--- title: "Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection: What Does It Involve?" description: Explanation of what a whole home electrical safety inspection includes, and what you can expect when you hire a professional to do an electrical inspection image: https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hubfs/bigstock-View-From-Above-Electrician-W-414349982.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection-what-does-it-involve#main-content) [![Wilcox Electric Logo](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wilcox-blog.png?width=200&height=75&name=wilcox-blog.png)](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/) - [Home](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/) - [About Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/about) - [Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/electrical-services) - [Smart Home Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/smart-home) - [Blog](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric) - [Contact Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/contact-us) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/) - [About Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/about) - [Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/electrical-services) - [Smart Home Services](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/smart-home) - [Blog](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric) - [Contact Us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/contact-us) Jan 5, 2023 8:30:00 AM # Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection: What Does It Involve? [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection-what-does-it-involve) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection-what-does-it-involve) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection-what-does-it-involve) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection-what-does-it-involve) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection-what-does-it-involve) *As the New Year rolls in, start yours safely - with a Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection. Whether you live in a historic brick home, a townhouse you purchased in the last decade, or a brand-new suburban family home, getting professional eyes on your electrical system is a great way to keep things up-to-date and safe.  Here’s why you may need a Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection and what it involves.* ## ![Professional Electrician conducting a Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection, Wilcox Electric, DC](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bigstock-View-From-Above-Electrician-W-414349982.jpg?width=1600&height=1068&name=bigstock-View-From-Above-Electrician-W-414349982.jpg)What Does a Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection Include?  If you haven't had a whole home electrical safety inspection, you may worry you're in for a complicated, time-consuming procedure. While the complete inspection is certainly comprehensive, you don't need to worry that your home will be held hostage by the electricians for days on end. Here's a rundown of what you can expect from a thorough home electrical inspection.  1. The [electrical service panel](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/electrical-service-panel-basics-for-homeowners) and the wiring will be checked.  2. All the screws and lugs on the [circuit breakers](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/dedicated-circuits) are tightened to ensure they function properly. 3. Noalox will be applied to the branch circuits' [aluminum wires](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/is-the-aluminum-wiring-in-my-old-house-dangerous) (Noalox is an antioxidant that improves the connection and prevents corrosion). 4. All breakers are checked to make sure that they are not double-tapped, which can overload the circuit breaker.  5. The panel's main breaker size will be measured to ensure it is not bigger than the size of the SEC cable that comes into the wall.  6. All [outlets](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-outlets-to-include-usb-chargers) are tested to find any open grounds, loose connections, neutral wires, and the correct polarity. 7. GFCI breakers and outlets are inspected and tested. 8. [Surge protection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/surge-protectors-more-important-than-ever) is assessed to be sure it is sufficient. 9. [Smoke detectors](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/did-you-remember-to-check-your-smoke-and-co-detectors-when-you-set-back-the-clocks) are checked and brought into compliance if needed.  ## Why Do I Need a Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection? While it's true that your home's electrical system is built to last for decades, it's also true that electricity is nothing to mess around with. Arranging for a regular inspection every few years makes sense because most electrical problems are caused by things we cannot see happening, for example, [wiring corrosion](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/is-your-old-electrical-wiring-a-safety-hazard). Corrosion can affect the [electrical wiring in your home](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/a-home-renovation-is-the-perfect-time-to-upgrade-wiring), and although it’s not the most common issue, it certainly needs to be checked every so often. Water is another hidden threat to your electrical system, and there may be problems from leaks that you can’t see.  It doesn't take much space for water to leak in, and if that happens regularly, corrosion follows.  Once the wiring erodes, the current-voltage and flow are no longer safe and electrical service can be disrupted or irregular. This weakness can lead to loss of power, sparking, or overheating if left unattended. Regular inspections give you and your local electrician a much better idea of how things actually look behind the walls. Your Washington, DC Electricians Are Ready to Inspect Your Electrical System Wilcox Electric has been your favorite Washington, DC electrician for over 30 years, providing you with quality, reliable service every time you call. We proudly serve the DC area for all your electrical needs, from whole-home inspections to [EV Charger installations](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/ev-installation) and everything in between. We can turn your home into a [Smart Home with nest home automation](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/nest-home-automation) and install a heavy-up when you need more power. Whatever your electrical needs, you can depend on Wilcox Electric to get the job done right.  [Contact us](https://www.wilcox-electric.com/contact-us) to schedule your whole home electrical safety inspection and ensure your home is safely wired for all your electricity needs in the year ahead. [Electrical safety](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-safety), [Upgrade wiring](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/upgrade-wiring), [Surge protector](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/surge-protector), [troubleshooting](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/troubleshooting), [Home inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/home-inspection), [Whole home electrical safety inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection), [Whole home inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-inspection) ## Related posts [![Fall-Home-Electrical-Safety-Inspection-Wilcox-Electric-DC](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fall-Home-Electrical-Safety-Inspection-Wilcox-Electric-DC.jpg?height=200&name=Fall-Home-Electrical-Safety-Inspection-Wilcox-Electric-DC.jpg)](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fall-home-electrical-safety-inspection-prepare-for-a-cozy-season) [Electrical panel upgrades](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-panel-upgrades), [Electrical safety](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-safety), [Home inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/home-inspection), [Whole home electrical safety inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection), [Whole home inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-inspection), [Electrical Panels](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-panels), [Whole home electrical inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-electrical-inspection), [Electric Upgrades](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electric-upgrades), [Electrical Upgrade](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-upgrade), [Whole Home Electrical Assessment](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-electrical-assessment), [Electrical System](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-system), [Wiring Inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/wiring-inspection), [Electrical Inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-inspection), [Home Electrical Inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/home-electrical-inspection), [Electrical Wiring](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-wiring) ## [Fall Home Electrical Safety Inspection: Prepare for a Cozy Season](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fall-home-electrical-safety-inspection-prepare-for-a-cozy-season) [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Oct 5, 2023 8:00:00 AM As the vibrant colors of autumn surround us and the air turns crisp, it's time to embrace the... [Read more](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/fall-home-electrical-safety-inspection-prepare-for-a-cozy-season) [![Why-a-Whole-Home-Electrical-Inspection-is-Important-for-New-Homeowners-WILCOX-ELECTRIC-DC](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Why-a-Whole-Home-Electrical-Inspection-is-Important-for-New-Homeowners-WILCOX-ELECTRIC-DC-1.jpg?height=200&name=Why-a-Whole-Home-Electrical-Inspection-is-Important-for-New-Homeowners-WILCOX-ELECTRIC-DC-1.jpg)](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/why-a-whole-home-electrical-inspection-is-important-for-new-homeowners) [Electrical panel upgrades](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-panel-upgrades), [buying a home](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/buying-a-home), [Whole home electrical safety inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection), [Whole home inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-inspection), [Electrical safety for children](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-safety-for-children), [Safety Measures](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/safety-measures), [Estimate for Electrical Work](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/estimate-for-electrical-work), [Whole home electrical inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-electrical-inspection) ## [Why a Whole-Home Electrical Inspection is Important for New Homeowners](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/why-a-whole-home-electrical-inspection-is-important-for-new-homeowners) [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Jun 29, 2023 8:00:00 AM New homeowners typically feel a heady mix of excitement, pride, and anxiety; there’s just so much... [Read more](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/why-a-whole-home-electrical-inspection-is-important-for-new-homeowners) [![Whats-scarier-than-Halloween-in-an-old-house-Electrical-Problems-Wilcox-Electric-DC](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Whats-scarier-than-Halloween-in-an-old-house-Electrical-Problems-Wilcox-Electric-DC.jpg?height=200&name=Whats-scarier-than-Halloween-in-an-old-house-Electrical-Problems-Wilcox-Electric-DC.jpg)](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/whats-scarier-than-halloween-in-an-old-house-electrical-problems) [Electrical panel upgrades](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-panel-upgrades), [Electrical safety](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-safety), [Upgrade wiring](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/upgrade-wiring), [Whole home electrical safety inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-electrical-safety-inspection), [Electrical Work Estimate](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-work-estimate), [Upgrade Outlets](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/upgrade-outlets), [Whole home electrical inspection](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-electrical-inspection), [Whole Home Electrical Assessment](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/whole-home-electrical-assessment), [Electrical Problems](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-problems), [Electrical Issues in an Old House](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-issues-in-an-old-house), [Electrical Problems in an Old House](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/tag/electrical-problems-in-an-old-house) ## [What’s Scarier than Halloween in an Old House? Electrical Problems!](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/whats-scarier-than-halloween-in-an-old-house-electrical-problems) [Wilcox Electric](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/author/wilcox-electric) Oct 26, 2023 8:00:00 AM The shadows grow longer as Halloween season is approaching! Of all the things that could frighten... [Read more](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/wilcox-electric/whats-scarier-than-halloween-in-an-old-house-electrical-problems) --- [![Wilcox Electric Footer Logo](https://blog.wilcox-electric.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wilcox-blog-1.png?width=200&height=75&name=wilcox-blog-1.png "Wilcox Electric Footer Logo")](http:///) 5602 Tuxedo Road Hyattsville, MD 20781 wilcox@wilcox-electric.com 301-583-8888 // 202-546-1010       Copyright © 2023 Wilcox Electric.