Common Electrical Code Violations in Older Homes (And How to Fix Them)

As the owner of Emerald Electric, serving homeowners across Canton, Livonia, Novi, Northville, Westland, and Southeast Michigan, I’ve worked on hundreds of older homes. One thing they often have in common? Outdated electrical systems that no longer meet modern code requirements.

If your home was built before the 1990s—or if the electrical work hasn't been updated in decades—there’s a good chance you have at least a few electrical code violations hidden behind your walls. Some are minor. Others are serious fire hazards.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common electrical violations I see in older homes, explain why they matter, and share how to fix them safely and up to code.

Why Electrical Code Matters

Electrical code exists for one reason: safety.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets minimum standards for wiring, circuit protection, grounding, and the safe use of electrical devices in residential and commercial properties. It’s updated every three years based on changes in technology, construction methods, and safety research.

When a home doesn’t meet current code:

• The risk of electrical fires increases

• Shocks and injuries become more likely

• Insurance claims can be denied

• You could face issues when trying to sell your home

That’s why electrical inspections and code corrections are more than just red tape. They’re a critical part of maintaining a safe, livable space.

Top Electrical Code Violations Found in Older Michigan Homes

1. Outdated or Damaged Wiring

Knob-and-tube wiring, commonly found in homes built before 1950, is not only outdated—it’s dangerous. This wiring lacks grounding and insulation, and it’s easily damaged by age, heat, and rodents. Homes built in the 1960s and 70s may also have aluminum wiring, which is prone to overheating and corrosion.

Fix: These homes typically need partial or full rewiring to meet today’s safety standards. At Emerald Electric, we offer rewiring services in Northville, Novi, and throughout Southeast Michigan.

2. Missing or Faulty GFCI Protection

The NEC requires GFCI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) in areas where moisture is present, including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, garages, and all exterior outlets.

Older homes may have standard outlets in these areas—or no outlets at all. Without GFCI protection, there's a serious risk of electrical shock, especially in wet environments.

Fix: We install and test GFCI outlets across all required areas to bring your home up to code and dramatically improve safety.

3. Improper Grounding

Grounding provides a safe path for excess electricity to exit the home. Many older homes have insufficient or non-existent grounding. This not only increases the risk of electrocution but can also damage appliances and sensitive electronics.

Fix: We check your main service panel, outlets, and metal plumbing to ensure proper grounding and bonding. Ground rods or ground plates may need to be installed outside the home.

4. Overloaded Circuits

In older homes with limited circuits, it’s common to find too many outlets or fixtures connected to a single breaker. This results in overheating, frequent tripped breakers, or even fire.

Many older homes weren’t designed for the number of high-wattage appliances and electronics we use today.

Fix: The solution may include installing additional dedicated circuits, splitting overloaded circuits, or upgrading the electrical panel to accommodate increased demand.

5. Improperly Wired Outlets or Switches

We often find outlets with reverse polarity (hot and neutral wires swapped), open grounds, or back-stabbed wiring—where wires are jammed into push-in terminals instead of being securely fastened. These shortcuts were common in past decades but are not safe by today’s standards.

Fix: During an electrical safety inspection, we test every outlet and switch in your home and correct any improper wiring to prevent future problems.

6. Missing Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

Modern code requires tamper-resistant outlets in most living areas, especially where children may be present. These outlets prevent objects like keys or paper clips from being inserted, helping reduce electrical injuries in children.

Fix: We can replace old outlets with code-compliant, tamper-resistant models that improve safety without changing the look of your home.

7. Unsafe DIY Wiring

A major issue in older homes is the presence of unpermitted or amateur electrical work. This could be visible in the form of:

• Loose wires hanging in attics

• Open splices without junction boxes

• Non-code-compliant extension cord “solutions”

These shortcuts are dangerous and illegal—and they won’t pass an inspection if you plan to sell your home.

Fix: We trace all DIY wiring, bring it up to code, and ensure it's protected in boxes and conduits where required.

8. No AFCI Protection in Required Areas

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are required in most living spaces in modern homes. These devices shut off power when they detect electrical arcing—often caused by damaged cords or poor connections.

Homes built before AFCIs became standard often have no protection against this type of hazard.

Fix: We can install AFCI breakers in your panel or use AFCI outlet devices to protect high-risk areas like bedrooms and living rooms.

How to Bring Your Home Up to Code

If you suspect your home may have code violations—or if it’s been decades since your electrical system was inspected—the best step is to schedule a comprehensive home electrical safety inspection.

Here’s what we provide at Emerald Electric:

• Inspection of your electrical panel, wiring, outlets, and fixtures

• Identification of all visible code violations

• Transparent recommendations and cost estimates

• Code-compliant repairs and upgrades

• Permit handling and final inspections (if required)

We’ve helped dozens of homeowners across Southeast Michigan make their homes safer and more reliable with code upgrades that are fast, affordable, and future-ready.

When Is an Electrical Code Inspection Necessary?

You should consider a full electrical inspection if:

• Your home was built before 1990 and hasn’t been upgraded

• You’re buying or selling a property

• You’re planning a renovation or room addition

• You’ve added high-demand appliances or technology

• You’ve experienced flickering lights, tripping breakers, or other electrical issues

Even if your home seems fine, unseen hazards may still exist.

Final Thoughts

Electrical code violations are more common than you think—especially in older homes throughout Southeast Michigan. While many violations are hidden and go unnoticed, they pose real risks to your safety, home, and family.

At Emerald Electric, we specialize in helping homeowners in Southeast Michigan identify and correct electrical code violations with precision and care. Whether you need a full inspection or are planning an upgrade, we’re here to make sure your home is safe, up to code, and ready for the future.