The electrical system in your home or commercial building is often hidden and out of sight, which means that it can be hard to catch problems until they become a fire hazard or a health or safety issue. However, regular inspections can help to identify and resolve issues before they cause significant damage or pose a serious risk.
The process of electrical testing near me involves a comprehensive review of the wiring and other components in your building to ensure that they are up to code and safe for use. A qualified professional can also advise you on upgrades that can improve the efficiency and safety of your electrical system.
Most new construction or major remodeling work requires an electrical inspection before the project can be completed. These reviews make sure that the building is in compliance with local and state regulations for electrical safety. In addition, a professional can recommend any necessary repairs to prevent future issues with appliances, devices or wiring.
Electrical testers, also known as circuit analyzers, are inexpensive, easy-to-use devices that can tell you a lot about how well your circuit is functioning. They are typically battery-powered and have a probe at one end with a neon light inside, and a cord with alligator clips or another probe at the other end. When you touch the tester to a wire or outlet, it lights up in different patterns that indicate specific test results. A chart sticker on the device explains what each pattern means.
You can also use a multimeter with the “ohms” function to check for continuity on switches, thermostats and other electrical parts. A closed contact will read 2 ohms or less on this feature, which you can find by touching one of the multimeter’s leads to each of the part’s contact points and then reading the display.
If the ohms read higher, it indicates that the contact is open, which can happen due to age or wear, a loose connection, corrosion or other factors. It is best to replace this type of component before it fails, as it can create a hazardous situation. Georg Simon Ohm, a German physicist, discovered the direct proportionality between voltage across a conductor and electric current. He also developed the formula for calculating resistance, now called Ohm’s Law. Increased resistance causes components to heat up, which can lead to failure. Infrared testing can detect this heat before a component fails, which reduces the chances of unplanned downtime and costly repairs.