Electrical Safety Inspection Checklist

Introduction

Electrical safety inspections represent one of the most important yet frequently overlooked aspects of home maintenance. Every year, electrical failures contribute to thousands of residential fires, causing billions of dollars in property damage and countless injuries across the United States. For Los Angeles homeowners, where properties range from historic Craftsman bungalows built in the 1920s to modern smart homes, understanding when and how to inspect your electrical system is essential for protecting your family and your investment.

At Shaffer Construction, we've performed thousands of electrical safety inspections throughout Los Angeles County, identifying potential hazards before they become dangerous emergencies. This comprehensive guide provides Los Angeles homeowners with a detailed electrical safety inspection checklist, covering DIY safety checks you can perform yourself, warning signs that require immediate professional attention, what to expect during a professional inspection, and when to schedule these critical assessments. Whether you're buying a home, planning a renovation, or simply want peace of mind about your electrical system's safety, this guide will help you understand exactly what to look for and when to call in the experts.

When Los Angeles Homeowners Should Schedule Electrical Inspections

Understanding when to schedule electrical safety inspections helps homeowners stay ahead of potential problems and ensures their electrical systems remain safe and code-compliant. Several key situations warrant comprehensive professional electrical inspections.

When buying or selling a home, electrical inspections should be non-negotiable parts of the due diligence process. Home inspectors typically perform cursory electrical checks during standard home inspections, but these general assessments may miss critical issues that only licensed electricians can identify. As a buyer, scheduling an independent electrical inspection protects you from purchasing a home with hidden electrical hazards that could cost thousands to repair. As a seller, proactively addressing electrical issues before listing prevents inspection failures that can derail sales or result in price reductions.

Older homes require more frequent electrical inspections than newer properties. Los Angeles has an extraordinary diversity of housing stock, with many neighborhoods featuring homes built 50, 75, or even 100 years ago. If your home was built before 1980, or if it's been more than 25 years since any significant electrical work was performed, scheduling a comprehensive inspection identifies age-related deterioration, obsolete wiring methods, and capacity limitations that modern households impose on vintage electrical systems. Many charming older Los Angeles homes in areas like Hancock Park, Silver Lake, and Pasadena contain original electrical systems that were never designed to power today's computers, air conditioners, and kitchen appliances.

Major weather events can damage electrical systems in ways that aren't immediately obvious. While Los Angeles doesn't experience the severe weather common in other parts of the country, we do face Santa Ana wind events that can damage overhead service lines, occasional heavy rainfall that can cause water intrusion into panels and junction boxes, and seismic activity that can loosen connections or damage conduit. After any significant storm or earthquake, scheduling an electrical inspection ensures that your system hasn't sustained hidden damage that could create safety hazards.

Routine preventive inspections every 5 to 10 years represent best practices for electrical system maintenance, even if you haven't noticed any problems. Electrical components deteriorate over time, connections can loosen from thermal cycling, and breakers eventually wear out from normal operation. Regular inspections catch these gradual changes before they create dangerous conditions. Think of electrical inspections like routine medical checkups: they're far less expensive than emergency treatments and can prevent serious problems from developing.

DIY Safety Checks Los Angeles Homeowners Can Perform

While comprehensive electrical inspections require licensed electricians with specialized tools and training, homeowners can perform several basic safety checks to monitor their electrical systems between professional inspections. These DIY assessments help you identify obvious problems and determine whether immediate professional intervention is necessary.

Visual electrical panel inspection represents the most important DIY safety check. Once a month, take a few minutes to examine your electrical panel's exterior for warning signs. Look for any scorch marks, discoloration, or signs of overheating around breakers or on the panel door. Check for rust or corrosion, which indicates moisture intrusion. Carefully place your hand flat against the closed panel door to check temperature; panels should feel room temperature, never warm or hot. Listen for any buzzing, crackling, or humming sounds coming from the panel, all of which indicate loose connections or failing components. Never open your electrical panel yourself, as working inside energized panels is extremely dangerous and should only be performed by licensed electricians.

GFCI outlet testing should be performed monthly on all ground fault circuit interrupter outlets throughout your home. These critical safety devices protect against electrocution in areas where water and electricity might come into contact, including bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoor outlets, and areas within six feet of sinks. Each GFCI outlet has a test button and a reset button on its face. To test, simply press the test button; you should hear a click and the reset button should pop out, indicating the GFCI has tripped and cut power to the outlet. Press the reset button to restore power. If the GFCI won't trip when you press test, or won't reset after tripping, it has failed and needs replacement immediately, as it's no longer providing shock protection.

