When you’re remodeling your home, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the fun parts—choosing new fixtures, picking out flooring, or finally knocking down that wall that’s been driving you crazy for years. But behind the scenes, your project has to meet strict safety and code standards, and the electrical system is one of the biggest hurdles.
If you’ve ever wondered what will fail an electrical inspection, the answer is often surprisingly simple: small mistakes in wiring, grounding, or installation practices. The truth is, most remodel-related inspection failures don’t come from complicated technical problems—they come from overlooked details that an inspector will spot instantly.
At Bowen Electric, we’ve helped countless Central Texas homeowners navigate remodel inspections, and we’ve seen just about every mistake in the book. Let’s walk through some of the most common pitfalls and how you can avoid them so your project passes the first time.
Why Electrical Inspections Matter
Before diving into the details, it’s worth pausing to talk about why these inspections are so important. An electrical inspection isn’t just red tape. It’s designed to protect you, your family, and your home from hazards like electrical fires, shocks, or overloaded circuits.
When an inspector fails part of your remodel, it’s not because they want to slow you down—it’s because something isn’t safe or doesn’t meet the National Electrical Code (NEC). Addressing these issues now can save you from expensive repairs or dangerous accidents later.
So, what will fail an electrical inspection during a remodel? Let’s break it down.
Improper Cable Anchoring
One of the most common—and easily avoidable—reasons remodels fail inspection is improper cable anchoring. When running new wiring through walls, floors, or ceilings, cables need to be properly secured at regular intervals. This prevents sagging, strain, or damage over time. Loose or unsupported cables aren’t just sloppy—they can create stress points where the insulation wears down, potentially leading to shorts or fires.
Typical mistakes include:
- Forgetting to staple cables within 12 inches of an electrical box.
- Running long stretches without any support.
- Using makeshift fasteners instead of approved staples or straps.
How to avoid it: Always use the correct fasteners, follow NEC spacing rules, and double-check each run before closing up your walls. It’s tedious work, but inspectors are trained to spot even small misses here.
Faulty Wiring Installations
Bad wiring practices are another guaranteed way to fail. During a remodel, it’s tempting for homeowners or unlicensed contractors to “make it work” with shortcuts. Unfortunately, those shortcuts don’t pass inspection—and more importantly, they don’t keep your home safe.
Common issues inspectors catch include:
- Reversed polarity: Hot and neutral wires swapped at outlets.
- Overcrowded boxes: Too many wires crammed into a junction box without enough room for heat dissipation.
- Unprotected splices: Wire connections made outside of an electrical box or without a proper cover.
- Wrong wire gauge: Using a wire that’s too small for the circuit breaker’s amperage rating.
Each of these issues can lead to fire hazards or system failures. An inspector will open outlets, check breaker panels, and look inside junction boxes to ensure everything is wired correctly.
The fix: Don’t cut corners. If you’re not confident in your wiring skills, hire a licensed electrician. It’s much cheaper than failing inspection and having to tear out finished drywall to correct mistakes.
Failure to Separate Ground and Neutral in Sub-Panels
If your remodel involves adding a new sub-panel—maybe for a new addition, detached garage, or major kitchen overhaul—this is one of the biggest mistakes that will fail inspection.
In a main electrical panel, the neutral and ground wires are bonded (connected) together. But in a sub-panel, they must be kept separate. Connecting them creates multiple paths for electrical current, which can energize metal parts of your system and create shock hazards.
Inspectors look for this immediately, and failing to get it right is a fast way to delay your remodel.
Best practice: Always install a separate grounding bar in the sub-panel and ensure the neutral bus is isolated. This is a detail that’s easy to overlook if you’re not familiar with electrical code, but it’s one of the first things an inspector will check.
Missing or Improper GFCI and AFCI Protection
Modern electrical codes require certain circuits to be protected by GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) or AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) devices. During a remodel, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outdoor areas, failing to include these is one of the top things that will lead to a failed electrical inspection?
Why they matter:
- GFCIs protect against shock in wet areas.
- AFCIs detect dangerous arcing conditions that can cause fires.
If your remodel doesn’t include these where required, your inspector will flag it immediately.
Pro tip: Even if you’re not required to add them to older areas of your home, it’s often worth upgrading anyway. Not only will it help you pass inspection, but it will also keep your family safer.
Exposed or Unprotected Wiring
Another major concern is exposed wiring. In the rush to finish a remodel, sometimes wires get left dangling in open spaces or tucked behind trim without proper protection. Any wire that’s not run inside a wall cavity, conduit, or an electrical box is a violation. Inspectors know these areas are accident-prone, and exposed wiring can easily be damaged by nails, screws, or even pests.
Avoid this by:
- Running all exposed wiring inside the conduit.
- Using protective plates where wires pass through studs.
- Ensuring every splice is contained within a covered box.
Incorrect Breaker Sizing or Double-Tapped Breakers
Panel mistakes are another big reason remodels fail inspection. If you’ve added new circuits, they need to be installed on breakers correctly sized for the load. Using a 20-amp breaker on 14-gauge wire, for example, is a clear code violation.
Another common problem? Double-tapped breakers. This happens when two wires are connected to a single breaker terminal that isn’t designed for it. While some breaker brands (like certain Square D models) allow this, most do not, and inspectors know the difference.
Outdated or DIY Methods
Finally, inspectors can spot amateur work a mile away. Using extension cords in place of permanent wiring, splicing with electrical tape instead of wire nuts, or ignoring clearance requirements around panels are all signs of unprofessional work. Even if these things seem to “work” in the short term, they won’t pass an inspection—and they’ll put your remodel timeline and budget at risk.
How to Make Sure Your Remodel Passes
If reading this list makes you nervous, that’s understandable. Electrical codes are strict, and inspectors rarely give leeway. The good news? Every single one of these mistakes is preventable. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Plan Ahead – Work with your contractor and electrician early to design circuits and layout properly.
- Hire Licensed Professionals – Avoid DIY electrical work if you’re not experienced. The cost of rework can be far higher than doing it right the first time.
- Do a Pre-Inspection Walkthrough – Before calling for the official inspection, walk the project with your electrician to catch small issues like missing staples or mislabeled breakers.
- Stay Up to Code – Codes evolve. What passed ten years ago may not pass today. Professionals stay current with the NEC and local amendments.
