Top Home Electrical Errors Made by DIYer – Part One
There are numerous DIY electrical tasks you do at your home. However, you can make mistakes during such DIY projects. You should never ignore such mistakes as they can lead you to electrical shocks, short circuits, and even fires. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common electrical errors that DIYers make.
Making electrical connections without an electrical box
When you want to make an electrical connection, you must use an electrical box. Electrical boxes, which are also known as Junction Boxes or J Boxes can provide maximum protection to connections from accidental damage. They can also contain heat and sparks that a loose electrical connection or short circuit can make. Whenever you make an electrical connection, you need to use an electrical box.
Cutting wires too short
If you cut wires too short, you will encounter difficulties when making connections. This can eventually lead you to poor and dangerous connections. This is why you need to cut wires long enough. For example, the wires you cut should protrude at least three inches from the box.
But in case if you have already done this mistake, you need to add at least 6 inches of extensions to the existing wire. Then you can proceed with making the electrical connection.
Keeping the plastic-sheathed cable without protection
It is easy to leave the plastic-sheathed cables unprotected to save time. However, it can easily cause damages to plastic along with time. These damages are quite often in plastic cables exposed in between framing members. To protect such cable, you should install a small protection board alongside the cable. There is no need to staple the cable to the board. If you have wire that runs along a wall, you should use metal conduit.
Not having enough support for the electrical outlets and electrical switches
Loose electrical outlets and electrical switches don’t just look bad. They can also be dangerous. For example, such loosely connected outlets can easily move around. As a result, the wires can loosen from their terminals. Such loose wires can result in arcs as well as overheating. This will eventually lead you to a fire hazard.
To overcome this problem, you may consider using rigid electrical box spacers. You need to fix all the loose outlets by shimming them under screws. This can help you to create a tighter connection to the electrical box. Your local hardware store can help you with getting spacers. Or else, you may even use small washers to wrap around the screw. It is better to add some insulation there as well.
Installation of three-slot receptables without including the ground wire
When you are installing a three-slot receptable, you must consider the ground wire. If not, the best thing you can do is to install a two-slot electrical outlet. With the help of a tester, you can check if the outlet is properly grounded. You can easily purchase a tester from your local hardware store or home center. Follow instructions as given by the tester and you can figure it out. ‘
Final words
Keep these DIYer electrical mistakes in mind when you work with electrical projects at home. It will help you to ensure the safety of your home at all times.