A licensed residential electrician is familiar with all the mistakes that homeowners tend to make when they try to handle their electrical issues themselves. Even though you may consider yourself a DIY pro capable of handling your home’s electrical wiring, it can often lead to catastrophic results.

While it may seem simple to install new outlets for your home remodeling project, it can become a major issue if you don’t do it right. When sparks shoot out of the receptacle, lights start flickering, or power outages occur, things can turn tragic in terms of human loss and property damage. For that reason, home remodeling projects that involve anything of an electrical nature should always be left the professionals.

With that being said, here are five common mistakes that homeowners make.

1. Junction Box. This is most likely the biggest mistake a DIYer can make. The electrical box protects electrical connections while containing sparks or heat if a short circuit occurs. When installing a new outlet or light fixture, most states and localities require that the wiring be housed in a plastic or metal box. Importantly, the junction box must be fitted flush against the wall so combustible materials are not exposed to sparks (think wall studs). 

2. Short Wiring and Wiring Gauge. All too often, when homeowners work with wiring, they make the mistake of cutting the wires too short, which creates a serious hazard but also makes it much more difficult to complete the job. Plus, they tend to use the wrong gauge. When adding an outlet or additional electrical circuit, DIYers may use a wire that handles fewer amps than the breaker or the fuse they are adding. A residential electrician will always use the proper gauge and will make the wires extend at least 3 inches from the junction box.

3. Cramped Wiring. This is not only dangerous, but it’s against NEC codes. There needs to be enough slack so wires extend at least 3-6 inches from the junction box so they can be stripped adequately, the ends capped and then folded over loosely inside the junction box.

4. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. A GFCI outlet monitors the amount of power going from the outlet to the appliance or device you’re using. It is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground-fault within as little as 1/40 of a second. GFCI outlets are particularly important in areas near water sources. When even the slightest variation is detected, the GCI outlet cuts the power, preventing shocks or electrocution.

5. Overloading Circuits. When a homeowner plugs too many electrical devices or appliances into an outlet, it can lead to an electrical overload and is a fire hazard. We’ve seen it time and time again – someone plugs a bunch of devices into a power strip, or even worse, piggybacks onto a second power strip. If you need more electrical outlets, hire a licensed residential electrician to install some for you. The cost is minimal compared to what it would cost if your house catches fire.

All Current Electric electricians have successfully handled hundreds of home remodeling projects that deal with electricity and always perform the work safely and correctly. Their work is backed up by extensive education and real-world experience. When you want a guarantee that all your home remodeling electrical work will be completed properly – give us a call!

While electrical work is well within the ability of the average homeowner, it’s important to do it right. Taking shortcuts could result in electrocution, short circuits, and even fires. All Current Electric has been providing professional residential electrician work in Johnson County & Wyandotte County in Kansas and Jackson, Platte, Cass, and Clay counties in Missouri in the greater Kansas City area for years. We also serve Kansas City KS, Kansas City MO, and all cities in the greater metropolitan area: Blue Springs, Briarcliff, Fairway, Independence, Leawood, Lees Summit, Lenexa, Liberty, Merriam, Mission, Mission Hills, Olathe, Overland Park, Parkville, Prairie Village, Riverside, Shawnee, Spring Hill, Stanley, and more! Contact us if you don’t see your area listed. 

All Current Electric

913-825-3506

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