Common Electrical Wiring Mistakes and Code Violations

Feb 16, 2016

There are a handful of common electrical wiring mistakes and code violations that your home could be affected by. These four tips can help you make sure your home is up to code, and help you to pass an electrical inspection

Mixing line-voltage and low-voltage wires

Mixing line-voltage and low-voltage wires can cause interference with objects like TVs and telephones, as well as other electronics and communication devices. Line-voltage means that the electricity is supplied by a power line and measured at the time it is used whereas low-voltage refers to electrical power that produces relatively low levels of power. Additionally, this can result in a fire or electrical damage if there is any uninsulated contact between the two wires in the box.

There is a solution to this common problem. There should be no less than six inches of space between these wires when they are running parallel. That will keep you from experiencing interference when talking on the phone or watching TV. You should also be sure to keep these wires in separate boxes, rather than running them in the same box. But if you have to have them in the same box, you can use an appropriate divider to keep them separate.

Overstuffing your outlet or junction boxes

Are you guilty of overstuffing your outlet or junction box? If so, you’re not alone. But this can be a very dangerous offense. These boxes can overheat and cause an electrical fire. It’s best to always call a certified, licensed, and bonded electrician for jobs likes this. A great source is visiting the lightingtheqca.com website for a local electrician.

Burying splice or junction boxes

A splice or junction box protects the connections. Splice boxes should always be accessible, but when they are installed behind drywall, or buried, it becomes nearly impossible for them to be found, let alone serviced. And the problem doesn’t quite end there. Problems and short circuits might go unnoticed or undetected when the box is buried and can result in an electrical fire inside the wall!

To fix this problem, you should contact an electrician that knows how and where to mount theses boxes.

Using an extension cord as permanent wiring

Extension cords are great when you have a temporary need to plug something in where you ordinarily can’t. But according to the NEC (national electrical code), extension cords and cables should not be used in place of fixed wiring of a device or structure. If you find yourself using extension cords, not to be confused with a power strip, consistently, you might want to consider getting your home rewired.

If you’re guilty of some of these mistakes, you’re not alone. To avoid making one of these common electrical mistakes, consult a certified contractor or electrician for help. Any one of our certified electricians can help you make sure you’re not making any of these mistakes. Visit www.lightingtheqca.com for help and more information.

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