You likely know how important home inspections are when you’re thinking of buying a new property. One of the many areas inspections look over is a home’s electrical system, which is crucial to a safe, comfortable property. Some electrical problems are more common than others, as illustrated by the following list. 

4 Common Electrical Problems Home Inspections Uncover

1. Ungrounded Outlets

Grounded outlets are those that have two slots and one round hole, which is to accommodate the ground wire. This provides surges of electricity with a safe place to go, which reduces the risk of fire or injury by electric shock. Older properties tend to have ungrounded outlets, meaning the ground wire hole is missing.

Ungrounded outlets have a higher risk of an electrical fire, and they can also destroy appliances when shorts occur. If you love everything else about the property, ask the seller if they’d be willing to cover an outlet upgrade to make the home safer. 

2. Spliced Wiring

Splicing involves removing the outer sheath and insulation from electrical wires and reconnecting individual wires together. It is used for many purposes, including adding a new outlet or changing out a light fixture.

When performed incorrectly, wires may be left exposed, which increases the risk of arcing, which is associated with dangerous shocks or even fires. Exposed wiring is a serious issue and must be fixed before you proceed with the real estate transaction. 

3. Damaged Service Panel

The service panel connects external and internal wires to ensure your home receives electricity. This is where you’ll find the circuit breakers or fuses, which get tripped when the system is overloaded.

Service panels may become corroded over time, suffer from water damage, or experience other issues. Because this is such an important component of your home’s electrical system, it must be in good shape when you purchase the property. 

4. Too Many Extension Cords in Use

Extension cords are perfectly acceptable in limited use, but when you notice they’re a fixture in multiple areas around the home, it indicates a real problem. Older homes with fewer outlets tend to be ill-equipped at handling numerous modern appliances.

Some people believe that extension cords are the solution to this issue, but all they really do is overload an already stressed electrical system. In this case, a wiring upgrade may be necessary. 

The only way to discover the above electrical issues is by having a solid home inspection performed before signing on the dotted line. Prior To Purchase Inspection Services, LLC has earned a reputation for excellence thanks to owner Robert Poynter’s more than 20 years of experience in the field. For 17 of those years, Mr. Poynter has held an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau®. He was also integral in developing licensing laws for the state of Kentucky when it comes to home inspections. Call (859) 802-8561 today for more information or see the full range of services available to residents of Highland Heights, KY, online.