Electrical Safety Inspection Checklist for St. Louis Homeowners

Electrical fires cause thousands of home fires annually, many of which are preventable. Regular awareness of your home's electrical condition can identify problems before they become dangerous.

Use this checklist to evaluate your home's electrical safety.

Outlets and Switches

Check For:

• ☐Outlets that feel warm to the touch
• ☐Outlets that spark when you plug in devices
• ☐Outlets that are loose or don't hold plugs snugly
• ☐Discoloration or scorch marks around outlets
• ☐Outlets that don't work
• ☐Two-prong outlets (ungrounded)
• ☐Missing or cracked outlet covers
• ☐Outlets near sinks without GFCI protection

Red Flags:

Warm or hot outlets indicate overloading or loose connections, both fire hazards.

Sparking outlets need immediate attention.

Electrical Panel

Check For:

• ☐Burning smell near the panel
• ☐Scorch marks or discoloration
• ☐Rust or corrosion
• ☐Breakers that trip frequently
• ☐Breakers that won't reset
• ☐Double-tapped breakers (two wires on one breaker)
• ☐Missing knockout covers
• ☐Panel brands: Federal Pacific, Zinsco (known safety issues)

Red Flags:

Burning smell is a fire risk. Switch off the main breaker, call 911 if there is smoke or flames, and book a repair.

Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels should be replaced regardless of condition.

Light Fixtures

Check For:

• ☐Flickering lights
• ☐Buzzing sounds from fixtures
• ☐Lights that frequently blow bulbs
• ☐Fixtures with wrong wattage bulbs
• ☐Dimming when other appliances turn on
• ☐Discoloration around fixtures
• ☐Loose fixtures or dangling wires

Red Flags:

Frequent flickering throughout the house may indicate loose service connections. Call an electrician.

Extension Cords and Power Strips

Check For:

• ☐Extension cords used as permanent wiring
• ☐Extension cords under rugs or carpets
• ☐Damaged or frayed cords
• ☐Overloaded power strips (daisy-chained)
• ☐Power strips plugged into other power strips
• ☐Cords that feel warm during use

Red Flags:

Permanent extension cord use means you need more outlets installed properly.

Wiring and Cords

Check For:

• ☐Exposed wiring anywhere in the home
• ☐Damaged appliance cords (frayed, cracked, or melted)
• ☐DIY wiring that looks unprofessional
• ☐Wires run through doorways or under carpets
• ☐Aluminum wiring (homes built 1965-1973)

Red Flags:

Aluminum wiring requires special connections. Have it evaluated by an electrician.

GFCI Protection

GFCI outlets (with TEST/RESET buttons) should be in:

• ☐Bathrooms (all outlets)
• ☐Kitchen (countertop outlets)
• ☐Garage
• ☐Outdoors
• ☐Basement (unfinished areas)
• ☐Near any water source

Test Your GFCIs:

1. Press TEST: outlet should lose power
2. Press RESET: power should restore
3. If not, replace the GFCI outlet

Smoke Detectors

Check For:

• ☐Working smoke detectors on every level
• ☐Smoke detectors in or near each bedroom
• ☐Detectors less than 10 years old
• ☐Batteries tested monthly
• ☐Interconnected detectors (when one sounds, all sound)

Note:

Smoke detectors have expiration dates. Check the back and replace if over 10 years old.

Outdoor Electrical

Check For:

• ☐Outdoor outlets with weatherproof covers
• ☐GFCI protection on all outdoor outlets
• ☐No exposed wiring or open junction boxes
• ☐Exterior lights in good condition
• ☐Proper clearance from trees to power lines

When to Call a Professional

Immediately (stop using affected circuit):

• Burning smell
• Visible sparking
• Hot outlets or switches
• Buzzing from panel
• Shock when touching fixtures

Soon (schedule within a week):

• Frequently tripping breakers
• Flickering lights throughout home
• GFCI won't reset
• Two-prong outlets need upgrading

During next project:

• Want to add outlets
• Planning remodel
• Buying/selling home
• General safety inspection

Professional Electrical Inspection

For a complete assessment, a professional inspection evaluates:

• Panel condition and capacity
• Wiring type and condition
• Grounding and bonding
• GFCI and AFCI protection
• Code compliance
• Future needs planning

We offer comprehensive electrical safety inspections for St. Louis area homeowners.

Service Areas

We serve homeowners throughout the St. Louis metro including Chesterfield, Ballwin, Wildwood, Creve Coeur, Town and Country, Manchester, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, O'Fallon, St. Peters, St. Charles, Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, and Cottleville.

Schedule Your Safety Inspection

Book an electrical safety inspection and ensure your home's electrical system is safe and up to code.