As licensed electricians serving Aiken, SC and the surrounding areas, we regularly encounter electrical code violations during inspections, service calls, and home renovation projects. Many of these violations are safety hazards that homeowners don't even know exist in their homes. Some were created by well-meaning DIY enthusiasts, while others are remnants from outdated electrical work that was compliant when installed but no longer meets current code standards.
Understanding common electrical code violations is important for every homeowner. These issues aren't just technical details that inspectors nitpick about. They represent genuine safety hazards that can cause fires, electrocution, and equipment damage. They can also derail home sales, void insurance coverage, and result in expensive emergency repairs.
Here are the ten most common electrical code violations we find in Aiken homes, why they're dangerous, and what it takes to correct them.
1. Double-Tapped Breakers
This is perhaps the single most common violation we encounter. A double-tapped breaker occurs when two separate circuit wires are connected to a single breaker that's only designed to accept one wire. Homeowners or unlicensed handymen often create double-taps when adding a new circuit but finding no available breaker spaces in the panel.
Why it's dangerous: Most breakers are not designed to safely secure two wires. When two wires are forced into a single terminal, one or both may not be properly tightened. This creates a loose connection that can arc, overheat, and potentially start a fire inside your electrical panel. The breaker may also fail to trip properly during an overload condition because the connection integrity is compromised.
The fix: The proper solution is to install tandem breakers (which are designed to accommodate two circuits in a single breaker space) if your panel accepts them, or add a subpanel if you've run out of spaces. Some modern breakers are specifically rated for two wires, but older breakers are not. A licensed electrician can evaluate your panel and provide the correct solution.
2. Missing GFCI Protection
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection is required in areas where water and electricity may come into contact: bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoor outlets, basements, crawlspaces, and near pools or spas. Many older Aiken homes were built before these requirements existed, and the electrical systems were never updated.
Why it's dangerous: GFCI devices detect imbalances in electrical current and shut off power in milliseconds, preventing electrocution. Without GFCI protection, a person using an electrical device in a bathroom or outdoor area could receive a fatal shock if the device malfunctions or contacts water. GFCI protection has saved countless lives since it became standard.
The fix: Installing GFCI protection is straightforward and relatively inexpensive. You can replace standard outlets with GFCI outlets, or install GFCI breakers in your electrical panel that protect entire circuits. Current code requires GFCI protection for all 120-volt outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, and within 6 feet of sinks.
3. Open or Uncovered Junction Boxes
Electrical junction boxes are required wherever wires are spliced or connected. These boxes must be covered with proper covers or blank plates. We frequently find junction boxes hidden in attics, crawlspaces, or behind walls that are missing covers, or boxes that are completely open with exposed wire connections.
Why it's dangerous: Open junction boxes expose live electrical connections to potential contact with people, animals, or flammable materials. They also fail to contain electrical arcs or sparks that could occur if a connection fails. Junction box covers are a critical fire containment measure. Additionally, exposed wiring in attics can be damaged by rodents, insects, or insulation installers.
The fix: Every junction box must have an approved cover plate that's sized correctly for the box. The box must remain accessible (not buried behind drywall or covered by insulation in a way that makes it inaccessible). If you find an open junction box in your home, installing a cover is a simple and inexpensive fix that dramatically improves safety.
4. Overcrowded Electrical Panels
Electrical panels have a maximum number of circuits they're designed to accommodate. We often see panels that have been stuffed with more breakers than the manufacturer intended, with wires crammed in so tightly that the panel cover barely closes. Some panels have been modified with additional breaker spaces that weren't part of the original design.
Why it's dangerous: Overcrowding in a panel creates excessive heat buildup and makes it difficult or impossible to properly organize and secure wires. Wires that are bent too sharply or pinched can have damaged insulation, creating arc and fire hazards. Overcrowded panels also make it difficult to safely work on the electrical system, and the panel cover may not seat properly, exposing live components.
The fix: If your panel is overcrowded, the proper solution is to install a subpanel or, in some cases, upgrade to a larger main panel with more circuits. A licensed electrician can evaluate your electrical load and recommend the best approach. This is also an opportunity to reorganize circuits logically and add capacity for future needs.
