What it is: The hot and neutral wires are connected to the wrong terminals on a receptacle.
Why it matters
Reversed polarity leaves devices energized even when switched off, increasing shock and fire risk.
Why it's common in Bloomington
Common in Bloomington ramblers from the late 1960s where outlets were added or replaced by homeowners over the decades.
Signs to watch for
- tester shows reversed wiring
- wider neutral slot wired to hot
- shocks when touching plugged-in metal appliances
What we check during the inspection
The inspector tests a sampling of receptacles with a plug-in polarity tester and notes failures.
How it's typically corrected
An electrician swaps the hot and neutral conductors to the correct terminals.
Concerned about reversed polarity receptacles in a home you're buying or selling? Get a free instant quote and we'll evaluate it as part of a full inspection.