Philadelphia’s Leading Electrical Underwriting & Inspections
Accredited Third-Party Inspection & Underwriting for Residential, Commercial, & Industrial Projects
A-1 Electric is a fully accredited and certified electrical underwriter holding a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania agency number certificate. That certificate recognizes us as an accredited third-party inspection agency and a trusted electrical inspector for PECO customers. We maintain accreditation through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, and local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) throughout the region. Our inspection licenses cover residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
We also work directly with property owners who need electrical work performed. As a licensed electrical contractor and a certified third-party inspection agency, we serve both roles. One firm boundary we hold: we can't serve as both the electrician and the inspector on the same project.
Need an electrical underwriter or third-party inspection in Philadelphia? Call (267) 651-0684. We can get an inspector to your door in just 24 hours.
Underwriter vs. Electrical Inspection Agency
These two roles are related but distinct. Understanding the difference helps property owners and contractors know exactly what they’re requesting and why each matters.
Underwriter
A certified electrical underwriter assesses the risks associated with insuring or financing a property, project, or electrical installation. They evaluate the potential risks of insuring electrical systems or structures and determine the appropriate terms, premiums, or coverage limits. Underwriters look at the broader picture, including the quality of electrical systems, compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), and overall safety to assess liability. They may rely on reports from electrical inspection agencies or certified inspectors to reach their conclusions.
Electrical Inspection Agency
An electrical inspection agency examines and verifies that electrical installations meet safety standards, building codes, and regulatory requirements. Inspectors conduct on-site inspections of wiring, fixtures, and electrical systems to confirm compliance with national, state, and local codes, including the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), where applicable. They issue certifications or reports confirming whether a residential electrical system or commercial installation is safe and code-compliant. Their work is technical and site-specific, and it must be performed by an independent party. The electrician who performed work on a property can't also serve as the inspector; that would represent a direct conflict of interest with the AHJ.
Before inspections were legally required, our founder was already calling in underwriters to verify his own work. That standard has never changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Underwriter’s Certificate & Why Does PECO Require One?
An underwriter’s certificate is a document issued by a certified third-party inspection agency confirming that an electrical system meets current NEC code requirements. PECO and other utilities require it before restoring service that has been disconnected, helping confirm the electrical system is safe to re-energize before power is turned back on.
Can the Same Company Do My Electrical Work and Inspect It?
No. The electrician who performs the work can't also serve as the inspector on the same project. An independent third-party agency is required.
How Long Does a Reintroduction of Service Inspection Take?
The on-site inspection itself takes about 15 minutes. Generally, we can produce and submit a certificate of compliance to your utility provider in just 48 hours.
How Quickly Can I Get an Inspector On-Site?
A-1 Electric offers an inspector on-site within 24 hours of your initial call. That commitment applies to residential and commercial inspection requests throughout our service area.
Areas We Serve
We provide electrical underwriting and inspection services throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
This includes:
- Bucks County
- Chester County
- Delaware County
- Montgomery County
- Philadelphia County
No matter where in Pennsylvania a project is located, our certification covers it.
Call (267) 651-0684 if you need an electrical underwriter or inspector in Philadelphia.
From residential panels to industrial service, we hold licenses across every project type and every Pennsylvania county.
- Residential Inspections
- Commercial Inspections
- Industrial Inspections
- Reintroduction of Service
- Third-Party Inspections
- Certificate of Compliance
- Electrical Contracting
- Emergency Electrical Service
- Bucket Truck Services
- High Voltage Experience