According to the National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) the second leading cause of home fires is electrical failures or malfunctions in the electrical systems. Unfortunately, it leads to around 13 percent of residential fires every year.
Despite these concerning statistics, electrical issues are often overlooked when people buy a new home. They might pay attention to such things as an enormous kitchen or a comfortable living room but the electric system is somehow ignored.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the top electrical issues discovered during home inspections. They will help you arrive at a better decision when purchasing a home and save you money for major future repairs. So, let’s begin.
1- Old Wiring And Electrical Panels
One of the most common electrical issues discovered during home inspections is outdated or faulty wiring. Older houses, which the US has in abundance, were constructed before 1960 and may contain wiring that is unsafe to use in modern conditions.
Usually, knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum wiring, or old-fashioned copper wiring are used in homes that were constructed before the development of the new generation of electrical codes.
Why It's A Concern
The problem with the old wiring is that it can ignite electrical fires. Knob-and-tube wiring, for example, is not grounded, which makes them vulnerable to damage. Moreover, aluminum wiring used in the 1960s and 1970s becomes loose with time and thus may lead to over heating, sparking, or even fire.
Solution
If outdated wiring is identified during your home inspection, it must be replaced by a licensed electrician. It is wise to replace old copper wires with new and improved copper wiring and make sure that all circuits are earthed to enhance the house’s safety.
2- Overloaded Circuits
Another issue that frequently arises during home inspection is overloaded circuits. This occurs when there are many electrical devices or appliances connected to a single circuit. For example, using a single outlet for several power strips, or running power hungry appliances on one circuit overloads the system.
Why It's A Concern
Excess current circulation in circuits will cause overheated wires, tripped circuit breakers, and even electrical fires. So, it is among the serious electric issues that should be addressed.
Solution
Seek the services of a licensed electrician or a home inspector trained in addressing electrical issues. Also, do not overload a single circuit, and avoid daisy-chaining power strips.
3- GFCI Outlet Issues
GFCI outlets are protective devices that guard you against electrical currents in the house wiring. They are necessary in places where water is used, including kitchens, washrooms, and yards. However, during home inspections, it’s common to find electrical issues related to GFCI outlets, such as missing outlets, malfunctioning units, or improper installation.
Why It's A Concern
Lack of or a faulty GFCI outlet can greatly raise the chances of an electric shock where there is water. Studies by the Consumer Product Safety Commission show that improperly installed or missing GFCIs cause several hundred electric shocks annually.
Solution
Hire a licensed electrician whenever you encounter issues with GFCI outlets. Make sure that all outlets located in wet conditions are well-protected to minimize accidents and injuries.
4- Exposed Or Damaged Wiring
It is another commonly detected electrical problem during a home inspection. Corrosion as well as physical damage can be a normal occurrence and wiring loses its efficiency due to many factors. It may include moisture, pests or regular wear and tear. It is especially so in areas where wires are more vulnerable including attics, basement or crawl spaces.
Why It's A Concern
Cables with bare conductors are a major threat to safety as they lead to electrical shocks or fire outbreaks. But, if the wires come in contact with something flammable or moisture, the risk becomes even more dangerous.
Solution
All cables that may be exposed or damaged should be repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Ensure that all wires are isolated and anchored correctly in the walls or conduits, otherwise they may cause accidents.
5- Incorrectly Installed Light Fixtures And Switches
Other common electrical issues in home inspection are wrongly installed lamps and switches. Sometimes it can be loose wiring, the wrong type of fixture, or sometimes it can be a switch that does not work properly. All of these issues are likely to cause problems in the future.
Why It's A Concern
Faulty installation can result in things like fluctuating or blinking lights, short circuits, or even electrical fires. If a fixture or switch is not connected correctly, it may also pose a danger to whoever might use it.
Solution
Let a qualified electrician check if a switch is loose, has a buzzing noise or otherwise seems to have a problem. All wiring connections should be properly done and installed safely where they are needed. When it comes to new constructions or remodeled homes, it is necessary to ensure that all fittings correspond to the delineated circuits.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Informed
Electrical issues during home inspections are not something to be taken lightly. They can prove to be potentially dangerous to use and can cause bigger trouble. There are several common electrical problems and some of them include; bad wiring, overloaded circuits, GFCI problems, and exposed wiring.
To ensure your home is safe and up to the standard safety code, it’s really important to get these electrical issues addressed before closing on a property. Some of these issues may be minor but they have the potential to get out of control and cause severe damage.
Hiring a professional home inspector will ensure that you notice these problems when they are still manageable. It is better to be proactive and take preventative action. If you have any doubt about any part of the electrical system in your home or want some advice on maintenance, do not hesitate to consult with Safe House Property Inspections.
We can check on your system and see what needs to be fixed and get your home’s electrical system in top form for so many years of comfortable living.
So, the next time you need to inspect electrical issues of a new home, remember Safe House Property Inspections. We can fix common electrical issues to save you a lot of trouble down the road.
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