Over and over again, as a home inspector, I see easily accessed outlets and light switches that have no covers. If a home is older, it seems that is very often the case. In fact, there should be covers on ALL of the switches, junction boxes or outlets in a home. The worst offenders are connections in basement areas and garages. The rest of the house might be okay, but look out for those lesser-traveled spots. The biggest risk is plain old shock hazard. Especially young kids are likely to stick their fingers in these boxes and a shock is the logical conclusion. Just remember, if you are a realtor, to have your clients put covers on all the visible outlets, switches and junction boxes.
Thank you for stopping by.
Steven L. Smith
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Steve, this is a very good post. I had a situation where our inspection revealed a few open circuit boxes in the garage, basement and a open electrical switch in the bonus room closet. The seller had four children under the age of 10. When I voiced the concern with the agent and seller, we were told the father never got around to covering up the boxes even after one of his children and a friend were mildly shocked from pushing a broom stick into the exposed garage box.
I am unsure why individuals can not comprehend the danger this raises.
Marquis. It seems pretty obvious to me too, but I guess not.