The economy has recovered considerably in recent years, but there are still quite a few citizens that have to live paycheck by paycheck, and unexpected problems often leave inexperienced people completing DIY projects to cut expenses. Where there are several examples as to watching a tutorial online or reading about the task can get the job done sufficiently enough, there are some industries better left to the professionals and among them is electrical work. Electricity is delicate in nature. If it is misused it cause costly damage, inflict severe injuries, or even cause fatalities. There are common problems people make while doing DIY electrical and we at Sentry Electric would like to share some of the common mistakes made during electrical DIY projects.
DIY Electrical Wiring Mistakes
1) Overload in outlets. Though it is not an especially common issue, it is worth pointing out because it is easily done and that is overloading an outlet or powerboard. Dependent on the number of amps a circuit is designed to manage, the powerboards cannot handle appliances being plugged in to all outlets available. The circuits will also often overload when t comes to the bigger appliances especially, like refrigerators, dishwashers and air conditioners.
2) Incorrect fitted outlets and switches. Presenting a major hazard are outlets and switches that are loosely installed, particularly when an appliance is plugged into one. Arcing and overheating are generally produced when wires are loose in their terminals.
3) Utilizing wires and cables of the incorrect size. Referenced as gauges, electric wires and cables are available in sizes. The gauge of the wire determines how and where it should be used. At the time of installation, an incorrect gauged wire for the specific electric current will result in overheating or a shorting of the fuse or circuit breaker.
4) The electrical box has faulty connections. The main purpose of the electrical box is to house many of the fundamental components as it provides protection from external elements. Filling these electrical boxes beyond their capacity will result in overheating or short-circuiting which leads to costly damages. Just as it is especially a detriment to the electrical system, attempting to make electrical connections outside of the electrical box is extremely dangerous.
5) Unsecure fuse. It is essential that all connections should be tight and correctly placed whenever fuses are replaced. Mildly speaking, appliances and lights may flicker or short out if the connections are too loose but it could be as severe as causing the circuits to overheat. The circuit breaker needs to be shut off before any other contact is made; this step many people forget, resulting in an alarming safety risk.
6) For specific fixture, using the wrong wattage of light bulbs. If a light bulb has a greater wattage than what is intended for the socket, the bulb is highly likely to overheat. If the overheating reaches extreme conditions, the bulb could break or even ignite, resulting in property damage as well as cause harm.
Electrical Wiring Services & More in Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, Southbury, Stamford, CT & Fairfield County, Connecticut
If you ever have any doubts doing the simplest electrical work or it is beyond your level of understanding, call in the experts of Sentry Electric and let our leading electricians assist you.
