The Electrical Problems Most Homeowners Don’t Know They Have
Living in an older Maine home has its charm—solid bones, classic craftsmanship, and a story in every creaky floorboard. But behind those walls? There might be an outdated electrical system that no one’s touched in decades.
At Peak Electric, we’ve seen firsthand how many homes in Windham, Gorham, Gray, and across Cumberland County are running on electrical setups that don’t meet modern code—some of which are downright dangerous.
Whether your home was built in the '50s or the early 2000s, it's worth understanding what could be hiding in your electrical system—and why it matters. Here are the most common violations we uncover during service calls and inspections across southern Maine.
1. Ungrounded Outlets
A lot of older homes still have two-prong outlets. That means there’s no ground wire, which is critical for safely directing excess electricity away from devices and people. Without grounding, power surges can fry your electronics—or worse, spark a fire.
Pro tip: If you’re using adapters or extension cords to plug three-prong appliances into two-prong outlets, it’s time to call a licensed electrician.
2. Missing GFCIs in Wet Areas
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are required anywhere water and electricity might mix—think bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages, and outdoor outlets. They trip instantly if there’s a current imbalance, which can prevent electrocution.
We often find these missing in homes built before the 1980s. Even in updated homes, GFCIs might be installed in just one bathroom and forgotten elsewhere.
3. Overloaded Panels and Circuits
Electrical usage has grown like crazy over the past 20 years—smart devices, large TVs, EV chargers, hot tubs—you name it. But most older panels weren’t built for that kind of load.
Many Maine homes are still running 100-amp panels when they really need 200 amps to support modern lifestyles. Overloaded circuits lead to frequent tripping, overheating wires, and long-term fire risk.
4. Double-Tapped Breakers
This one seems small but can cause big problems. A double-tap is when two wires are jammed into a single breaker terminal not rated for it. That connection can loosen over time and create arcing, which generates heat and puts your panel at risk of failure or fire.
5. Open Splices and Uncovered Junction Boxes
In older homes—especially ones with DIY history—it’s common to find spliced wires in attics, crawl spaces, or behind drywall, with no proper enclosure. Every splice needs to be in a junction box with a cover, period. Anything less is a code violation and a hazard.
6. Aluminum Wiring
Between 1965 and 1973, some homes were built using aluminum wire instead of copper. It seemed cost-effective at the time, but it turned out aluminum expands and contracts with heat, leading to loose connections and a higher risk of electrical fires.
If your house falls into that build window, it’s worth having it evaluated. There are safe ways to mitigate the risk—without tearing out every wall.
7. Lack of Arc Fault Protection
AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is now required by code in most living spaces, including bedrooms, living rooms, and closets. These devices detect dangerous arcing that regular breakers miss.
If your panel is over 10–15 years old, you probably don’t have AFCIs—and while not all towns enforce them retroactively, they add a huge layer of safety.
Why These Issues Matter
Some violations might seem harmless at first glance, but here's the truth:
Insurance companies can deny claims if faulty wiring causes a fire and your system wasn’t up to code.
Home sales can stall or fall through after inspection reports flag outdated panels, splices, or missing GFCIs.
And most importantly, your family’s safety is at stake. Faulty wiring is one of the top causes of residential fires.
These aren’t just code violations—they’re warning signs.
How We Can Help
At Peak Electric, we specialize in identifying and correcting these kinds of issues. We know what’s common in Maine homes, what inspectors are looking for, and how to bring your system up to code safely and efficiently—without selling you things you don’t need.
We offer:
Full electrical safety inspections
Code compliance updates
Panel upgrades
Smart and energy-efficient rewiring
Even if everything seems fine on the surface, having a licensed electrician take a look can save you a ton of money and stress down the road.
Schedule a Code Compliance Check Today
Whether you just moved in or you’ve lived in your home for 30 years, it’s worth knowing what’s going on behind your walls.
Call us today or book online for a no-pressure consultation. We’ll help you uncover the hidden problems before they become real ones.