[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-electrical-system-overview-what-we-inspect-and-why-it-matters\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-electrical-system-overview-what-we-inspect-and-why-it-matters\/","headline":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Electrical System Overview \u2014 What We Inspect and Why It Matters","name":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Electrical System Overview \u2014 What We Inspect and Why It Matters","description":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Electrical System Overview \u2014 What We Inspect and Why It Matters If there\u2019s one part of the inspection where precision really matters, it\u2019s the electrical system. Not because it\u2019s complicated\u2014but because it\u2019s potentially dangerous. I inspect panels, test outlets, and identify safety risks. But I don\u2019t remove wires or confirm every connection deep inside the walls. And for good reason. When I Open the Panel (And When I Don\u2019t) If the main service panel is safely accessible\u2014dry, unlocked, and not restricted by the builder\u2014I\u2019ll open the dead front cover and document what\u2019s inside. I look for breaker labeling, wire gauge, bonding, grounding, overheating signs, improper double-taps, missing knockouts, and more. But if it\u2019s raining, there\u2019s standing water, or the panel is locked or tagged \u201cDo Not Open,\u201d I leave it closed and note it in your report. Safety first\u2014every time. GFCI vs. AFCI: Know the Difference I test all accessible outlets\u2014especially kitchen, bathroom, garage, and exterior receptacles\u2014with a plug-in tester. I verify GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) and AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) wherever required or installed. GFCI = detects water-related shock risks. Think bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, outside. AFCI = detects dangerous arcing. Required in most living areas of newer homes. If a breaker or outlet fails to trip\u2014or if a GFCI outlet is missing in a required location\u2014I\u2019ll call it out. Sometimes it\u2019s a missing upgrade. Sometimes it\u2019s a safety hazard. Either way, it matters. What I\u2019m Looking For\u2014And What I\u2019m Not \u2705 I\u2019m looking for: visible wiring types, safety devices, improper breakers, overheated connections, open grounds, and code-recommended safety upgrades. \u274c I\u2019m not looking to: remove wiring, test every conductor, open sealed junction boxes, or verify permit history. Aluminum Wiring? Yes, I Look for It Single-strand aluminum wiring (popular in the late 1960s and 70s) is a known fire risk. I\u2019m trained to spot it\u2014typically labeled \u201cAL\u201d on wire sheathing inside panels. Single-strand aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which can loosen connections and cause overheating. Multi-strand aluminum (like for your oven or AC unit) is still common today and generally safe when installed properly. But if I see single-strand AL in a place it shouldn\u2019t be\u2014or signs of overheating or incompatible breakers\u2014I\u2019ll recommend evaluation by a licensed electrician. Three-Prong Outlets Without Grounds Just because it has three holes doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s grounded. I test for open grounds at every accessible outlet. If a three-prong outlet isn\u2019t grounded\u2014or worse, falsely wired to show it is\u2014I document it. This is especially common in older homes that were \u201cupdated\u201d without proper rewiring. It\u2019s not just about function\u2014it\u2019s about shock risk. FAQs: What to Expect From the Electrical Inspection Do you open the electrical panel? Yes\u2014if safe and accessible. I don\u2019t open panels in wet conditions, when blocked, or when tagged by builders. Your report will note any limitations. What\u2019s the difference between GFCI and AFCI? GFCI protects against electric shock near water. AFCI protects against fires from arcing wires. Both are tested when accessible and reported if missing or failed. Is all aluminum wiring dangerous? No. Multi-strand aluminum (for large appliances) is fine when installed correctly. Single-strand aluminum in branch circuits can be a fire hazard\u2014and should be evaluated by an electrician. Do you test every outlet? Every accessible one, yes. I test for polarity, grounding, trip function, and visible safety risks. Obstructed or sealed outlets are noted as not tested. \u2192 Next up: Post 16: Electrical Red Flags \u2014 Panels and Wiring That Worry Inspectors \u2190 Previously: Post 14: Do You Have Good Bones? What a Structural Inspection Reveals Curious what it\u2019s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?","datePublished":"2025-06-30","dateModified":"2025-07-02","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/#Person","name":"Kloc Curtis","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/","identifier":6,"description":"Curtis Kloc is a U.S. Navy veteran and seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in business development, inspections, and technical systems. He has built and sold multiple six- and seven-figure home inspection and environmental services companies, including HERO Inspections & Environmental and Elite Analysis. Curtis is the founder of Inspections Over Coffee, a nationally expanding franchise known for its white-glove service, inspector training systems, and streamlined operational workflows.