15 Electrical Mistakes Everyone Should Avoid

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Electricity powers our lives, but it’s too easy to overlook—until, of course, the power goes out. A flickering light or a sparking outlet can soon turn from an annoyance to a safety hazard. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or just trying to keep your home in good shape, knowing about common electrical mistakes can save you headaches, money, and perhaps lives.

With electricity, stakes are high, mistakes can be small, but consequences large. Mistakes that could have been avoided often lead to fires, injuries or expensive repairs. So, let’s take a deeper look at the most common mistakes and how to avoid them. I promise you, it’s way easier and cheaper to avoid these pitfalls than to fix them after the fact.

Ignoring Flickering Lights

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If your lights flicker like you’re at a 1970s disco, that’s a symptom of something not right. Loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or a failing fixture are all reasons why a fixture might flicker. These aren’t problems you can sweep under the rug. A flickering light is often a red flag for a deeper electrical problem that needs immediate attention. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t ignore it, call a professional.

Using the Wrong Light Bulbs

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Using a bulb of whatever you have on hand might not seem like a big deal, but wattage matters. Using a bulb of too high a wattage can burn up your fixture and possibly even melt it. Check the label on your fixture or lamp to see what the maximum wattage is allowed.

Improper Extension Cord Use

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Extension cords are not intended for long term fixes. Wearing them out, running them under rugs, pinching them in doors, or overloading them poses serious risks. If you have to use an extension cord more than a few times, it’s time to add more outlets in your home.

Electrical Work Without Knowledge on DIY

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Saving a few bucks is something we all love, but electrical work is not a place for experimentation. One can get shocks or even a fire by installing the wiring incorrectly. According to an Electrical Safety Foundation International study, a good percentage of home electrical fires were due to DIY mistakes. Do not hire a professional for anything less than swapping a light bulb or resetting a breaker.

Skipping Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

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In areas that are liable to moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors, GFCIs are necessary. They are intended to shut off the electricity in case of a fault, to prevent electric shock. And if you don’t have GFCIs in these areas in your home, you’re gambling with safety.

Neglecting Outlet Testing

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Outlets have a limited life span and faulty outlets can cause fires. Every few months, plug in an outlet tester to catch problems before they get out of hand. It is an easy and affordable way to maintain an eye on your home’s electrical health.

Overloading Outlets

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You have probably been guilty of plugging in another device because the outlet was conveniently close. Overloading an outlet can overheat the wiring and possibly set a fire. Overloaded circuits are among the leading causes of electrical fires in the United States, says the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Cramming multiple plugs into one socket is bad, instead of that, use power strips that have built in circuit breakers.

Failing to Turn Off the Power

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Sounds obvious, right? But many people forget to shut off the power at the breaker box before working on the electrical system. Live wires can give a nasty shock—or worse—if you make one wrong move. Before any project, double check.

Using Appliances That Have Damaged Cords

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Just because a frayed cord is harmless looking doesn’t mean it is harmless. Shocks or fires can be caused by wires exposed. If you see any sign of wear and tear, replace the cord, or replace the appliance entirely.

Circuit Breaker Trips Are Ignored

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When your circuit breaker trips, it’s trying to tell you something. Trips may imply an overloaded circuit, or faulty wiring. Rather than resetting the breaker, check to see why it’s tripping so you don’t have the same problem in the future.

Mixing Water and Electricity

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Water and electricity are a match made for disaster. Touch outlets or switches only when your hands are dry and keep appliances away from sinks and bathtubs. This is a common sense approach that can save lives.

Poorly Placed Electrical Panels

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It is important your electrical panel is easily accessible. For emergencies, it’s worse to hide it behind heavy furniture or in spots that are hard to reach. Keep it easy to see and reach so you can handle problems as they arise.

Improper Wire Connections

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Arcs, which are a major fire hazard, may result from loose or incorrect wire connections. Connections should always be secured using wire connectors (also called wire nuts). It’s a simple way to avoid dangerous sparks.

Not having Regular Inspections

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Routine electrical inspection is something that most homeowners neglect. Electrical fires occur annually in the U.S. more than 50,000 times, and often they could have been prevented with the right maintenance, according to a report from the Electrical Safety Foundation. If your home is an older home or you have already noticed electrical issues, it might be wise to have a professional inspection.

Relying on Old Wiring

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Outdated wiring in older homes isn’t constructed to handle modern electrical loads. For example, knob and tube wiring is not grounded and is a fire hazard. While upgrading your wiring will cost more, it’s an investment in safety and peace of mind.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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