The electrical system is one of the major systems within a home and one of the systems of primary focus while performing a home inspection. Here is a list of the most common defects observed during the electrical panel inspection by home inspectors.

Oversized Fuses Or Breakers Inspection

Oversized fuses or breakers is very common. It’s not unusual for the homeowner handyman to strike and install whatever size breaker or fuse that physically fits in the panel even though it may be oversized and become a potential fire hazard. It’s important to ensure fuses or breakers are properly sized for the gauge of wire they are supposed to protect, otherwise if there is a fault in that circuit, the fuse or breaker may not trip as it is designed to, resulting in a fire. In general, correcting oversized fuses or breakers isn’t a big job and not overly costly, but it still needs to be addressed.

Missing Wire Clamps & Grommets Inspection

Missing wire clamps and grommets are another common defect found on electrical panels during home inspections. Again, an unqualified handyman probably doesn’t realize the value for proper wire isolation and might skip installing the proper clamps or grommets. This can lead to wire sheathing rubbing on the metal frame of the panel and someone getting hurt and it is also a potential fire hazard.

Double Tapping Inspection

Double tapping or also referred to as “double lugging”, is also another common defect found during home inspections, this is when more than one wire end is installed into a breaker or fuse receptacle. This can potentially lead to an overheating situation and is also a potential fire hazard. In some cases double tapping is permissible if the breakers are designed for multiple wire use or where a low voltage device such as a transformer for a doorbell is installed. In other rare cases, double taps may be permissible if passed by a qualified electrician or electrical authority. However, it is considered bad practice.

Incorrect Panel Cover Screws Inspection

Incorrect panel cover screws are also another common defect witnessed during home inspections. Panel covers must have flat tipped screws to avoid accidental piercing  of wire sheathing. All too often inexperienced homeowners have removed the panel cover, misplaced the screws and replaced them with longer wood type screws with sharp tips which may protrude into wiring.
Most of these issues commonly found in electrical panels during home inspections can be repaired usually without much grief and too much cost, so in most cases there isn’t a need to panic. That being said, they should not be left uncorrected and should be repaired by a qualified professional.

Home Logic Inspections performs thorough and professional home inspections, thermal imaging and drone inspections in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, High River, Strathmore, Bragg Creek and surrounding area.