The Biggest Home Wiring Mistake You're Making and How to Fix It Fast
Introduction
Home electrical wiring is complicated and mistakes can be dangerous. As a homeowner, I want to keep my home and family safe. In this article, I will discuss the biggest wiring mistake homeowners make and explain how to fix it quickly.
Using the Wrong Wire Gauge
The biggest wiring mistake I see homeowners make is using the wrong wire gauge for circuits.
What Wire Gauge Is
- Wire gauge refers to the thickness of the conductor inside the wiring.
- It is denoted by a numerical label like 12 AWG or 14 AWG. The lower the number, the thicker the wire.
Why Wire Gauge Matters
- Thicker wires can safely handle more current flow.
- If a wire is too thin for the amount of current, it can overheat and cause a fire hazard.
- Using wire that is too small is the #1 cause of electrical fires in homes.
Choosing the Right Wire Gauge
- Wire gauge needs to match the size of the circuit breaker.
- 15A circuits need 14 AWG wire.
- 20A circuits need 12 AWG wire.
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For high-power appliances like stoves or AC units, 10 AWG or thicker may be required.
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The wire gauge will be printed on the wire insulation. Double check it matches your circuit.
Checking Your Home's Wiring
To make sure I'm using the right wire gauge in my home electrical system, here are some steps I take:
1. Turn Off Power
Safety first! Turn off the circuit breaker for the wires I plan to inspect. Verify power is off with a non-contact voltage tester.
2. Remove Outlet/Switch Cover
Take off the cover plate and unscrew the outlet/switch from the electrical box to access the wires.
3. Check Wire Labels
Inspect the insulation labeling on the wires and verify they match the circuit breaker (e.g. 14 AWG for a 15A breaker).
4. Check Wire Colors
Proper wire colors indicate proper gauges. For example, 14 AWG wires are typically white or yellow.
5. Replace Any Underrated Wires
If any wires are undersized for the circuit, they must be replaced with thicker wires of the proper gauge.
Fixing Underrated Wiring
If I find any circuits wired with undersized conductors, here are the steps I take to fix it:
1. Turn Off Power at Breaker
Kill power to the circuit at the breaker panel before working.
2. Remove Old Wires
Take out the incorrectly rated wires from the outlets, switches and junction boxes.
3. Install New Wires
Run new, thicker wires of the proper gauge through the system. Match wire colors to maintain proper hot/neutral/ground.
4. Update Breaker if Needed
For severe undersizing, the circuit breaker may also need to be replaced with a lower amperage rating.
5. Test Circuit
Turn the power back on and test that the circuit works correctly with no shorts or faults.
Conclusion
Using wiring that is too small is extremely unsafe and the leading cause of electrical fires. As a homeowner, I must take care to use the proper wire gauge matched to my home's breakers. Checking my existing wiring and upgrading any underrated conductors is crucial for preventing catastrophe down the road. With the right wire thickness, I can keep my home's electrical system running safely and smoothly for years to come.