Ever since Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity, the energy source has been utilized to power new advancements in technology for centuries. One can imagine what the world would be like without electricity – no light bulbs to brighten up a dark room, no outlets to charge a cell phone and no HDTV for watching favorite shows. In today’s society, using electricity is a way of life – especially for commercial industries to operate and expand. But, the leisure of electric applications can also be a safety hazard if they are not handled properly. That’s why state regulations are put in place for commercial buildings, in an attempt to keep people safe from the damaging effects of defective electrical systems.

Electrical Inspections Conducted by Third Party Agencies

The electrical requirements for commercial spaces in Pennsylvania vary according to the type of dwelling and what kind of work is being done. Any commercial building structures that are not one to two family dwellings having electrical work performed are required to have a permit. This counts for dwellings mixed with both commercial and residential spaces, as well as buildings with three or more units.

Commercial buildings have strict electrical code enforcements because more lives are at stake in the event that an electrical system is faulty. It is important that the electrical system in a commercial space be checked to ensure that it is safe to operate. However, the electrical system can’t be examined by just anyone. The electrical inspection must be conducted by certified third party agency, such as A-1 Electric.

Obtain a Letter of Certification for Commercial Property

Commercial properties on the market must be inspected for the sale to go through, while commercial properties undergoing construction plans need to be inspected in order to obtain a permit for the work to be conducted. Most authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ’s) require a Letter of Certification (L.O.C.), which is a letter written and signed by the third party agency explaining the condition of the electrical components and stating that they have been examined, before a permit for work can be issued. Our experienced technicians can provide L.O.C.’s for the electrical inspections required for commercial spaces.

Select a Trustworthy Third Party Agency

The third party agency has to be licensed by the local municipality to have authorization to perform electrical inspections for commercial buildings (as well as industrial and residential buildings). Our company has years of experience conducting thorough electrical inspections for commercial buildings in the Montgomery County, PA region and we are recommended first for electrical inspection by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Whether you are a seller, property manager or real estate agent of a commercial property, you can depend on us to provide you with an honest electrical inspection. We are a reputable third party agency accredited by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Underwriters Laboratory (UL).

When people shop for a home, the first judgement they make is based on what their eyes can see: the color of the wall paint, the size of the rooms and the layout of the structure. It’s easy to fall in love with a home very quickly, but making a fast decision can lead to unforeseen defects that will put a hole in your pocket. Although the process for purchasing a residence can be tedious, certain aspects shouldn’t be overlooked – like the electrical wiring of the building.

Let’s face it, even though a real estate agent will have the dwelling inspected prior to showing the property, they aren’t always truthful about every aspect of the home because they want to make a good sale. That’s when you need to hire a qualified electrical inspection company in Montgomery County, PA accredited by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, such as us at A-1 Electric. In fact, we are the most recommended company by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for electrical inspection and we are listed first on the Certified Third Party Agency Listing on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website.

At first glance, a house can appear to be in good condition. That’s why it is important to pay attention to what’s inside the walls. Old dwellings tend to have outdated or incorrect electrical wiring systems that need work done. By hiring an experienced electrical inspector to pinpoint faults of the home ahead of time, you can dodge the possibility of buying a home that is not safe, nor affordable. However, along with the electrical inspection, there are a couple warning signs you can look out for on your own during the showing. When you are given a tour of a house on the market, be aware of these electrical components:

The Electrical Panel – Locate the electrical panel and open it up. Does it have incorrect or no labeling? Are there any loose or disconnected wires popping out? If so, these factors signal a red flag. Don’t hesitate to ask the real estate agent or current homeowners about the condition of the panel.

The Outlets – The places that are most likely to contain faulty outlets are the kitchen, bathroom, garage, basement and outside exterior because they are more susceptible to getting wet or damp. Take a look at all of the electrical receptacles and check if they are cracked, are missing a ground or are lacking in plug tension. You can even bring in something small like a cell phone charger during the tour to test the outlets and see if they work properly.

Wires – All wires should lead to something, so if they don’t, they could most likely pose a problem. It may be difficult for you to determine if the wiring is installed correctly, so it may be beneficial to consider hiring an electrical contractor to inspect it. Take note of any strange smells of burning or acid – it could be coming from the wiring.

Circuits – There are a couple tactics you can use to check if the circuits are fully functional. One method is by testing the light sockets to see if they turn on and off. If the light doesn’t turn on, then there may be a problem with the circuit. If you notice that the lights make a buzzing noise, flicker or dim, it is possible that the circuit has underlying issues.

Fortunately, if you find any electrical elements you’d prefer to have checked, the home can be examined by one of our electrical inspectors according to your list of requests to obtain a Letter of Certification (L.O.C.). The L.O.C. is actually required by the AHJ before the sale can go through and can also be performed if the electrical problems were concealed at closing, in which the failed inspection can be used as evidence to seek legal action.

Buying a new home can spark an influx of emotions – but it shouldn’t do that literally! By having the electrical system examined by a professional and being aware of these components, you can make the best decision on whether the house is right for you. Also, don’t hesitate to ask about the history of the building – chances are, the information will include if the electrical system was ever replaced or repaired.

Winter is a rollercoaster of events for people of all ages. Snow days are a recurring nightmare for teachers and parents and a dream for children, until the end of the school year rolls around, and holidays bring both the best and worst out of people. Likewise, your electrical system will experience the same rollercoaster. While it will truly shine throughout the winter and show property owners why they invest so much time and money into it, it can also falter and cause some serious issues. Fortunately for you, there are a lot of pre-emptive actions you can take to ensure the best possible outcomes for both your property and electrical systems this coming winter.

Electrical systems that are constantly running will become hot. This seems elementary, but many people don’t realize this fact as they’re making sure their electrical systems are ready for the winter. You need to thoroughly check all of your insulation and insulated wires—they will become hot as they are supplying power to heaters and other appliances throughout the days and nights of winter—heat can lead to fire and smoldering, which will result in damage to property, nasty smells and, in a worst-case-scenario, an electrical fire. We have specialized equipment to test, repair and certify your electrical system.

Good insulation saves heat and money, and reduces strain on electrical systems. A well-balanced, climate-controlled property is also one that is completely insulated. Insulation in windows is the most important factor in most properties, with indoor, climate-controlled air being constantly fed into the great outdoors, where it’s not wanted or needed. Make sure your windows are well-insulated; most of the time great window insulation can be achieved by an expert in a short amount of time, unless the windows have sustained heavy damage due to windy and stormy weather or aging. The attic is another overseen area of importance—since heat rises, your house can potentially lose large amounts of heat through the ceilings and attics. Poorly insulated doorways will also let some indoor air bleed out and vice versa. Check out the fine tuning of the insulation through your property.

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors save lives, and you should check yours. They do not take a long time to check—just check out the batteries, and replace them if you need to. Many of the alarms have a “test” feature. If you’re not sure, contact the company you got them from and ask for assistance. Place a smoke detector near the breaker on your electrical system—you want to know as quickly as possible.

Things can happen to water pipes. Check where they are in relation to your electrical systems and prepare. Pipes freeze, it’s a fact of life. Find your pipes that are at risk of the outdoor air. If we’re getting another polar vortex or the like in the PA and NJ regions, you can expect they will freeze. Water and electricity don’t mix, so you should find wherever water may come in contact and plan accordingly. If you need help insulating your pipelines or electrical system, consult a professional immediately. An example of where this could be an issue is a hose line outside being near an exterior electrical outlet.

Winter can be a lot of fun if properly prepared for. Make sure you’re one of the ones having fun this winter and not playing catchup. Need some more advice? Need some help winterizing your electrical systems? Contact us today!