5. Improper Wire Splices Without Junction Boxes
One of the most serious violations we encounter is wires spliced together outside of a proper junction box. This typically occurs when someone extends a circuit or repairs damaged wiring without following code requirements. We find these splices hidden in walls, buried in insulation, or tucked into ceiling cavities.
Why it's dangerous: Wire splices create heat at the connection point. Without a junction box to contain and protect the splice, several dangerous scenarios can occur: the connection can work loose over time, creating arcing; the splice can overheat and ignite surrounding materials; or the connection can be damaged by building movement, pests, or other environmental factors. Concealed splices without boxes are a major fire hazard.
The fix: Every wire splice must be made inside an approved junction box using proper wire connectors (wire nuts). The junction box must be accessible (not buried in a wall or ceiling) and must have a cover. If you're extending a circuit or repairing damaged wiring, always install a junction box at splice points. This is non-negotiable for safety and code compliance.
6. Missing Outlet and Switch Covers
It may seem like a minor issue, but missing outlet and switch covers are a code violation and a safety hazard. We see this frequently in garages, basements, and utility areas where covers have been removed and never replaced, or where new wiring was installed but covers were never added.
Why it's dangerous: Outlet and switch covers prevent accidental contact with live electrical terminals. Without covers, children, pets, or even adults can come into contact with hot wires, neutral wires, or ground connections, potentially causing electrocution. Missing covers also allow dust, moisture, and debris to accumulate inside the electrical box, which can cause shorts or arcing.
The fix: Installing outlet and switch covers is one of the easiest electrical fixes. Covers cost less than a dollar each and require no tools beyond a screwdriver. Every outlet and switch must have an approved cover plate. If you have outlets or switches with missing covers, fix this immediately. It's a simple step that significantly improves safety.
7. Backstabbed Outlets Instead of Side-Wired
Many outlets and switches have two methods for connecting wires: backstab connections (where the wire is pushed into a hole in the back of the device) and side-screw terminals (where the wire is wrapped around a screw and tightened). Backstab connections are faster to install but are a common source of problems.
Why it's dangerous: Backstab connections are not as secure or reliable as side-screw connections. Over time, the spring tension that holds the wire can weaken, creating a loose connection. Loose connections cause arcing, heat buildup, and potentially fire. This is especially problematic on circuits with high loads or devices that are frequently used. Many electricians refuse to use backstab connections for this reason.
The fix: While backstab connections are technically code-compliant on many devices, best practice is to use side-screw terminals for all outlet and switch connections. If you're experiencing outlets or switches that are warm to the touch, intermittently losing power, or showing signs of discoloration, backstab connections may be failing. Replacing these devices and using proper side-screw connections eliminates this problem.
8. Extension Cords Used as Permanent Wiring
Extension cords are designed for temporary use, but we regularly find them being used as permanent wiring solutions in Aiken homes. Common scenarios include extension cords running through walls, under carpets, across attics, or permanently plugged in to power outlets in areas where no outlet exists.
Why it's dangerous: Extension cords are not designed for permanent installation. They lack the protective sheathing and installation methods required for permanent wiring. Extension cords running under carpets or furniture can be damaged by foot traffic, creating fire hazards. Cords running through walls can overheat without ventilation. Extension cords also create tripping hazards and are easily damaged.
The fix: If you find yourself relying on extension cords as permanent wiring, the proper solution is to install new outlets in the locations where you need power. This requires running new circuits from your electrical panel to the outlet locations. While this is more expensive than using an extension cord, it's the safe, code-compliant, and permanent solution. Never run extension cords through walls, under carpets, or as permanent wiring.
9. Improper Grounding
Proper grounding is essential for electrical safety, but many older Aiken homes have grounding issues. Common problems include three-prong outlets installed without actual grounding connections, missing ground wires in circuits, ground wires that aren't properly connected to the panel or grounding system, or bootleg grounds (ground and neutral wires connected together at the outlet).
Why it's dangerous: Grounding provides a safe path for electrical current in the event of a fault, directing it safely to the earth instead of through a person or flammable materials. Without proper grounding, metal appliance housings can become energized if there's a fault, creating an electrocution hazard. GFCI devices also may not function properly without correct grounding. Bootleg grounds (connecting ground and neutral at the outlet) defeat the safety purpose of grounding and can create dangerous conditions.
