By George Anderson
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August 15, 2025
What’s Included in a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection? Summer in New Jersey means rising temperatures — and rising electrical usage. Between air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers, EV chargers, and outdoor appliances, your home’s electrical system will be working overtime. That’s why now is the perfect time for a comprehensive electrical safety inspection . At Anderson Electric, we help homeowners prepare for the heat by identifying potential risks, fixing hidden issues, and making sure their system is up to code before the busy season begins. Here’s what’s included — and why it matters. Why Get an Electrical Inspection Before Summer? Even if your lights seem fine and your panel isn’t tripping, your system could be under silent strain. Summer adds demand and environmental exposure (like humidity or storms) that can stress aging wires and overloaded circuits. Benefits of a seasonal inspection include: Preventing outages during peak usage Protecting your family from fire hazards Avoiding costly emergency repairs Ensuring your HVAC and appliances run efficiently 💡 Related: Is Your Electrical System Ready for Summer in NJ? → What We Check During a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection 1. Electrical Panel Evaluation We open your main service panel to: Check breaker condition and labeling Look for signs of overheating, rust, or loose wires Evaluate if your panel is properly sized for your summer load (especially important if you’ve added AC units or EV chargers) If your panel is outdated or underpowered, we’ll recommend options for a safe 200-amp panel upgrade . 🔌 Read: 5 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade in NJ → 2. GFCI and Outdoor Outlet Testing GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are essential outdoors and near water — and they should be tested monthly. We’ll: Test GFCIs for fast, reliable shutoff Inspect weatherproof covers and boxes Look for corrosion or loose connections Faulty GFCIs are one of the most common summer hazards near pools and patios. 💡 See our blog: Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips for Summer → 3. HVAC and Cooling Circuit Review Your air conditioner is likely the biggest electrical draw during summer. We’ll inspect: HVAC circuit wiring Disconnect box Breaker capacity Voltage drops when the system powers on We also look for warning signs like dimming lights or buzzing sounds that could indicate overloaded circuits or failing connections. 4. Surge Protection Assessment We check whether your system has adequate protection from lightning or utility surges — which are common during NJ storms. If not, we may recommend a whole-home surge protector , which is installed directly at your panel to shield your entire system. ⚡ Learn more: Why Surge Protection Is Essential in NJ → 5. Grounding and Bonding Verification Proper grounding is key to protecting people and equipment during faults or surges. We verify: Ground rod connections Neutral and ground separation in subpanels Proper bonding of water/gas lines Missing or faulty grounding is a major safety issue — and often goes unnoticed until there’s a serious problem. 6. Smoke Detector and CO Alarm Checks We test hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure: Power supply is stable Batteries are functional Units are still within their service life For families spending more time indoors with windows closed and AC running, reliable CO detection is essential. Where We Offer Inspections in New Jersey Anderson Electric proudly serves: Montclair West Orange Livingston Caldwell Verona Bloomfield And surrounding areas Our licensed electricians know local codes, township regulations, and the unique needs of NJ homes. FAQs: Summer Electrical Inspections in NJ How long does an electrical safety inspection take? Most inspections take 60–90 minutes, depending on the size of your home and system complexity. Do I need one every year? We recommend seasonal inspections — especially before summer and winter, when electrical demand peaks. Is an inspection required by law? Not typically, but if you're selling your home or making upgrades (like a new HVAC system), a current inspection may be required for permitting. What if something fails the inspection? We'll provide a clear report with recommendations. You’re not obligated to make upgrades, but we can complete repairs as needed — often the same day. Will this inspection help with insurance? Yes. Many insurers appreciate proof of proactive maintenance and may lower premiums for updated panels or smoke detectors. Keep Cool and Safe This Summer Your family’s comfort and safety shouldn’t be left to chance. Get ahead of potential issues and enjoy a stress-free season with a professional summer electrical inspection from Anderson Electric. 👉 Book Your Electrical Safety Inspection Today →
