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Home safety concerns: electrical wiring

Home safety concerns: electrical wiring

Written By: Mandy Garnto

There are many reasons why potential buyers need to have a home inspection, but at the top of that list should be safety concerns. A thorough home inspection can identify potential problems that may go unnoticed by the untrained eyes of an eager buyer. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failure or malfunction caused an estimated $1.3 billion in property damage per year between 2012 and 2016.

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), inspectors should inspect the service drop, service entrance conductors, service equipment and main disconnects, service grounding and more during a home inspection. (For a complete list, click here.) Alan Carson does a great job of breaking down the most common wiring types found in American homes in his article Electrical Branch Circuit Wiring: Wiring Types. (Reporter, September 2019). It's important for an inspector to be able to correctly identify wiring material so s/he can prepare the buyers for any known inherent issues these materials may have.

Keep in mind that home inspectors are not code inspectors and most wiring in a home is not visible. Home inspectors provide a visual inspection and a professional opinion regarding safety concerns and the home's general condition. (You can read about the differences in inspectors here.) Home inspections inform buyers of potential hazards or repairs that can ultimately affect their purchasing decision. In short, always get a home inspection when purchasing a home. To schedule an inspection with a Cingo home inspector, visit us at: cingohome.com/home-inspections.

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About Cingo: The name Cingo means to surround and secure, conveying the company's commitment to home protection. The company has been protecting families in the Southeast since 1974. It provides home protection services throughout Georgia and South Carolina, including Atlanta, Augusta, Charleston, Douglas, Dublin, Milledgeville, Savannah, Vidalia, Waycross and all points in between. Cingo was named a Best Place to Work in Georgia by Georgia Trend Magazine and listed as a National Best & Brightest Company to Work For. Learn more at www.cingohome.com.