It was so common as to be the norm only a few years back. Now it is frowned upon. What am I talking about? How about this: Electric receptacles (outlets) installed over the top of electric baseboard heaters. It seems like every 60's and 70's house that I see, if there are baseboards, the receptacle will be right over the top of the heater. The problem, if one thinks about it, it pretty apparent. People tend to drape lamp and other appliance cords over the heaters -- which get hot inside -- and this will at best cause the insulation on the wires to deteriorate. At worst, if the cord really gets down inside the heater, it can lead to serious damage to the cord or even a short-circuit if insulation burns off a cheap lamp cord. What do people do about it? Well, my experience is that most people live with it and try to route the cord away from the front of the heater. Otherwise, they could do the best thing and have an electrician move either the receptacles or the heaters. Thanks for stopping by, Steven L. Smith
Steve, even then they were never allowed----but during that time frame it sure happened a lot.
Unfortunately, I see this condition all too often. It's one of those things where we home inspectors just have to try and educate our clients of the potential dangers.
I have seen lots of outlets like this primarily in older homes. I have also seen some pretty wild makeshift wiring done by homeowners that are scary. Some have taken lamp cord wired it to an outlet to run new outlets in the same and other rooms sometimes taped to the wall or stapled.
Charlie,
If it was disallowed back then, then the code enforcers need a good slap on the backside.
Howdy there Steven
I have lost count as to how many times that, I've came along this in homes that I have inspected.
Good point Steve.