Missing GFCI Protection
GFCI outlets are required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, crawlspaces, and near swimming pools. Homes built before the mid-1970s frequently have no GFCI protection in any of these locations. We install GFCI outlets or GFCI breakers at every required location and provide documentation of the correction.
Missing AFCI Protection
NEC 2020 requires AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) protection on virtually all circuits in living spaces — bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, and kitchens. Homes built or wired before these requirements were adopted have standard breakers throughout. We install AFCI breakers at the panel to bring circuits into compliance.
Double-Tapped Breakers
A double-tapped breaker has two wires connected to a single breaker terminal. Most breakers are designed for one wire only. Double-tapping can cause overheating and loose connections over time. We correct double-tapped breakers by adding a tandem breaker, relocating a circuit, or installing a subpanel if the panel is at capacity.
Unpermitted Electrical Work
Work done without permits — a room addition, a garage conversion, a service panel that was replaced without pulling a permit — shows up on title searches and home inspections. We assess unpermitted work, determine what is required to bring it into compliance, and in some cases apply for an after-the-fact permit to document the work.
Open Junction Boxes
Every electrical junction box must have a cover plate. Open junction boxes with exposed wiring inside walls, attics, or crawlspaces are a code violation. We install cover plates on all open junction boxes and document the correction.
Improper Wire Connections
Wire nuts that have come loose, connections made with tape instead of wire nuts, wires spliced outside of a junction box — all are code violations. We locate and correct improper wire connections throughout the home.