How Not to Kill Your Home’s Electrical System, According to Expert Electricians

Follow these best practices and DIY-friendly projects to keep your electricity up and running smoothly.

Illustration by The Epoch Times

Most homeowners take their electrical system for granted, not thinking twice about using unprotected power strips to plug multiple appliances into an outlet designed to power just two items. We asked professional electricians for what to do instead, plus tips on the basic maintenance and repair projects that a careful homeowner can perform. The trick is to go slow, research the proper steps, and know when it’s best to let a pro do the job.

Basic Maintenance and Best Practices

“Homeowners can significantly extend the life of their electrical systems by consistently performing a few key maintenance tasks,” Ryan Gregor, owner and head electrician at RCG Electrical, told The Epoch Times.

He suggests inspecting outlets, switches, and cords for signs of wear and tear on a regular basis. “This includes looking for cracks, discoloration, or loose connections. Additionally, homeowners should develop a heightened awareness of flickering lights, tripped breakers, or unusual electrical smells.” All these situations should be addressed immediately, whether by a well-informed DIYer or a professional electrician.

Know How to Reset Tripped Breakers

Those new to home ownership will be pleasantly surprised to discover that, sometimes, all it takes to get the power back is to check for a tripped circuit breaker. Flipping that breaker can make the lights turn on again or get the washing machine started. Breaker boxes can be located in the garage, laundry room, or even a hallway—look for a gray metal box with a swing-open door.

Flicking the tripped circuit breaker back to the “On” position restores power. Resetting tripped circuit breakers is safe and easy, but if it happens frequently, it’s time to have an electrician determine the cause. If the box isn’t properly labeled, take a moment to flick the breakers on and off to determine what they control, and label them appropriately.

Resetting a tripped circuit breaker is safe and easy. Find your home's breaker box, identify the correct switch, and return it to the “on” position. oasisamuel/shutterstock

Don’t Overuse Extension Cords and Power Strips

Extension cords are meant only for temporary use, such as for Christmas lights. Relying on extension cords to permanently power an appliance or device creates a fire risk.

Use adapters and power strips with caution, especially for high-wattage items.

“Be mindful of the electrical load on each circuit,” said Chris Hock, a general contractor and owner of Colorado-based Earth Saving Solutions. “Use power strips with surge protectors and avoid plugging too many high-wattage appliances into a single outlet.”

If a power strip is warm or hot to the touch, that’s a good indication that it’s overloaded.

The following high-wattage appliances should never be powered with an extension cord or power strip. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet:

• Microwave
• Toaster
• Coffee maker
• Slow cooker
• Convection oven
• Blender
• Refrigerator
• Hair dryer
• Electric space heater
• Air conditioning unit
• Air compressors
• Power tools

Overloading any outlet or power strip is a recipe for disaster. wibs24/Getty Images

Small power tools like a hand drill or sawzall are the exception, as these can be used with a properly rated 14-, 12-gauge, or larger power cord. For these, always be sure to use the correct gauge extension cord. First, it should be noted that the smaller the number, the thicker the cord. For most household power tools that use 10–15 amps of current, a 14- to 12-gauge cord is suitable for up to 50 feet. For longer distances or heavier-duty tools, a thicker gauge, such as 10, may be required. It’s best to check each tool’s amperage and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using an improper cord can lead to overheating, melting, and even electrical fires.

If the appliance is located too far from an outlet for its power cord to reach, the solution is to have a licensed electrician install a new outlet, a project likely beyond the skillset of a typical DIYer.

Do Use Surge Protectors to Protect Against Spikes

According to Gregor, a surge protector “can prevent costly repairs or replacements for devices like your computer, TV, or other high-end electronics. It’s an easy and affordable way to protect your investment.” Electronic devices have delicate components that can be seriously damaged by surges over 170 volts.

Surge protectors with multiple power outlets are available at most electronics stores, hardware stores, and home centers, as well as from online retailers.

However, that doesn’t mean that surge protectors neutralize the dangers of overloading outlets. Surge protectors are designed to protect against occasional power surges or spikes, not consistent overload. Circuits that are consistently overloaded can still cause overheated wires and potential fires, regardless of whether they have surge protectors.

Use power strips with surge protectors to protect costly devices such as your computer, TV, or other high-end electronics. Eekhoff Picture Lab/Getty Images

Keep Smoke Alarms Powered

Gregor advised homeowners and renters alike to periodically check the batteries in smoke detectors, a commonly overlooked safety task.

