Foreclosure Inspection > Electrical system inspection
Electrical System Inspection
Inspection of electrical system entry
Location: -- Overhead -- Underground.
Condition of Drip Loop: -- Acceptable -- Not acceptable --> Expect water penetration into structure and possibly electric box. (Drip loop is U-shaped wiring to let the rain water drip off preventing water getting into entry location of home.)
Inspection of service lines
-- Two service lines carry 110 volts of electricity. -- Three service lines carry 220 volts of electricity to the house.
Weather-proofing: -- Sufficient -- Insufficient --> Remedy situation by contacting a licensed electrician.
Any electric wire loose, damaged, or frayed? -- No -- Yes --> Replace immediately. Safety issue.
Is any of the trees touching electric wires? -- No -- Yes --> Contact electric utility service company immediately (free of charge service).
Inspection of electrical boxes
Electrical system: □ Inspected □ Not inspected due to electric power was turned off. (Do not turn on electric shut-off switch, you may cause damage.)
Location of main service panel: -- Outside of the house -- Inside at ….
Voltage of electrical supply: -- 110 volts -- 220 volts -- Both 110/220 volts
Amperage of main service panel: -- 100 amps (old homes, consider upgrading) -- 200 amps (newer homes)
Main disconnect/shut-off switch: -- Yes -- No --> Serious electrical problem. Contact licensed electrical contractor or electrician.
Any open/missing breaker (new systems)/fuse (older systems)? -- No -- Yes --> Serious electrical problem, contact licensed electrical contractor or electrician.
Do you see any aluminum (white metallic color) wire connected at electric boxes? (You can recognize aluminum wires by white oxidation. They are thicker than copper wires.) -- No --Yes --> This is a major electrical problem.
Aluminum wires create heat. Fittings become loose. Loose fittings cause arcing (sparking) leading to fire. They should be replaced immediately.
Do you see any scorching, melting, or rust on electrical wires or at electric boxes? -- No -- Yes --> Contact a licensed electrician.
Electrical data plates, identification labels: -- Exist -- Missing
Location of electric sub-panel: -- In the bedroom/living room, other ….
Condition of sub-panel: -- Panel has a cover -- No panel cover or no weather-proofing --> Serious electric safety issue.
Exterior lights: -- Operational -- Non-operational light at ….
Interior lights: -- Operational -- Non-operational light at ….
