Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a PowerCheck Electrical Safety Assessment?2. How long does the Electrical Safety Assessment take?
3. How are risks defined?
4. Can I obtain “low-risk rating” with old original wiring in my home?
5. Following repairs does the home need to be re-inspected by PowerCheck
6. What areas does PowerCheck serve?
7. What is the cost of the PowerCheck Electrical Safety Assessment?
8. How can I pay?
1. What is a PowerCheck Electrical Safety Assessment?
- A 100-point safety check of the electrical system conducted in your home. A comprehensive examination, from service conductors (power lines-into-house) thru to receptacles.
- Homes are rated extreme, high, medium or low risk
- Presents list of “Corrective Actions”. Should they be any safety concerns, the steps are presented to bring home to low risk.
2. How long does the Electrical Safety Assessment take?
- Average time: 90 minutes
3. How are risks defined?
- “Medium risk”: Identifies a home whereby the electrical system that was surveyed complies with the electrical code that was applicable at the time the house was built and all additions were done in accordance to the code at the time of the addition. The electrical system of a home described as Medium risk can be considered moderately safe.
- “Low risk”: Additions are regularly added to the electrical code for the building of new homes, further improving electrical safety. A home described as Low risk not only meets Medium risk, but additional actions have been taken to substantially bring the home up to current electrical standards. These actions include GFCI protection of receptacles in vicinity of water, installation of smoke alarms, and electrical bonding of gas line. A home rated Low risk has comparable electrical safety to that of a new home.
- “High risk”: One or more electrical hazards have been identified that do not comply with the electrical code at present nor as it existed at the time the house was built. These hazards can lead to accidental fire. Statistically the vast majority of homes aged 25-years or more have one or more hazards present, thus have fallen into this category at time of assessment. The leading cause of these hazards is due to unauthorized electrical work having taken place subsequent to the original installation.
- “Extreme risk”: One or more imminent electrical dangers have been identified. This risk rating provides protection to both the insurer and the client that the house does not remain in this dangerous state. Should a house be described as extreme risk, immediate action to eliminate the identified hazard(s) is required. To date about 2% of homes examined have fallen into this category.
4. Can I obtain “low-risk rating” with old original wiring in my home
(e.g.: “knob-and-tube”, aluminum wiring, “60-amp service”, fuse boxes)?
- Absolutely yes. If the original wiring is confirmed safe by PowerCheck.
- If there are any safety concerns, PowerCheck will identify where the issues are. Once they are repaired and any issues addressed, the home will be automatically re-rated at respective lower risk.
5. Following repairs does the home need to be re-inspected by PowerCheck?
- No, providing the electrical work has been carried out by a licensed electrical contractor the home will automatically be re-rated at the respective lower risk.
6. What areas does PowerCheck serve?
- Throughout Ontario and Western Canada
7. What is the cost of the PowerCheck Electrical Safety Assessment?
- Please call for a quote: 1-800-517-3630 or 604-684-3630.
- Rush service (safety check within 48 hours of booking) may be available in your area for a premium.
8. How can I pay?
- Credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express) or cheque