Find and Understand the Panel
- Locate the main panel, any subpanels, and the main disconnect
- Note the brand, amperage rating, and approximate age of the panel
- Confirm the panel is accessible — not blocked by shelving, boxes, or a closet rod
- Look for rust, moisture staining, scorching, double-tapped breakers, or missing filler plates
Label the Breakers
- Walk the house with a helper and map each breaker to the rooms it controls
- Write clear labels — you want this before your first emergency, not during it
- Identify dedicated circuits for the AC, water heater, range, dryer, and well or pool equipment
GFCI and AFCI Protection
- Check for GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, garage, and exterior outlets
- Test each GFCI per the manufacturer's instructions and confirm it resets
- Note whether bedroom and living-area circuits have AFCI protection at the panel
- Flag any wet-area outlet with no GFCI protection at all
Outlets, Switches, and Fixtures
- Test every outlet and switch — note dead ones, loose ones, and anything warm
- Look for discoloration, cracks, missing cover plates, and painted-over devices
- Check for two-prong outlets, which indicate older ungrounded wiring
- Note switches that control nothing and fixtures that flicker
- Check ceiling fans and heavy fixtures for wobble or improper mounting
Smoke and CO Devices
- Confirm a smoke alarm in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level
- Add CO alarms if the home has gas appliances, a fireplace, or an attached garage
- Replace batteries and note the manufacture date — devices expire, typically around 10 years
- Test every device now rather than assuming the seller did
Prior Work and Warning Signs
- Look for exposed splices, wire nuts outside a box, or fabric-taped connections
- Check the attic, garage, and crawlspace for loose or unsupported wiring
- Note extension cords that look permanent — usually a sign of missing outlets
- Check exterior outlets, floodlights, and landscape lighting for weather damage
- Look for surface-mounted cords or conduit added after the fact
Plan Ahead
- Whole-home surge protection is inexpensive insurance for a new-to-you home
- List the upgrades you know are coming: EV charging, solar, battery backup, hot tub, shop, kitchen remodel
- Ask whether the existing service and panel can support those plans
- Start a folder for permits, panel photos, and any work you have done
Get a Professional Review When History Is Unknown
- The home is older, was flipped, or shows undocumented modifications
- You found two-prong outlets, an aged panel, or missing GFCI protection
- The inspection report flagged electrical items you have not resolved
- You are planning major additions and want a realistic capacity picture first
This guide is educational information for homeowners. It does not replace an on-site electrical inspection by a qualified, licensed electrician. Bespoke Electric — licensed electrical contractor, TECL #40467.