Overview
This blog post from AArdvark Electric Service, Inc. outlines the most common electrical code violations, explains their safety risks, and offers practical tips homeowners can follow to avoid costly or hazardous mistakes.
Highlights
Introduction
Electrical code violations are often hidden hazards that can put your property at serious risk. From outdated wiring and DIY repairs to unsafe panel modifications, these issues can quietly undermine your safety until they spark real trouble, like fires or electric shocks.
At AArdvark Electric Service, Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how often these violations occur and how easily they can be prevented with the right knowledge and a trusted professional. In this post, we’re highlighting the most frequent violations we encounter, breaking down why they matter, and showing you how to avoid them.
What Are Electrical Code Violations?
Electrical code violations occur when electrical work doesn’t meet the standards set out by the National Electrical Code (NEC) or by your local governing authority. These standards are updated regularly to reflect technological advancements, improved safety practices, and lessons learned from real-world incidents.
Code violations can range from minor oversights to serious safety hazards. While some issues may not cause immediate problems, they often create hidden risks that can lead to electrical fires, shock hazards, or long-term system damage.
Where Do Electrical Code Violations Come From?
In our experience, code violations usually come from one of four sources:
- Outdated electrical systems: Older homes and buildings often have wiring or panels that were compliant when installed but haven’t been updated since. These systems might still work but are at major risk of failing or becoming a hazard.
- DIY electrical work: Well-meaning homeowners sometimes attempt small fixes or upgrades without realizing they’re violating code. A quick fix without proper grounding or an improperly installed outlet can lead to much bigger problems down the line.
- Renovations and remodels: Additions or remodeling projects often change how electricity flows through a space. If the work isn’t done by a licensed professional, these changes can violate code and go unnoticed until an inspection—or an accident—reveals them.
- Unlicensed contractors: Hiring someone who isn’t properly trained or certified can save money upfront, but lead to costly corrections later. We sometimes fix work done by handymen or contractors who cut corners or simply didn’t know the latest requirements.
What Are the Most Common Electrical Code Violations We Fix?
Over the years, we’ve seen it all—homes wired like spaghetti bowls, panels overloaded beyond recognition, and DIY fixes that make us cringe. While every home is unique, some violations pop up again and again. Below are the most common electrical code issues we fix, why they matter, and how we handle them to keep your property safe and up to code.
Missing or Faulty GFCI Protection
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are required in areas where water and electricity might mix, such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, and outdoor outlets. They’re designed to cut power instantly if a ground fault is detected, preventing electrical shock.
We often find homes with outdated outlets in these high-risk areas, or worse, GFCIs that were installed incorrectly and offer no real protection. This is especially common in older homes that haven’t been updated to modern standards. Without proper GFCI protection, even something as simple as plugging in a hairdryer near a sink could pose a life-threatening risk.
How We Fix It
Our electricians install GFCI outlets that meet the latest NEC requirements. We also test any existing GFCIs to ensure they’re wired correctly and functioning as intended.
Overcrowded Electrical Boxes
An overcrowded electrical box isn’t just messy—it’s dangerous. When too many wires are crammed into a small space, the risk of overheating or short circuits increases dramatically. The National Electrical Code sets limits on how many wires and devices can occupy a single electrical box, depending on its size.
This violation frequently shows up in DIY upgrades or quick fixes, where people try to add outlets or lighting without upgrading the box itself. We’ve seen situations where overloaded boxes nearly caught fire before the homeowner noticed the warning signs, such as flickering lights or a burning smell.
How We Fix It
We calculate the box fill based on wire size and quantity, then upgrade the box to the correct size or install additional boxes to meet safety standards.
Incorrect Wire Splicing
Wire splicing is a common task during repairs or renovations, but when it’s done incorrectly—without a junction box or secure wire nuts—it becomes a serious hazard. Exposed wire splices can arc, overheat, or loosen over time, increasing the risk of electrical fires.
