Make Sure Your House Meets Electrical Code Before Selling – Part 1

If you are considering listing your house for sale, this article will provide an overview on electrical codes while outlining the typical violations that can affect a home sale.

Importance of Electrical Codes

Residential electrical codes set very important standards because of the possible safety risks of electricity. The NEC (National Electrical Code) is the standard for the correct and safe installation of electrical equipment and wiring for the USA. In Maryland, local jurisdictions have adopted particular electrical codes for compliance.

Three Indicators That Your Home Wiring Does Not Meet Code

It’s quite easy to take a home’s electrical system for granted. Electricity provides the power that our air conditioning, appliances, computers, entertainment centers, heating, lighting, TVs, and other systems required.

Ensuring your house complies with electrical codes is crucial for your family’s comfort and safety. Homes that do not meet code are more likely to have injuries and fatalities from electric shocks and fires. Below are three indicators that your house’s electrical system requires repairs or upgrades.

• Frequently tripping circuit breakers – When electrical demand exceeds the capacity of an electrical system, a circuit breaker will trip to prevent a circuit from overloading, which can lead to a fire.
• Homes constructed prior to the 1970s – Although older homes have prized architectural features, they most likely have outdated electrical systems. Many houses built from the 1960s to the 1970s used aluminum wiring to cut costs. Unfortunately, aluminum wires significantly raise the possibility of fire and should be replaced with copper wire. Homes constructed prior to 1950 may still have knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring. Although removal is not required by code, obsolete K&T wiring may drive away a prospective buyer.
  
  
• Lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) – GFCIs are electrical outlets required to be installed in home areas where water is present, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. Designed for the prevention of electric shock, GFCIs are required by the NEC in all places where there is a high-moisture environment.

Part 2 will discuss Home Selling Considerations and Common Code Violations.

Electrical Services You Can Trust

Founded in 1991, Meyer Electrical Services provides home and commercial electrical services in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., where we are licensed and insured. Based in Bethesda, our team proudly serves all of Montgomery County. Receive a free consultation for custom electrical work today by calling (301) 941-1400.