Light switch function testing helps identify connection problems before they become serious. Every few months, test each light switch in your home, paying attention to how they feel and function. Switches should operate smoothly with a crisp on-off action. If switches feel loose, require excessive force, make crackling or buzzing sounds, feel warm to the touch, or work intermittently, they need professional attention. These symptoms indicate worn contacts, loose wiring connections, or switches handling loads beyond their ratings.

Cord and plug inspection prevents many common electrical hazards. Regularly examine power cords on all appliances and devices for signs of damage including fraying, cracking, or exposed wires. Check plugs to ensure prongs aren't bent, broken, or loose. Examine the connection point where cords enter plugs and appliances, as this is where damage often begins. Never use appliances or devices with damaged cords or plugs; unplug them immediately and have them professionally repaired or replaced. Pay particular attention to cords that get moved frequently, such as vacuum cleaners, power tools, and phone chargers, as these experience more wear than stationary appliance cords.

Extension cord usage assessment identifies one of the most common electrical safety violations in American homes. Walk through your home and note every extension cord in use. Extension cords are designed for temporary use only, not as permanent wiring solutions. If you have extension cords that have been plugged in for months or years, this indicates insufficient outlets and creates fire hazards. Extension cords running under rugs, behind furniture, or through walls represent particularly dangerous situations, as trapped heat cannot dissipate and can ignite nearby materials. If you rely on extension cords regularly, you need additional permanent outlets installed, which Shaffer Construction can add safely and in compliance with Los Angeles building codes.

Smoke detector testing should be performed monthly, though this is technically a fire safety measure rather than purely electrical. Press and hold the test button on each smoke detector until it sounds its alarm. If detectors don't sound, replace batteries and test again. If they still don't work, replace the entire unit. Smoke detectors have a 10-year lifespan and should be replaced even if they seem to work, as their sensors degrade over time. Because many electrical failures create smoke before open flames develop, functioning smoke detectors provide crucial early warnings that allow families to escape safely.

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Professional Electrical Inspection

While monthly DIY safety checks help homeowners monitor their electrical systems, certain warning signs indicate serious problems requiring immediate professional attention. Never ignore these symptoms, as they often precede electrical fires or complete system failures.

Flickering lights that occur throughout your home, particularly when they correspond with appliance operation, indicate serious electrical capacity or connection problems. Occasional flickering from a single light fixture might indicate a bad bulb or loose fixture, but widespread flickering points to panel-level issues, undersized service, or deteriorating main connections. In Los Angeles's warm climate where air conditioning represents a major electrical load, lights that dim when the AC cycles on clearly indicate insufficient electrical capacity for your home's needs. This is especially common in older homes that have never had their electrical service upgraded from original 60-amp or 100-amp panels. For more information on recognizing electrical panel problems, read our guide on how to know if your home needs an electrical panel upgrade.

Burning smells near outlets, switches, appliances, or your electrical panel represent emergency situations requiring immediate action. Electrical burning produces a distinctive acrid odor, often described as burning plastic or sometimes as a fishy smell. These odors indicate overheating electrical components that are melting insulation or burning wire coating. If you detect any burning electrical smell, shut off power at the main breaker if you can safely reach it, evacuate your home if the smell is strong or accompanied by smoke, and contact emergency electrical services immediately. Never attempt to locate the source yourself, as the overheating component could arc or ignite while you're investigating.

Warm outlets or switches signal dangerous conditions requiring prompt professional inspection. Outlets and switches should always feel room temperature. Warmth indicates excessive resistance in connections, overloaded circuits, or failing devices. This heat can ignite nearby combustible materials and represents a fire hazard. If you notice any warm outlets or switches, stop using them immediately and schedule an emergency electrical inspection. Particularly concerning are outlets that feel warm even when nothing is plugged in, indicating internal connection problems.

Sparking from outlets or switches when you plug in devices or flip switches indicates arcing, which can ignite fires. While a tiny, brief spark when plugging in high-draw appliances might be normal, visible sparks, repeated sparking, or large sparks indicate serious problems. Sparking can result from loose connections, damaged outlets, improper wiring, or aluminum wiring issues common in some Los Angeles homes built during the 1960s and 1970s. Never continue using outlets or switches that spark; call a licensed electrician immediately.

