7 reasons why you need an electrical inspection

Ensuring the safety and efficiency of your electrical system is crucial for any property, whether it’s a residential home or a commercial building. In Peterborough, Ontario, regular electrical inspections are essential to identify potential hazards, prevent costly repairs, and ensure compliance with City of Peterborough electrical standards. At Electricians Peterborough, we’re committed to helping our community maintain safe and reliable electrical systems. Here’s when you should consider scheduling an electrical inspection, specifically tailored to Peterborough’s unique requirements and conditions.

1. Before Purchasing a New Home in Peterborough

Before finalizing the purchase of a new home in Peterborough, it’s essential to have a comprehensive electrical inspection. This ensures that the existing electrical system is up to code with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and free from potential hazards. An inspection can reveal issues like outdated wiring, faulty circuits, or insufficient electrical capacity, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision.

2. After Major Renovations

Major renovations often involve significant changes to a property’s electrical system. Whether you’ve added new rooms, upgraded your kitchen, or installed new appliances, an electrical inspection is necessary to ensure all new installations comply with safety standards. This step helps prevent electrical failures and potential fire hazards caused by overloaded circuits or improper wiring.

3. When Experiencing Electrical Issues

If you’re experiencing frequent electrical issues, such as flickering lights, circuit breaker trips, or outlets that don’t work, it’s time for an inspection. These problems can indicate underlying issues within your electrical system that require professional attention. An inspection will help identify the root cause and allow for timely repairs, ensuring your home or business remains safe.

4. Older Homes and Buildings

Peterborough has many charming older homes and buildings, especially in historic neighbourhoods - the Hutchinson House, for example, which is the oldest Peterborough house and built in 1837. However, these properties are more likely to have outdated electrical systems that don’t meet current safety standards. If your home or building falls into this category, regular inspections are crucial. Upgrading old wiring, replacing outdated fuse boxes with modern circuit breakers, and addressing any other deficiencies can significantly improve safety and efficiency.

5. Before Installing Major Appliances

Installing major appliances like air conditioners, electric ovens, or hot tubs can put additional strain on your electrical system. Before adding these high-demand devices, an electrical inspection ensures your system can handle the increased load. This prevents potential overloads and ensures the safe operation of your new appliances.

6. After Severe Weather Events

Peterborough’s climate includes harsh winters and the potential for severe weather events such as storms, flooding, or lightning strikes. These events can cause significant damage to your electrical system. After such events, it’s crucial to have an electrical inspection to assess any damage and ensure all components are functioning safely. This helps prevent further issues and ensures your home or business is safe to occupy.

7. Routine Maintenance

Regular electrical inspections should be part of your routine property maintenance. Scheduling an inspection every few years can help identify minor issues before they become major problems. This proactive approach can save you money on costly electrical repairs and improve the longevity of your electrical system.


Case Study

At Electricians Peterborough, our electrical inspection service recently helped a homeowner on the west side of Peterborough avoid what could have been a serious electrical and financial disaster. During a routine inspection in a 1970s bungalow near Jackson Park, we discovered multiple overloaded circuits and deteriorating aluminum wiring—issues that could have sparked an electrical fire. According to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), homes with outdated wiring are three times more likely to experience electrical failures or fires. The homeowner had just purchased the property and was unaware of these hidden hazards. Because our team caught the issues early, we were able to rewire the home, update the panel to 200 amps, and bring everything up to Ontario Electrical Safety Code. The repairs not only saved the homeowner an estimated $15,000 in future damage but also ensured ESA certification—making the home safer and increasing its market value in Peterborough’s competitive housing market, where the average home price is over $650,000.​

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Why Choose Electricians Peterborough?

At Electricians Peterborough, we pride ourselves on our thorough and professional electrical inspection services. Our team of licensed electricians has the experience and knowledge to identify potential hazards, ensure compliance with local codes, and provide solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of your electrical system.

Peterborough follows the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, which sets stringent standards for electrical installations and inspections. Our team is well-versed in these regulations and ensures that all work complies with the necessary codes. This includes proper permitting, adherence to safety standards, and ensuring that all electrical work is performed by licensed professionals.  Schedule your electrical inspection today.

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