A home inspection is crucial for maintaining the safety of your space. If you are renovating an old home or purchasing a previously owned house, a home inspection can help you find common electrical issues before they become dangerous.

Outdated systems, improper installation, and neglected safety features are common electrical issues found during home inspections.

Common Issues Your Inspector May Encounter

The team at Teague Electric conducts home inspections to ensure the safety and longevity of the electrical systems in your home. Here are some of the common issues we encounter.

Outdated Electrical Systems

Many electrical systems are out of date and lack proper grounding or have inadequate wiring. Sometimes, the system is all right, but the components are outdated.

For example, homes built before the 1950s may still have knob and tube wiring that doesn’t meet modern safety standards. Homes built in the 1960s and 1970s may have aluminium wiring, a fire hazard if not installed correctly or well-maintained.

Modern homes have more electrical requirements than before, and older buildings may have insufficient electrical capacity to meet those needs.

Overloaded Circuits

Often, there are too many appliances drawing power from a single circuit. This can lead to tripped breakers, overheating, and is a potential fire hazard.

Poor Wiring

Wiring done wrong is a serious safety risk. Home inspections often reveal frayed or exposed wires, inadequate junction boxes, and poor connections.

DIY-Work

If you have a previously-owned home, there may be dodgy DIY work. Electric work takes knowledge and skill, so incorrectly installed elements may not comply with electrical codes.

Reversed Polarity

Reversed polarity is a common issue that occurs when a neutral wire is connected where the hot wire should be. Not only can this damage your appliances, but it is also a shock risk.

Improper Drip Loops

Drip loops provide a safe place for excess water build-up that has collected on the conductors. They are usually found at the overhead wiring connection and are crucial to your electrical system.

Lack of Safety Features

GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets offer your home enhanced protection against electrical shocks. They are crucial in spaces like the bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor locations.

Poorly Placed Outlets

Some homes have outlets installed in inconvenient or hazardous places, like too close to water sources. These are often DIY jobs that may have other safety issues like faulty wiring.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are designed to keep your family and your home safe. But to do this, they need to be operational. Inspections often uncover missing batteries, expired units, or detectors that offer insufficient coverage.

Overused Extension Cords

Most people have and use extension cords in their homes. But these should be for occasional use and not become fixed features. Extension cords deteriorate rapidly with constant use, and they can become a fire and shock hazard.

Signs You Need a Home Inspection

Here are some obvious signs you should call a professional for a home inspection.

• Your home is more than 40 years old
• You have done a major renovation
• You are the new owner of a previously-owned home
• Your circuit breakers flip, and your fuses blow regularly
• You’ve noticed unusual noises from the outlets

Older Homes Often Have More Issues

Older homes are more susceptible to electrical issues like ungrounded wiring. This is a safety hazard and also puts your appliances at risk. Ungrounded wiring leaves your home vulnerable to surges and increases your chance of getting shocked.

A professional company like Teague Electric can inspect your home, and help you repair any safety issues, even if your house is older.

Let Teague Electric Keep Your Home Safe

Whether you need a thorough home inspection completed or want whole house surge protection or GFCIs installed, our skilled professionals can help. With over 40 years in the business, Teague Electric has seen it all and can help get your home up to code.

Home safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Contact us today to set up a home inspection.