10 Things Electricians Never Do at Home and Neither Should You

Dipping your toes into electrical work might seem like a great way to flex your DIY muscles, but even a small slip can lead to big issues. You know how it goes—you start out thinking it’s just a quick fix and before you know it, your house is on fire.

Professional electricians have a few strict rules they follow to keep everything running smoothly and safely. These are 10 of the biggest no-nos that could save you from a world of hassle, not to mention keep your home safe.

No Clamp for Cable Connections

Always use a clamp when connecting cables to metal boxes. Why? Because without a clamp, the sharp edges of the box can easily damage the insulation on the wires, exposing them and increasing the risk of a short circuit or fire. Securing cables with a clamp isn’t just a precaution; it’s a must to ensure the integrity and safety of your electrical connections.

Not Using an Electrical Box

Skipping the installation of an electrical box for your wiring connections? That’s a decision you’ll want to rethink immediately. Electrical or junction boxes are essential as they protect wire connections from external damage and contain any sparks or heat that might occur from a loose connection or short circuit.

If you ever encounter wires that are just taped together and shoved behind a wall—like I did with some ancient knob and tube wiring in my old house—don’t just leave it be. Make sure the power is off, install an appropriate junction box, and secure the wires properly.

For spaces without a nearby stud, consider using “old work” remodel boxes that attach directly to the drywall.

Fail to Follow Code

Always follow the National Electrical Code—it’s not just a set of rules but a blueprint for safety and uniformity in electrical work. Professionals know better than to skip this step. Following the code means that any electrician can understand what’s been done before, ensuring consistency and safety across the board.

If you’re diving into a DIY electrical project, make sure you’re up to speed with the current codes. Unsure about specifics? A professional electrician can help guide you, or you can arm yourself with a code handbook.

For convenient access, download the digital version, which includes updates and can be a quick reference in a pinch.

Mix Up Hot Wires with Neutral Wires

Mixing up hot and neutral wires is a common mistake that can have serious consequences. If you connect a hot wire—typically black or red—to a neutral terminal, which is usually white, you’re setting the stage for potential electrical shock or even fire. This kind of error can compromise the safety of your entire electrical system.

If wiring isn’t your forte, it’s wise to step back and let a professional handle it. Electrical work is precise and risky, so understanding the function and placement of each wire is crucial. Don’t guess—knowing exactly what each wire does is essential for safe electrical repairs and installations.

Use the Wrong Tools for the Job

If you’re about to tackle an electrical project, take a pause and check your toolbox. Using the wrong tools isn’t just inefficient—it can be downright dangerous. Professional electricians stick strictly to the right tools for each job, and so should you.

Mixing and matching tools that aren’t meant for electrical work, like using pliers when you need a wire stripper, just won’t cut it. Plan your project, list the tools you need, and invest in quality. The correct tools don’t just make the job smoother; they ensure it’s done safely and effectively.

Fail to Replace Broken or Outdated Outlets and Switches

Got a wobbly outlet or a switch that smells like it’s burning? These are clear signals it’s time for a replacement, not a quick fix. Skirting around these issues by rigging an outlet to hold a plug better or ignoring a faulty switch can lead to serious problems, like electrical fires.

Remember, every component in your electrical system has a lifespan, including outlets and switches. If they show signs of wear and tear or malfunction, replace them without delay.

Use an Extension Cord as a Permanent Source of Power

Extension cords are handy for temporarily extending power where you need it, like for using a drill or setting up holiday lights temporarily. However, it’s crucial to remember that these cords are not designed for permanent use.

A pro electrician would never substitute permanent wiring with an extension cord to power enduring appliances like a sump pump or a freezer—and you shouldn’t either. Over time, extension cords can deteriorate, posing risks of shock or fire. If you find yourself needing a more permanent solution, the right move is to install permanent wiring.

Leave the Power On While Working With Wires

Working with live wires? Think again. Professional electricians know better than to leave the power on when working with wires, as it poses a serious risk of electrocution. Always make sure the power is completely off before you start disconnecting or connecting wires. This doesn’t mean you need to shut down your entire house—just the specific circuit you’re working on.

Ideally, your circuit breaker labels will guide you to the right switch. If not, you might need to test them by carefully switching them on and off, which can help you identify the correct one. If you aren’t sure or feel uncomfortable with this process, calling in a professional is a smart and safe choice.

Confuse AFCI and GFCI

Before you start working with electrical outlets, it’s absolutely essential to grasp the difference between AFCI and GFCI. A pro electrician would never confuse the two, because doing so could be catastrophic.

Simply put, GFCI protection is meant for outdoor areas or wet locations like garages, bathrooms, and kitchens. It monitors the electrical flow and quickly cuts power if it detects any abnormality, protecting you from a potential shock.

On the other hand, AFCI protection is designed for general living areas to prevent fires. It detects hazardous arcing in circuits and shuts down the power before anything ignites.

Tape a Circuit Breaker Into the “On” Position

It might be tempting to tape a circuit breaker into the “on” position if it keeps tripping—especially on those chilly early mornings when resetting it feels like a trek. But here’s the thing: circuit breakers are designed to trip for a reason, signaling issues like overloads or short circuits. Ignoring these warnings by using tape can lead to dire consequences, such as fires or electrocution.

Instead of looking for a quick fix, it’s smarter and safer to pinpoint the root cause of the frequent tripping. A professional electrician can help you determine whether you need to replace faulty appliances, add more circuits, or repair existing ones.