May is National Electrical Safety Month. Each year, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) uses it to educate Americans about reducing electrical fires, fatalities, injuries and property loss. Locally, Boggs Inspection Services is skilled at spotting potential electrical issues in commercial buildings or residential, manufactured and log homes.
Because a building’s electrical infrastructure is primarily hidden behind walls and ceilings, it takes a trained professional to know where to look. Don’t let your biggest investment literally go up in smoke. Give Boggs Inspection Services a call before purchase, sale or just to take the worry out of your honey-do list.
Electrical Issues Can Be Tough to Spot Until They Spark Says Boggs Inspection Services
Your home’s wiring can be very much out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes. But unlike a broken appliance, drafty window or insufficient insulation, electrical issues aren’t just annoying, they can be dangerous.
Dwayne Boggs explains that their inspectors go through extensive initial training, which includes learning residential electrical systems. “Plus, we maintain continuing education every year to stay sharp and up-to-date with the latest safety standards and technology,” he adds.
In Washington State, says Boggs, home inspectors are licensed. “While we’re not licensed electricians, we are trained to recognize unsafe conditions and recommend when a licensed electrician should be brought in,” he explains. “Many of us also pursue additional certifications like Infrared Thermography to better serve our clients.”
In a standard home inspection, their team checks the main service panel/breaker box, subpanels, visible wiring, outlets, switches, light fixtures and grounding systems. They check for proper labeling, exposed wiring and test GFCI and AFCI where required.
Don’t Let Your Biggest Investment Go Up in Smoke, Get Home and Business Inspected Today
Thanks to training and expertise, Boggs inspectors know both where to look and what common issues might be dangerous down the line. Boggs says frequently seen trouble spots include double-tapped breakers, where two wires share a breaker designed for one, missing GFCI protection in kitchens and bathrooms, outdated panels, improperly wired outlets and open junction boxes. Add in amateur DIY wiring and reported fire hazards like Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels and your home could be primed for a problem.
Beyond fire hazards, which are scary enough, electrical issues can lead to power outages, appliances and electronics being damaged or even human electrocution. “Undetected wiring issues can cause voltage drops, which wear out HVAC units, refrigerators, and other major appliances faster,” says Boggs. “Small issues, if left unchecked, can become major repairs down the line and more expensive too.”
Boggs Inspection Services uses infrared thermal imaging cameras during their tour, especially when there are visible signs of potential problems. “If we suspect an issue,” Boggs explains, “thermal imaging can detect hotspots in wiring, or outlets that aren’t visible to the naked eye. This helps us catch overheating connections or loose wiring early before they cause major damage or safety risks.”
Homeowners Can Take Steps to Prevent Electrical Problems Before They Start
If you’re buying or selling a home, make sure electrical inspections are part of the process. But even established homeowners can schedule a maintenance visit to insure everything inside the walls is functioning at peak form.
Boggs suggests testing your GFCI and AFCI breakers monthly. He also warns against overloading circuits and trusting YouTube tutorials for DIY electrical projects. “If you notice flickering lights, buzzing outlets or frequently tripped breakers, call a licensed electrician right away. Also, have a licensed electrician check your panel and wiring at least every 10 to 15 years, even if you haven’t noticed problems, especially in older homes.”
In 2025, Boggs Inspection Services will launch Limited Electrical Inspections. This service focuses exclusively on such systems, providing information about the condition and safety of the home’s wiring and components. This service is ideal for any homeowner, buyer or seller looking to address specific, standalone electrical concerns.
National Electrical Safety Month Showcases 21st Century Electrical Issues
For this year’s National Electrical Safety Monty, the ESFI is showcasing newer technologies and their issues. In 2025, the ESFI is focusing on e-mobility, lithium-ion battery safety, and disaster safety. They remind families to purchase, use and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely because they’re in almost everything we own from phones and computers to e-scooters and toothbrushes.
ESFI says that 500 lives are lost and 1,400 people are injured in more than 50,000 electrical home fires each year. Keeping your systems inspected and safe is as easy as calling a licensed electrician or home inspector.
To schedule an appointment with Boggs Inspection Services, call 360.480.9602, request a free quote or schedule online. Don’t wait until unseen problems singe, smoke or spark.
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