How can an inspector determine the condition of a building's electrical system?

Determining the condition of a building's electrical system requires a thorough inspection of its components. Assessing wiring, circuit breakers, and looking for signs of wear or damage is a direct method to evaluate the safety and functionality of the electrical system. Inspectors check for frayed wires, loose connections, burned terminals, and signs of overheating, which can indicate potential hazards or failures in the system.

While energy consumption levels can provide some insights into efficiency and usage, they do not reveal the physical condition or safety of the electrical components. Similarly, interviewing occupants may help identify problems but is subjective and not as reliable as a direct inspection. Lastly, restricting the evaluation to only the exterior electrical meter omits crucial internal components and could lead to a misleading understanding of the system's overall condition. Thus, a comprehensive physical investigation of the entire system, as indicated in the correct response, is essential for an accurate assessment.