When you open up a wall, you never know what you’re going to find. At E&A Electric, we’ve seen some shocking things (pun intended) while working on residential and commercial projects across Norwalk and surrounding areas. From melted wires to dangerously outdated systems, the inside of a wall can tell a story—sometimes a scary one.

In this post, we’re sharing some of the wildest electrical discoveries we’ve come across during renovations—and what they mean for your home’s safety.

1. Melted Wire Insulation Behind a Perfectly Normal Outlet

During a kitchen remodel, our techs found wiring so overheated that the insulation had melted off completely. Oddly enough, the outlet still seemed to work fine. This is the kind of hidden fire hazard that can go unnoticed for years.

⚠️ Why it’s dangerous: Melted insulation means bare wire exposure, increasing the risk of arcing and electrical fires.

2. DIY Splices Using Tape and Twine

Yes, twine. A homeowner had tried to splice wires using nothing but electrical tape and twine instead of wire nuts or junction boxes. It looked like something out of a survival manual, not an electrical code book.

⚠️ Why it’s dangerous: Improper splices can cause resistance, overheating, and failure. They’re also illegal and will fail inspection.

3. Buried Junction Boxes—No Cover, No Access

We once opened a living room wall and discovered two live junctions just floating behind the drywall, no covers, no box, no labels—just wires. If something went wrong, the homeowner would have no clue where to even look.

⚠️ Why it’s dangerous: Junctions must be accessible and enclosed. Buried connections violate code and make future troubleshooting nearly impossible.

4. Rodent Damage: Chewed Wires and Nesting Near Panels

In one attic, we discovered a mouse nest right on top of exposed wiring. Several wires had been chewed to the copper. The homeowner had noticed flickering lights but never imagined rodents were to blame.

⚠️ Why it’s dangerous: Chewed wires can cause shorts or fires. Plus, rodent waste around panels is a health hazard.

5. Knob-and-Tube Wiring Still in Use

It’s not uncommon to find knob-and-tube wiring in homes built before 1950—but finding it still in active use with no GFCI protection is alarming. In one historic home, it was powering a modern microwave.

⚠️ Why it’s dangerous: K&T isn’t grounded and wasn’t made for today’s electrical loads. It’s a serious risk for overload and fire.

What Does This Mean for You?

If your home is older, has never been inspected, or has had questionable “handyman” work over the years, you might have hidden hazards behind your walls too. Unfortunately, many electrical issues aren’t visible until renovations begin—or until something goes wrong.

When in Doubt, Get it Checked

Whether you’re renovating or just want peace of mind, E&A Electric offers electrical inspections that can uncover hidden problems before they become dangerous. We’ll document what we find, explain what needs attention, and help you make your home or business safer and up to code.

Got a renovation coming up? Contact us today to schedule a professional checkup before you open any walls. You never know what’s hiding back there—and we’re here to help you find out safely.