Kansas: 913.236.7337 I Missouri: 816.361.7337 I Lawrence: 785.843.7337

If you are facing electrical repairs or having to deal with electrical problems, attempting to sort them out on your own can be dangerous and costly. Far too many people underestimate the complexity of the services handled by professional electricians, believing they can handle the issue without any help.

When working with electricity, safety is the most important element. While there are some electrical jobs that many people can handle, in most cases, the average person isn’t going to be aware of the precautions and safety measures taken by trained, reputable electricians.

There is no substitute to have the job done properly and safely.

However, for those who are still convinced a DIY approach is best, they should learn about some of the most common electrical mistakes that are made, here.

  1. Using Improperly Sized Cables and Wires

The term “gauge” refers to the various sizes electrical wires are available in. Different sizes of wires are used for different jobs and the gauge of a wire dictates the areas where it should be used.

If you use the wrong size wire for electrical current, it can result in to shorting of the circuit breaker or fuse or overheating. To determine what gauge is needed, you will have to understand amperage ratings for appliances and other electrical devices.

  1. Improper Repairs to Switches and Outlets

You may have an outlet or switch that is just “dangling” from the wall. While you may ignore it for a while, this can present quite a hazard.

When an outlet or switch is in this state, they are extremely dangerous and if you plug something into the loosely fitted outlet, the wires may loosen from the terminals, resulting in arching, overheating and the possibility of a fire.

  1. Faulty Connections in an Electrical Box

Don’t ever try to make electrical connections out of an electrical box. The purpose of these boxes is to offer protection from external elements. If you need an extension the you need to use a plastic or metal box.

It can also be hazardous to add or to overfill an electrical box with connections, as this is going to increase the possibility of a short circuit and overheating.

  1. Fuse Replacement

Fuses and breakers are responsible for protecting wire ampacity ratings and electrical flow to all connected appliances. In some cases, if a fuse blows, a person believes it only needs to be replaced – time and time again – or that a larger breaker or fuse should be installed. The scary fact is, this is one of the most common causes of home fires – continually replacing a fuse that is dangerous.

If you have a fuse that continues to blow, or if the breaker trips often, there is an issue with the circuit wiring that needs to be checked by a professional electrician.

  1. Loose Fuse Connections

It is crucial that all connections in your fuse box are tight and placed properly. If the connections become loose, then your lights and appliances may begin to flicker or short out. In the worse situations, the fuses will overheat.

If you suspect there is an issue with the fuse connections, have the inspected by an electrician. They can ensure the proper repair is provided.

The electrical mistakes covered here are the ones that are seen all-too-often, and that can lead to dangerous situations and other issues. If you have an electrical issue, the best thing you can do is call an electrician. They will be able to handle the problem safely and ensure it is fixed properly.