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Understand Different Types of Electrical Inspections and How to Do It

Electrical Inspections are crucial to make sure all electrical systems are safely running. In this article, we’ll discuss various aspects to help you understand different types of electrical Inspections and When to Do It. All electrical equipment and cabling are needed to be in good working order to run your home or business systems.

Any fault and incident may cause huge economic loss and even, unfortunately, human loss. So, to keep properties and human life safe in all conditions, routine electrical inspections are necessary. A qualified electrician not only keeps an eye on smooth-running equipment and safety but also helps to increase the longevity of electrical cables and devices. Let’s dip into how routine inspection of electrical infrastructure helps the safety and longevity of your devices.

Why are routine Electrical Inspections so important?

Outdated and faulty wiring can cause electrical fires, shocks, and even fatal accidents. Checking electrical wiring, boards, and switches helps to identify potential issues an electrical system has in a timely manner. We know that prevention is better than cure, if we could intervene by repairing and replacing faulty and damaged cables, switches, and other electrical equipment we could prevent economic damage and casualty.

In Australia, 55 people lost their lives due to electrical injury, between the years 2014-15 and 2015-16. This terrible statistic is a very good reason to get a professional to come out and asses all of your electrical equipment & wiring.

Understand Different Types of Electrical Inspections and How to Do It

Routine inspection of electrical installations helps to maintain the integrity of the whole electrical system as well as the home and business.

1

Avoid Costly Repairs

Early intervention always stops components from deteriorating further. If an electrician identifies any issue with electric cabling, safety switches or even power lines, preventative measures stop it from escalating into more serious accidents that cause huge economic loss. No matter if you’re fixing a minor wiring issue or replacing a faulty component, addressing such electrical problems in the early stages could save costly repairs or replacements.
2

Code Compliance

To be code Compliant, electrical works and infrastructure needs to comply with various building codes and safety standards set by government authorities. Regular inspection of electrical infrastructure is one of the most important legal requirements under building regulations. These not only keep you safe from government fines and penalties but also keeps heavy insurance premiums at bay. By allowing experts to perform electrical inspections, electricians can guarantee your electrical system is compliant with government building codes and following the latest safety standards.
3

Peace of Mind

A sense of security improves productivity at work and comfort at home. If you know your electrical systems are professionally inspected and certified that adds a layer of peace of mind, which is invaluable. You can use your home or business equipment comfortably without any hesitation.
Understand Different Types of Electrical Inspections and How to Do It

What is an electrical inspection? Why do they exist?

To make sure your electrical infrastructure is compliant with government regulations as well as safety regulations and safe to operate, there are various tests that need to be carried out. Some of them may be simple and others may need to go through a rigorous process.

1

Visual Inspections

Looking at things such as exposed wires, loose connections, and damaged sections can be discovered by a thorough look with a pair of well-trained eyes. Professional electricians will make a visual inspection to give a preliminary overview of the system. However, this is only the first step.
2

Voltage Testing

Electricians test whether the voltage supply is within safe parameters. It is crucial for preventing electrical accidents, either overloads or under voltage supply potentially can cause accidents and damage to electronic equipment. For this testing electricians use different equipment to determine the voltage level.

This test is carried out to find out whether there are interruptions,  disruptions or a drop in voltage somewhere along the line. To verify that the electrical circuit setup is complete and that electricity flows seamlessly through the system as required.

3

Earth Fault Loop Impedance Testing

This test helps to find the effectiveness of the earth fault protection. This is essential to prevent electric shocks and fires. Testing Residual Current Devices (RCD) detects and responds to earth faults and prevents electrical accidents. RCD Testing helps to ensure these devices are functioning correctly.
4

Thermal Imaging

The thermal technique allows electricians to detect any faults in hidden areas or faults that cannot be seen. For instance, wires and cables inside the wall are not visible to the naked eye, in such cases thermal imaging helps to detect potential problems and mitigate them.
5

Things to consider on Electrical Inspections

There are basically two ways to inspect electric infrastructure, hire a professional electrician to do it for you or DIY. Keep in mind, that some DIY tasks are illegal under Australian law and can result in significant fines, do your research and see what is illegal to work on as an unlicensed DIY’er.

Having said that there are many DIY enthusiasts online showing how to do an electrical inspection yourself at a low cost. But it’s crucial to understand the necessity of expertise to test certain electric infrastructure and systems, though it looks like a simple cabling, a single mistake or unnoticed issue could be detrimental. Before working on it yourself, think about what is important for you.

6

Understanding Electrical Systems

Before deciding on doing a DIY test of your electric system, think about how deep your understanding is when it comes to electrical installations. Electricians go through intense study, training, and certification to prove their understanding and competency to be able to accurately understand the nuance of the test being done. Would your skills and knowledge be comparable?
7

Building Codes

Australian building codes and electric infrastructure regulations have set many requirements in regard to inspection and repair, their standards are tight and rigorous. Would you be compliant with the necessary government codes and regulations? If any incident happens in the future?  Do you have all the tools, know-how or insurance that is needed?

There are many bits of equipment and tools needed to make a complete test as there can be hidden issues within the electrical systems and you may not have any idea on how to figure it out.

Want to know more? Seek expert help such as Brian Brothers Electrical where an expert electrician could conduct Electrical Inspections using state-of-the-art technology and tools.

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