Frequent circuit breaker trips, especially from the same breaker or when performing normal activities, indicate overloaded circuits, failing breakers, or developing short circuits. Breakers are designed to trip when they detect unsafe current levels, protecting your home from fires. A breaker that trips once and resets normally might have responded to a temporary overload. However, breakers that trip repeatedly, trip immediately when reset, or feel hot to the touch indicate serious problems requiring immediate professional diagnosis. Never replace a breaker with a higher-amperage breaker to stop tripping, as this defeats the protective function and creates extreme fire hazards. Understanding proper circuit protection is essential; learn more in our article on home electrical safety best practices.

The Professional Electrical Inspection Process

Professional electrical inspections performed by licensed electricians provide comprehensive assessments far beyond what homeowners can accomplish with DIY checks. Understanding what professional inspections entail helps homeowners appreciate their value and know what to expect when scheduling this critical service.

Licensed electricians begin inspections by reviewing your home's electrical service entrance, where power enters from LADWP's distribution lines. They examine the service drop or lateral, weather head, meter base, grounding electrode system, and main disconnect. These components form the foundation of your electrical system, and problems here affect everything downstream. Electricians verify proper sizing of service conductors, check for corrosion or damage, and ensure grounding systems meet current code requirements.

Electrical panel inspection represents the core of professional assessments. With appropriate safety precautions and protective equipment, electricians open your panel to examine internal components that homeowners should never access. They inspect bus bars for signs of overheating, corrosion, or damage, test breakers for proper trip characteristics, examine wire connections to ensure they're tight and properly terminated, verify correct breaker sizing for connected circuits, and check for double-tapped breakers where two circuits incorrectly share a single breaker terminal. They also identify obsolete or recalled panels like Federal Pacific and Zinsco models that should be replaced regardless of apparent function. For detailed information about problematic panel brands, see our guide on Federal Pacific and Zinsco panel replacement.

Thermal imaging for hot spots provides technology-driven diagnostics impossible with visual inspection alone. Professional electricians use infrared cameras to scan electrical panels, connections, and circuits while energized, identifying areas generating excessive heat. Hot spots indicate high-resistance connections, overloaded circuits, or failing components. Thermal imaging detects problems before they cause visible damage, allowing preventive repairs that avoid fires and failures. This non-invasive diagnostic technology has become standard practice for comprehensive electrical inspections.

Panel load analysis determines whether your electrical service has adequate capacity for your home's current and future needs. Electricians measure actual current draw on individual circuits and overall service, compare measurements to rated capacities, calculate total connected load and demand load, and assess remaining capacity for additions or upgrades. This analysis is particularly important in Los Angeles homes where homeowners frequently add electric vehicle chargers, pool equipment, or central air conditioning systems. Load analysis prevents overloading situations and helps plan for necessary service upgrades before adding major appliances.

Grounding and bonding verification ensures your electrical system provides proper fault protection. Electricians test grounding electrode systems to verify adequate earth connection, examine bonding of metal water pipes, gas pipes, and building steel, check continuity of equipment grounding conductors, and verify proper grounding of outlets, switches, and fixtures. Proper grounding and bonding protect against electric shock and ensure overcurrent protection devices can function correctly during fault conditions. Los Angeles building codes have specific grounding requirements, especially important in our seismically active region where ground movement can affect electrical connections.

Code compliance review identifies violations of current electrical codes that may exist in older homes or from previous DIY work. While older installations may be grandfathered under codes in effect when installed, electricians note areas that don't meet current safety standards. This includes missing AFCI or GFCI protection in required locations, improper wire types or methods, insufficient outlet spacing, missing junction box covers, and numerous other potential code violations. Bringing homes up to current code during renovations or sales protects occupants and ensures compliance with Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety requirements.

Electrical Inspection Costs and What They Cover

Understanding the costs associated with professional electrical inspections helps homeowners budget appropriately and recognize the value these assessments provide. In Los Angeles, comprehensive residential electrical safety inspections typically range from $200 to $500, depending on several factors.

Home size significantly affects inspection costs, as larger homes have more circuits, outlets, switches, and fixtures to examine. A small 1,200 square foot bungalow requires less time to inspect than a 3,500 square foot multi-story home. Complexity also matters; homes with sub-panels, 400-amp service, or extensive outbuildings require more thorough inspections than basic single-panel installations.

