Top Electrical Code Violations to Avoid in Your Home
- Always Affordable Electric Inc.
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Whether you live in a historic row home in Philadelphia or a single-family home in Bucks County, your electrical system is critical in keeping your household running safely and efficiently. But with many local homes built decades ago and electrical codes evolving regularly, it’s not uncommon to find code violations hiding behind the walls.
These issues often go unnoticed until a home inspection, renovation, or safety concern brings them to light. Understanding the most common electrical code violations can help you make informed decisions about upgrades, avoid costly repairs, and, most importantly, keep your family safe.
Why Electrical Code Compliance Matters
Electrical codes are designed to protect people and property from fire hazards, electric shocks, and system failures. These standards are regularly updated by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to reflect advancements in technology and best safety practices.
In Pennsylvania, local jurisdictions typically follow the NEC guidelines, with additional state and municipal regulations. Older homes, especially those built before the 1980s, may not meet today’s standards even if they seemed fine at the time of construction. That’s why staying informed and proactive is so important.
Outdated or Deteriorating Wiring Systems
One of the most common issues in older homes is outdated wiring. Many homes in the Greater Philadelphia area still contain knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring, both of which are now considered unsafe. These older systems weren’t built to handle today’s electrical loads and can degrade over time, increasing the risk of shorts, overheating, or fires.
Knob-and-tube, for example, lacks grounding and is often surrounded by brittle insulation. Aluminum wiring, used widely in the 1960s and 70s, expands and contracts more than copper, which leads to loose connections. If you’re living in or purchasing an older home, a licensed electrician can assess your system and recommend safer alternatives.
Missing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCI protection is now required in areas where water and electricity are in close proximity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and outdoor spaces. These outlets are designed to shut off power instantly if they detect an imbalance in current, reducing the risk of electrical shock.
Unfortunately, many homes in Greater Philadelphia still lack GFCIs in these high-risk areas. Without them, you and your family may be exposed to avoidable hazards. Replacing standard outlets with GFCI models is a relatively quick and inexpensive fix that can bring your home up to code and significantly improve safety.
Improper Electrical Panel Configurations
Your home’s electrical panel is the control center for your entire system. If it is outdated, overcrowded, or improperly wired, it can quickly become a safety hazard. In many cases, homeowners unknowingly overload circuits or use the wrong size breakers, which may prevent the system from shutting off during an electrical fault.
Homes with Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand panels, commonly installed in the mid-20th century, are especially vulnerable and have a documented history of failing to trip during overloads. These panels should be replaced immediately if still in use.
Upgrading your panel or correcting wiring errors not only prevents electrical fires, it also ensures your home can safely handle modern appliances and devices.
Lack of Grounding or Bonding
Proper grounding is a crucial safety feature in every home. It provides a safe path for excess electricity to travel to the earth in case of a fault. Without grounding, any stray electrical current may instead pass through you or your appliances, creating a serious shock hazard.
Homes built before the 1960s often lack proper grounding altogether, especially if no major upgrades have been done. Bonding, which connects all metal parts that could carry current, goes hand-in-hand with grounding and is just as important.
If your outlets don’t have three-prong receptacles or you notice flickering lights or shocks from appliances, you may have grounding issues. An electrician can perform tests to determine whether your system is properly grounded and bonded.
Unsafe DIY Electrical Work
Not all violations stem from age. Some are the result of well-intentioned but unsafe DIY projects. Homeowners may install outlets, fixtures, or even entire circuits without the proper knowledge or permits. While some issues are minor, others can be dangerous, especially when junction boxes are left uncovered, wires are improperly spliced, or connections are made without the correct tools or materials.
In Philadelphia and surrounding areas, electrical work typically requires permitting and inspection to ensure it meets code. Hiring a licensed electrician helps you avoid violations and ensures the work is done correctly the first time.
Receptacle and Switch Problems
Over time, switches and outlets can loosen, wear out, or stop functioning altogether. In some cases, they may have been installed incorrectly from the beginning, such as with reversed polarity or missing neutral wires.
In modern homes, tamper-resistant outlets are also required, especially in areas accessible to children. These help prevent objects from being inserted into the slots, reducing the risk of injury. While they may seem like a small detail, missing or faulty outlets are among the most cited code violations during home inspections.
When to Take Action
Whether you’re buying a home, renovating, or simply haven’t had an electrical inspection in years, now is a good time to ensure your system is safe and code-compliant. While some violations may seem minor, they can pose real risks when ignored.
At Always Affordable Electric Inc., we’ve helped countless homeowners across Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and more address these issues with honest, affordable service. We believe electrical safety shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be the standard. If you're unsure whether your home meets current codes, we're here to help assess your system and recommend solutions that fit your needs and budget.
Need help identifying electrical code issues in your home?
Contact our team today to schedule a safety inspection or get a second opinion.
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