Doing your own electrical work can be risky and costly. Home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage. Electrical work is very complex, and many homeowners do not take that into account. Qualified electricians have gone through extensive training to do the job they do. Yes, there are some tasks that can be taken care of on your own but most of the time, the correct safety measures are skipped. Play it safe and have a professional electrician perform any electrical work in your home.

Common Electrical Wiring Mistakes

1. Incorrect fittings on outlets and switches. Outlets and switches that are hanging from the walls are dangerous. When appliances are plugged into outlets that aren’t fitted correctly, the wires can loosen from their terminals. This can lead to arcing and overheating.
2. Bad connections in electrical boxes. It’s never smart to make connections outside electrical boxes. Electrical boxes are there for protection from external elements. If you need an extension, youll need a metal or plastic box. It’s also dangerous to overfill or add electrical boxes with connections because this increases the likelihood of short-circuiting and overheating.
3. Using incorrectly sized wires and cables. Electrical wires come in different sizes and a gauge is used to determine which one is needed. Incorrect sizing can lead to overheating or shorting because the correct amperage needs to be carried through theses wires.
4. Fuse replacement. The safety mechanisms of breakers and boxes are implemented to protect ampacity ratings and electrical flow onto all connected appliances. When fuses continue to blow, homeowners think that they just need to be replaced or a larger one needs to be used. This is a big cause of fires in the home. When fuses continue to blow, there is an issue with the circuit wiring and needs to be corrected by a professional.
5. Fuse connections that are loose. All connections in a fuse box need to be tight and placed correctly. If they aren’t, you’ll have flickering lights and appliances that cut short. The circuits can also overheat. If you’re having any of these issues, then contact a professional electrician for an inspection.
6. Overloading outlets. One of the most frequently seen electrical mistakes that electricians see is power boards that have been overloaded. It may seem like no big deal, but when a circuit is loaded up with more amps than it can handle, the breaker is at a higher risk of tripping. When power boards and outlets are loaded up with larger appliances, the risk is even higher.

Electrical Wiring Services in Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida

These mistakes are easily made. Ask yourself, “Is it really worth the potential risk and frustration if things go wrong?” The answer is no! Hire the professionals at Burley Electrical Services to perform any electrical work in your home. We can help you with any residential and commercial electrical needs.