Code requires that all splices be housed in an accessible, covered junction box. We often uncover these violations tucked away in attics, behind walls, or buried under insulation during inspection calls.
How We Fix It
Our team inspects for hidden or unsafe splices and reroutes them into proper enclosures. We ensure all connections are secured, insulated, and labeled for future safety and servicing.
Overuse of Extension Cords
When a room doesn’t have enough outlets, homeowners often turn to power strips or extension cords to meet their needs. While convenient, this solution puts excessive load on a single circuit, especially in areas like home offices, living rooms, or kitchens.
The NEC has spacing rules for outlets, particularly in living areas, to reduce the need for extension cords and improve safety.
How We Fix It
We frequently help homeowners add strategically placed outlets to avoid these overload risks and bring their homes back into compliance. We also offer whole-room rewiring to ensure every space is safe, convenient, and code-compliant.
Lack of Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters
Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are required in most living spaces in newer homes. These devices protect against fires caused by arcing faults, which occur when electrical current jumps between broken or frayed wires. Unlike standard breakers, AFCIs are sensitive enough to detect these subtle but dangerous faults.
Many older homes simply don’t have AFCIs installed, and newer additions or renovations often skip them unless done by a licensed electrician.
How We Fix It
We regularly update panels and circuits to include AFCIs, especially during home safety assessments or pre-sale inspections. This brings the electrical panel up to modern safety standards and reduces fire risk.
Improper Grounding
Grounding is essential for safely directing stray electricity away from your electrical system and into the earth, where it can’t cause harm. When grounding is missing, damaged, or done incorrectly, the risk of electrical shock, appliance damage, and even fire increases significantly.
We frequently find improper grounding in older panels, DIY electrical jobs, or during upgrades that were never properly finished.
How We Fix It
Part of our service includes testing and correcting grounding systems to meet modern safety requirements. We inspect and upgrade the grounding system, which may include installing a grounding rod, bonding to water pipes, or updating wiring.
Illegal or Unsafe Panel Modifications
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s system, and when it’s tampered with, the consequences can be serious. These types of modifications are usually made by unlicensed contractors trying to cut corners or squeeze more capacity from an outdated panel.
Common panel-related violations include:
- Double-tapped breakers, which are when two wires are connected to one breaker
- Oversized breakers that don’t match the wire gauge
- Missing or incorrect labels, which confuse inspectors and repair techs
How We Fix It
We address these issues by redistributing circuits, installing a subpanel, or upgrading the entire panel. We also ensure every circuit is properly labeled for quick reference.
How Can You Avoid Electrical Code Violations?
While electrical code violations are common, they’re also completely avoidable with the right precautions.
Here’s how homeowners and property managers can stay ahead of issues and keep their electrical systems safe and up to code:
Hire a Licensed Electrician
First and foremost, always work with a licensed electrician, no matter how big or small the job seems. A team that meets all licensing requirements and undergoes ongoing training will ensure every project meets the latest safety standards.
Schedule Regular Inspections
If your property is over 20 years old or if you’ve recently completed renovations, an electrical inspection is a smart move. We recommend inspections before listing a home for sale, after purchasing a new property, or any time you notice flickering lights, buzzing outlets, or tripped breakers.
Document All Renovation Work
Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or finishing a basement, keep detailed records of all electrical work, permits, and inspections. If a future inspection reveals issues, having documentation will help show what was done, who did it, and whether the work was completed to code.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Strange smells, flickering lights, warm outlet covers, or frequently tripped breakers are signs of a potential violation—or worse, an impending hazard. These issues don’t fix themselves. Contact a licensed electrician right away to avoid a dangerous escalation.
Stay Safe and up to Code With AArdvark Electric Service, Inc.
At AArdvark Electric Service, Inc., we’ve built our reputation on fixing the mistakes others leave behind and helping homeowners avoid them in the first place. Our licensed electricians stay up to date with the latest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time.
Don’t wait for an inspection—or an emergency—to uncover electrical hazards. Call us today at (630) 789-1949 to schedule a safety assessment or consultation.