Electrical Equipment Check & Repair Cost Guide
Circuit Breaker Panel Inspection
Typical Duration: 1-2 hours
Estimated Cost: $125-$250
Includes visual inspection, thermal scanning, connection tightening, and basic testing of breakers.
Outlet Testing and Repair
Typical Duration: 30 minutes - 1 hour per outlet
Estimated Cost: $65-$125
Includes GFCI testing, polarity check, and replacement if necessary.
Light Fixture Inspection
Typical Duration: 30-45 minutes per fixture
Estimated Cost: $65-$95
Includes wiring check, connection testing, and bulb compatibility verification.
Electrical Wiring Inspection
Typical Duration: 2-4 hours
Estimated Cost: $250-$500
Includes comprehensive wire testing, insulation checks, and identification of potential hazards.
Surge Protector Verification
Typical Duration: 30-45 minutes
Estimated Cost: $65-$95
Includes testing of surge protection devices and verification of proper grounding.
Electric Motor Testing
Typical Duration: 1-2 hours
Estimated Cost: $125-$250
Includes load testing, bearing inspection, and electrical connection verification.
Note: These are estimated costs based on our standard rate of $125/hour. Additional costs may apply for parts, materials, or complex repairs. A detailed quote will be provided after initial inspection.
Common Electrical Equipment Repair Procedures
Circuit Breaker
Repair Steps:
- Turn off main power supply
- Remove panel cover carefully
- Test breaker with multimeter
- Inspect for visible damage or burning
- Clean contact points if corroded
- Replace faulty breaker if necessary
- Secure all connections
- Test operation after replacement
Electrical Outlet
Repair Steps:
- Turn off power at circuit breaker
- Remove outlet cover plate
- Test wires with voltage tester
- Inspect for loose connections
- Check for burned or damaged wires
- Replace outlet if damaged
- Reconnect wires properly
- Secure outlet in box
- Replace cover plate
- Test outlet function
Light Switch
Repair Steps:
- Cut power at breaker
- Remove switch plate
- Test for power with voltage tester
- Remove switch from box
- Label wires before disconnecting
- Replace faulty switch
- Reconnect wires to new switch
- Mount switch in box
- Reattach cover plate
- Test switch operation
Ceiling Fan
Repair Steps:
- Turn off power
- Remove light kit if present
- Check mounting bracket security
- Inspect wiring connections
- Test motor capacitor
- Lubricate bearings if needed
- Balance blades
- Check pull chains
- Reassemble components
- Test all functions
Electric Water Heater
Repair Steps:
- Shut off power and water supply
- Drain tank if necessary
- Remove access panels
- Test heating elements
- Check thermostats
- Replace faulty components
- Inspect anode rod
- Reconnect wiring
- Refill tank
- Test temperature and operation
GFCI Protection
Repair Steps:
- Turn off circuit power
- Remove old GFCI
- Identify line and load wires
- Connect new GFCI properly
- Secure connections
- Mount in electrical box
- Attach cover plate
- Restore power
- Press test button
- Verify proper operation
Note: For safety reasons, many electrical repairs should only be performed by licensed electricians. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Understanding Electrical Equipment Checks

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
PAT testing is a systematic examination of electrical appliances to ensure they are safe for use. This includes checking plugs, cables, and the appliance itself for any signs of damage or wear. It's particularly important in workplace settings and is often required by insurance companies and health and safety regulations.
Circuit Testing
Circuit testing involves examining the electrical circuits within a building to verify they are functioning correctly and safely. This includes checking for proper grounding, correct voltage levels, and ensuring circuit breakers are working as intended. It's essential for preventing electrical fires and maintaining a safe electrical system.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging uses specialized cameras to detect heat patterns in electrical systems. This non-invasive testing method can identify potential problems like loose connections, overloaded circuits, or equipment that's running too hot before they cause failures or fires.
Earth Loop Impedance Testing
This test measures how effectively your electrical system can handle fault currents. It ensures that if an electrical fault occurs, the protective devices (like circuit breakers) will operate quickly enough to prevent electric shock hazards.
RCD Testing
Residual Current Device (RCD) testing verifies that these vital safety devices are working correctly. RCDs are designed to prevent fatal electric shocks by quickly cutting off power when they detect current leakage. Regular testing is essential to ensure they will operate when needed.
Insulation Resistance Testing
This test checks the quality of electrical insulation in wires and cables. Poor insulation can lead to electric shocks and fires. The test helps identify deteriorating insulation before it becomes dangerous.
Emergency Lighting Tests
These tests ensure that emergency lighting systems will work properly during power outages. This includes checking battery backup systems, light output levels, and proper operation of automatic switching mechanisms.
Fixed Wire Testing
Also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), this comprehensive test examines the entire electrical installation in a building. It identifies any deterioration, defects, or dangerous conditions that need attention.
Load Bank Testing
This test verifies that backup power systems, like generators and UPS systems, can handle their rated load. It's crucial for facilities that cannot afford power interruptions, such as hospitals and data centers.
Power Quality Analysis
This sophisticated testing examines the quality of the electrical power supply, checking for issues like voltage fluctuations, harmonics, and power factor problems that could affect sensitive equipment or cause inefficiencies.
Regular electrical equipment checking is not just about compliance – it's about ensuring safety, preventing costly breakdowns, and maintaining efficient operation of your electrical systems.
Signs of Electrical Equipment Failure
Common Signs of Electrical Equipment Failure & Maintenance Schedules
Circuit Breakers
Signs of Failure:
- Frequent tripping
- Burning smell
- Hot to touch
- Visible burns or scorch marks
- Buzzing or crackling sounds
Service Schedule: Annual inspection; replace every 20-30 years depending on usage
Electrical Outlets
Signs of Failure:
- Loose-fitting plugs
- Sparking when plugging devices
- Discoloration or charring
- Warm to touch
- Crackling sounds
Service Schedule: Inspect every 6 months; replace every 15-20 years or when signs of wear appear
Electrical Panels
Signs of Failure:
- Rust or corrosion
- Unusual sounds
- Warm spots
- Flickering lights
- Burning odors
Service Schedule: Professional inspection annually; replace every 25-40 years
GFCI Outlets
Signs of Failure:
- Won't reset
- Trips frequently
- Test button doesn't work
- No power output
Service Schedule: Test monthly; replace every 10-15 years
Light Fixtures
Signs of Failure:
- Flickering lights
- Buzzing sounds
- Dimming without cause
- Excessive heat
- Loose connections
Service Schedule: Inspect annually; replace fixtures every 15-20 years
Surge Protectors
Signs of Failure:
- Protection indicator light off
- Physical damage
- Burning smell
- No power output
Service Schedule: Replace every 3-5 years or after major surge event
Wiring
Signs of Failure:
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Burning smell
- Discolored wall plates
- Shock when touching appliances
- Dimming/flickering lights
Service Schedule: Inspection every 3-5 years; replace if house is over 40 years old or showing signs of wear
Note: These are general guidelines. Specific circumstances may require more frequent inspection or replacement. Always consult a licensed electrician for professional assessment.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.