Common Mistakes DIYers Make with Electrical Projects

Get Tips from the Licensed Electricians at Best Home Services

Many homeowners prefer do-it-yourself home renovation projects that allow them to feel handy around the house while saving money. However, when it comes to electricity, such projects are usually best left in the hands of licensed, certified electricians for safety reasons. Over the years, BHS has seen many common mistakes DIYers make with electrical projects in Southwest Florida. Dedicated to keeping our customers safe and informed, we’re here to set the record straight on a few of those mistakes. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any electrical concerns you may have. We’re here for you 24/7!

Common Electrical Mistake #1: Overloading the Outlets

Overloading your electrical outlets is not only an eyesore. It’s also a fire hazard. Having loose switches or receptacles due to poor DIY installation is equally dangerous, as it causes your electrical wires to loosen. You can prevent a loose switch by installing a simple, inexpensive spacer. We also recommend investing in whole-house surge protection due to the number of severe storms that pass through Southwest Florida, especially during hurricane season. You could be just one lightning strike away from disaster. Our local electricians are familiar with the best brands and warranties in the industry to ensure your satisfaction and protection.

Common Electrical Mistake #2: Not Installing a Junction Box

Do you know what a junction box is? Many homeowners forget to install one, which is a huge mistake. Junction boxes help prevent short circuits by keeping connected wires away from combustible materials. Also referred to as an electrical box, junction boxes are usually made of plastic or steel and are required according to most electrical codes in the United States. Each junction box should state its approved volume so that you can avoid overfilling it with too many wires.

Common Electrical Mistake #3: Cutting Wires Too Short

Your electrical wiring should always be at least 3-6 inches from your junction box. Wires cut too short result in poor connections and potential fire hazards. If you’ve discovered you’ve cut your wires too short, you may be able to correct the issue with a splice. However, any time you’re working with wires and electrical voltages, you should take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself from a shock. Even a low-voltage shock has the power to injure or kill you.

Common Electrical Mistake #4: Not Using a Standby Generator

It’s not uncommon for Southwest Florida homes to experience a power blackout during a severe storm or hurricane. Be prepared for such an occurrence with the installation of a standby generator. You won’t have to worry about being without your refrigerator, lighting, or air conditioning for long, as most home standby generators should have enough power to last for days. Don’t take a gamble on your generator being installed incorrectly by attempting to do it yourself. If we notice any issues during installation, rest assured we’ll repair them right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to Mother Nature and electricity.

Common Electrical Mistake #5: Leaving Cables Exposed

Electrical cables should never be seen. Exposed wiring is a fire hazard waiting to happen. You could install a metal or flexible conduit to protect the exposed cables or call our local electricians for advice. While you may feel confident in your ability to install wiring when flipping an older home, there are many things you must remember. Check out our blog on the subject of Helpful Electrical Do’s and Don’ts When Flipping a House for more useful tips.

Call Best Home Services for Electrical Needs in Southwest Florida

Don’t risk your health or safety by toying with DIY electrical projects. Count on BHS for all your electrical service needs in Southwest Florida. Our licensed residential electricians are available around the clock to accommodate homeowners in Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, and surrounding areas. Whether you want to install new outdoor lighting, surge protectors, or a home theater with surround sound, our certified electricians are equipped for the job. We’ll even follow up to ensure your total satisfaction!

Skip to content