If you’re uncertain about how to open the unit to access the battery, look for a manufacturer or model number on the housing, and then do an internet search to find directions. Some units begin to beep when the battery is low, but to measure its exact charge, invest in a basic battery tester for AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries, which can be found for under $10, or use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery.

When to DIY

Simple DIY electrical tasks include replacing a damaged cord on a favorite lamp and upgrading outdoor security lights to LED models with motion sensors.

Another common DIY task is replacing an existing light fixture. Hock says it’s “a fairly straightforward job that can be done safely by a DIYer with basic electrical knowledge.”

He also said that DIYers can install a ceiling fan with a secure mounting bracket, as long as they follow the directions carefully. Proper installation will stop it from wobbling at higher speeds. Several fan manufacturers and retailers, including Hunter Fans and Home Depot, provide DIY instructions on their websites.

For Advanced DIYers: Replace Old Switches and Outlets

“Replacing dirty or broken light switches and electrical outlets is an easy task for an advanced DIYer,” Hock said. “Make sure the power is turned off and you take photos of the process to make sure you put the wires back in the proper locations.”

Turning the power off goes beyond simply flicking the light switch off. At a minimum, ensure safety by turning off the circuit breaker that feeds power to the outlet being worked on.

If you don’t know which breaker feeds the outlet, use the radio method. Plug the power cord of a portable radio into the socket being upgraded and turn up the volume. Start turning off breakers. When the music stops, you’ve found the correct breaker. Then, test the wires of your outlet with a voltage tester or multimeter to make sure it’s off. This method is useful when the breaker box isn’t properly labeled or if it’s located far away from the outlet you’re working on.

Test the wires of an outlet with a voltage tester or multimeter to make sure the power is completely off before attempting any electrical work. Ziga Plahutar/Getty Images

When in doubt, for the highest level of safety, turn off the power to the entire home. This switch is normally a “principal/main” at the top of the home’s electrical panel or at the electrical meter. It’s the ultimate in safety, but you will have to reset all the digital clocks in the house when you turn the power back on.

If a kitchen, bathroom, basement, garage, or outdoor area isn’t already equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet, now is an excellent time to add one to each circuit. Installing it at the beginning of the circuit to protect all other outlets on that circuit.

According to the National Electrical Code, GFCI protection is required in receptacles or outlets near a water source in order to protect against shocks. If the power suddenly goes out on an appliance plugged into a GFCI outlet, look to see if the outlet needs to be reset by pressing the button that says “Reset” to restore power immediately.

Resources for DIYers

Seeing an experienced electrician perform a repair is a great way to learn. But because not all of them want the homeowner peering over their shoulder, YouTube might be the next best thing.

One example is Scott Dixon’s Everyday Home Repairs YouTube channel, where he performs electrical projects ranging from very simple to more advanced. Dixon isn’t a professional electrician, but instead is an advanced DIYer, making it easy for viewers to relate to him.

When to Leave It to the Professionals

While Gregor said that many homeowners who follow directions and exercise proper caution can successfully tackle DIY electrical tasks, he advised: “Stay away from major projects like rewiring, circuit board panel upgrades, or anything involving the main electrical box. These jobs require a lot of experience and knowledge, so they should be left to a professional, licensed electrician.”

Complex electrical projects should be addressed by a licensed professional. Electricians are trained to navigate electrical systems, particularly in older homes, ensuring safety, compliance, and avoiding costly insurance headaches. Keep in mind that overly aggressive DIY electrical work could invalidate home insurance, leaving the homeowner financially exposed in case of an accident. When it comes to electricity, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Leave major jobs—or any project you feel less than completely comfortable with—to a professional, licensed electrician. Safety comes first. anatoliy_glebGetty Images

Must-Have Tools

Screwdrivers: At a minimum, every homeowner should own a basic set of screwdrivers. That includes both Philips and straight blades in a variety of lengths to allow easy removal and replacement of the screws securing outlet plates and other parts.

Wire Strippers: Electrical wiring has rubber or plastic covering/insulation that needs to be removed when splicing wires. Wire strippers remove the covering without cutting the wire.

Electrical Tape: Electrical tape is ideal for protecting and color-coding wiring and for repairing electrical cords.

Voltage Tester: A voltage tester is used to make sure a circuit isn’t powered. They’re available in both contact and non-contact models. Non-contact models are ideal for DIYers who’d rather not put two metal tester prongs into a suspect electrical outlet.

Needle-nose Pliers: The unique needle-nose plier is indispensable for delicate tasks, like twisting wires into a loop to form a tight connection.