NAVIGATION

Why an Electrical Risk Inspection?
Based on some current trends in the Insurance Industry, it appears that some agencies are now considering that a risk assessment (inspection) be done on your current electrical system, as part of the terms for coverage. The Broker Underwriting Guide specifically states that “Wiring – Extensively updated to meet the demands of the array of modern appliances with a modern circuit breaker system suitable for the load. Minimum 100 amp electrical service. We do not insure risks with knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring.” This is only a guide. Real estate companies are also finding out that the client requires more of a qualified electrical assessment than a Home Inspection agency can provide. Also, the general public is looking for assessments for their own peace of mind. We at Kenrick Electrical Solutions Ltd. have developed a comprehensive checklist, and procedures, that address these requirements.

Since we are also certified Electrical Contractors, our risk assessment (inspection) is accepted by such agencies in the province of British Columbia. Some Insurance companies will only accept a check list from a company they have pre-approved. We offer the client the peace of mind that they can have a safe operating electrical system assessed by qualified electrical technicians.

What is involved in an Electrical Risk Inspection?
It begins when one of our qualified electrical trade’s technicians goes to your residential dwelling or commercial site. There, we conduct a very thorough inspection of your entire electrical system. The electrical system is checked for sufficient capacity and safety, and evaluated in terms of its current condition and suitability for future use. This includes a load calculation to assess what your current system can handle. Upgrades and repairs are recommended where appropriate. You are given a detailed written checklist, on site, with all the relevant details of your existing electrical system. Included and documented would be any areas or items that may require immediate attention, and include the pertaining Canadian Electrical Code rule. We then do an overall analysis at our office, on a word document, and send it to the client. This is all included in the price. We also have a team of impartial Electrical Contractors that will look after any electrical needs that are identified, or you can choose one for yourself. The common question we are asked is “Why not just use just any certified electrical contractor for the safety check in the first place?” 

There are a number of reasons:

1. Some electrical contractors are good at installing and not trouble shooting.

2. Some cannot do the transition from residential wiring to commercial installations.

3. In my experience as an Electrical Inspector, some contractors only checked the obvious and did not do a through and complete analysis of the installation. This sometimes led to those issues being corrected and other safety concerns missed.

4. A lot of contractors are either to busy or do not want to do this type of safety check. We at Kenrick Electrical Solutions Ltd. do exclusively risk inspections and make it a priority to the client to do it in a timely manner.

5. Another reason is that we have Errors and Omissions Insurance, while most electrical contactors only have liability insurance. This is of no help to the customer in a risk inspection.

6. Some Insurance companies will not accept a risk inspection checklist unless the contractor is registered with them and on their list as approved to do so.

What are the costs for an Electrical Risk Inspection?
 
These costs are based on the industry standards for Electrical Safety Surveys/Electrical Risk Inspections. Applicable Taxes will also apply.
 

Please note that payment is due upon completion of the inspection as the report is given on site. Note also that payment is by cash or cheque only.

RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS: For locations in the Parksville/Qualicum and Nanaimo area the typical cost is $200.00. This is contingent on a standard residential single family dwelling (2500 sq feet or less). The time allotted would be approximately one and one half hours, which also includes the time required to do the checklist. Larger or more complex installations would be $85.00 per hour or portion thereof after the first initial one and one hours. Dwellings outside of the Parksville/Qualicum and Nanaimo regions would have an out of territory fee applied. The customer is advised at the time of booking what that would be.

COMMERICAL INSTALLATIONS: For locations in the Parksville/Qualicum and Nanaimo area the typical cost varies on the complexity for the type of commercial installation. For 120/240 volt and 120/208 volt hydro services the rate is $275.00 for the first initial hour and $85.00 per hour or portion thereof. For service characteristics that are larger than the above, a quote would be made available at the request of the client. Providing a safe WorksafeBC environment and workplace orientation, while conducting a risk inspection, is the responsibility of the owner or tenant of the installation. Safe access to heights of over 10 feet is to be provided by the owner or tenant. Installations outside the Parksville/Qualicum and Nanaimo region would have an out of territory fee applied. The client is advised at the time of booking what that would be.

What are our Qualifications and Responsibilities?
You need only look under the link of Team Leader. Kenrick Electrical Solutions Ltd. follows all necessary WorksafeBC standards and practices. We strive to be the best in what we do so that you can be assured you are receiving the best information and recommendations available in the electrical industry. As electricians we are better qualified than most Building Inspection Services, whose electrical training and expertise gives them a certificate of completion.  This allows them to only make visual electrical determinations. Only Certified Electrical Contractors, in good standing with the British Columbia Safety Authority, are qualified to make a complete assessment of your electrical system. The home inspector’s electrical assessment may also not qualify as being recognized in the insurance industry and liability is also of concern for the real estate industry. We at Kenrick Electrical Solutions Ltd. go one step further by providing our exclusive site report and we are properly insured, including the ‘errors and omissions’ portion, for your security. We are also constantly upgrading our skills and have a large network in place where we can go to receive the most up to date information.