If you own a home, understanding the basics of your electrical wiring is the best way to avoid significant issues. From the power lines and high-grade electrical equipment to your outlets and electrical appliances, your residential wiring powers your entire home. Connected to your electric meter, your electric usage is the basis of the electric bill. Understanding your electrical wiring can help you save on your energy consumption and reduce your energy bill when possible.
This article will serve as the ultimate guide for everything you need to know about your residential electrical wiring. Let’s discuss!
Residential Electrical Wiring Type
Have you ever wondered what hides behind your walls and outlets when it comes to your residential electrical wiring? Today, many modern homes use smart wiring. Still, traditional wiring is still standard.
Generally, your electrical lines consist of more than one hot wire and ground and neutral wire that combine to power your home and appliances. The larger wires in the circuit carry high voltage that can be incredibly dangerous if you touch them. If you lack professional electrical knowledge about your outlets, wires, and electrical circuit, it’s best not to touch anything. Contact a professional electrician to handle all your needs.
Electrical Wiring Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to your electrical connections, you need to make sure you take extreme precautions. Unfortunately, an electrical blast can be severe, resulting in electric shocks, short circuits, and even massive fires. When people make mistakes with electricity, it can result in death. Here are some of the common electrical wiring mistakes you should avoid:
- Do not connect your electrical wires outside your electric junction box. If you don’t have a box, it’s imperative to add one and safely link the wires through it.
- Never cut the wires short. Most wires should be at least three inches long for safety and optimal performance.
- Avoid using loosely linked outlets and switches.
- Use a ground wire whenever suggested to ensure the safety of your property.
- When necessary, add a wall extension and ensure all your electrical wiring is adequately secured and protected from outside influence.
- Use wire insulation to secure your electrical connections.
Common Residential Electrical Problems
Does your home feature old wiring? If yes, you will probably come across plenty of issues. Even the latest updated electrical connections can experience issues from time to time. Unfortunately, older wiring isn’t designed to meet the needs of high-grade appliances of today. Residential wiring faces many electrical problems that must be addressed for better performance and optimal safety. The most common electrical issues seen in residential homes include:
- Light switches are not working accurately
- Improperly installed wiring or appliance installation
- Incredibly high electricity bills from electrical issues
- Light fixtures that burn out quickly
- An overloaded circuit breaker
- Unexpected tripping of circuit breaker
- Repeated surges resulting from damaged power lines, wirings, and even faulty appliances
Most electrical problems can result in complex issues that can impact the people in your home and lead to costly damage. If you pay close attention to your electrical connections, you can be proactive with your repairs and avoid significant and expensive damage. Contact a professional electrician immediately if you think you have an issue with your electrical connections.
Contact Innovative Electric for All Your Residential Electrical Needs
If you need a trusted residential Riverside electrician, we’re here to help! Contact Innovative Electric today to schedule an appointment.