Electrical Code Inspections in Tampa

Trusted Electrical Inspections to Ensure Code Compliance in Tampa & the Surrounding Areas

When was the last time your building was inspected for electrical code compliance? The National Fire Protection Association publishes a handbook outlining the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards we follow here in Florida. This handbook has more than 1,400 pages, so when you need to make sure your Tampa Bay area home or business is up to code, turn to our experts at Small Jobs Electric®.

Conducting regular electrical inspections is vital to ensure both safety and efficiency in electrical systems. Neglecting code compliance can lead to significant safety hazards, including electrical fires, shock risks, and equipment failures. By adhering to the NEC, you not only protect your investment but also enhance the longevity of your electrical systems. It's crucial to prioritize these inspections and not wait for an issue to compel action.

Why Choose Our Company for Electrical Inspections?

• As a family-owned, local business, we exist to serve our neighbors, not to funnel corporate profits out of the area.
• We have fully stocked vans to perform an electrical inspection or any work that needs to be done to bring your building to code compliance in one visit.
• All our employees, including our technicians, undergo comprehensive background checks and drug testing for your peace of mind.
• We have been performing code inspections since 1986, and we know all aspects of the NEC handbook.

For more information about how we can help you or to schedule an electrical code inspection in Tampa, call (813) 303-0052 or contact us online today! Check out our reviews!

When Should I Schedule an Electrical Code Inspection in Tampa?

Regular electrical code inspections are an important part of maintaining safety and compliance in any residential or commercial building. If you have a newer home, you should consider scheduling a routine inspection every three to five years. If your home is older, you may need to schedule more frequent inspections, ideally every two to three years.

Some types of commercial buildings will need annual electrical inspections, while others may only need one every few years. Our team can evaluate your building’s needs and recommend the appropriate schedule.

Regularly scheduled inspections are not just a regulatory requirement; they are foundational to the safe operation of your electrical systems. These inspections can prevent costly repairs by identifying and addressing potential issues early. Additionally, inspections provide you with the assurance that your systems are running efficiently, which can lead to reduced energy costs.

Beyond Routine Maintenance, Here Are Some Reasons You May Need to Order an Electrical Home Inspection:

• Purchasing a New Home or Property. You need to know the state of a building’s electrical system before you close. Understanding the condition of the new building’s electrical system can help you negotiate repairs or price adjustments with the seller.
• Building Additions or New Spaces. As additions often involve new wiring, circuits, and devices, an inspection can identify any potential code violations or safety concerns that may arise from the integration of these new components with existing systems.
• Making Sure Another Contractor’s Work Was Done Correctly. Confirming that another contractor’s work meets current electrical codes and standards can protect you from potential hazards that might arise from subpar workmanship. An inspection can uncover unsafe practices such as improper wiring or insufficient grounding, which could lead to malfunctions or even fire hazards in the future.
• Checking Your Own DIY Electrical Work. Even experienced DIY enthusiasts may overlook crucial aspects of electrical installations, which can lead to potential hazards like improper wiring connections or insufficient circuit load capacity. An independent inspection can provide an objective assessment of your work, identifying any code violations or safety issues that you may not have noticed.
• Addressing Safety Concerns. Flickering or dimming lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, or an unusual increase in electric bills are common warning signs that something may be wrong with your electrical system. Additionally, if you notice a burning smell, see scorch marks around outlets, or feel a tingling sensation when touching electrical devices, do not wait to schedule an inspection.

What Does an Electrical Code Inspection Involve?

At Small Jobs Electric®, we perform thorough electrical code inspections in Tampa, checking your entire electrical system and investigating every component for any safety hazards. During the inspection, one of our qualified electrical inspectors will assess various components of your building’s system, including your wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, and any installed equipment. The process includes verifying that all electrical installations adhere to the NEC’s safety standards.

Our inspector will begin by checking your service entrance, which includes your main electrical panel and grounding system. We will confirm that your panel is properly labeled and that all circuit breakers function as intended. Next, we will assess the wiring throughout your building, looking for any signs of damage, improper connections, or improper wire sizes that could pose safety risks. We will also test outlets and switches for proper installation, grounding, and functionality.

In addition to visual inspections, we may employ various testing tools to measure voltage, current, and resistance within your electrical system. This helps identify potential issues, such as overloaded circuits or a lack of proper grounding.

Furthermore, our inspections also include a review of the electrical appliances and fixtures to ensure they are compatible with your current electrical infrastructure. This comprehensive approach not only identifies potential hazards but also opportunities for efficiency improvements. By upgrading to energy-efficient solutions, you might be able to significantly decrease your energy consumption and increase your property's environmental sustainability.

Upon completing our work, we will list any hazards and code violations and provide an estimate of how much it will cost to bring your property up to code. In many cases, we can complete any necessary repairs and upgrades in the same visit.

Electrical Insulation Testing

Florida ranks highest in the U.S. for lightning strikes. If your home has been struck, you may have started having issues with your electrical system. This can happen due to the extreme heat surge generated by the lightning strike. Lightning strikes cause the insulation surrounding the wires to melt, creating a serious issue in the electrical wiring of the home.

