Is Your Electrical System Safe and Up to Code?

You probably don’t think much about your home’s wiring until the lights start flickering or the breaker trips for the third time this week. However, not only are outdated or non-compliant electrical systems annoying when they don’t work properly. They can be incredibly dangerous, too. 

Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of residential fires in the U.S., and nothing can tank your home’s resale value like an inspector finding out not everything is up to code. 

Is Your Home’s Electrical System Up to Code? Here’s How to Find Out

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my home electrical system up to code?” now’s the time to find out. In this guide, we’re going to explore what to look for and when it’s the right time to call in a professional. 

Warning Signs Your Electrical System Might Be Outdated

Your home doesn’t need to be 100 years old to have electrical issues. There are some red flags that can pop up, regardless of age, location, or build quality:

• Flickering or dimming lights: Especially when large appliances start up. This is a sign that there’s a voltage drop or an overloaded circuit.

• Frequent breaker trips or blown fuses: Your electric panel may be undersized or outdated.

• Warm outlets or switch plates: Clear signs of unsafe wiring or loose connections.

• Two-prong outlets (no grounding): If you have these, your system hasn’t been updated in decades.

• You still have a fuse box: It’s not illegal, but it’s definitely not ideal. Plus, insurance companies hate it.

Many people who experience these sorts of symptoms daily brush them off as “quirks” of their homes, but they can point to common home electrical issues that pose serious safety and efficiency risks.

What Does It Mean to Be “Up to Code”?

Being “Up to code” means your system meets the latest safety standards set by the National Electrical Code (NEC), which updates every three years. While local jurisdictions may adopt slightly different rules, the NEC is the baseline used across the country.

Here are a few common code violations:

• Lack of GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, and outdoor spaces

• Overloaded circuits from too many devices plugged into a single outlet or breaker

• Improperly installed junction boxes

• Missing AFCI protection in bedrooms and living areas

• Outdated service panels that can’t handle modern electrical loads

While you’re certainly not going to become an experienced electrician overnight, knowing the basics can help you ask the right questions and avoid unsafe shortcuts.

Room-by-Room Electrical Code Checklist

Now, let’s break it down by area so you can do a quick self-assessment before scheduling your electrical inspection in Vancouver, WA:

Kitchen

• GFCI outlets within 6 feet of the sink

• At least two 20-amp circuits for countertop appliances

• No extension cords for permanent appliances like microwaves

Bathroom

GFCI outlets are required for all receptacles

• Proper ventilation (fan on a separate circuit)

• Adequate lighting with waterproof covers in wet areas

Garage

GFCI protection for all outlets

• Dedicated circuit for large tools or appliances

• No exposed splices or wires

Bedrooms and Living Spaces

AFCI outlets are required for all receptacles

• Switches and outlets are properly grounded

• Working smoke detectors in or near each room

Even if you only have a single violation in one of these areas, it could impact your insurance or a home inspection if you’re planning to sell, not to mention it could put your family at risk.

Why Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection?

Most people only schedule inspections when they see something is clearly wrong, which is the first big mistake. You should consider getting an inspection if your home is more than 30 years old or if you’ve recently added major appliances.

Here’s why:

• Look for hidden safety hazards (like aluminum wiring or ungrounded circuits)

• Help prevent fire risks and system overload

• Satisfy home insurance or real estate requirements

• Provide peace of mind for aging homes or recent remodels

Not sure who to call? 

Look for a residential electrician in Vancouver, WA, that your friends, family, or neighbors trust. Make sure they know both NEC and local codes and can make recommendations that match your home’s needs.

Upgrades That Are Worth the Investment

Upgrades. Sound expensive, right? Luckily, you don’t have to rewire your entire home to bring it up to code. Some upgrades are relatively quick and painless, and go a long way toward making your home safer and more comfortable:

• Install GFCI and AFCI outlets: These shut off power automatically in dangerous situations.

• Replace your electrical panel: If your panel is from the 1970s or earlier, it's probably time to upgrade it. 

• Add dedicated circuits: Especially for high-demand appliances like EV chargers, HVAC, or hot tubs.

• Update old wiring: If your home still has knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, make replacing it one of your top priorities. 

When to DIY and When to Call a Pro

Any homeowner with a DIY attitude and a YouTube tutorial can swap out a light fixture or an outlet cover. However, when it comes to changing circuits, upgrading a panel, or going behind the walls to make wiring adjustments, having a licensed electrical contractor is a must. 

Electrical work is not forgiving. Even small mistakes can be very dangerous, both to you and your household. Plus, DIY work without permits or inspection may void your insurance or halt a home sale.

Professionals know what permits to pull, what code to follow, and how to make sure a system is ready for the future.

Doing a search for a licensed electrical contractor near me is a great first step when you're dealing with more complex projects like panel upgrades, rewiring, or adding circuits. Pros, like Miller's Electric know which permits to pull, what code updates to follow, and how to future-proof your system the right way.

Final Thoughts - Don’t Let Outdated Wiring Keep You in the Dark

Electrical problems often don’t present themselves right away, until one day, the lights won’t turn on or your panel starts humming. So, instead of waiting for that day, be proactive and get answers to the question, “Is my home electrical system up to code?” now.

Schedule a licensed inspection with Miller’s today.