What are some common electrical system issues in a home?
What are some common electrical system issues in a home?*
Before you move into that new house, it’s good practice and smart to hire a qualified home inspector to help you assess the building’s condition and identify potential problems. A licensed electrician should also be brought in to check for and identify any electrical problems which a regular home inspector might have missed. Common electrical problems found include the following:
Insufficient Power Outlets
Extension cords are meant for temporary use for external or remote power supply. Using them daily only means there aren’t enough power outlets to handle all of the electrical appliances used in the home. It is more common in older homes but is still a safety concern that should be addressed before moving in.
Wrongly Wired Switches
Electricians often find this problem when doing inspections. Sometimes people try to do their wiring or hire somebody with basic electrical skills and this frequently results in reversed polarity when hot and neutral wires are flipped around. This creates a shock hazard.
Missing or Faulty GFI Outlets
Faulty Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI’s) are a serious problem affecting even newer homes because of the common use of cheap substandard materials. GFIs are essential wherever a power outlet is close to a source of water such as in a bathroom. One sign of GFI failure is when they frequently ‘trip’ leading to loss of power to localized electrical components (lights or other power supplies on the same circuit). Replacing a GFI is a quick easy job for a licensed electrician, and higher quality components are more durable and reliable. GFIs are important as they protect you from the possibility of electrocution.
Double-Tapped / Lugged Breakers
This happens where multiple wires are connected to a single breaker – a dangerous practice considering most circuit breakers are designed for single wires. It can result in loose connections, arcing, and even fire. This can be corrected by installing additional circuit breakers or by wire nutting the connections together before the breaker panel in instances where there are no-load concerns.
Ungrounded Receptacles
Ungrounded receptacles are a common find, especially in older homes. It is prudent to have ungrounded receptacles upgraded to reduce the risk of fire if there is a fault with the appliance using the circuit.
Obstructed Drip Loop
A drip loop is a thing that keeps water from entering a structure through wiring inlets. Water trapped inside walls and electrical conduits can cause catastrophic problems and as such, broken or missing drip loops must be repaired or replaced as soon as they are discovered.
Improperly Buried Wire
Underground wires must be properly installed to shield them from the elements, animals, and other external disturbances. Electric circuits must be buried at the proper depth with standard conduits used to ensure safety and durability.
Service Panel Problems
It isn’t uncommon to find several problems in the service panel of many homes. Incorrect wiring diagrams, breaker problems, and other visible damages are just a few of the issues commonly found. Electrical panels should be large enough to serve the home’s requirements and also be in good working condition.
A Home Inspection Frequently Asked Question
*Disclaimer: This article has been written by a third party and permission has been granted to Charlottetown Home Inspections to publish the article on this website. As such, the article is provided for general information and educational purposes only, and does not constitute advice. Charlottetown Home Inspections cannot vouch for the accuracy or completeness of the information. The reader is encouraged to do his or her own due diligence and additional research, and to speak to a professional home inspector for the most up to date, accurate and reliable information.
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