Electrical work is best handled by professionals for the safety of all involved. Master electricians have the proper training and insurance to cover related liabilities. However, errors were likely made if you have done some electrical DIY in the past – or if past owners in your home did some DIY of their own. Here are some of the most common electrical mistakes homeowners make when attempting electrical work and how to fix them.
Wires Cut Too Short
While you don’t want an excessive length of wires bunched in the box, it’s also an issue if wires are cut too short. Short wires make it difficult to securely attach them to the fixture, which is more likely to lead to a problem like a short-circuit or disconnect. Wires should stick out about 3-4 inches from the box. If you or a previous tenant cut the wires too short, there is no need to worry. You can use wire connectors to attach extensions onto the short wires and lengthen them.
Installing an Ungrounded Three-Prong Outlet
Some older outlets are not wired with a ground wire. With newer upgrades, though, most people choose three-prong outlets to be more universally usable. There is a much higher risk for electrocution and fire when three-prong outlets are not connected to a ground wire. The remedy is simple – replace ungrounded three-prong outlets with safer two-prong ones. Call an electrician to run a ground wire to the outlet box if you need three prongs.
Connecting Outside of an Electrical Box
Wires should always sit inside a junction box, whether used or connected to a fixture. This box sits flush with the wall and protects the surrounding area (i.e. flammable wall materials) from heat and sparks that could occur if there is an issue. However, some DIYers do not know this and run wires without a junction box. You need to have one installed wherever you find wires without a box.
Unsupported Outlets
Loose outlets pose a problem whether they weren’t appropriately sized on installation or have just loosened over time. When they move around, the wires inside can loosen up and disconnect or even touch each other. Wires that become loose making it easier for electricity to arc between them and create heat or an electrical fire. To fix this, you can use spacers or washers on the screws of the outlet to create a tighter hold and prevent wiggling.
Installing Cables without Clamps
Clamps are used in electrical boxes to prevent strain on the connections. If a cable is heavy or long and unsupported, it can pull on the wires connected to the fixture and cause arcing and sparks. A clamp is used to redirect the strain on a different part of the wire, so the connections remain intact. Most electrical boxes that require clamps will come with them installed, but they can be purchased separately and installed in the box if you need one.
Reversing Hot and Neutral Wires
Wires are color-coded to avoid confusion; however, someone who isn’t a professional may not correctly install them. Attaching the hot wire to the neutral terminal on the fixture (and the neutral wire to the hot terminal) will still lead to a functioning fixture but is much more dangerous to operate and can lead to lethal shock. Unfortunately, it is challenging to notice reversed wiring until a shock happens; the best way to prevent this is to have an electrician check your fixtures to make sure they are wired properly.
Promise Electric is a team of master electricians based in Sarasota, Florida.
