Electrical problems, big and small can happen from time to time in a home. Depending on the size of a problem or situation, there are often people that take on work without the help of a licensed and professional electrician. There is also work done by a hired electrician where we see corners cut. Here are five common electrical mistakes that we see on any given basis.
- No Electrical Box: Be sure to never make electrical connections without electrical boxes. A junction box protects all connections from any accidental damage that could occur.
- Cutting Wires Short: When making a connection it can often be difficult if your wire is cut too short. Be sure to leave your wires at least 3 inches from the box.
- Improper Light Bulbs: Most incandescent light bulbs throughout your home require a 60-watt bulb. Most people have had a problem with using a 100-watt bulb for a 60-watt base. The problem with using this higher watt bulb is that the sockets are not designed to carry this extra load. This results in a much hotter base which can potentially lead overheat and fire. For safety reasons, be sure to check the wattage limit next to the socket.
There are situations an electrical work that should always be done correctly. Improperly installed and electrical fixtures can result in major problems.