Protect Your Investment: Spotting Hidden Electrical Dangers Before You Buy in Taylor County
Purchasing a home in Taylor County is an exciting milestone, but electrical code violations can turn your dream home into a costly nightmare. Local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 44,880 home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction each year in 2012-2016. Home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction caused an estimated average of 440 civilian deaths and 1,250 civilian injuries each year in 2012-2016, as well as an estimated $1.3 billion in direct property damage a year. Understanding what to look for during your home inspection can save you thousands of dollars and protect your family’s safety.
Understanding Taylor County’s Electrical Code Requirements
The City of Taylor adopted the following codes: 2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, 2018 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2020 NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE on October 14, 2021. State law adopts a minimum electrical code requirement for Texas. These laws and rules adopt the National Electrical Code from the National Fire Protection Association. This means that homes in Taylor County must comply with both state and local electrical standards.
It’s important to note that with codes frequently being updated as technology improves, it’s unlikely that older homes will stay updated to current standards. For example, the NEC is revised every three years, so electrical work that was compliant just a few years ago may now be considered a code violation.
Common Electrical Code Violations to Watch For
Missing or Improper GFCI Protection
Electrical problems include grounding and bonding issues, missing or improper labeling of circuits and missing GFCI receptacles. Many older houses do not have GFCI receptacles. It’s a requirement for current standards to install a GFCI receptacle whenever you’re within 6 feet of a water source. Look for GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas.
Outdated Electrical Panels and Wiring
If your home was built before 1970, it could be in violation of electrical codes. As recently as a few decades ago, knob and tube wiring was seen as sophisticated and safe, but we now know better. Homes with old electrical panels may not handle modern electrical loads safely.
Improper Junction Boxes and Exposed Wiring
Open or uncovered switches, outlets, and junction boxes: To prevent people from accidentally touching a live wire, all connections in outlet boxes and at wiring junctions must be covered. When splicing wires, the connections must be inside a junction box that complies with the NEC standard. Junction boxes provide vital protection for the connections that minimize the risk of fire. Junction boxes must be placed in a visible location that enables easy access – they cannot be installed inside a wall, for instance.
Extension Cords as Permanent Wiring
An insufficient number of receptacles frequently leads to an excessive reliance on extension cords. This poses a major fire hazard and is also an electrical code violation. Extension cords cannot be used as permanent wiring for devices such as garage door openers or air conditioning units.
What to Do When Violations Are Found
If electrical code violations are discovered during your home inspection, don’t panic. Call in a professional licensed electrician to fully evaluate the situation. If possible, have your home inspector meet with the electrician and I’d send a copy of the home inspection report to the electrician in advance.
Homes must typically pass electrical inspections before finalizing the sale. A failure can delay the sale, complicate insurance applications, cause buyer concerns, and marketability problems. However, you have several options:
- Request the seller to fix violations before closing
- Negotiate a credit for repair costs
- Purchase the home “as-is” with full knowledge of needed repairs
Why Professional Electrical Assessment Matters
Many jurisdictions only permit licensed electricians to complete certain electrical installations or repairs. Electrical work can also be hazardous and complicated without the correct training, and attempting to DIY repairs instead of hiring an electrician can result in delayed approval.
When you need a trusted Electrician Taylor County, Hooked Up Electric brings the expertise you need. Founded by a visionary with over 20 years in the electrical field, Hooked Up Electric has been serving Taylor County, TX, for four years. As dedicated electricians, we are committed to not just maintaining but elevating the standard of electrical services through innovative processes and a dedication to excellence.
The Hooked Up Electric Advantage
Our certified electricians in Taylor County provide top-notch services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. From maintenance and repairs to complex installations, we ensure your electrical systems are safe, efficient, and up to code. Trust us for reliable, quality solutions tailored to your needs.
Every project meets Texas electrical codes and safety standards. Licensed, insured, and committed to getting electrical work right the first time. The company’s commitment to excellence is evident in their approach: showcases their upfront, flat-rate pricing, free estimates, guaranteed workmanship and parts, expert consultations, scheduled appointment times, and their licensed and insured service professionals.
Protecting Your Investment
Electrical code violations don’t have to derail your home purchase. In the event that electrical problems are found during an inspection, knowing what these problems mean should help you make an informed decision about purchasing the home. Understanding what to look for and working with qualified professionals ensures you make informed decisions about your Taylor County home purchase.
An electrical safety checkup can help keep your home and family safe while ensuring compliance with all national electrical codes. The electricians at Thomas Edison specialize in safety checkups and can develop a solid strategy for making your home compliant. Don’t let electrical issues catch you off guard – knowledge and professional guidance are your best defenses against costly surprises.
Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, taking the time to understand electrical code violations can save you significant money and ensure your family’s safety for years to come.