Inspection scope determines final costs. Basic electrical safety inspections focus on the panel, service entrance, grounding system, and sampling of circuits throughout the home. Comprehensive inspections include everything in basic inspections plus thermal imaging of all circuits, testing of every outlet and switch, detailed load analysis, and written reports with photographs documenting all findings. Pre-purchase inspections for real estate transactions typically fall into the comprehensive category, while routine maintenance inspections might be more basic.

Many electrical contractors, including Shaffer Construction, offer complimentary basic panel assessments when homeowners are experiencing specific problems or considering upgrades. These focused evaluations determine whether problems exist and what solutions are needed, with costs credited toward any repair or upgrade work performed. This approach helps homeowners get expert opinions without upfront costs while ensuring they receive necessary information to make informed decisions.

The value of professional electrical inspections far exceeds their modest cost. A $300 inspection that identifies a failing Federal Pacific panel, corroded connections, or undersized service prevents potential house fires that could cause hundreds of thousands in damage. Inspections also provide documentation of electrical system condition valuable for insurance purposes, home sales, and estate planning. Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes with recent electrical inspections showing good system condition, sometimes offsetting the inspection cost over just a few years.

Common Code Violations Found During Inspections

Professional electrical inspections in Los Angeles homes frequently identify code violations ranging from minor issues to serious safety hazards. Understanding common violations helps homeowners recognize problems and appreciate why professional inspections matter.

Missing GFCI protection in required locations represents one of the most common violations in older Los Angeles homes. Current electrical codes require GFCI protection for all bathroom outlets, kitchen countertop outlets within six feet of sinks, all garage outlets, outdoor outlets, crawl space outlets, and outlets within six feet of wet bars, laundry, and utility sinks. Homes built before these requirements were implemented often lack GFCI protection entirely. Installing GFCI outlets or breakers in required locations provides critical shock protection for occupants.

Insufficient AFCI protection commonly appears in homes that haven't been updated since arc fault circuit interrupter requirements were implemented. Current California electrical code requires AFCI protection for virtually all habitable spaces including bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, hallways, and closets. Panel replacements and circuit additions must include AFCI protection in these areas. While AFCI requirements don't apply retroactively to existing installations, adding this protection during any electrical work significantly improves fire safety.

Improper outlet spacing violates code requirements that no point along a wall should be more than six feet from an outlet. This requirement, designed to eliminate extension cord dependence, is frequently violated in older homes. Rooms with insufficient outlets tempt homeowners to use extension cords as permanent wiring, creating fire hazards. Adding outlets to meet spacing requirements eliminates this dangerous practice.

Open junction boxes or missing covers expose energized wiring and create shock and fire hazards. All electrical connections must be made inside approved junction boxes with covers properly installed. Inspectors frequently find junction boxes in attics, crawl spaces, or above dropped ceilings left uncovered during previous work. This simple violation creates serious safety risks and must be corrected immediately.

Aluminum wiring, common in Los Angeles homes built during the 1960s and 1970s when copper prices spiked, requires special attention and connections. Aluminum wire expands and contracts more than copper with temperature changes, leading to loose connections that create fire hazards. Proper remediation involves installing special aluminum-compatible outlets and switches, using approved connectors where aluminum and copper wiring meet, or completely rewiring homes with copper conductors. Many inspections in homes from this era identify aluminum wiring that requires professional evaluation and possible remediation.

Overloaded circuits and double-tapped breakers represent dangerous conditions inspectors regularly discover. Double-tapping occurs when two circuit wires share a single breaker terminal not designed for multiple conductors. This creates loose connections that overheat and fail. Most circuit breakers accept only one conductor per terminal; connecting two violates listing requirements and creates hazards. Professional correction involves installing tandem breakers, adding sub-panels, or properly separating circuits.

When to Schedule Electrical Safety Inspections

Establishing a schedule for electrical safety inspections ensures homeowners maintain safe, reliable electrical systems throughout their homes' lifespans. Several specific situations warrant professional electrical assessments beyond routine periodic inspections.

Before purchasing any home, schedule an independent electrical inspection by a licensed electrician. Standard home inspections include cursory electrical checks, but general home inspectors lack electricians' specialized training and diagnostic equipment. Independent electrical inspections identify problems general inspectors might miss, providing buyers with detailed information about electrical system condition, necessary repairs or upgrades, and estimated costs for bringing systems up to current standards. This information strengthens negotiating positions and prevents expensive post-purchase surprises.

