A split-level home can hide a lot behind its walls. The layout that makes these homes practical for families also creates separate living zones, multiple…

A new outlet in a finished living room and a circuit running through an unfinished basement may need very different wiring methods. That is the…

A cable run hidden behind drywall can be easy to forget until a renovation, inspection, or electrical problem brings it back into view. So, what…

A shiny, flexible metal sheath coming out of a wall or ceiling box can make homeowners wonder whether they have a problem on their hands.…

A home can be old without being unsafe, and it can also have electrical conditions that deserve prompt attention. That distinction is at the center…

Code requires a clear working space in front of a subpanel, just as it does for a main panel, so the panel can be safely…

Code requires junction boxes to remain accessible, which means a buried or concealed junction box is a violation. A junction box is where wires are…

Yes, a missing outlet cover is a code violation. Code requires every outlet, switch, and electrical box to have a cover plate, because the cover…

Code requires that every outlet, switch, and electrical box have a cover plate, also called a faceplate. This is a basic but important safety requirement:…

Older homes do not always need full grounding upgrades to pass an inspection, but it depends on the type of inspection and the situation. Original…