How to Save Money By Avoiding Common Home Electrical Mistakes

Introduction

Electrical issues in a home can be dangerous, disruptive, and expensive if not addressed properly. By being aware of some of the most common electrical mistakes homeowners make, you can avoid potential hazards, inconveniences, and costs. In this article, I will share tips to identify and correct the most prevalent home electrical errors to help you save money over the long run.

Hiring Unlicensed Electricians

Hiring an unlicensed electrician may seem like a good way to save money, but it often leads to bigger problems down the road. Here are some reasons why it pays to hire licensed electrical contractors:

• Licensing ensures proper training and expertise. Licensed electricians undergo classroom and on-the-job training to ensure they have the skills and knowledge for the work. Unlicensed handymen lack this formal training.

• They follow safety codes. Licensed contractors keep up with the National Electrical Code and local regulations to perform work safely. Unlicensed electricians may take dangerous shortcuts.

• You get recourse for mistakes. If a licensed electrician's work results in hazards or code violations, you can contact the state licensing board to have them address the problems. With unlicensed workers, you have no recourse.

• Insurance protections. Licensed electricians carry liability insurance and workers compensation for your protection. If an unlicensed electrician gets injured on the job or damages your home, you may have to cover the costs.

Though licensing does cost electricians money, the extra expertise and accountability are worth paying a little more in order to avoid potentially disastrous electrical work. Check credentials, verify licenses, and read reviews before hiring any electrical contractor.

Ignoring Minor Electrical Problems

It's common to ignore minor electrical issues, like flickering lights, faulty outlets, or slight buzzing from switches. But minor issues often indicate larger wiring problems that will only get worse over time. Address even small electrical problems right away to avoid safety hazards and more extensive repairs down the road.

Here are some minor electrical issues that should not be ignored:

• Flickering or dimming lights - This usually means a loose connection that should be inspected and repaired to prevent fire hazards.

• Frequently tripped circuit breakers - Nuisance tripping suggests you're overloading circuits or they need service. Left unaddressed, it can lead to a house fire.

• Odd smells from outlets - Burning smells from receptacles indicate overloaded, damaged, or incorrectly wired connections that could start an electrical fire.

• Frequently blown lightbulbs - This may signal voltage spikes that could damage appliances or start a fire. Faulty wiring is likely the cause.

• Tingling sensations from switches - Tingling or shocks when operating switches indicates unsafe wiring that needs repair.

Addressing minor electrical issues promptly can prevent more extensive repairs, fires, injuries, and damage to your home and belongings.

Overloading Circuits and Extension Cords

One of the most common - and dangerous - electrical mistakes homeowners make is overloading circuits and extension cords. Packing too many devices and appliances on a circuit can lead to melted wires, electrical fires, and blackouts. Here are tips to avoid overloads:

• Know your circuit capacity - Most home circuits are designed for 15 or 20 amps. Look at your circuit breaker sizes to understand capacity.

• Spread out load - Don't use one circuit for all your kitchen or laundry appliances. Distribute devices over multiple circuits.

• Avoid plugging multiple devices into one outlet - Use outlet splitters sparingly and never chain them together.

• Use proper gauge and length extension cords - Know what gauge cord to use based on appliance power needs and avoid excessive cord lengths.

• Inspect cords and outlets - Check for hot plugs or melted plastic that signal overloads. Upgrade wiring as needed.

• Add circuits for large appliances - Have an electrician add dedicated circuits for heavy loads like HVAC equipment.

Monitoring the amperage on your electrical circuits and making adjustments to avoid overloads can help prevent hazardous issues down the road.

Using the Wrong Bulb Wattage

Inserting a light bulb with too high of a wattage into a fixture can create a serious fire hazard. Matching bulbs to compatible wattage ratings is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Check fixture labels - Light fixture labels indicate the maximum recommended bulb wattage. Never exceed it.

• Assess bulb sockets - The socket size (E12, E26, etc) also indicates proper bulb wattages. Avoid mismatching bulbs and sockets.

• Consider bulb bases - Bulbs with plastic bases can't handle the heat of high-wattage bulbs with metal bases.

• Evaluate fixtures - Enclosed fixtures and recessed cans require lower wattage bulbs that produce less heat.

• Use LEDs - LED bulbs use far less wattage than incandescents, making them less prone to cause overheating issues.

The right bulbs in the right fixtures will reduce the chances of fixtures overheating, melted insulation, scorched wires, and electrical fires. Always double check packages and labels when buying new bulbs.

Delaying Electrical Panel Updates

As your home and its electrical needs evolve, an outdated electrical panel can become overloaded and unsafe. Warning signs it's time for an upgrade include:

• Frequent tripped breakers
• Burning smells from panel
• Rust and damage
• Lack of spare breaker spaces
• Older fuses rather than breakers

New panels provide:

• Extra capacity
• Added circuits
• Improved safety with circuit breakers
• More flexibility for renovations and new appliances

Upgrading antique 60 amp or 100 amp panels to modern 200 amp versions can cost over $1000. But the expense pales in comparison to the risks of keeping an overloaded, aging panel. Paying the price for a service panel upgrade can avoid fires, shock hazards, and electrical shutdowns.

Summary

Avoiding common home electrical mistakes like ignoring warning signs, overloading circuits, using improper wattage bulbs, and delaying upgrades can save you money. Paying attention to electrical safety, hiring licensed contractors, and making smart upgrades reduces the risk of fires, shocks, and major repairs down the road. Investing in your home's electrical system provides major returns through enhanced safety, reduced emergencies, and peace of mind.