Electrical inspections are like a report card for your home’s wiring, outlets, and electrical systems. The goal? Safety.
Inspectors assess everything from the wiring in your walls to the condition of your electrical panel. Whether buying, selling, or just trying to keep your home safe, passing an inspection matters.
But what will fail an electrical inspection? This article explains the most common reasons and provides solutions. These solutions will ensure your home stays safe and up to code for years.
Key Takeaways
- Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common reasons for inspection failure.
- Poor labeling of circuit breakers and incorrect breaker sizes are common issues.
- Improper grounding and faulty GFCI/AFCI protection are safety hazards that often lead to inspection failure.
- Simple fixes like replacing damaged cover plates and installing additional outlets to reduce the use of extension cords can prevent failure.
- Regular system checks and professional help are key to staying on track.
Purpose of Electrical Inspections
The purpose of an electrical inspection is pretty straightforward: Safety. You don’t want your home to be at risk of electrical fires, surges, or shocks.
Inspectors check the safety of your electrical system. They ensure it meets codes like the National Electric Code (NEC). They check things like wiring, outlets, electrical panels, and lighting fixtures. A failed inspection can lead to hefty repair bills and potential hazards, so it’s worth paying attention to common trouble spots.
What Will Fail An Electrical Inspection? Common Reasons & Solutions
Let’s get into some reasons for failing an electrical inspection. But don’t worry, I’m including ways to fix each problem before the inspector even arrives.
Improper or Outdated Wiring
One of the most common reasons homes fail inspections is bad wiring. Improperly installed or outdated wiring can be a serious fire hazard.
Think of it like this: wires are the veins of your home, and if they’re too old or improperly set up, they’re bound to cause trouble.
The solution? Install new wiring. It might cost you upfront, but it’s worth it to avoid the risk of an electrical fire.
Overloaded Circuits
If your breakers are constantly tripping, you’re probably overloading your circuits. This happens when too many devices or appliances draw power from a single circuit.
Upgrading your electrical panel to handle more capacity is your best bet here.
Overcrowded Circuit Breaker
Packing too many wires into a single breaker can be a recipe for disaster. When circuits are overcrowded, the risk of overheating goes up, increasing the risk of a fire.
You’ll need to hire a professional electrician to add more breakers or install a secondary panel to distribute the load.
Incorrect Breaker Sizes
Breakers are designed to trip when they detect excess current. But if your breaker size doesn’t match the wire gauge, it won’t trip correctly. This mismatch creates a safety hazard.
The fix? Replace your breakers with ones that match the wiring or rewire the circuit with the appropriate wire size.
Mislabeled Circuit Breakers
Labeling your breakers may seem trivial, but it’s actually a big deal. A mislabeled breaker can create confusion during emergencies and inspections.
This one’s easy, make sure everything’s clearly labeled. A few minutes spent organizing your breaker box could save you a ton of stress later.
Improper Grounding
Proper grounding is essential to prevent electrical shocks and fires. Grounding issues are not something to shrug off because they’ll definitely lead to a failed inspection.
The fix here is to repair or replace faulty ground wires before your inspection.
Faulty GFCI and AFCI Protection
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) are designed to prevent electrical shocks and fires. If these outlets or breakers aren’t functioning properly, they’re useless.
Test them before the inspector comes, and replace any faulty units immediately.
Outdated Electrical Panels
Is your electrical panel ancient? Corroded? If so, it’s likely to fail an inspection.
Old panels may not have the capacity to handle modern electrical loads, or worse, they could be a fire hazard. Regular maintenance and replacement of outdated panels are key here.
Missing or Damaged Cover Plates
Exposed wiring is a big no-no. Missing or damaged cover plates leave live wires accessible, which can lead to electrocution or fire.
This one’s an easy fix: just replace or install new cover plates. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Excessive Use of Extension Cords
If you’re using extension cords as a permanent solution, you’re asking for trouble. Extension cords are meant for temporary use.