The fix: Grounding issues range from simple to complex. Adding a ground wire to an existing circuit may be straightforward if you have access to the wiring path, or it may require running new wire. If you have two-prong outlets and want to upgrade to three-prong, the code-compliant options are: run new grounded circuits, install GFCI-protected outlets (with "No Equipment Ground" labels), or continue using two-prong outlets. Simply swapping two-prong for three-prong without adding grounding is a dangerous code violation.
10. Wrong Wire Gauge for Circuit Amperage
Every circuit has a specific amperage rating, and the wire used must be sized correctly for that amperage. We sometimes find circuits where someone has replaced a breaker with a higher amperage rating without upgrading the wire, or where wire that's too small has been used for a high-draw circuit.
Why it's dangerous: Wire size determines how much current it can safely carry. If wire is too small for the circuit amperage, it will overheat when carrying its rated load. This overheating can melt insulation, cause arcing, and start fires. The circuit breaker is designed to protect the wire from overheating, but if someone installs a breaker that's too large for the wire, the breaker won't trip before the wire overheats.
The fix: Common wire and breaker pairings in residential electrical include: 14-gauge wire with 15-amp breakers, 12-gauge wire with 20-amp breakers, and 10-gauge wire with 30-amp breakers. If you find a circuit with mismatched wire and breaker sizes, the solution is either to downgrade the breaker to match the wire size (if the circuit load allows it) or to run new, correctly-sized wire for the circuit. Never simply upgrade a breaker without evaluating the wire size.
Why Electrical Code Violations Matter
Some homeowners view code violations as bureaucratic technicalities that aren't "real" problems. This couldn't be further from the truth. Electrical codes exist because people have died or been seriously injured, and buildings have burned down. Every code requirement has a safety reason behind it.
Safety: The primary reason to address code violations is safety. Electrical fires cause hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries every year in the United States. Many of these fires start with code violations like the ones described above: double-tapped breakers, improper splices, or wrong wire sizes. The risk to your family's safety is real.
Insurance: Many homeowners don't realize that electrical code violations can affect their insurance coverage. If your home experiences an electrical fire and the insurance investigation discovers significant code violations that contributed to the fire, your claim may be denied or reduced. Insurance companies expect that your electrical system meets basic safety standards.
Home Sales: Code violations discovered during home inspections can derail or delay home sales. Buyers will require that violations be corrected before closing, or they'll negotiate significant reductions in the sale price to cover correction costs. Some violations, like missing GFCI protection or double-tapped breakers, are virtually guaranteed to appear in inspection reports and will need to be addressed.
Property Value: A home with documented electrical problems or code violations is worth less than a comparable home with a compliant electrical system. If you plan to sell your home, addressing known violations before listing can help you achieve a better sale price and avoid last-minute negotiation problems.
What to Do If You Suspect Code Violations in Your Aiken Home
If you suspect your home has electrical code violations, or if you've noticed any of the issues described in this article, the best course of action is to schedule an electrical inspection with a licensed electrician. At Unity Power & Light, we provide comprehensive electrical safety inspections that identify code violations, safety hazards, and recommended improvements.
During an inspection, we'll evaluate your electrical panel, test outlets for proper grounding and GFCI protection, inspect visible wiring and connections, check for common violations, and provide a detailed report of findings with recommended corrections and priority levels.
Many code violations are straightforward to correct and surprisingly affordable when addressed proactively. A double-tapped breaker might cost $150-300 to fix properly. Installing GFCI outlets in your bathrooms and kitchen might cost $200-500. These are small investments compared to the cost of an electrical fire, a failed home sale, or a denied insurance claim.
For more complex issues like panel replacements, rewiring, or adding subpanels, we'll provide detailed quotes and help you prioritize corrections based on safety concerns and your budget.
Get Your Aiken Home Electrical System Inspected
Don't wait for a home sale or an electrical emergency to discover code violations in your home. Unity Power & Light provides professional electrical safety inspections and code correction services throughout Aiken, SC and the surrounding areas. We're licensed (SC Electrical Contractor #117080), bonded, insured, and veteran-owned.
Contact us today at (803) 220-4491 or request a quote through our website. Let's identify and correct electrical code violations before they become safety hazards or expensive problems. Your home and family deserve an electrical system that's safe, compliant, and reliable.