Everything Else
5 common electrical mistakes homeowners should avoid
Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Regarding essential services like electrical and plumbing, taking the DIY route may sound attractive, but it can have serious consequences. For example, a shoddy electrical installation can lead to short circuits, shocks, and even fires, posing a risk to life and property. Therefore, to create a safer home and avert disaster, homeowners should avoid these five common electrical mistakes: Overloading circuits Professional electricians have the right equipment to test electrical load capacity for circuits. All circuits have a maximum potential for the energy output they can support, and overloading them can lead to a fire hazard. Faulty wire connections Faulty or incorrect wire connections are the most common home electrical mistake one will come across. Examples of faulty wire connections include using the wrong conduit fitting, cutting the wire too short, skipping the wire nut, or not bonding metal wires properly. These mistakes can result in loose connections that create short circuits, wreaking havoc on the appliances. Unsecured outlets The receptacles or switches need to be firmly attached. Leaving them loose could result in electrical arcing (when electricity jumps from one connection to the other), which could cause the outlet to stop working or pose a fire hazard.
Read More