Electrical Code Issues Englewood Homeowners Should Watch Out For

The Hidden Dangers of Outdated Wiring

Electrical systems are like the nervous system of your home, when something’s off, it affects everything.

From flickering lights to that outlet that never works quite right, minor annoyances can sometimes point to bigger electrical code issues lurking behind your walls.

In Englewood and throughout Colorado, staying up to code is not just about safety, it’s the law. Electrical codes exist to prevent fires, electric shocks, and property damage, and they evolve as technology and safety standards improve.

If your home hasn’t seen a wiring update in decades, there’s a good chance some of your electrical work wouldn’t pass inspection today.

Let’s walk through the most common electrical code violations Colorado homeowners should keep an eye on, and how The Electricians can help you fix them the right way.

1. Outdated Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers

If your home still relies on a Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panel, you’re living with a major electrical code issue.

These panels were once common but are now known to fail during overloads, creating a serious fire hazard.

Modern code requires panels that can handle the electrical load of today’s homes, especially with all the high-demand appliances, EV chargers, and smart devices we use.

Code Tip: The NEC (National Electric Code) requires that electrical panels be properly grounded, labeled, and equipped with the right circuit breakers. If your breakers trip often, it may be time for an electrical panel upgrade.

2. Missing Ground Fault and Arc Fault Protection

Ever hear of GFCIs and AFCIs? These are special types of breakers and outlets designed to protect you from shocks and electrical fires.

• GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor outlets. They shut off power if moisture or a ground fault is detected.
• AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters) protect against dangerous sparks caused by damaged wiring or loose connections.

Many older Englewood homes don’t have enough of these protective devices, which is a clear electrical code violation.

3. Improper Wiring Connections

Do you have wires twisted together with electrical tape instead of being secured in a junction box? That’s a violation.

So is using the wrong type of wire nuts, connecting aluminum to copper wire without proper fittings, or overstuffing electrical boxes.

Poor connections cause short circuits, overheating, and in extreme cases, electrical fires. The NEC requires all wire splices to be contained within accessible, covered junction boxes.

Common signs:

• Flickering lights
• Warm or discolored outlets
• Burning smells near outlets or switches

4. DIY Electrical Work Without Permits

We get it, YouTube makes everything look easy. But doing your own electrical work without the proper permits or inspections is one of the biggest electrical code violations in Englewood.

Permits exist to ensure that work meets NEC standards and local building codes. If you sell your home and an inspector finds unpermitted electrical work, you could be required to redo it all before closing.

Pro Tip: Save yourself the hassle and hire a licensed electrician. They know the local codes, file the permits, and make sure your home passes inspection.

5. Lack of Dedicated Circuits for Major Appliances

Modern electrical codes require dedicated circuits for appliances like:

• Refrigerators
• Ovens and cooktops
• Microwaves
• Washers and dryers
• HVAC systems
• Hot tubs

Running multiple high-demand devices on one circuit is a surefire way to overload your system. That’s not just inconvenient, it’s unsafe.

If your breakers trip every time you make coffee and toast at the same time, it might be time for a dedicated kitchen circuit upgrade.

6. Incomplete Grounding and Bonding

Your electrical system relies on proper grounding to safely divert excess electricity in the event of a surge or fault. Missing or improperly connected ground wires can result in shocks, damaged appliances, or worse.

Grounding is one of the most misunderstood parts of the NEC, but it’s one of the most important electrical codes to follow.

Every outlet, appliance, and panel must be correctly bonded to the grounding system.

7. Excess Electrical Wiring or Improper Conduit Use

You asked: Is excess electrical wiring a commercial code violation?

The answer: Yes, excess or unprotected wiring can violate both residential and commercial code.

Too much loose or coiled wiring inside a panel or junction box traps heat and increases fire risk. Likewise, exposed wires or conduits not rated for the environment (like outdoor PVC in sunlight) can deteriorate quickly.

If your wiring looks more like a spaghetti bowl than a clean install, that’s a sign it’s time to call The Electricians for a cleanup.

8. Ignoring Permit and Inspection Requirements

What are code violations and permits?

A code violation happens when electrical work doesn’t meet NEC or local standards. A permit ensures the job is reviewed by an inspector for safety compliance.

If you skip inspections, you could face fines, delays in property sales, or denial of insurance coverage after an electrical fire.

FAQs About Electrical Code Issues

Are electrical code violations unlawful?

Yes. Violating the electrical code is considered unlawful and can lead to fines or a failed inspection. More importantly, it can create serious safety risks for your home and family.

What happens if you violate NEC?

If a violation is discovered, it must be corrected to pass inspection. In some cases, power may be shut off until repairs are completed.

Which of the following is an electrical violation?

Examples include ungrounded outlets, unpermitted DIY wiring, overloaded circuits, missing GFCIs, and improper wire splices.

What is the most important electrical code?

While all NEC codes matter, grounding, overcurrent protection, and proper circuit sizing are among the most crucial for preventing electrical fires and shock hazards.

How The Electricians Fix Electrical Code Violations

At The Electricians, we specialize in electrical code violation repairs throughout Englewood and the Denver metro area.

Whether you just bought an older home or failed a home inspection, our licensed electricians can inspect, identify, and bring your system up to NEC standards.

We handle everything from panel upgrades to rewiring projects and GFCI installations, all done safely, legally, and efficiently.

Schedule a Free Estimate

If you suspect your home may have electrical code issues, don’t wait until it becomes a costly problem.

Call The Electricians today for a free estimate and let our certified team make your home safe, efficient, and fully code-compliant.