Our inspection reports provide clear documentation of findings, organized by priority level. We do the following to give you complete information for informed decision-making:
- Explain the safety implications of the identified issues.
- Outline the recommended corrective actions.
- Provide cost estimates for necessary repairs.
San Mateo-Specific Code Knowledge
Since 2008, we've been conducting electrical inspections throughout San Mateo County. Our familiarity with local building codes, common construction practices in different neighborhoods, and municipality-specific requirements helps property owners navigate compliance efficiently.
Trusted by Local Property Owners
Our consistent track record across residential and commercial inspections reflects our commitment to thorough assessment and honest communication. We document real system conditions without exaggeration or unnecessary upselling.
Experience the Benefits of Our Professional Electrical Inspections
Safety Risk Identification
Professional inspections detect hazardous conditions, including:
- Deteriorated wiring
- Inadequate grounding
- Overloaded circuits
- Improper modifications
Early identification of these risks prevents electrical fires, shock hazards, and system failures that threaten the safety of your property and its occupants.
Code Compliance Verification
Electrical codes evolve continuously to incorporate new safety standards and technological advances. Our inspections compare your existing installation against current California Electrical Code requirements, identifying areas where upgrades or modifications may be required for legal compliance.
Real Estate Transaction Support
For buyers, pre-purchase inspections reveal the true condition of electrical systems, providing leverage for negotiations or budget planning for necessary repairs. For sellers, proactive inspections identify issues that could delay closing or reduce property value, allowing corrective action before listing.
System Capacity Assessment
Modern properties place unprecedented demands on electrical infrastructure through:
Our inspections evaluate whether your service panel, main disconnect, and branch circuits can handle current and anticipated loads.
Insurance & Permit Requirements
Many insurance carriers require electrical inspections for older properties or after major renovations. Municipal building departments mandate inspections for permit issuance and final approvals. Our certified inspection reports satisfy these institutional requirements.
Long-Term Cost Reduction
We identify minor problems during routine inspections that prevent them from developing into expensive emergency repairs. Discovering a loose connection now costs a fraction of repairing fire damage later.
Infinium Solar Roofing and Electric’s Electrical Inspection Services
Our inspection methodology follows the National Electrical Code standards and California-specific amendments, providing a comprehensive evaluation of all accessible electrical components.
Service Panel & Main Disconnect Assessment
We inspect the main service panel for:
- Proper sizing
- Breaker compatibility
- Adequate clearances
- Signs of overheating
We verify proper labeling, evaluate available capacity for future additions, and check for outdated equipment like Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels with known failure histories.
Branch Circuit Evaluation
We test outlets, switches, and lighting circuits throughout the property, checking for:
- Proper grounding
- Correct polarity
- Adequate wire sizing
- Functional GFCI/AFCI protection
We identify aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube systems, and other obsolete components requiring replacement.
Grounding & Bonding Verification
Proper grounding provides critical protection against electrical shock and fire. We verify grounding electrode systems, main bonding jumpers, equipment grounding conductors, and supplemental grounding for pools, spas, and outbuildings.
Outdoor & Weatherproof Installation Review
Exterior outlets, landscape lighting, pool equipment, and building-mounted fixtures face unique environmental challenges. We inspect:
- Weatherproof enclosures
- Proper cover usage
- Underground wiring methods
- Compliance with outdoor spacing requirements
Solar System Integration Analysis
For properties with existing photovoltaic systems or considering solar installation, we evaluate electrical interconnections, inverter installations, rapid shutdown compliance, and service panel capacity for battery storage integration.
Commercial & Multi-Unit Property Inspections
Commercial properties require evaluation of:
- Three-phase power distribution
- Emergency lighting systems
- Exit sign functionality
- Fire alarm wiring
- Accessibility to electrical spaces
We assess tenant improvement installations and verify common area electrical infrastructure.
What Our Electrical Inspection Includes
Visual Assessment of All Accessible Components
We examine the following throughout the property:
- Service panels
- Subpanels
- Junction boxes
- Electrical devices
We look for visible damage, improper installations, missing covers, and safety violations.
Operational Testing of Protective Devices
We test the following to confirm they function correctly:
- GFCI outlets
- AFCI breakers
- Surge protection devices
We verify the proper operation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
Circuit Load Measurement
Using specialized meters, we measure the actual load on individual circuits and overall service capacity. This data reveals overloaded circuits and available capacity for additions.
Thermal Imaging Scan
Infrared cameras detect hot spots indicating loose connections, overloaded circuits, or failing components. This non-invasive technology identifies problems before they cause outages or fires.
Voltage & Continuity Testing
We measure voltage levels at various points throughout the system, checking for proper distribution and identifying voltage drop issues that affect equipment performance.
Detailed Written Report
Upon completion, you receive a comprehensive report documenting all findings, including:
- Photographs of identified issues
- Recommended corrective actions prioritized by urgency
- Estimated costs for repairs or upgrades
Addressing San Mateo's Unique Electrical Challenges
San Mateo includes everything from Victorian-era homes to modern commercial developments, each presenting distinct electrical considerations.
Historic Property Electrical Systems
Older structures throughout San Mateo often feature outdated wiring methods that no longer meet current safety standards. Our inspections identify original knob-and-tube wiring, cloth-insulated conductors, undersized service panels, and two-prong outlets lacking proper grounding. We provide practical upgrade paths that respect architectural integrity while prioritizing safety.
Seismic Safety Considerations
San Mateo's location requires electrical installations that can withstand seismic events. We verify that:
- Panels are properly secured.
- Flexible conduit is used where appropriate.
- Emergency systems remain functional after ground movement.
Coastal Moisture Exposure
Properties near the Bay face accelerated corrosion of electrical components from salt air and humidity. Our inspections identify rust, oxidation, and moisture intrusion in outdoor equipment, service masts, and weatherproof enclosures.
Solar & EV Infrastructure Demands
As San Mateo property owners increasingly adopt renewable energy and electric vehicles, existing electrical systems face new capacity demands. We assess whether the current infrastructure can support these additions or requires service upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my electrical system inspected?
For residential properties, we recommend inspections every 3-5 years or when experiencing recurring issues. Commercial properties benefit from annual inspections due to higher usage demands. Inspections are also advisable before purchasing property, after major renovations, or following storm damage.
What issues do electrical inspections typically uncover?
Common findings include:
- Outdated panels requiring replacement
- Inadequate grounding
- Overloaded circuits
- Improper wire connections
- Missing GFCI protection in required locations
- Aluminum wiring requiring remediation
We also frequently identify DIY modifications that violate code requirements.
Will the inspection cover my entire property?
We inspect all accessible electrical components, including the following:
- Panels
- Outlets
- Switches
- Fixtures
- Visible wiring
We cannot inspect areas behind finished walls or in inaccessible locations without destructive investigation. However, our thermal imaging often detects problems within walls through heat signatures.
How long does a typical inspection take?
Residential inspections typically require 2-4 hours, depending on property size and system complexity. Commercial inspections vary significantly based on square footage and electrical infrastructure scope.
Can you perform repairs during the inspection?
While we identify issues during inspections, we provide separate estimates for repair work. This separation maintains the objectivity of the inspection and allows you to plan for necessary expenses. We can schedule repair work immediately following the inspection if you prefer.
Do you provide inspection reports for real estate transactions?
Yes, our inspection reports meet the documentation requirements for real estate purchases, refinancing, and insurance applications. We deliver reports within 24-48 hours of inspection completion.
Protect your property with professional electrical inspection services. Call Infinium Solar Roofing and Electric at (650) 600-0747 or contact us online today.
