Professional Electrical Inspections in Newton, MA

Wondering if it’s time to get your home’s electrical system checked? Here are some common signs that you should schedule an electrical inspection in Newton, MA:

• Frequent breaker trips: If your circuit breakers are constantly tripping, it could mean your system is overloaded or there’s a deeper issue.
• Flickering or dimming lights: This could indicate loose wiring, an overloaded circuit, or other dangerous conditions.
• Warm or discolored outlets: Outlets and switches that feel hot or show burn marks signal potential fire hazards.
• Buzzing sounds from outlets or panels: Electrical systems should be silent — buzzing is a warning sign.
• Burning smells: A faint smell of burning plastic or rubber could mean wiring insulation is melting — an immediate fire risk.
• Older home: If your home was built before 1980 and hasn’t had a recent electrical upgrade, it’s a good idea to have it inspected.
• Adding major appliances: Installing energy-hungry appliances like EV chargers, hot tubs, or HVAC systems could stress an older electrical system.
• After a major storm: Severe weather can damage electrical systems, even if the damage isn’t immediately visible.

Pro Tip: If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s better to act fast — small issues can quickly become major, expensive hazards.

Keeping your home safe doesn’t always require a professional — sometimes small actions can make a big difference. Here are some practical electrical safety tips for homeowners in Newton, MA:

• Test your GFCI outlets monthly: Press the “test” button on your GFCI outlets (found in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors) to ensure they shut off properly.
• Don’t ignore flickering lights: Investigate persistent flickering right away — it could be a warning of bigger issues.
• Avoid overloading outlets: Never plug too many devices into one outlet or power strip.
• Inspect cords and plugs: Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords are a major fire risk.
• Use the correct wattage: Always match light bulbs to the recommended wattage for your fixtures.
• Keep electrical panels accessible: Never block your breaker panel with furniture or storage — you may need fast access in an emergency.
• Schedule regular inspections: Especially in older Newton homes, an inspection every few years helps catch problems before they grow.

Safety First: Simple habits can make your home safer — but nothing replaces the expertise of a licensed electrician. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait. Schedule your electrical inspection today!

Newton is full of beautiful older homes — but with age often comes outdated or unsafe electrical work. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just maintaining your property, it’s important to be aware of the most common electrical code violations we find during inspections:

• Missing GFCI protection: Kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor outlets must have GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. Many older homes still lack this basic safety feature.
• Double-tapped breakers: Two wires connected to a single breaker (a common DIY shortcut) can lead to overheating and arcing.
• Improperly grounded outlets: Grounding is essential for safe energy flow. Ungrounded outlets or unbonded systems are still common in pre-1970s homes.
• Exposed wiring or open junction boxes: All wire connections should be enclosed in junction boxes with covers — exposed wires are a fire hazard.
• Over-fused circuits: Using a higher-rated fuse or breaker than the wire can safely handle is a serious fire risk.
• Outdated knob-and-tube wiring: While not technically a code violation in all cases, knob and tube wiring isn’t considered safe by today’s standards and is often flagged by insurers and inspectors.

Thinking about buying or renovating in Newton? A professional inspection can uncover hidden issues before they become costly code violations. Schedule your electrical inspection today.