Common Electrical Problems found during an inspection – October 27, 2014
Common electrical problems called out in an inspection report should always be repaired. However, not all electrical items called out in an inspection require a qualified electrician.
Many Electrical problems can easily be addressed by a handyman or a proficient do-it-yourselfer. Other problems such as a double-tapped main should only be addressed by a well-qualified electrician.
We find most of our infractions in older homes or homes that have had DIY projects completed without a code inspection. The National Electrical Code (NEC) is updated every three years. However many municipalities do not implement the new changes for as many as 10 years. We use nationally accepted standards for our inspections because local enforcement varies so widely.
Some of the more common electrical problems we find are;
missing cover plates: exposes you to the risk of contact with energized wires
reverse polarity (hot and neutral wires installed backward): actually turns the power off after the appliance instead of before it
electrical splices make outside of junctions boxes: exposes wires and connections to possible damage by unintentional contact
openings in breaker boxes: may allow rodents and insects to enter the panel and build nests. In addition, panels are designed to contain electrical sparks or fires, open slots and knockouts defeat this built-in safety
More serious electrical problems that may require the use of a licensed electrician include;
Undersized wiring: wire size is determined by the expected current to be applied. Undersized wires may overheat and cause fires
Knob and tube wiring: knob and tube wiring is considered obsolete and presents serious problems when covered with insulation and is often spliced by
Knob and Tube wiring with non-standard wiring
inexperienced workers causing the risk of fire, In addition, many insurance companies will not insure a house that has knob and tube wiring present. for more information: https://hawleyhomeinspectionsllc.com/knob-and-tube-wiring-problems-january-15-2015/
Stab-Lok breakers and load centers: FPE Stab-Lok breaker panels have been responsible for many electrical fires and are considered unsafe and should be replaced for more information https://hawleyhomeinspectionsllc.com/fpe-stab-lok/
Double lugged main breakers: are probably the most dangerous we find because the main breaker will be 100 to 200 amps and we have found wires as small as #14 lugged into a 200 amp main. The problem; the #14 wire will overheat and may even melt before it trips a 200 amp breaker. for more information: https://hawleyhomeinspectionsllc.com/double-lugged-or-tapped-connections-july-17-2015/
improperly grounded service entry; an earth ground is required for proper protection to your home and its occupants. for more information:
As we move through the inspection process we will note these electrical problems;
any of the items listed above
lights and receptacles that are not operating properly
noisy vent fans and ceiling fans
any three-prong receptacles with open grounds or false grounds
suggest areas where GFCI receptacles should be installed
any other normal and customary deficiencies
Electrical codes are constantly changing as new electrical problems and solutions are identified. Generally speaking, most changes are not required unless changes are made to the electrical system. One exception to this general rule is GFCI protection. GFCI protection is relatively easy and inexpensive to implement. Therefore most municipalities are requiring this upgrade when properties change hands.
Hawley Home Inspections LLC, offers home inspections backed by years of field experience. We carry General Liability, Work Comp and E&O insurance to protect our customers.
Serving the entire St Louis Metro Area and South Western Illinois since 2010.