Many people across the US suffer electrical-related injuries due to electrical mistakes while performing DIY wiring, installations, and other tasks. It all happens because of incorrect methods of electrical work. It results in short circuits, fire, burn injuries, electrocution, and fatal shocks that can cause death. So, how to avoid such mistakes?
Here in Forney TX, there are certified, licensed, and insured electricians who can help carry out complex electrical installation, maintenance, and repairs with utmost caution. You can hire their services for peace of mind. Or else, if you want to go the DIY way, here are a few suggestions you need to follow.
12 Common Examples of Bad Electrical Work
Let’s understand some common mistakes and DIY errors that a majority of homeowners perform while installing electrical fittings and wiring. You need to know them to prevent electrical-related accidents at home.
Incorrect Grounding Work
If a home has a proper grounding with quality copper wire connected to a grounding rod, it helps divert electrical surges into the ground. The rod is inserted deep into the ground with layers of charcoal/wood coal and rock salt. But with improper grounding work, there’s the threat of short circuits and malfunctioning circuit breakers during a thunderstorm or lightning. Surge protectors alone cannot provide 100% protection to electrical appliances and electronic gadgets.
No GFCI
Homes should install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets to protect from electrical shocks. This is required for residences that are located near water, and for spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors, etc. Here, you can consult with licensed electricians, who can give you the right advice on where to install a GFCI.
A GFCI outlet installation is complex, as it consists of 2 sets of terminals. Professional electricians are aware of it, but homeowners aren’t. If installed by a novice with no electrical knowledge, the electricity surges can revert backward. Therefore, it offers no shock protection!
Leaving the Plastic-Sheath Cable Uncovered
This is one of the common DIY errors in electrical wiring. Leaving the copper wires exposed can lead to fatal shocks, and there’s a risk of fire. Plastic-sheathed cables are damaged when they’re left exposed between framing members. It is potentially vulnerable when it is run under the ceiling or wall. Therefore, it is advised to run these cables through a conduit that is fully covered with proper insulation material, which prevents snags and power cuts.
Loose Sockets and Switches
Loosely fitted switches, plug points, plugs, and sockets can disrupt power supply. Moreover, it increases the chances of electrical shocks and electrocution. It can sometimes be fatal. While DIY electrical installations, keep in mind to tighten all plugs, switches, and sockets. Or else, call a certified electrician to prevent such common mistakes and DIY errors.
Overloading Circuits
Novice electricians unknowingly keep adding plugs to circuits, as it may exceed the standard rating of 15 Amp breaker and 14-2 wire. This is NOT a safe practice, as it can cause circuit overloading and tripping. Whereas, licensed and certified electricians test electrical circuits to identify the actual load capacity, before adding switches and plugs.
Erroneous Wire Connections
This is another common example of bad electrical work, which is seen in residential wiring. Wire connections with improper conduit fittings or a wire nut can cause electrical problems. This is the main cause of short circuits, and your lighting fixtures like lamps and bulbs keep burning out. All metal ends must be properly secured and bonded. To avoid such wiring connection mistakes, call an accredited electrician.
Faulty Junction Box
When performing a DIY electrical installation like a new electrical outlet or lighting fixture, use a steel or modular fiberglass junction box. All home/office electrical connections should be within a proper junction box. Anything outside the box is considered a serious electrical code violation and needs rectification.
Electrical connections within a junction box help prevent sparks, if there’s a short circuit or loose wire connection. Junction boxes must be placed on your drywall to make it easily accessible in case of electrical repair & maintenance.
Unsecured Outlets
All home electrical outlets and plug points must be tightly attached. If they are wrongly installed or fitted loosely, it can cause electrical fires at home. It also results in electrical arcing in outlets, which can damage anything that is plugged into them. The outlets can become hot, and would simply stop working. As a DIY electrician, you must know when to replace outlets, and how long they last.
Cutting Wires Too Short
When novices perform residential wiring upgrades in a DIY way, they cut short wires. The standard protocol is to keep at least 3 inches of wire extra, which extends from the junction box. You can also install an electrical box extender. They are available at local hardware stores. Short wires increase the risk of electrocution, short circuits, and poor connections. It can be fatal at times.
Using Wrong Wires & Cables
This is yet another problem with DIY electricians with no experience. A lot of new electricians are not able to identify the right gauge of wire according to a circuit’s amperage. They pull the wrong wire through the conduit line or use an indoor cable for outdoor application. This results in overheating, wire damage, and potential short circuits.
Connecting Wires outside Electrical Boxes
To prevent electrical fires and accidents as a result of exposed cables, you need to connect the wires inside the boxes. It helps protect connections from damage caused by overheating, short circuits and sparks that can result in electrical fires. Therefore, it is advised to hire licensed and bonded electricians in Dallas or Forney to complete a task safely.
Reversed Polarity
It is one of the most common and dangerous home electrical mistakes performed in a DIY project, wherein the neutral electrical wire is reversed. This can damage your home appliances, white goods, and electronic gadgets, and increases the risk of fatal electrical shocks. A bonded and insured electrician knows how to wire switches, plugs, socket boards, switchboards, and other outlets to prevent electrical mishaps.
What’s the Solution? Choosing the Right Electrical Company
If you’re considering an electrical installation at home, choose the right electrical service provider for safely installing all electrical fixtures and fittings. If you’re residing in Kaufman County, contact one of the registered electricians in Forney, TX. A brand like Copeland Home Services can be a good choice, as they have a team of licensed, certified, bonded, and insured professionals in their dedicated payroll. Call for a FREE quote or an expert consultation.
There should be an awareness among homeowners who perform DIY electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance. Unless one is certified for electrical maintenance, it is advised not to venture into this complex activity, which is full of risks. Hiring an expert electrician who is licensed and insured makes sense. They would follow all the standard safety protocols, without violating the electrical codes. States like Texas have strict laws about electrical safety. You need to follow them while performing DIY electrical wiring or repair work. Or else, you can hire a company.