Guides
October 8, 2025
Discover the detailed process electricians use to perform thorough electrical safety inspections in residential and commercial spaces across Cook County and Will County.
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A professional electrical safety inspection comprehensively examines a commercial, industrial, or home electrical system. Inspectors assess the condition of a building’s electrical systems, components, and assets to ensure they comply with regulations and safety standards.
The primary function is to inspect all electrical installations and check that they are installed in an approved manner to ensure public safety. This goes far beyond a quick visual check—it’s a systematic evaluation that can take several hours depending on your property’s size and complexity. In Cook County and Will County, where building codes are strictly enforced, this thoroughness isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for your safety and legal compliance.
Every thorough electrical inspection starts with your electrical panel—the control center of your home’s electrical system. Your electrical panel controls the current that runs through your home and ensures that power is disabled if there is a problem. We check that the panel is in good condition, test the amperage, inspect the bus and circuit breakers, and ensure that all breakers are accurately and clearly labeled.
We remove the cover to the service panel and ensure all circuit breakers are securely in place. We also look for loose wires and confirm that the wires are the correct gauge for the breakers. We also confirm that the main breaker is the correct size, which should typically be higher than 100 amps.
This step is crucial because there are a number of different panels that have been recalled after being shown to be major fire hazards. If your home does have a panel that was recalled, it should be replaced immediately for your safety. In Chicago’s older neighborhoods—from Lakeview to Logan Square—many homes still have outdated Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels that pose serious fire risks.
We also check for signs of overheating, corrosion, or improper installations that could lead to electrical fires. When inspecting the electrical panel, we look for signs like singeing, discoloration, or rust. We also make sure that the panel has sufficient amperage to supply all the electrically powered components and devices in your home. With today’s electrical demands—from EV chargers to smart home systems—many older panels simply can’t handle the load safely.
Every thorough electrical inspection starts with your electrical panel—the control center of your home’s electrical system. Your electrical panel controls the current that runs through your home and ensures that power is disabled if there is a problem. We check that the panel is in good condition, test the amperage, inspect the bus and circuit breakers, and ensure that all breakers are accurately and clearly labeled.
We remove the cover to the service panel and ensure all circuit breakers are securely in place. We also look for loose wires and confirm that the wires are the correct gauge for the breakers. We also confirm that the main breaker is the correct size, which should typically be higher than 100 amps.
This step is crucial because there are a number of different panels that have been recalled after being shown to be major fire hazards. If your home does have a panel that was recalled, it should be replaced immediately for your safety. In Chicago’s older neighborhoods—from Lakeview to Logan Square—many homes still have outdated Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels that pose serious fire risks.
We also check for signs of overheating, corrosion, or improper installations that could lead to electrical fires. When inspecting the electrical panel, we look for signs like singeing, discoloration, or rust. We also make sure that the panel has sufficient amperage to supply all the electrically powered components and devices in your home. With today’s electrical demands—from EV chargers to smart home systems—many older panels simply can’t handle the load safely.
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All outlets or receptacles are checked using a multimeter or probe. We confirm that every outlet is attached to a ground wire and producing the correct voltage.
Modern electrical safety standards require specific types of outlets in different areas of your home. Have you ever seen an outlet with two slots, but no hole beneath? That’s an ungrounded outlet, and they’re considered a safety risk today. The hole is where the ground wire attaches, which helps to minimize the risk of electrical fire. Many older homes in Cook County still have these ungrounded outlets, which need to be upgraded for safety and code compliance.
Every room with water should have GFCI protection, typically including the kitchen, all bathrooms, and the laundry room. These ground fault circuit interrupters are essential to prevent an electrical short or electrical shock. We check these outlets to confirm they’re in good working order.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are electrical devices installed on power outlets to cut appliances off from the power supply whenever there are irregularities. These irregularities may include water or moisture infiltrating the outlet or strange objects other than plugs. Overall, GFCIs are essential to home safety. We double-check that these devices are in correct working order.
In Chicago’s humid climate and with the area’s older plumbing systems, GFCI protection becomes even more critical. You’re not legally required to install GFCI outlets in these areas if your home is older and doesn’t have them, but it is still a good idea for safety reasons as GFCI outlets can greatly reduce the potential risk of fire or major electrical damage. Another reason is that you will be required to have GFCI outlets installed to bring your home up to code should you decide to sell it.
The testing process is straightforward but essential for your family’s safety. We ensure that all GFCI outlets are working properly and that the outlet’s internal circuit breaker shuts off as it’s supposed to. However, testing all your GFCI outlets is something you should do on your own every month. This is done by pressing the test button to make sure that the green light in the corner of the outlet shuts off. If the light does go out when you press the button, it means that the GFCI is working properly and you can then turn the outlet back on by pressing the reset button.
In addition to electric ground faults, lighting is another area that can be a concern for fire safety. Many house fires start with poorly wired light fixtures—often in the bedroom. We inspect your lighting fixtures and switches to ensure they are wired correctly.
Installing the wrong type of light bulb can cause the bulb to overheat and explode. This is especially true of incandescent bulbs. We evaluate your fixtures and bulbs for safety and efficiency. If you are not already using LED bulbs, these cooler burning bulbs may be recommended.
Safety devices throughout your property also need attention during a comprehensive electrical inspection. We check all of the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home. All of your home’s detectors will be tested to determine if sufficient units are present, and that they are placed properly.
For properties with specialized electrical systems, the inspection expands accordingly. If applicable, we check specialized electrical systems such as solar panels, backup generators, or electric vehicle charging stations. This is particularly relevant in Cook County and Will County, where more homeowners are installing Tesla chargers and whole-house generators to prepare for severe weather events.
The exterior components can’t be overlooked either. Moving to the exterior, your inspection will include your outdoor outlets, and wiring and lighting in your outbuildings, such as shops, garages, outdoor kitchens, etc. Your electrical service entrance is where your electricity enters your house from the exterior meter. We inspect the meter to ensure that the load is being delivered efficiently and safely, and look for any signs of wear that need to be addressed. When a smart meter is present, the voltage and kilowatt draw will be checked.
Routine, comprehensive electrical safety inspections can potentially save your life. They will certainly ensure that your electrical system is working properly, efficiently, and safely, and give you peace of mind.
The National Fire Protection Association says electrical problems are the primary cause of property damage in U.S. home structure fires. Safety hazards like these can be easily addressed with a home electrical safety inspection. Don’t wait until you smell something burning, see sparks, or experience frequent power outages.
If you’re experiencing flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, or any other electrical concerns in Cook County or Will County, we have the expertise to perform thorough safety inspections and handle any necessary repairs. With 25 years of local experience serving Chicago neighborhoods and a commitment to transparent pricing, we’ll help keep your property and family safe from electrical hazards.
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