Trying to DIY has become popular due to people being able to find almost anything online. Youtubers can make some things seem so simple because they cut out the difficult parts and the mistakes, and speed up the video- making the processes look short, sweet, and simple. This sensation is frustrating the tradesmen who have become professional in very specific trades, and taken decades to perfect their specialties. This is also leading to people making very dangerous mistakes causing housefires, and other dangerous situations. Here are some tasks that many rookies tend to do when trying to DIY something for the first time, especially in the electrical field.
Botched DIYs
- Overloading circuits by connecting too many devices to a single outlet or circuit
- Damaging electrical wiring by attempting to install or repair it without proper knowledge or tools
- Improperly grounding electrical devices or systems, which can lead to electrocution or fires
- Failing to obtain necessary permits or inspections for electrical work, which can result in fines or legal issues
- Using substandard or faulty materials, which can lead to dangerous conditions or equipment failure
Not following safety protocols can lead to injury or death. You should always contact a professional Idaho Falls electrician when needing electrical work done to ensure it is done properly, as well as to ensure your safety. Other safety mistakes that some people often make when trying to diy include:
- Home renovations, such as remodeling kitchens or bathrooms, which can be complex and require specialized knowledge and skills.
- Roofing projects, which can be dangerous and require proper safety equipment and experience.
- Plumbing repairs, such as fixing leaks or unclogging drains, which can lead to further damage if not done correctly.
- HVAC repairs, such as replacing furnace filters or thermostats, which can be tricky and can lead to expensive repairs if done incorrectly.
- Electrical projects, such as wiring or installing light fixtures, which can be dangerous and require proper knowledge and equipment.
- Landscaping projects, such as installing retaining walls or building decks, which can be physically demanding and require specialized tools and skills.
It’s important to understand your own capabilities and if you lack the knowledge or tools, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job safely and correctly.
When Doing It Yourself, Make Sure You Do Not Do The Following:
When attempting electrical DIY, it is important to not make simple silly mistakes. The slightest mistake can cause a house fire. The most common causes of house fires are electrical fires.
- Ceiling Fans- If improperly mounted or wired, fans can fall or lights may not working properly
- Dimmer Switches- these are tricky and easy to mess up, if crossing wires, the dimmer switch will not work
- Exterior Lighting- This is easy to get wrong, if the improper tools and equipment is not used, and the wires are not weather proofed, this can cause fires and be a dangerous hazard
- Installing outlets incorrectly- many people install the outlet box incorrectly or uneven.
- Using the wrong type of wire- this will also cause a fire hazard, knowing which wires to use and when is very important for safety reasons.
- Using ungrounded sockets when necessary- in cases when the outlet is close to water will cause electrocution, shorts, and fires.
- Leaving cables unprotected will cause electrocution and fires.
- Cutting wires too short- make sure to measure before you cut them
- Too many outlets on a wire will cause short circuits
- Leaving an open splice or unprotected wire will cause fires
- Using an extension cord as permanent wiring is a big no! Make sure the wiring is appropriate so you do not need to do this.
