Common Electrical Code Violations Found in Older Michigan Homes

Older homes have character, charm, and history — but they often come with outdated electrical systems that no longer meet modern safety standards. Many homeowners across Southeast Michigan don’t realize their home has electrical code violations until an inspection, renovation, or safety issue brings them to light.

At Emerald Electric, we regularly inspect homes in Canton, Birmingham, Bloomfield, and surrounding areas and find the same electrical problems over and over again. These issues aren’t just technicalities — they can increase fire risk, cause electrical failures, and even affect your ability to sell or insure your home.

Understanding the most common electrical code violations can help you spot potential problems early and know when it’s time to call a licensed electrician.

Why Electrical Code Compliance Matters

The National Electrical Code (NEC) exists to protect homeowners from electrical hazards like shock, fire, and equipment damage. While older homes were built to the standards of their time, electrical codes evolve as technology and safety knowledge improve.

Code violations matter because they can:

• Increase the risk of electrical fires

• Create shock hazards for occupants

• Cause breakers to trip or wiring to overheat

• Lead to failed home inspections during a sale

• Result in insurance claim denials after damage

Even if your home “works fine,” hidden code violations may still be present behind walls, in panels, or at outlets.

Violation 1: Ungrounded Outlets

Many older homes still have two-prong outlets that lack a proper ground connection. Grounding provides a safe path for excess electricity to dissipate, protecting people and appliances.

Without grounding, electrical faults have nowhere to go — increasing shock risk and equipment damage.

Why This Is Dangerous

• Higher risk of electrical shock

• Increased chance of appliance damage

• Incompatibility with modern electronics

Fix:
Install properly grounded outlets or GFCI protection where allowed by code. A licensed electrician can evaluate whether grounding can be added safely or if a wiring upgrade is needed.

Violation 2: Missing GFCI Protection

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are required in areas where moisture is present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, laundry rooms, and outdoor outlets.

In older Michigan homes, GFCIs are often missing or improperly installed.

Why This Is Dangerous

• Increased risk of electric shock

• No protection if electricity contacts water

• Greater danger for children and pets

Fix:
Upgrade outlets to GFCI protection or install GFCI breakers in the panel. This is one of the most effective ways to improve electrical safety without major renovations.

Violation 3: Outdated Electrical Panels

Electrical panels older than 30–40 years often lack the capacity and safety features required today. Some outdated panels may even be known fire hazards.

Homes in areas like Troy, Novi, and Northville frequently still rely on panels designed for far lower electrical demands.

Warning Signs

• Frequent breaker trips

• Warm or buzzing panel

• Rust or corrosion

• Limited breaker space

Fix:
An electrical panel upgrade improves capacity, safety, and code compliance. At Emerald Electric, we assess whether repair or replacement is the safest option for your home.

Violation 4: Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum wiring was commonly installed in homes built between the 1960s and 1970s. While legal at the time, it’s now known to pose serious fire risks when not properly maintained.

Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which can loosen connections over time.

Why This Is Dangerous

• Loose connections

• Overheating at outlets and switches

• Increased fire risk

Fix:
Install approved copper pigtails or replace aluminum wiring entirely. This work must be done by a licensed electrician familiar with proper mitigation techniques.

Violation 5: Overloaded Circuits

Older homes were not designed for today’s electrical usage. Kitchens, entertainment systems, home offices, and EV chargers can easily overload outdated circuits.

Common Signs

• Breakers tripping frequently

• Flickering lights

• Heavy reliance on power strips

Fix:
Add dedicated circuits for high-demand appliances and redistribute electrical loads. This improves safety and performance while bringing your system closer to modern code standards.

Violation 6: Improper DIY Electrical Work

One of the most common issues we find is unpermitted or improperly completed DIY electrical work. While well-intentioned, many homeowners unknowingly violate code requirements.

Examples of DIY Violations

• Loose wire connections

• Incorrect wire sizes

• Missing junction boxes

• Improper grounding

Fix:
Have a licensed electrician inspect and correct any non-code-compliant work. This ensures safety and prevents future issues during inspections or renovations.

Violation 7: Exposed or Damaged Wiring

Wiring should always be protected within walls, conduit, or approved enclosures. Exposed or damaged wiring is a clear code violation and a serious safety hazard.

Why This Is Dangerous

• Increased shock risk

• Fire hazards from insulation damage

• Greater chance of accidental contact

Fix:
Replace damaged wiring and secure all electrical connections in proper enclosures. This is especially important in basements, attics, and garages.

Violation 8: Missing AFCI Protection

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are designed to detect dangerous arcing conditions that can cause fires. Many older homes lack AFCI protection in bedrooms and living spaces.

Why This Matters

• Arc faults are a leading cause of electrical fires

• Traditional breakers do not detect arcing

• AFCIs provide an added layer of fire prevention

Fix:
Install AFCI breakers where required or recommended by code. This is often done during panel upgrades or safety inspections.

How Code Violations Affect Home Sales and Insurance

Electrical code violations frequently come to light during home inspections. Buyers may request repairs, price reductions, or walk away entirely if serious issues are found.

Insurance companies may also:

• Increase premiums

• Deny coverage

• Reject claims related to electrical fires

Addressing violations proactively protects your investment and prevents surprises later.

Why a Professional Electrical Inspection Matters

Many electrical code violations are hidden behind walls or inside panels. A professional inspection from Emerald Electric identifies issues before they become emergencies.

Our inspections include:

• Panel evaluation

• Outlet and wiring checks

• Load analysis

• Safety and code compliance review

This gives homeowners peace of mind and a clear plan for any necessary upgrades.

Why Homeowners Trust Emerald Electric

At Emerald Electric, we’ve helped homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan bring older electrical systems up to modern safety standards. Our licensed electricians understand local housing styles, aging infrastructure, and current code requirements.

Whether you’re planning a renovation, preparing to sell, or simply want a safer home, we provide honest recommendations and long-term solutions — not quick fixes.

Final Thoughts

Owning an older home doesn’t mean living with outdated or unsafe electrical systems. Many common code violations can be corrected with targeted upgrades that significantly improve safety and reliability.

If your home hasn’t had an electrical inspection in years, or if you’re concerned about potential code issues, Emerald Electric is here to help. We proudly serve homeowners across Southeast Michigan with expert electrical inspections, repairs, and upgrades.

Contact Emerald Electric today to schedule a professional evaluation and ensure your home meets modern electrical safety standards.