You may understandably be wondering: Is there a way of finding the compromised area without tearing the drywall off the walls? The answer is yes, and electrical insulation testing is a reliable way of finding the damage. Insurance companies will often require that you hire a licensed electrician or engineer to do the electrical insulation testing to make a claim, so let our team at Small Jobs Electric® perform this essential service for you.

Why Is Electrical Insulation Testing Necessary After a Lightning Strike?

Electricity travels through insulated wires, a safeguard designed to prevent energy leakage. However, should these insulating materials suffer damage or deterioration, electricity could potentially escape. The consequences can range from a minor short circuit to severe damage, such as fires.

Lightning strikes present a particularly high risk, as their extreme energy can intensely degrade insulation materials. Identifying the resulting fallout isn’t always straightforward, as damage may be subtle or widespread throughout your electrical system. This is where our electrical insulation testing services come in.

After completing the insulation testing, our master electricians will be able to provide a comprehensive report that details the location(s) and extent of any damage. We are here to verify that your electrical system is safe and functioning optimally, providing you with invaluable peace of mind.

How Seasonal Changes Affect Electrical Inspections

Tampa’s unique climate significantly impacts the performance of electrical systems. The high humidity levels prevalent throughout the year can lead to moisture accumulation within electrical components, potentially causing corrosion and rust. This gradual degradation can affect connections and circuits, leading to inefficiencies and safety hazards. Regular inspections are essential to pinpoint and mitigate these risks, ensuring your electrical systems remain resilient and efficient in such conditions.

Additionally, Tampa's storm season often brings lightning, which poses a risk to unprotected electrical systems. Power surges caused by nearby lightning can damage appliances and crucial infrastructure. Having power surge protectors installed and regularly maintained can safeguard your home or business from unexpected damage. Inspections should include checks for potential surge vulnerabilities, ensuring that your system is adequately prepared for seasonal weather extremes.

Energy Efficiency & Code Compliance

Incorporating energy efficiency into code compliance not only ensures safety but also promotes environmental responsibility. By utilizing energy-efficient components, property owners can reduce energy consumption and operational costs. This approach aligns with Tampa’s sustainability goals, encouraging reduced reliance on non-renewable resources. By upgrading to energy-efficient solutions during inspections, buildings can lower their environmental impact while remaining compliant.

At Small Jobs Electric®, we integrate these principles by recommending green solutions that adhere to both NEC standards and maximize energy savings. During our inspections, we assess opportunities for energy efficiency improvements, such as LED upgrades, smart thermostats, or energy-efficient appliances. These recommendations align with the future-oriented vision for Tampa, ensuring that compliance and sustainability go hand in hand.

Contact us online or give us a call at (813) 303-0052 to schedule an electrical inspection with our Tampa team today!

Electrical Inspection FAQs

What Are the Signs My Electrical System Needs an Inspection?

Frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering or dimming lights, and unexplained increases in electrical bills are common indicators that an inspection could be necessary. You may also notice physical signs such as scorch marks around outlets or light switches, a buzzing sound from your wiring, or a burning smell emanating from electrical connections. These symptoms often suggest underlying issues within the electrical system that could pose safety risks if ignored. Scheduling regular inspections is the best preventative measure to catch these issues early.

How Do I Prepare for an Electrical Inspection?

Ensure all areas where electrical panels or connections exist are easily accessible for the inspector. Have documentation of previous repairs or upgrades available, as this can give insight into the system's history. Clearly list any known issues or areas of concern so that the inspector can address these specifically. Being prepared helps streamline the inspection process and ensures that the inspector can perform a thorough and efficient evaluation of your electrical systems.

How Often Should Commercial Properties Undergo Electrical Inspections in Tampa?

For commercial properties, the frequency of electrical inspections can depend on the nature of the business and the level of electrical load usage. Typically, an annual inspection is recommended to ensure compliance with local building codes and to maintain safety standards. High-demand industries, such as manufacturing or IT services, might benefit from more frequent inspections due to their intensive energy requirements. Maintaining a regular schedule helps prevent unexpected disruptions and ensure operational continuity.

What Should I Do If My Home Fails an Electrical Inspection?

If your home does not meet the required standards in an electrical inspection, it is important to address the identified issues promptly. Start by reviewing the inspector’s report and obtain quotes for any necessary repairs or upgrades. Working with a licensed electrician to perform these corrections ensures the work complies with local codes and safety standards. Prompt action not only ensures safety but also prevents potential future issues from arising.

Can DIY Electrical Work Affect My Property’s Compliance?

While DIY projects can be rewarding, electrical work demands professional oversight to assure safety and compliance. Missteps in DIY electrical tasks may lead to serious code violations, resulting in potential hazards such as electrical fires or shocks. Additionally, improperly completed electrical work might complicate legal compliance and insurance matters. Therefore, employing a licensed electrician to review and correct DIY tasks helps safeguard your property’s integrity and legality.