whole-home surge protectors have become increasingly important with the growing number of sensitive electronics in modern households. During an inspection, verify that your home has some form of surge protection beyond simple power strips.

Service panel surge protectors shield your entire home’s wiring and devices from voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes, utility grid switching, or large appliances cycling on and off.

If surge protection isn’t present, adding this safeguard is highly recommended to prevent costly replacements and repairs.

Energy Efficiency and Smart Upgrades

A good inspection looks beyond safety, identifying opportunities to improve energy efficiency. LED lighting upgrades, smart thermostats, advanced power strips, and energy monitoring devices can be integrated to reduce utility bills and lower your home’s carbon footprint.

Any significant upgrades or new technology installations—like smart panels, battery backups, or home automation systems—should always be performed by trained professionals to ensure compatibility with existing systems and avoid dangerous overloads.

When to Schedule Professional Inspections

While basic checks can be done yourself, a full inspection by a licensed electrician is strongly recommended:

• Before buying or selling a home
• Every 3 to 5 years for older homes
• After major renovations
• When installing large new appliances
• If you notice any persistent electrical problems

A Good Electrician offers residential inspections that go beyond surface checks, diagnosing hidden risks and making sure every part of your home’s electrical system is safe, code-compliant, and ready for the future.

A complete residential electrical inspection isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential for protecting your home and everyone inside it. Staying proactive with regular inspections helps avoid emergencies, improves performance, and keeps your house comfortable and connected. Always prioritize safety by working with licensed electricians who know how to find problems early and solve them right the first time.