Common Electrical Issues Found During Home Inspections

When you find your dream home, it’s easy to think that it’s perfect, and that there couldn’t possibly be anything wrong with it. But that is generally not the case. While a house may look immaculate on the outside, that is rarely true as far as internal systems and structure goes. The goal of any Cleveland home inspector is not to lay blame or find fault, instead our aim is to keep homeowners and homebuyers safe and informed.

Of all the issues we uncover during typical home inspections, electrical issues are pretty high in the rankings. Here we will discuss common electrical problems, their implications, and the importance of addressing them as soon as possible.

Common Home Electrical Issues

There are numerous ways that a homeowner can unknowingly tax the electrical system in their home. Here are the situations that we most often discover:

Improper or Outdated Wiring

Standards change and building codes evolve over time. New technologies and safer ways of doing things lead to updated guidelines and regulations. Outdated wiring systems–like knob-and-tube wiring and aluminum wiring–were appropriate for an age gone by, but they may not meet the energy demands of modern households that have numerous appliances. On top of this concern, older wiring can also suffer from degradation, leading to deteriorated insulation, rendering the wiring unsafe and a fire risk.

Exposed Wires or Open Splices

As time goes on, a homeowner may need to add new electrical lines or hook up new appliances. Many take the matter into their own hands and may make several splices into an existing line. Neglecting to secure this splice properly inside of a covered junction box can pose a risk for severe shock and fire. 

Overloaded Circuits

Circuits that take in too many outlets or appliances can lead to the circuit handling more electrical current than it is designed to carry. This, in turn, can cause a situation in which an electrical line overheats, increasing the speed at which wires deteriorate, and raising the risk for fire. If extension cords are in permanent use, this is a clear sign that the existing electrical circuitry is not sufficient for modern needs, and prolonged use increases safety risks.

Improper or Missing Grounding

Electrical lines need to be grounded so that any excess electricity in an electrical system has a safe, low-resistance path to travel into the earth. Once safely transmitted away from the home, excess electricity dissipates and can no longer lead to electrical shock, fires, and equipment damage. If grounding is missing, these risks increase dramatically.

Missing or Faulty GFCI Outlets

Every room or space in the home that naturally has an increased likelihood of exposure to moisture–bathroom, kitchen, laundryroom, garage, outdoors, etc.–requires the use of 

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. What is a GFCI Outlet? This electrical safety device shuts off power to an outlet when it detects an imbalance in the current, which can happen when humidity or moisture gets in an outlet. This in turn helps to prevent the risk of severe electric shock and electrocution.

Faulty or Improperly Wired Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers that are inadequate, outdated, or improperly sized could pose serious electrical issues. They could neglect to trip when they should. This would leave the circuit open to overcurrents and generally increase the risk of fire. Some brands have also been recalled or discontinued due to safety concerns, and wear and tear or even corrosion could lead to less than effective breakers. If two or more wires are plugged into the circuit breaker, connections can loosen leading to an increase in fire risk.

Improperly Wired Switches

Homeowners who install switches incorrectly may flip hot and neutral wires in a situation that is known as reverse polarity. While the line is generally still functional, improper wiring can create an increased risk of serious shock and electrical fire along with short circuits and appliance damage. Hiring an experienced electrician is the best way to ensure safety, adherence to codes, and proper functionality.

Worn-Out Outlets and Switches

Worn-out outlets and switches are often just ignored and put on the project backburner, but they can pose serious risks such as sparking, overheating, and even electric shock.

Why Electrical Inspections Matter

Your home’s electrical system is vital to the operation of your home, animating it and making it function. Just as you would visit a doctor if you notice worrisome changes in your body’s  various systems, the same holds true for your home–even seemingly minor concerns merit an inspection by a professional. Without skilled eyes on the electrical system, you can’t be sure of the safe operation of appliances, lighting, and other essential household features.

Whether an electrical issue is included above or something else entirely, it is vital for homeowners and home buyers to be aware of the situation, along with all associated risks. With a professional and experienced Cleveland home inspector on your side, you will be aware of the issues, risks, and remedies for any electrical problems you may encounter in a home you are planning to buy or already own. Addressing these issues in a timely manner ensures that your property remains safe and compliant with relevant codes and regulations. The average homeowner will not typically be aware of changing or updated electrical codes, but a Cleveland home inspector will be equipped with that knowledge.

What To Expect From A Home Inspection

When you work with a professional Cleveland home inspector, you can expect a thorough and detailed analysis of all of the major systems and components in your home. As far as the electrical system is concerned, a home inspector will check the following:

  • service entry and clearances
  • service panel
  • switches and outlets
  • visible wiring and junction boxes
  • grounding system
  • other related electrical components

But this isn’t the only information you receive. The benefits of electrical safety inspections include increased safety, close compliance with safety regulations, enhanced energy efficiency, and most importantly, peace of mind.

Your Local Home Inspector in Cleveland, Ohio

Home inspections are vital to ensure that sellers and buyers are on equal footing when it comes to negotiating price and sales terms. For the smoothest real estate transaction, inspections are vital. When it comes time for you to hire a Cleveland home inspector, you want to go with someone you can trust, like the expert team at Keystone Home Inspection. We offer convenient online scheduling in Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Lake counties and are ready to help you learn everything you need to know about your dream home. We’ll identify and give you advice on how to rectify potential risks before they become major problems. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services, to see what our customers are saying, and to plan an inspection of your own.

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