Common Electrical DIY Mistakes

Are you planning to do a DIY electrical project? Well, you are not alone. Due to the popularity of YouTube videos, more and more homeowners are performing their own electrical repairs and troubleshooting.

There are a lot of things that you can DIY. You can install a new feature wall, build a shelf, or paint your house.

Unfortunately, not everything can be done through Do-It-Yourself projects. This is particularly true when it comes to electrical systems. Still, a lot of homeowners try their luck at DIY electrical projects.

Typically, this results in a lot of various problems that require the help of a professional Show Low, AZ electrician.

Cutting Wires Too Short

You might not know this. However, cutting electrical wires too short might lead to a bad electrical connection, aside from other problems.

Also, utilizing the incorrect size or gauge of the wire can lead to unsecured wire connections. Because of this, you require professional recommendation on the right width and length of the cable or wire. This will help you prevent the wirings from short-circuiting or overheating.

You shouldn’t rely on luck if you aren’t certain of the right length and size of the wire required for your project.

The ideal way is to hire a professional electrician to ensure that every line and wire is secure.

Overloaded Outlets

Not a lot of homeowners know this. However, the electrical circuits of your house only have a particular capacity. You are putting your house and your family at risk of a lot of problems if you exceed the amount of electricity your house can handle safely. This includes:

• Electrical fires
• Mild electrical shocks
• Damage to your appliances

A lot of inexperienced DIY-ers do not know this and they overload the system. A professional electrician can help you figure out what your system can handle and will install the right number of sockets.

Not Installing a Junction Box

In all homes, it’s crucial to install a junction box since it protects most wirings from physical damage and exposure.

In addition to that, junction boxes also protect you from further harm resulting from loose connections, short circuits, sparks, and smoke.

Oftentimes, it can lead to accidents caused by live terminals and wires if you do not install junction boxes.

Every wiring system should ideally be linked in the junction box. This will help keep everything housed for proper connections.

Loose Fittings for Outlets and Switches

A lot of homeowners believe that electrical switches and outlets are plug-and-play. They think that it is like inserting a flash drive into a port.

Though it might not be the most complicated electrical task out there, it is not also the easiest one.

A lot of homeowners overestimate it. That is why they end up getting it wrong or making mistakes.

A couple of DIY-ers may cut the wires in the wrong length or install a wire or screw too loosely. This is something that can lead to fire or overheating. If you do not know how to install switches or outlets, make sure you hire a professional instead.