How to Check for Bad Electrical Wiring.

By taking precautions before any problems appear, you can protect your family safer from any dangerous electrical shock. Even the smallest light switch or electrical outlet can have many things that can go wrong and most of them results from a bad installation. You can identify many wiring problems by simply looking into a switch box with a flashlight. Most of the problems are easy to fix, but if there are many, then it is better to call in the Albany, NY, home inspections to avoid further damage.

Safety First The Albany, NY home inspections recommend turning off the power to the entire circuit by switching off the breaker before checking an electrical outlet for bad wiring issues. Now test any devices or circuit wires with a non-contact voltage tester as it is inexpensive and allows you to test any wire without touching it. This tester detects the voltage through wiring insulation and lights up if there is voltage.

Polarized Outlets Polarized plugs and outlets are used to ensure that electricity flows only in one direction. This helps in operating many appliances and lamps more safely. However, if the circuit wires are connected to the wrong terminal the outlet will still work but the polarity will start running backward. The polarity should run in the right direction and for this purpose look for a black hot wire because it should be connected to the brass colored terminal in the electrical box. Then look for a white neutral wire, which should be connected to a silver-colored terminal and if these connections are backward, it means polarity is wrong.

There are many ways to check the electrical system for bad wiring issues but it is best to contact a professional electrician from the Albany, NY, home inspection to ensure your safety.

The Author Kevin Maxwell is the owner and operator of Maxwell Home Inspection Services, LLC. Kevin Maxwell is a certified Home Inspector located in Albany NY that has performed over 6000 Inspections Book online Phone: 1-800-598-4754