\r\n\r\nWith deep roots in nuclear engineering from his time as a Machinist Mate and Engineering Laboratory Technician aboard two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, Curtis brings unmatched precision and discipline to every business he runs. He is certified and licensed in home inspection, mold assessment, asbestos inspection, and environmental testing, and is a member of NACHI since 2006. Curtis now leads AI automation initiatives through Nexation.ai, helping businesses eliminate busywork and refocus on what matters most\u2014client relationships, growth, and results.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Person","name":"Curtis Kloc","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","width":512,"height":512}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/home-inspection-blog-15.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/home-inspection-blog-15.png","height":736,"width":1312},"url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-electrical-system-overview-what-we-inspect-and-why-it-matters\/","about":["Uncategorized"],"wordCount":647,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Electrical System Overview \u2014 What We Inspect and Why It MattersIf there\u2019s one part of the inspection where precision really matters, it\u2019s the electrical system. Not because it\u2019s complicated\u2014but because it\u2019s potentially dangerous. I inspect panels, test outlets, and identify safety risks. But I don\u2019t remove wires or confirm every connection deep inside the walls. And for good reason.When I Open the Panel (And When I Don\u2019t)If the main service panel is safely accessible\u2014dry, unlocked, and not restricted by the builder\u2014I\u2019ll open the dead front cover and document what\u2019s inside. I look for breaker labeling, wire gauge, bonding, grounding, overheating signs, improper double-taps, missing knockouts, and more.But if it\u2019s raining, there\u2019s standing water, or the panel is locked or tagged \u201cDo Not Open,\u201d I leave it closed and note it in your report. Safety first\u2014every time.GFCI vs. AFCI: Know the DifferenceI test all accessible outlets\u2014especially kitchen, bathroom, garage, and exterior receptacles\u2014with a plug-in tester. I verify GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) and AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) wherever required or installed.  GFCI = detects water-related shock risks. Think bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, outside.  AFCI = detects dangerous arcing. Required in most living areas of newer homes.If a breaker or outlet fails to trip\u2014or if a GFCI outlet is missing in a required location\u2014I\u2019ll call it out. Sometimes it\u2019s a missing upgrade. Sometimes it\u2019s a safety hazard. Either way, it matters.What I\u2019m Looking For\u2014And What I\u2019m Not  \u2705 I\u2019m looking for: visible wiring types, safety devices, improper breakers, overheated connections, open grounds, and code-recommended safety upgrades.  \u274c I\u2019m not looking to: remove wiring, test every conductor, open sealed junction boxes, or verify permit history.Aluminum Wiring? Yes, I Look for ItSingle-strand aluminum wiring (popular in the late 1960s and 70s) is a known fire risk. I\u2019m trained to spot it\u2014typically labeled \u201cAL\u201d on wire sheathing inside panels. Single-strand aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which can loosen connections and cause overheating.Multi-strand aluminum (like for your oven or AC unit) is still common today and generally safe when installed properly. But if I see single-strand AL in a place it shouldn\u2019t be\u2014or signs of overheating or incompatible breakers\u2014I\u2019ll recommend evaluation by a licensed electrician.Three-Prong Outlets Without GroundsJust because it has three holes doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s grounded. I test for open grounds at every accessible outlet. If a three-prong outlet isn\u2019t grounded\u2014or worse, falsely wired to show it is\u2014I document it. This is especially common in older homes that were \u201cupdated\u201d without proper rewiring. It\u2019s not just about function\u2014it\u2019s about shock risk.FAQs: What to Expect From the Electrical InspectionDo you open the electrical panel?Yes\u2014if safe and accessible. I don\u2019t open panels in wet conditions, when blocked, or when tagged by builders. Your report will note any limitations.What\u2019s the difference between GFCI and AFCI?GFCI protects against electric shock near water. AFCI protects against fires from arcing wires. Both are tested when accessible and reported if missing or failed.Is all aluminum wiring dangerous?No. Multi-strand aluminum (for large appliances) is fine when installed correctly. Single-strand aluminum in branch circuits can be a fire hazard\u2014and should be evaluated by an electrician.Do you test every outlet?Every accessible one, yes. I test for polarity, grounding, trip function, and visible safety risks. Obstructed or sealed outlets are noted as not tested.\u2192 Next up: Post 16: Electrical Red Flags \u2014 Panels and Wiring That Worry Inspectors\u2190 Previously: Post 14: Do You Have Good Bones? What a Structural Inspection RevealsCurious what it\u2019s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Electrical System Overview \u2014 What We Inspect and Why It Matters","item":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-electrical-system-overview-what-we-inspect-and-why-it-matters\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]