06/26/2026
Electrical Inspection Q&A
VIGO ELECTRIC LLC – Your Trusted Licensed & Insured Electricians in Alpharetta & Greater Atlanta
404.484.2742 | [email protected] | www.vigoselectric.com
Here are answers to the most common questions about home electrical inspections, panel upgrades, EV chargers, generators, and safety.
1. What is a home electrical inspection and when do I need one?
A professional electrical inspection evaluates your home’s wiring, panel, grounding, breakers, outlets, and safety devices for code compliance, hazards, and capacity.
Common reasons:
• Before buying/selling a home
• After panel upgrades, EV charger, or generator installs
• For permits and AHJ (local authority having jurisdiction) approval
• When experiencing issues like tripped breakers or flickering lights
• Annual safety checks for older homes
VIGO ELECTRIC performs thorough inspections and handles permitting for all our work.
2. What does an inspector check during an electrical inspection?
Inspectors (and VIGO technicians) typically review:
• Service panel/breaker box: Capacity (amps), condition, proper labeling, double-tapped breakers, corrosion, or overheating.
• Wiring: Type, condition, proper sizing, and secure connections (no knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring hazards unless properly addressed).
• Grounding & bonding: Effective grounding electrode system.
• GFCI & AFCI protection: In required locations (kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, etc.).
• Outlets, switches, and fixtures: Polarity, grounding, and functionality.
• Service entrance: Meter, main disconnect, overhead/underground lines, clearances.
• Load calculation: For upgrades or new loads like EV chargers. 
3. Do I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger or generator?
Not always, but often. A load calculation determines if your current panel (e.g., 100A) has capacity.
• Many older homes need a 200A upgrade for Level 2 EV chargers (40–50A dedicated circuit) or whole-home generators.
• VIGO ELECTRIC assesses this during your free consultation and can bundle upgrades with installations for efficiency.