Before selling your Los Angeles home, proactive electrical inspections identify issues that could derail sales or reduce offers. Addressing electrical problems before listing demonstrates that your home has been well-maintained and eliminates inspection objections that commonly arise during buyer due diligence. The relatively small cost of pre-listing electrical inspections and any necessary repairs typically returns many times over in smoother transactions and higher sale prices.

Before major renovations including kitchen remodels, room additions, or garage conversions, electrical inspections determine whether your existing panel and service can support planned improvements. Los Angeles building codes require permits for most renovation work, and permit applications often require electrical load calculations demonstrating adequate capacity. Discovering insufficient electrical capacity before construction begins allows proper planning for necessary service upgrades, preventing costly mid-project delays. For comprehensive information on electrical upgrades, review our complete guide to electrical panel upgrades in Los Angeles.

After purchasing homes built before 1980, schedule comprehensive electrical inspections even if pre-purchase inspections occurred. Older homes often contain outdated wiring methods, insufficient capacity for modern usage, and components nearing the end of their service lives. Early identification of these issues allows strategic planning for necessary upgrades and prevents unexpected failures.

After any significant electrical work performed by previous owners or contractors, verification inspections ensure work was completed properly and safely. Unfortunately, improper DIY electrical work and unlicensed contractor installations create serious hazards. If you've purchased a home with recent electrical modifications, especially if work wasn't permitted through the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, verification inspections identify any dangerous conditions requiring correction.

Every 5 to 10 years for routine maintenance, schedule preventive electrical inspections even if you haven't noticed any problems. Electrical components deteriorate gradually through normal use, and early detection of developing issues prevents emergencies. Homes with modern electrical systems in good condition can follow 10-year inspection intervals, while homes with older systems, previous issues, or significant electrical loads should be inspected every 3 to 5 years.

Maintenance Schedule for Residential Electrical Systems

Beyond periodic professional inspections, maintaining safe electrical systems requires ongoing attention from homeowners. Establishing regular maintenance routines prevents problems and extends the lifespan of electrical components.

Monthly tasks homeowners should perform include testing all GFCI outlets using their test buttons, visually inspecting the electrical panel exterior for any changes, checking outlets and switches for warmth or unusual behavior, and testing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. These simple checks take less than 30 minutes but provide early warning of developing problems.

Quarterly tasks include inspecting all visible electrical cords for damage, checking outdoor outlets and light fixtures for weather damage or moisture intrusion, examining any electrical equipment in garages or workshops for proper condition, and verifying that electrical panels remain accessible and unobstructed. Los Angeles's mild climate reduces weather-related electrical stress compared to areas with harsh winters, but our intense summer sun can degrade outdoor electrical components faster than in cooler regions.

Annual tasks should include professional electrical system cleaning for homes in dusty areas or near construction, inspection of attic and crawl space wiring visible to homeowners for any obvious damage, verification that circuit breaker labels remain accurate and legible, and assessment of whether your electrical system continues meeting your household's needs. If you've added appliances, devices, or changed usage patterns, annual reviews determine whether upgrades are warranted.

Every 3 to 5 years, consider professional electrical tune-ups that include panel cleaning, connection tightening, breaker testing, and thermal imaging. These preventive services address gradual deterioration before it creates problems, similar to how regular vehicle maintenance prevents breakdowns. The modest cost of preventive electrical maintenance is far less than emergency repairs or damage from electrical failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my home's electrical system professionally inspected?

For homes with modern electrical systems less than 25 years old and no known issues, professional inspections every 5 to 10 years provide adequate oversight. However, homes built before 1980, homes with known problematic components like Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels, homes that have experienced electrical problems, or homes where significant loads have been added should be inspected every 3 to 5 years. Additionally, schedule inspections before purchasing a home, before major renovations, and anytime you notice warning signs like flickering lights, burning smells, or frequent breaker trips.

Can I perform electrical inspections myself or do I need to hire a licensed electrician?

While homeowners can and should perform basic safety checks like visual panel inspection, GFCI testing, and cord examination, comprehensive electrical inspections require licensed electricians. Professional inspections involve opening electrical panels and working with energized equipment, which is extremely dangerous without proper training, protective equipment, and tools. Licensed electricians also have diagnostic equipment like thermal imaging cameras and testing instruments unavailable to homeowners. Most importantly, electricians understand electrical codes, recognize subtle warning signs, and can accurately assess system capacity and safety, providing insights impossible for homeowners to obtain through DIY efforts.

What's included in a standard electrical safety inspection in Los Angeles?

