Most Common Code Violations Made by DIYers

Sure, completing a home improvement project on your own can be extremely rewarding, as you have a hand in making positive change in your house. They can be a fun and easy way to save money and improve your home, but DIY jobs come with a big risk. While painting your kitchen or adding shelving to your living room can be safe project to tackle on your own, it’s a very different story when it comes to electrical work.

Hiring an electrician in St Charles, MO is important in two ways. Not only does it ensure the job gets done safely and efficiently, it ensures total code compliance so you can keep your home safe while avoiding unnecessary repairs. Here’s how you can identify any code breaks in your home.

Common Electrical Codes That DIYers Can Accidentally Break

You never want to hear that you have to completely redo your wiring when trying to save cash. Check out these top five codes that DIY electricians tend to break.

1. Incorrect Circuit Breakers: A circuit breaker is the electrical switch that protects your circuit from damage caused by short circuits or overcurrents. Incorrect circuit breakers are responsible for violating electrical codes thanks to the inadequate current protection and ampacity ratings, as well as increased fire hazards.
2. Splicing Issues: Due to their many safety risks, potential fire hazards and unreliable connections, splicing issues violate electrical guidelines. Non-compliant splices may lead to electrical failure, shocks and overheating. When two electrical wires are spliced, this has to be done inside a junction box to prevent shock and fire hazards.
3. Outdated Wiring: When installing new fixtures and appliances, using old wires can result in major electrical issues. For example, new lights run about 194 degrees Fahrenheit; old wires can only withstand 140 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep a fire hazard from occurring, install a splice box that supports new wires that run to the fixture.
4. Overcrowding: Wires are delicate and sensitive, and many issues can arise when you cram too many in the same place. Insulation damage can result, for example, when you stick too many wires into the wiring holes around your house. As the wires drag across one other, this friction can wear down the rubber and pose a serious fire hazard. You should have no more than four wires in these holes to prevent overcrowding.
5. Crowding the Service Panel: Your service panel is a major component of the home’s electrical system, acting as the main point of electrical distribution that travels from the utility transformer outside to the circuits in your home inside. Due to the fact that these panels are in charge of handling the incoming power connection, distribution, and circuit protection, it’s critical that your service panel is functional and safe.

Electrical Contractor O’Fallon St Charles & St Louis MO

Don’t make these mistakes and attempt your own electrical work. Instead, rely on the training and expertise of our O’Fallon, St. Charles and St Louis, MO electricians. Ensure your safety and just contact us at 636-294-8562 for a free quote.