Devin Jacobs
Tackling electrical projects around the house might seem like an easy way to save money, but if you’re not careful, you could end up in a dangerous or costly situation. Here’s a list of 15 electrical disasters that homeowners often run into—and, more importantly, how you can avoid making the same mistakes.
Faulty Wiring Connections
One of the most common mistakes is making loose or faulty wiring connections, which can lead to electrical shorts, fires, or damaged appliances. Avoid this by using the correct wire nuts and making sure that connections are secure and insulated.
Overloaded Circuits
Overloading a circuit by adding too many appliances or outlets is a disaster waiting to happen. When there is too much load on a circuit, it can overheat, causing the wiring to melt or even spark a fire. To prevent this, know the capacity of your circuit and never exceed its load limits. Consult an electrician if you need clarification on adding more devices to an existing circuit.
No GFCI Near Water Sources
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are required in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets to protect against electric shock. A lot of DIYers skip this step, leading to hazardous situations. For any area in your house with a water connection, a GFCI outlets is a must.
Electrical Boxes in Wrong Sizes
Many homeowners use electrical boxes that are too small for the amount of wiring or the size of the outlet they’re installing. A cramped electrical box can cause overheating and potentially lead to a fire. Make sure you use the correct size box to fit all the wiring and devices comfortably.
Overusing Extension Cords
One of the most common blunders is using extension cords as a permanent solution. They are designed for temporary use, so over-relying on them can lead to overheating and electrical shorts. Instead of constantly using extension cords, add more outlets or circuits to your home where needed.
Mismatched Wire Sizes
Using the wrong wire size for a circuit is another common mistake. Smaller wires can’t handle as much current as larger wires and can overheat when overloaded. If you’re unsure about the wire size you should be using for a project, consult an electrician to avoid mishaps.
Taping or Holding Down Circuit Breakers
Some people make the mistake of taping a circuit breaker down when it keeps tripping, thinking it will solve the problem. This is extremely dangerous. The main job of circuit breakers is to trip when they detect a problem like an overloaded circuit or a short. Holding them down removes this protection, increasing the risk of fire or electric shock. The right move is to identify and fix the underlying issue.
Ungrounded Outlets
Replacing two-prong outlets with three-prong outlets without properly grounding them is a recipe for disaster. Ungrounded outlets can lead to electric shock or damaged appliances. Before swapping out outlets, check that the wiring is properly grounded or hire an electrician to install a ground.
Wiring Switches Without a Neutral Wire
Some people try to install a new light switch but overlook the neutral wire. Many modern switches require a neutral wire to function properly. If your home lacks a neutral wire, you should have an electrician install one before proceeding with the project.
Not Turning Off Power
This one might sound like a no-brainer, but people often forget to turn off the power before starting electrical work. Not only does this put you at risk for electrocution, but you could also damage the wiring or appliances you’re working on. Never start any work turn before turning off the breaker that controls the circuit you’re working on.
Poor Lighting Installations
A common mistake is installing light fixtures that are too heavy for the electrical box they’re mounted on. Standard electrical boxes aren’t designed to hold heavy fixtures or ceiling fans. If you’re installing a heavier fixture, make sure you’re using a box that’s rated for the weight of the fixture, or risk the fixture falling.
Splicing Wires Without Junction Boxes
Sometimes, homeowners splice wires together and leave the connections hidden inside walls without using a proper junction box. This is a serious fire hazard because the wires aren’t contained, and if they get hot, they could ignite surrounding materials. Always use a junction box when splicing wires together, and never hide the box inside walls or ceilings where it’s inaccessible.
Ignoring Outdoor Electrical Safety
Outdoor electrical installations require special considerations to protect the wiring from moisture. Only use outdoor-rated weatherproof outlets and conduits for all outdoor electrical work. Overlooking these details could lead to electrical failures or shock hazards.
Poorly Secured Wiring
Loose or poorly secured wiring is another common mistake. Over time, vibrations or movements in the house can cause unsecured wires to wear out, leading to short circuits or fires. Always secure wiring with appropriate fasteners and make sure it’s not pinched or damaged during installation.
Neglecting to Pull Permits
It might seem like an unnecessary step that many DIYers skip to save time and money, but pulling the proper permits for electrical work is crucial for making sure that your work is up to code. Not doing this could cause problems if you ever try to sell your home.