Electrical safety is a critical concern for homeowners in Aurora and the Greater Denver area. Since 1999, Done! Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric has been the trusted partner for ensuring homes meet and exceed electrical standards. Our commitment to excellence means providing reliable solutions to keep your electrical systems safe, efficient, and up to code.
In this article, we’ll examine the common factors that can lead to a failed home electrical inspection—ranging from outdated wiring and improper installations to missing safety features. Backed by years of experience, our licensed electricians are equipped to identify and resolve these issues promptly. With our comprehensive approach, we help you protect your investment, avoid unnecessary delays in property transactions, and maintain the highest level of safety for your home and family.
Understanding the Importance of Electrical Inspections
Why Electrical Inspections Matter
Electrical inspections are key to ensuring your home is safe and running smoothly. Inspectors check that your system works efficiently, complies with the National Electric Code (NEC), and meets local standards. Passing an inspection confirms that your home’s wiring, outlets, and panels are in good shape and capable of handling your household’s needs. On the flip side, failing highlights serious risks—like fire hazards or electrical shocks—that require immediate attention.
Regular inspections also protect your investment. A failed inspection can delay selling your home, increase repair costs, and even impact your insurance coverage. Addressing potential issues now can save you significant trouble down the road.
The Role of Electrical Inspectors
Electrical inspectors carefully examine every part of your home’s electrical system. They’ll evaluate the wiring inside your walls, check your electrical panel, inspect outlet placement, and even notice small details like missing cover plates. Their job is to ensure everything is installed safely and meets modern standards. If something falls short, they will flag it for correction.
Common Reasons for Failing a Home Electrical Inspection
Improper or Outdated Wiring
Old wiring is one of the most frequent reasons for failing an inspection. Homes built decades ago often have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, which are no longer considered safe. These older systems overheat easily and can’t handle the demands of today’s appliances and electronics. Signs of trouble include flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, or burning smells. Upgrading to modern copper wiring improves safety and ensures compliance with today’s standards.
Double-Tapped Circuit Breakers
A double-tapped breaker occurs when two wires are connected to a breaker designed for just one. While it might seem harmless, this can cause loose connections, overheating, and even fires. Inspectors will catch this quickly since it violates code. Fixing it may involve upgrading to a breaker designed for two wires or adding another breaker to handle the load more safely.
Lack of Proper Grounding
Proper grounding protects your home from electrical surges and shocks. Without it, excess electricity from a surge has nowhere safe to go, which can damage appliances or even cause a fire. Common grounding problems include missing ground wires or incorrect connections. Ensuring that outlets and panels are properly grounded is a straightforward fix that helps avoid inspection failure.
Missing or Non-Functional GFCI Protection
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are required in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor spaces. These outlets cut power instantly when they detect a fault, reducing the risk of electric shocks. Missing or faulty GFCIs are a frequent reason for failure. Installing or repairing them where needed is a simple way to improve safety and meet code requirements.
Ungrounded Receptacles
Old two-prong outlets don’t provide the protection of modern three-prong grounded outlets. These outdated receptacles increase risks of electrical shock and fire. Upgrading to grounded outlets is not only safer but also keeps your home up to standard.
Exposed or Damaged Wiring
Exposed or damaged wiring creates serious safety risks, including shocks and fires. This can result from DIY fixes, pest damage, or general wear and tear. Inspectors will flag any visible wiring problems, so it’s important to have them repaired by a professional. Covering exposed wires and replacing damaged sections ensures you’re inspection-ready.
Missing or Damaged Cover Plates
Cover plates protect wiring and prevent accidental contact with live electrical components. Missing or broken plates are not only a safety hazard but also a guaranteed reason for inspection failure. Replacing these plates is an easy fix that makes a big difference in your results.
Improper Installation of Electrical Panels
Electrical panels are the backbone of your home’s electrical system, so inspectors examine them closely. Issues like overcrowding, loose connections, or mislabeled breakers can lead to overheating and confusion during emergencies. Proper labeling and secure connections are essential for passing your inspection.
Overreliance on Extension Cords
Extension cords should only be used temporarily. Relying on them to power multiple devices signals a lack of outlets and increases fire risks. Inspectors often flag this as a sign of inadequate infrastructure. Installing more outlets is a safer, permanent solution.
Improper Lighting in Closets and Storage Areas
Exposed light bulbs in closets and storage areas can overheat and ignite nearby items, creating a fire hazard. Modern codes require covered fixtures or LED lighting in these spaces. Upgrading your lighting improves safety and ensures compliance.
How to Prepare for a Successful Electrical Inspection
Hire a Licensed Electrician Like Done!
A licensed electrician can spot potential problems before your inspection. At Done Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, our team will evaluate your system, suggest necessary updates, and ensure everything meets current codes. Hiring professionals gives you confidence and protects your investment.
Conduct a Pre-Inspection Checklist
Going through your home on your own can help you identify small fixes before the inspector arrives. Look for missing cover plates, test GFCI outlets, and ensure light fixtures are secure. Tackling these quick fixes ahead of time can save you money and stress.
Stay Informed on Electrical Codes
Electrical codes change regularly to improve safety. Staying up to date with requirements like tamper-resistant outlets or expanded GFCI protections ensures your home remains compliant and safe.
Trust Done! for Your Electrical Needs in Aurora and Greater Denver
At Done, we know how stressful preparing for an electrical inspection can feel. Our licensed electricians are here to guide you through the process and address common issues that lead to failures. From replacing outdated wiring to adding GFCI protection, we offer expert solutions to ensure a smooth inspection.
We provide:
- Thorough Electrical Assessments: Spotting problems before they become bigger issues.
- Professional Repairs and Upgrades: Bringing your home up to current codes.
- 24/7 Emergency Services: Ready to assist whenever you need help.
One Call… It’s Done!
Don’t let electrical issues jeopardize your home’s safety or delay your property transactions. Trust the experts at Done! Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric to ensure your electrical system meets and exceeds all required standards. Our licensed electricians are ready to identify and resolve any problems promptly, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment.
Contact Done today at (833) 539-9153 or schedule an appointment online at itsdone.com to book your electrical inspection in Aurora or the Greater Denver area. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will work with you to find the best solutions for your needs and budget, guaranteeing a smooth and worry-free inspection process.
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