If you need more outlets, have them installed. Inspectors won’t look kindly on homes where extension cords are taking the place of hardwired outlets.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can lead to accidents, especially in areas like stairways and basements. Make sure these areas are well-lit with appropriate wattage bulbs before your inspection.
Unsupported Wiring
Long runs of wiring that aren’t properly supported can cause all sorts of problems, from shorts to fires. The fix is simple—use brackets or other supports to hold wiring in place.
Faulty or Missing Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors save lives, but they’re often forgotten about. If your home has faulty or missing smoke detectors, you’re likely to fail your inspection.
Test all detectors before your inspection and replace any that aren’t working.
Preventing Common Electrical Inspection Failures
Preventing failures is all about routine maintenance and catching problems before they get out of hand. You don’t need to be an electrician to give your system a once-over now and then.
Look for loose wires, warm outlets, and flickering lights. These are signs that something isn’t right.
If your home’s electrical system is outdated, upgrading it will save you headaches down the road. Always follow national and local safety standards to keep everything compliant.
Preparing for Electrical Inspections
Prepping for an electrical inspection is like studying for a test. You don’t want to leave it to the last minute, but if you’ve been doing your homework (aka maintaining your electrical system), you should pass with flying colors.
Pre-Inspection Check
Before the inspector arrives, walk through your home. Look for things like tripped breakers, loose outlets, missing cover plates, or faulty GFCI/AFCI outlets. Make sure all lighting is working and properly grounded. It’s the little things that often cause people to fail.
Hire a Licensed Electrician
You wouldn’t perform your own surgery, so why mess with your home’s electrical system? Hiring a licensed electrician to give your home a once-over before the inspection can save you from costly repairs later. They’ll catch things you might miss, and they can make sure everything’s up to code.
Review Electrical Codes
Electrical codes can vary by location, so it’s important to know what’s expected in your area. The National Electric Code is a good place to start, but local codes can have additional requirements. Make sure your home is in compliance with both.
Pass or Fail?
Failing an inspection isn’t the end of the world, but it’s certainly not fun. If your home does fail, you’ll need to make the necessary repairs or upgrades and have it reinspected. Passing, on the other hand, gives you peace of mind knowing your home is safe and compliant with current codes.
A failed inspection can also lead to additional costs if you’re in the middle of buying or selling a home. Buyers may request repairs before moving forward, or sellers could face delays in closing. Either way, passing is the goal.
Right Touch Electrical Offers Electrical Inspections
Right Touch Electrical offers top-notch electrical inspections, repairs, and code compliance electrical services in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas.
Their team of licensed professionals is dedicated to delivering “quality with a master’s touch.” If you’re prepping for an inspection or need repairs, give them a call today and make sure your electrical system is up to snuff.
FAQs
Electrical inspections can feel overwhelming, but having the right information can ease the process. Here are some common questions homeowners ask about electrical inspections:
How often should I get an electrical inspection?
It’s recommended to have an inspection every five years or before buying/selling a home. Regular checks can prevent issues from escalating.
What happens if my home fails an inspection?
If your home fails, you’ll be required to fix the problems and have the property reinspected before approval.
Can I fix the issues myself?
While minor fixes like replacing cover plates are doable, anything more complicated should be handled by a licensed electrician to avoid further issues.
Are older homes more likely to fail?
Yes, older homes with outdated wiring and electrical panels are more likely to fail due to outdated systems that don’t meet current safety standards.
What is the National Electric Code?
The National Electric Code (NEC) sets safety standards for electrical systems in homes and businesses across the U.S.
Final Thoughts
What will fail an electrical inspection? Often, it’s the small things like mislabeled breakers, missing cover plates, or faulty outlets.
Regular maintenance and professional inspections will help your home pass with flying colors. Contact Right Touch Electrical for fast, professional service that keeps your home safe and compliant.
