Why Every Rhode Island Homebuyer Should Schedule an Electrical Inspection
When you’re buying or selling a home, most people assume a general home inspection covers everything, but electrical systems are often barely tested or completely overlooked. That’s where a licensed electrician makes all the difference.
⚡ Why Electrical Inspections Matter
Hidden issues like outdated panels, aluminum wiring, or missing GFCI protection aren’t just code violations, they’re safety hazards that can cause fires, tripped breakers, or shock risks. A professional electrical inspection by Melone Electric ensures your home’s wiring, grounding, and protection devices are safe, compliant, and ready for modern loads.
Who Can Perform Electrical Inspections in Rhode Island?
Recent changes to Rhode Island law clarified that most electrical inspections must be performed by a licensed electrician, not a general home inspector.
Both local news coverage and guidance from the Rhode Island real estate industry explain this distinction, especially for buyers and sellers navigating transactions:
WPRI News: Only electricians may perform electrical inspections in RI homes
Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®: New law on electrical inspections
What this means for homeowners is simple: if you want a clear understanding of an electrical system’s condition, safety, and upgrade needs, the inspection should be handled by a licensed electrician who works with electrical systems every day.
What We Check During an Inspection
Our inspection includes a complete visual and safety check of:
Electrical panels, breakers, and grounding
Wiring condition, junction boxes, and terminations
GFCI and AFCI protection
Outlets, switches, and smoke detector placement
Bonding at water heaters, panels, and subpanels
We’ll identify any outdated or unsafe components and provide clear recommendations so you know exactly what needs attention before closing or upgrading.
When to Schedule an Electrical Inspection
You should have one done when:
Buying or selling a home
Adding new loads (EV charger, heat pump, generator, etc.)
Upgrading your service panel
After major renovations
Even if your lights seem to work fine, small wiring issues can build up over time. Getting ahead of them keeps your system safe and up to code.
Peace of Mind You Can Trust
At Melone Electric, we treat every inspection like it’s our own home, clean, thorough, and code-compliant. You’ll get a clear report and recommendations from a licensed Rhode Island electrician, not a checklist from a general inspector.
