Electrical outlet defects: During a home inspection, we test all of the accessible outlets using an outlet tester. Outlet testers help us verify that the outlets in the home have power and that they are wired correctly. In addition, outlet testers can be used to determine if an outlet has Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection which is an important safety feature that protects people from electric shock.
The most common electrical outlet defects found during a home inspection are outlets that are open ground, open neutral, open hot, hot ground reverse, and hot neutral reverse. These conditions are described below.
Open Ground
An open ground outlet is an outlet with a loose or missing ground wire. The ground wire is important because it sends excess electricity that is built up during an electrical malfunction to the ground thus giving an appliance or electrical device a safe way to discharge excess electricity. Building codes require grounding wires to be included in a home’s electrical system to protect from electric shock, short circuits, power surges, and fire.
Open Neutral
An open neutral outlet is an outlet with a loose or missing neutral wire. The neutral wire is important because it completes a circuit by returning electricity back to the source. Open neutral outlets can allow an electrical device to store excess electricity potentially electrocuting someone that touches the device. Neutral wires are typically white or gray in color.
Open Hot
An open hot outlet is an outlet with a loose or missing hot wire. The hot wire is important because it provides a current to the electrical device. Without a hot wire, an electrical device will not receive power. Hot wires are typically black or red in color.
Hot Ground Reverse
Hot ground reverse outlets are outlets where the hot and ground wires and in opposite positions. The hot wire is where the ground wire should be and the ground wire is where the hot wire should be. Hot ground reverse outlets are a potential shock hazard. Fortunately, repairing these outlets is relatively easy.
Hot Neutral Reverse
Hot neutral reverse outlets are outlets where the hot and neutral wires are in opposite positions. Hot neutral reverse outlets are a potential shock hazard.
Electrical outlet defects should be evaluated and repaired by a qualified electrician. Problems relating to the electrical system can result in serious hazards if not properly resolved.