10 Shocking Wiring Dangers That Could Set Your Home on Fire!

6. Overwired Panel

What It Means: The panel contains more circuits than it's designed to handle, as too many single-pole breakers (one circuit each) have been replaced with tandem breakers (two circuits in one slot). This differs from high-amp double-pole breakers, which take up two slots for one circuit. The panel's label specifies the maximum number of circuits it can accommodate.

Code Violation? Yes.

Danger Level: Minimal. However, it may become an issue if the house is being sold and an inspector inspects the panel.

Solution: Add a subpanel with extra slots or, if major home improvements are planned, replace the existing panel with a larger one.