When you’re buying or selling a house, a home inspection is a big deal. It gives you a clear picture of what’s working—and what’s not. And when it comes to electrical systems, even small problems can raise big red flags.
Let’s be honest: electrical wiring isn’t the most exciting topic. But it matters a lot. Faulty wiring, outdated panels, or missing safety features can be dangerous. They can also cost you time and money if you wait too long to fix them.
In this post, we’ll walk through seven of the most common electrical issues found during home inspections, what causes them, and what you can do about them.
1. Outdated Electrical Panels
If the home still has a fuse box or an old 60-amp panel, it’s time for an upgrade. These older systems weren’t designed to handle the number of electronics and appliances we rely on today.
Why it’s a problem:
Modern homes need more power—plain and simple. Old panels can overheat, trip frequently, or even cause fires.
The fix:
Install a 200-amp panel. It’s not cheap (you’re looking at $3,500 to $5,000+), but it’ll make the home safer and more efficient. Plus, it can help with resale and insurance.
⚠️ Panels made by Federal Pacific or Zinsco are known to be unsafe. If the home has one, replace it ASAP.
2. Double-Tapped Breakers
This is a fancy way of saying two wires are connected to one breaker. It might not sound like a big deal, but it can cause loose connections and overheating.
Why it happens:
Sometimes people try to add a new circuit without installing a new breaker. It’s a shortcut—and not a safe one.
What you can do:
- Install a tandem breaker, if your panel supports it.
- Add a subpanel for extra space.
- Or use a pigtail to properly join wires and connect them to the breaker safely.
A licensed electrician can usually take care of this pretty quickly.
3. Ungrounded Outlets
Still seeing two-prong outlets around the house? That means there’s no ground wire. And no ground wire = no safe path for electricity to travel if something goes wrong.
Why it matters:
Without grounding, plugged-in devices are more likely to get fried during a power surge—and people are more likely to get shocked.
How to fix it:
- Run new wiring with a ground
- Or install GFCI outlets as a safer workaround (but you’ll need to label them)
4. Missing GFCI Outlets
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are required in places like kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoors. They shut off power if they detect moisture or a short.
What inspectors look for:
- Are GFCIs installed where code requires them?
- Do they trip properly when tested?
How to fix it:
Install GFCI outlets in key spots. They’re affordable (about $15–$25 each), but hiring an electrician to install them is a good call if you’re not sure what you’re doing.
🔌 You might also like: Bathroom Remodel Electrical 101
5. Aluminum Wiring
Homes built in the ’60s and ’70s may have aluminum wiring. It was cheaper back then—but over time, it expands and contracts more than copper, causing connections to loosen.
What to watch for:
- Lights that flicker
- Warm or discolored outlets
- A burning smell
Solutions:
- Replace the aluminum wiring with copper
- Or install AlumiConn connectors as a safer alternative
Insurance companies often charge higher premiums (or won’t insure at all) if aluminum wiring is present and not updated.
6. Overloaded Circuits
You know that moment when you plug in your hair dryer and the lights go out? That’s a classic sign of an overloaded circuit.
Why it happens:
Some homes—especially older ones—just weren’t built for the way we use electricity today. Too many outlets or appliances on one circuit can trip breakers or even damage your wiring.
What to do about it:
- Add dedicated circuits for big appliances like fridges, microwaves, or space heaters
- Spread out plug usage in high-traffic areas
- In some cases, your electrician may need to upgrade the wiring or panel
It’s a common fix, and definitely worth the peace of mind.
7. Exposed or Improper Wiring
This one’s a no-brainer. If you have exposed wires in the basement or attic—or wires held together with electrical tape instead of proper connectors—it’s a clear safety hazard.
Why it’s risky:
Open wiring can cause shocks, fires, or both. It’s also one of the quickest ways to fail a home inspection.
How to fix it:
- Use proper junction boxes with covers
- Secure all wiring with clips or staples
- Make clean, code-compliant connections with wire nuts or approved connectors
Don’t mess around with this one. A professional electrician can correct it quickly and safely.
What’s the Worst That Could Happen?
If you’re wondering, “Can I just leave these electrical problems for the next guy?”—not so fast.
Here’s why it’s worth fixing now:
- Fire risk: Bad wiring is one of the top causes of house fires in the U.S.
- Failed inspections: If you’re selling, buyers might walk—or demand a lower price.
- Insurance issues: Some carriers won’t insure homes with outdated panels or aluminum wiring.
- Unexpected repairs: What starts small can spiral fast if left unchecked.
When to Bring in a Pro
Sure, replacing a light switch or outlet might be something you can handle on your own. But for most of these issues—especially anything involving panels, breakers, or rewiring—it’s best to call a licensed electrician.
Here’s when to skip the DIY:
- Upgrading your panel
- Adding new circuits
- Working on wiring behind walls
- Troubleshooting frequent breaker trips
An expert will make sure the job meets code—and that your home stays safe.
Quick Recap: The 7 Electrical Problems to Watch For
Here’s a simple table you can refer to if you’re prepping for a home inspection (or just curious about your own home’s setup):
| Issue | What to Look For | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Outdated Panel | Fuse box or low-amp service | Upgrade to 200-amp panel |
| Double-Tapped Breaker | Two wires on one breaker | Add subpanel, pigtail splice, or tandem breaker |
| Ungrounded Outlets | Two-prong outlets | Add GFCI or rewire with ground |
| Missing GFCIs | Kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors | Install GFCI outlets |
| Aluminum Wiring | Flickering lights, hot outlets | Replace or use AlumiConn connectors |
| Overloaded Circuits | Breakers trip often | Add circuits or redistribute load |
| Exposed Wiring | Open junctions, taped connections | Proper boxes, covers, and connectors |
Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Whether you’re a buyer, a seller, or just a homeowner who wants a safer space, electrical issues aren’t something to ignore. The sooner you fix them, the better off you’ll be.
Even if you’re not planning to move, a basic electrical inspection every 8–10 years can catch small problems before they become big ones. And if you’ve just moved into a home that hasn’t been updated in decades? Don’t wait—get it checked.
Bonus Tip: Selling Your Home?
Do yourself a favor and handle any obvious electrical problems before the inspection. It’ll help the sale go smoother, avoid last-minute negotiation headaches, and show buyers that you’ve taken care of the home.
Need an Electrician in Sacramento?
If you’re local and want help with any of these fixes—or just want an expert opinion—Prime Electric is here for you. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners make sure their wiring, outlets, and panels are up to code and safe.
Reach out today for a quote or home electrical checkup. We’ll walk you through what needs attention and what’s working just fine—no pressure, just honest help.