Do you have a mystery switch in your house? A dead outlet or flickering lights? Don’t overlook symptoms of an ailing electrical system. Like all systems in the home, electrical devices and wiring can get old and cause problems or even become dangerous. Many homes have been remodeled by amateurs, handymen or the homeowner and dangerous conditions may exist. Even newly constructed homes may have unsafe wiring.
While remodeling our home we discovered that our ground system was “hot” which compromised the safety of the entire home. The picture below shows one box containing numerous wiring violations.
Attached is a checklist to perform your own brief survey but I suggest hiring a licensed electrician to perform a thorough survey and make any needed correction(s).
Brief Electrical System Survey
Not intended to replace a thorough survey performed by a licensed electrician. Never remove any safety cover from a panel, box or device, leave this to the professionals.
Electrical panel
o Is the cover firmly installed over the circuit breakers?
o Are any breakers loose or hot? *
o Are there any missing knock-outs in the panel cover?
o Is the brand name Zinsco? *
o Is the breaker box easily accessible?
*could be serious and need immediate attention
Outlets and switches
o Do all devices have covers?
o Are there any mystery switches?
o Do switches feel loose or sloppy?
o Do outlets have broken faces or plugs fall out easily?
o Do outlets within 6’ of a sink have GFCI?
o Do exterior outlets have “bubble” covers to protect from weather?
Lights
o Do ceiling lights have incandescent bulbs over 60W?
o Do any lights flicker?
o Do fixtures have the wrong style of bulb installed?
o Are exterior lights properly sealed against the siding?
Attic
o Do any wires travel over the top of a joist?
o Are there any wires connected outside of a junction box?
o Are all junction boxes covered with the appropriate cover?
o Do you see any bare or frayed wires?
Garage or outbuilding
o Are extension cords used as permanent wiring?
o Are garage door openers powered by extension cords?
If answering Yes to any of the above questions, consider hiring an electrician.
Some items like light bulbs and switch covers can be corrected by the homeowner.
Remember electricity is a shock hazard and a fire hazard.
