Electrical Inspection Checklist for New Construction

Electrician with clipboard and safety vest

Electrical Inspection Checklist for New Construction

Electrician with clipboard and safety vest

Building a new home or commercial property in Pennsylvania is an exciting process, but ensuring the safety and functionality of the electrical system can feel overwhelming. At Thomas Edison Electric, we know that proper electrical inspection is essential to protect your property and meet local code requirements. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or property manager, our electrical inspection checklist is designed to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for a successful inspection.

1. Verify Electrical Panel Installation

The heart of your electrical system, the main electrical panel, must be installed correctly and meet all code requirements. Inspectors will check:

  • Proper mounting of the panel.

  • Correct labeling of circuits for clarity and compliance.

  • Grounding and bonding connections.

  • Clearance around the panel for accessibility (minimum 3 feet in front and 30 inches wide).

2. Confirm Proper Wiring Installation

Wiring must be done with precision to ensure safety and efficiency. Inspectors will assess:

  • Correct gauge and type of wires are based on the circuit’s amperage.

  • Secure anchoring of wires and cables to prevent damage or looseness.

  • No signs of frayed, exposed, or improperly connected wires.

  • Compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) standards for wire placement and protection.

3. Check Grounding and Bonding

Grounding protects your electrical system from surges and shocks, while bonding ensures electrical continuity. Ensure that:

  • A grounding rod is correctly installed and connected to the main panel.

  • Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are installed in required areas like kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor outlets.

  • Metal pipes and systems are bonded for safety.

4. Inspect Circuit Breakers and Fuses

Circuit breakers and fuses safeguard your property from electrical overload. The inspection will verify:

  • Appropriate amperage ratings for each breaker or fuse.

  • Proper installation and functionality of arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) in living spaces.

  • The absence of double-tapped breakers unless rated for such use.

5. Test Outlets and Switches

All outlets and switches should be installed correctly and function properly. Inspectors will ensure:

  • Outlets are placed according to code (e.g., within 12 feet in living areas and 6 feet of countertops in kitchens).

  • Outlets and switches are securely mounted, with no exposed wires.

  • GFCI and AFCI outlets operate as intended.

  • Outlets are tamper-resistant, particularly in homes.

6. Examine Lighting Fixtures

Lighting installation plays a significant role in safety and functionality. Key areas of focus include:

  • Secure mounting of light fixtures.

  • Proper connection of wires and insulation within junction boxes.

  • Use of the correct bulbs and wattage ratings for each fixture.

  • Installation of recessed lighting in compliance with fire safety requirements.

7. Assess HVAC and Appliance Wiring

New construction often includes wiring for HVAC systems, major appliances, and specialty equipment. Inspectors will check:

  • Dedicated circuits for heavy appliances like stoves, dryers, and HVAC units.

  • Proper connection and labeling of appliance wiring.

  • Compliance with manufacturer guidelines for installation.

8. Evaluate Exterior Electrical Components

Outdoor electrical elements must be weatherproof and safe. This includes:

  • Installation of weather-resistant outlets with covers.

  • Adequate lighting for outdoor areas, stairs, and pathways.

  • Properly grounded pool, hot tub, or spa wiring if applicable.

9. Inspect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety systems are an essential part of any electrical inspection. Ensure:

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed as per code (e.g., one on every floor, in each bedroom, and near sleeping areas).

  • Detectors are hardwired with battery backup for reliability.

10. Ensure Compliance with Local Codes and Permits

Each municipality in Pennsylvania may have specific electrical code requirements. It’s essential to:

  • Obtain and display all necessary permits before inspection.

  • Verify compliance with local codes as well as NEC standards.

Preparing for the Final Inspection

Before calling for a final inspection, walk through the property with this checklist to identify and address any potential issues. A licensed electrician from Thomas Edison Electric can perform a pre-inspection to ensure all aspects of your electrical system meet code and safety standards.

Why Choose Thomas Edison Electric?

As trusted electricians serving communities across Pennsylvania, Thomas Edison Electric specializes in ensuring electrical systems in new constructions are safe, efficient, and code-compliant. Our licensed professionals are committed to providing top-tier service, from wiring installations to final inspections.

By following this electrical inspection checklist, you’ll streamline the inspection process and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from a properly installed and inspected electrical system. Contact us today for expert assistance with your new construction project!

Why Thomas Edison Electric?

With Thomas Edison in your corner, you don’t have to face electrical problems alone. Our team will work tirelessly to ensure your peace of mind, any time of day or night. We have highly trained & licensed electricians available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Excellence

Our skilled professionals deliver safe, affordable, long-lasting electrical services.

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Your time is precious. If we’re late, we’ll waive your dispatch fee.

Honesty

Transparent pricing means written quotes with no surprises.

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Homeowners and business owners trust Thomas Edison for our transparent quotes, on-time arrival, and 24-hour service. We cover everything from emergency electrical issues to home EV charging stations to house rewiring and upgrades.

Your Trusted Electrician Near Me – 24/7 Service You Can Count On

When you're searching for a reliable electrician near me, look no further than Thomas Edison Electric. We're your local, licensed professionals delivering top-tier electrical services for homes and businesses—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you're dealing with flickering lights, outlets not working but the breaker isn't tripped, or you're planning a generator installation or EV charger installation, our expert team is here to help.

Emergency Electrical Repairs, Fast

Electrical issues can strike at any time. That’s why we offer same-day emergency electrician services and 24/7 electrician support. If the power went out in one room, a light switch stopped working, or your breaker isn’t tripped but there’s no power, don’t wait—call our emergency electricians near you right away for prompt, professional help. We specialize in:

  • Electrical panel repair
  • Smoke detector repair
  • Outlet and switch troubleshooting
  • Emergency electrical service
  • Circuit breaker testing and replacement
  • Emergency electrical repair

Residential & Commercial Electricians Near You

From quick home electrical repair services to large-scale commercial electrical services, our experienced team does it all. We handle everything from lighting installation services and smart home setups to whole-home generator installation, portable generator transfer switches, and EV charger installation for home and business. No job is too small—or too complex.

Need help with a ceiling fan repair near you, outdoor outlet not working, or wondering why your breaker keeps tripping? We’ll diagnose the issue and get your home or business powered up safely and efficiently.

Why Choose Thomas Edison Electric?

  • Fast, professional service
  • Licensed residential and commercial electricians near you
  • Advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics
  • Expert knowledge of how to test a breaker with a multimeter, what causes lights to flicker, and why a GFI might trip
  • Transparent pricing and financing options
  • Specialists in generator sizing, EV charger compatibility, and electrical code compliance
  • A team that knows electricity inside and out—from when electricity was invented to modern green energy solutions

Got Electrical Questions? We've Got Answers.

Curious about why your Christmas lights keep blowing fuses or how many amps a power tool uses? Wondering how to test an outlet with a multimeter, reset a motion light, or install a ceiling fan where no fixture exists? We're not just an electric repair company—we're your go-to experts for everything electrical, including how to choose the right EV charger and what size generator you need for your house.

Call Today for Electrical Repair & Installation Services Near You

If you're looking for electricians near me who show up on time, get the job done right, and treat your home or business with care, Thomas Edison Electric is the name to trust. Whether it’s routine home electrical service, urgent electrical repair near you, or expert EV charger installation and backup generator setup, we’re just a phone call away.

Call now for emergency service or to schedule an appointment with a licensed electrician near you.