Incomplete electrical installations are more common than you think. As a result, there are more than 30,000 accidents a year involving electric shocks. Thankfully, the vast majority aren’t fatal.
These electrical installation mistakes can lead to thousands of dollars in damage if you’re not careful. It’s important to know how to avoid them and make sure your home doesn’t pose any safety risks to the people who inhabit it.
Below are six common electrical installation mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Not Planning Enough Time for the Project
It’s crucial that you account for enough time when planning electrical projects. The more complex your project, the more careful you need to be in planning it out. It’s important not to rush into it.
2. Not Securing the Work Area
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that over 80% of electrical fires occur in residential buildings.
If you’re working with electricity, it’s essential that you clear away clutter and other objects from your work area.
This may seem like common sense, but we’ve all seen people moving furniture or using extension cords right next to a circuit breaker box.
3. Connecting Wires Incorrectly
Incorrect wiring is one of the most common electrical issues made by beginners. When connecting wires, make sure you’re observing polarity.
Red wires should always be connected to each other, as well as black wires. If your circuit breaker trips or your lights flicker when you turn on an appliance, it could mean that you have a wiring error.
To fix it, shut off power to that circuit at your main breaker box and then check all your connections again.
4. Working in Low Light Conditions
When performing electrical installations in low light conditions, you need to take extra care. It’s easy to miss important details when working in a poorly lit area.
If possible, work with another person who can help by holding a flashlight while you perform your installation. Also, be sure that your tools are well-lit so that you can see what you’re doing as clearly as possible.
5. Forgetting Safety Precautions
Don’t forget safety precautions when it comes to electrical installation. A general piece of advice is to be careful when installing electric wiring.
Always turn off power at circuit breakers before making any changes. Also, use wire strippers or other devices designed for electric wire. Make wear rubber gloves and protective clothing when working with wires.
6. Letting Wires Get Tangled Up
When you’re looking at an electrical installation, it may seem simple to let all your wires run together in one big bundle. Yet, you should take great care to avoid doing so.
This is also one of the biggest electrical installation mistakes that homeowners make. It can lead to tangling and knotting that can become very difficult if not impossible to fix later on. Instead, wrap each set of wires separately.
How to Avoid Electrical Installation Mistakes
Electrical work can have serious repercussions when performed incorrectly. Our electricians have many years of experience. We are eager to provide for all your residential electrical system needs.
If you’re in the Lewisville area and want to avoid electrical installation mistakes, contact us today for more information on our professional electrical installation service.
