There are several common wiring mistakes that may be made by inexperienced individuals on new construction in an effort to save on the costs associated with professional electrical work. Most of these mistakes occur during the construction phase referred to as the “rough-in”. It is at this stage that holes are drilled throughout the structure being built, electrical wiring is ran throughout the structure, and electrical boxes are put into place. If you are not a certified electrician, you should ensure that you hire one to make certain that all electrical-based work is considered to be compliant with local codes and safe. Continue reading for the most common wiring mistakes made by those trying to cut corners, financially, but lack electrical experience.
Wiring Lacks Protection from Screws and Nails
In nearly 100% of all wiring placed in a new construction structure, the wires are not properly protected from the screws and nails that are present. It is a known fact that a clearance of at least 1 ¼ in. must be present between a wood frame section and a wire to ensure that screws and nails do not puncture into the present insulation and result in a potentially devastating electrical short. Screws and nails that are closer to the face of a frame must be protected by sturdy nail plates. Additionally, cable stacked may be used to gather wiring so that they are kept securely in place, away from screws and nails.
Line-Voltage and Low-Voltage Wires Placed Together
One of the most common wiring mistakes made by individuals that are placing electricity in a new construction structure is placing line-voltage and low-voltage wires together. Not only will this result in electronic interference with various types of devices, if the wires come in contact, equipment within the structure may be damaged. Furthermore, a fire may ignite. In order to overcome this wiring mistake, the parallel runs should be at least 6 inches apart. Furthermore, the various voltages should not be contained within the same box, unless the box has a designated divider for the different voltage levels.
Too Many Wires in an Outlet Box
When it comes to wiring mistakes, placing too many wires in an outlet box is considered one of the most common mistakes made by those that lack certifications in electrical work. When too many wires are in a box, the insulation surrounding the region may start to melt due to the wires overheating. Naturally, this could result in the development of a fire. If you find that an outlet box is not large enough to accommodate all of the wires, you should use a larger box, as well as a plate. This is referred to as a “plaster ring”.
Conclusion
There are many different types of wiring mistakes that are considered to be common among those that lack expertise and/or certification in electrical work. Not only do the wiring mistakes that have been outlined in this guide violate many different electrical-based codes, but, they could result in a potentially dangerous situation arising, such as the development of a fire. You should always hire a professional to perform wiring in new construction. Hardcore Electric employs the top-rated certified electricians in new construction. For more information or to set up a consultation, call us today at: 720-841-3897