Standard residential electrical safety inspections include examination of the service entrance where power enters your home, comprehensive panel inspection including testing breakers and examining connections, verification of proper grounding and bonding systems, sampling of outlets and switches throughout the home, identification of code violations and safety hazards, and a written report documenting findings and recommendations. Many inspections also include thermal imaging to identify hot spots, load analysis to determine system capacity, and testing of GFCI and AFCI devices. The exact scope varies by inspector and inspection type, so clarify what's included when scheduling your inspection.

How much does a professional electrical inspection cost in Los Angeles?

Comprehensive residential electrical inspections in Los Angeles typically cost between $200 and $500, depending on home size, complexity, and inspection scope. Basic inspections focusing on the panel and major components cost less than comprehensive assessments including thermal imaging of all circuits and testing of every outlet. Many electrical contractors, including Shaffer Construction, offer complimentary basic assessments when homeowners are considering specific repairs or upgrades. While inspection costs might seem like an added expense, they provide enormous value by identifying problems before they cause fires, failures, or expensive damage. The peace of mind and safety assurance professional inspections provide far exceeds their modest cost.

What are the most common electrical problems found during home inspections in Los Angeles?

The most common electrical issues discovered during Los Angeles home inspections include outdated electrical panels, particularly Federal Pacific and Zinsco brands that pose fire hazards; insufficient electrical capacity with 100-amp or smaller service unable to meet modern demands; missing GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas; missing AFCI protection in habitable rooms; aluminum wiring from 1960s and 1970s construction requiring special connections; improper outlet spacing requiring extension cord use; open junction boxes with missing covers exposing energized wires; and double-tapped breakers where two circuits incorrectly share single breaker terminals. Many older Los Angeles homes also have knob-and-tube wiring, cloth-insulated wiring, or insufficient grounding systems requiring updates.

Do I need an electrical inspection if my home was recently built or renovated?

Even new or recently renovated homes benefit from professional electrical inspections, though for different reasons than older homes. For new construction, independent electrical inspections verify that permitted work was completed according to plans and meets all code requirements. While building department inspections occur during construction, these government inspections are often brief and may miss issues. For renovations, independent inspections verify that contractors completed all electrical work properly and safely, especially important if you have any concerns about workmanship. Additionally, inspections document baseline electrical system condition, valuable for future reference and maintenance planning.

What should I do if an electrical inspection reveals problems with my home?

If electrical inspections identify safety hazards like burning smells, overheating components, or recalled panels, address these issues immediately through emergency repairs. For serious but non-emergency issues like missing GFCI protection, code violations, or insufficient capacity, prioritize repairs based on safety risk and budget. Licensed electricians can help you develop repair and upgrade plans that address critical issues first while planning for less urgent improvements over time. Many electrical problems can be corrected relatively affordably, while major upgrades like panel replacements require more significant investment but provide long-term safety and reliability. Always use licensed, insured electrical contractors for repairs to ensure work meets code requirements and is completed safely.

Conclusion

Electrical safety inspections provide Los Angeles homeowners with invaluable insights into their homes' electrical systems, identifying potential hazards before they become dangerous emergencies and ensuring systems have adequate capacity for modern electrical demands. From simple monthly DIY checks like testing GFCI outlets and visually examining your panel to comprehensive professional inspections using thermal imaging and load analysis, regular electrical system assessment protects your family, your property, and your peace of mind.

Understanding when to schedule professional inspections, what warning signs require immediate attention, and how to maintain your electrical system between professional assessments empowers you to take proactive steps that prevent electrical fires, avoid costly emergency repairs, and ensure your home's electrical infrastructure supports your lifestyle safely and reliably. Whether you're buying a home, planning renovations, living in an older property, or simply maintaining your electrical system's health, professional electrical inspections represent small investments that deliver enormous returns in safety and reliability.

Don't wait for electrical emergencies, failed home inspections, or insurance issues to address your electrical system's condition. Contact Shaffer Construction at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com to schedule your comprehensive electrical safety inspection. Our licensed electricians serve all of Los Angeles County, providing thorough assessments, detailed reports, and expert recommendations for any necessary repairs or upgrades. We offer residential electrical safety inspections throughout Los Angeles, from historic homes in Pasadena to modern residences in Downtown LA. Visit www.shaffercon.com to learn more about our comprehensive electrical services, including panel upgrades, code compliance corrections, and complete electrical system renovations. Your safety is our priority, and we're here to ensure your electrical system provides reliable, safe power for decades to come.