Home Electrical Wiring Tips You Probably Haven't Heard Of

As a homeowner, I'm always looking for ways to improve my home's electrical system and make things safer and more efficient. After doing some research, I've discovered some handy electrical wiring tips that most homeowners likely don't know about.

Use Pigtails When Connecting Wires

When connecting multiple wires to a single terminal, it's best to use pigtails instead of trying to shove all the bare wire ends into the terminal. Pigtails are short lengths of wire that you connect to the terminal. The other wires then connect to the pigtail with a wire nut.

Benefits:

• Easier to make solid electrical connections
• Reduces risk of loose connections and arcs/shorts
• Allows for neat and organized wiring

I used to just try jamming all the wires into the terminal, but using pigtails makes for a much cleaner and safer connection.

Label Breaker Box Circuits

Every circuit in your home's breaker box should be clearly labeled so you know what it controls. Otherwise, good luck figuring out what will lose power when you shut off a breaker.

To label circuits:

• Shut off each breaker and see what loses power
• Write the location on a sticky note and stick it to the breaker
• Create a circuit directory for reference

Properly labeling the breaker box saves a ton of headaches down the road. No more shutting off the wrong breaker and accidentally killing power to half the house!

Use Arcing Fault Breakers

Arcing fault circuit breakers (AFCIs) detect dangerous electrical arcs in wiring and cut power to prevent fires. I highly recommend installing AFCIs instead of standard breakers, especially for older homes.

Key advantages:

• Help prevent electrical fires caused by damaged/faulty wiring
• Protect branch circuits supplying outlets, switches, lights, etc.
• Required by NEC code for new construction

While more expensive, AFCIs provide an extra level of home electrical fire protection that's well worth the cost.

Don't Use Backstab Connections

Many modern receptacles and switches feature backstab connections - small holes in the back where you can stick the bare copper wire in to make the connection. Avoid these - they often fail to make a solid connection.

Better options:

• Wrap wires clockwise around the side screw terminals
• Use pigtails connected to the screws

Backstabs might seem convenient, but side screw terminals make for much more reliable connections over the long haul. Spend the extra 2 minutes doing it right.

Consider Aluminum Wiring Upgrades

Homes built in the 60s and 70s often used aluminum wiring instead of safer copper wiring. While banned today, aluminum wiring requires special connections and frequent inspection to avoid fires and other issues.

If your home has aluminum wiring, I'd recommend paying an electrician to:

• Inspect all connections and upgrade as needed
• Apply anti-oxidant paste to reduce corrosion
• Replace aluminum wires with copper if feasible

Properly maintaining aluminum wiring prevents serious hazards, but upgrading to copper is the best long-term solution.

Add Dedicated Circuits for High-Use Appliances

Having multiple high-wattage appliances like air conditioners, appliances, and power tools on a single circuit can potentially overload it.

Consider installing dedicated circuits for:

• Large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines
• Kitchen small appliances like microwaves and disposals
• Bathroom appliances like hair dryers and curling irons
• Power tools, chargers, and electronics in a workshop

Dedicated circuits prevent nuisance tripping of breakers and allow each device to operate at optimal capacity.

Summary

Most homeowners could benefit from these electrical wiring best practices I've picked up over the years:

• Use pigtails for solid connections
• Label your breaker box
• Install AFCI breakers
• Avoid backstab connections
• Inspect/upgrade aluminum wiring
• Add dedicated circuits when feasible

Following these tips will help create a safer, more efficient home electrical system. A little extra effort up front goes a long way in preventing issues down the road.