At Lightning Electric, our inspections follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines and are tailored to Pennsylvania’s local requirements. Here is a breakdown of what we check during a standard home inspection.
1. Electrical Panel and Breakers
We begin with the heart of your electrical system: the service panel. This is where electricity is distributed to every part of the home.
What we inspect:
- Proper labeling of circuits
- Signs of corrosion, overheating, or burn marks
- Correct breaker sizing for circuits
- Panel grounding and bonding
- Total amperage rating and system capacity
- Compliance with clearance and location rules
If your panel is outdated, overloaded, or improperly wired, we will recommend repair or replacement options.
2. Wiring Condition and Type
The type and condition of wiring throughout your home directly affect safety and functionality.
What we look for:
- Presence of aluminum, knob-and-tube, or cloth-covered wiring
- Frayed, brittle, or improperly spliced wires
- Loose connections or exposed conductors
- Undersized or overloaded circuits
- Use of junction boxes and connectors
We also check attic and crawlspace wiring, especially in older homes where rodents or moisture may have caused damage.
3. Grounding and Bonding
Proper grounding ensures stray electrical current is safely discharged. We verify that your home’s grounding system is intact and effective.
Key components we inspect:
- Grounding electrodes (ground rods or rebar)
- Ground wires between the panel, plumbing, and outlets
- Bonding of gas lines and metallic water pipes
- Functionality of grounding terminals at outlets
An inadequate ground system increases the risk of shock, especially during storms or when using appliances.
4. Outlets, Switches, and Fixtures
We test a representative sample of outlets, light switches, and fixtures throughout the home.
What we check:
- GFCI and AFCI protection where required
- Proper polarity and grounding of outlets
- Secure attachment of devices and faceplates
- Dimming, flickering, or buzzing symptoms
- Overheating or discoloration from overuse
We also check outdoor outlets, garage receptacles, and other areas where special protection is required.
5. GFCI and AFCI Protection
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are key to modern electrical safety.
We verify:
- GFCIs are installed in all wet or damp areas (kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors, laundry rooms)
- AFCIs are present in bedrooms and other required living areas
- Devices trip and reset correctly during testing
- Outlets have appropriate protection at the circuit or device level
Many older homes are missing these safety features, even if they have been updated.
6. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety inspections include evaluation of your fire and carbon monoxide detection systems.
We check for:
- Presence of detectors in all required locations
- Functionality and expiration date
- Hardwired vs. battery-powered units
- Interconnected systems where required by code
Modern codes often require detectors to be hardwired with battery backup, especially during remodels or when permits are issued.
7. Surge Protection and Load Management
We assess whether your home is protected from voltage spikes and has adequate circuit capacity for its current load.
Included in this step:
- Presence of whole-home surge protection
- Use of dedicated circuits for large appliances
- Proper circuit load balancing
- Backup generator or alternate power source integration
We also discuss future needs, such as adding an electric vehicle charger or solar system.
