When it comes to protecting your home, an electrical panel inspection is one of the most important safety steps you can take. Most Fresno homeowners don’t think about their panel until something stops working — but the real danger is what you don’t see.
Recently, our team at 7th Heaven Construction opened a client’s panel and discovered a near-miss that could have easily turned into a house fire.
A Real Example of a Disaster We Prevented
During a routine project, we opened a panel where another installer had previously done work. Inside, we found:
- No bushings installed where the wires entered the panel
- Wire insulation peeled and damaged from rubbing against the sharp metal
- Exposed copper that was already charred from electrical arcing
- All conductors still connected and live, posing an immediate fire hazard
If this wasn’t caught during our electrical panel inspection, the homeowner would have eventually faced a full electrical fire. Situations like this are more common than most people realize.
Why Electrical Panel Inspections Matter
An electrical panel inspection protects your home from:
Fire Hazards
Damaged wires, loose connections, and missing bushings generate heat and sparks.
Overloaded Circuits
Older panels often can’t handle modern electrical demands like EV chargers, microwaves, and HVAC loads.
Improper or Unsafe Work
Not every electrician follows code. Some rush, some cut corners, and some simply don’t know better.
Insurance Claim Issues
If a fire is traced back to unpermitted or unsafe electrical work, insurance companies can deny claims.
When Should You Schedule an Electrical Panel Inspection?
You should have your panel inspected:
- Every 3–5 years
- Before and after any remodel
- When purchasing a home
- If your panel is older than 20–25 years
- Anytime you notice flickering lights, warm breakers, or frequent trips
To learn more about home electrical safety, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
https://www.cpsc.gov/
Signs You Need an Inspection Immediately
- Burning or metallic odors
- Breakers that feel warm or buzz
- Black marks, corrosion, or discoloration
- Lights dimming or flickering
- Breakers tripping repeatedly
If any of these symptoms show up, an electrical panel inspection is urgent.
Protect Your Home Before Something Goes Wrong
Electrical problems rarely show themselves early. Most fires start quietly, behind a panel or inside a wall — long before a homeowner realizes anything is wrong.
An inspection gives you clarity, peace of mind, and the information you need to protect your home and your family.
If you’d like, we can take care of this for you. We’ll open your panel, walk you through what we see, and show you exactly what’s safe and what isn’t. No pressure — just truth, safety, and the right next step.
For more information about our services, visit:
https://www.7thheavenconstruction.com/