5 Common Electrical Mistakes Homeowners Make — and How to Avoid Them
Electrical work, one of those things many homeowners convince themselves is a walk in the park, that is, until it isn’t. Loose connections, overloaded sockets and a “quick fix” that was done without proper knowledge can morph into a serious safety risk without so much as a whisper of warning. As a team of experienced electricians, we’ve lost count of the number of homes we visit where small electrical blunders have caused a whole lot of unnecessary damage, expense and danger. Below are 5 common electrical mistakes homeowners make, and how to avoid getting caught out.
1. Overloading Sockets and Extension Leads
One of the most common, and downright scary, electrical mistakes in UK homes is plugging too many appliances into a single socket. With so many devices in the average home these days, it’s no wonder the old wiring just can’t keep up with the demand. Overloaded sockets can get seriously hot, damage the wiring and turn your home into a fire waiting to happen.
How to avoid it:
If you find yourself relying on extension leads and multi-plugs daily, it’s time to think about getting some extra sockets or a circuit upgrade done by a fully qualified electrician – your house will thank you.
2. Ignoring Tripping Breakers or Flickering Lights
When a breaker trips repeatedly or your lights start flickering, it’s all too easy to just write it off as “one of those things”. The truth is – it’s a warning sign that something is seriously wrong. It can mean that a circuit is overloaded, the wiring is loose or that an appliance is faulty (or that your consumer unit is struggling to keep up with demand). Whatever the cause, it needs looking at ASAP.
How to avoid it:
Don’t kid yourself that electrical systems fix themselves – they don’t. If something keeps recurring, it’s best to get it properly checked and tested by a qualified electrician before things get any worse.
3. Tackling DIY Electrical Repairs
We all know that DIY has its place, and electrical repairs just aren’t it. Given the risks involved and the fact that electrical work has got to meet tough rules and regulations (and especially so in kitchens, bathrooms and rental properties), trying to do it yourself is just a recipe for disaster.
How to avoid it:
Always use a fully qualified electrician when it comes to electrical repairs or installations – they’ll do the job safely, it’ll be compliant with regulations, and it’ll be properly certified.
4. Using Worn-Out Electrical Accessories
Old sockets, switches or cables can be easy to overlook – especially if they still seem to be working. But the truth is that they can be a major fire hazard waiting to happen. This is especially true for older properties where the electrical system has not been updated in decades.
How to avoid it:
Don’t wait for a fault to occur – get your electrical accessories swapped out ASAP if they look worn, loose or old.
5. Skipping Electrical Inspections
It’s all too easy to think that electrical inspections are only for landlords – but they’re just as important for homeowners. The truth is that our electrical systems are constantly degrading, even if everything seems to be working normally.
How to avoid it:
Having a professional electrical inspection done can give you peace of mind, highlight any potential issues and stop any hidden problems before they become a disaster.
When to Call an Electrician
If you’re experiencing electrical issues regularly, renovating your home or living in an older property, then it’s time to get your electrics checked out by a qualified electrician. Getting electrical mistakes sorted early helps protect your home, your appliances and most importantly, the people living in it. If you need some electrical advice or support, then Pretty Wired exists to provide you with professional electrical services that put safety, reliability and peace of mind at the forefront.
