10 Wiring Problems Solved

overlamping a fixture, wiring problem Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #1
Overlamping is when a light fixture has a bulb with a higher wattage than the fixture is designed for

Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #2
Uncovered junction boxes increase the risk of wire damage and shock

Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #3
Lights flicker when it's windy because frayed wiring causes a short whenever the cables move

too few outlets, power strips Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #4
Not enough outlets means you're likely to rely on extension cords and power strips

Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #5
GFCIs shut down circuits in 4 milliseconds to prevent fatal shock

Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #6
Overwired panels contain more circuits than they are rated to handle

aluminum wiring illustration Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #7
Popular in the 1960s and '70s, unsafe aluminum wiring is a cheap substitue for copper

backstabbed wires illustration Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #8
Backstabbed wires are more likely to come loose

Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #9
Undergrounded (2-pronged) receptacles means your home has no way to safely conduct stray current

Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #10
Plugs fall out of their receptacles when contacts are worn

knob and tube wiring Illustration: Ian Warpole

Knob and tube wiring may be covered with building insulation, which causes overheating

armored cable Illustration: Ian Warpole

Armored cable insulation should be checked every 5 years or so

two-wire plastic sheathed cable Illustration: Ian Warpole

Grounded receptacles cannot be retrofitted to two-wire plastic-sheathed cables

Browse Images

Browse Electrical & Lighting Galleries:

View All

How-To Video

Browse More

How to Add Electrical Outlets

In this how-to video, This Old House master electrician Allen Gallant powers up a new outlet

On Newsstands Now

 

In the Magazine


Easy Upgrades That Say Welcome Home

overall kitchen remodel how to build a bar bedroom remodel this old house editor Scott Omelianuk desk and bookshelf

















4. TOO FEW OUTLETS
What it means: Heavy reliance on extension cords and power strips.
Code violation? No; grandfathered in. (Today's codes require receptacles within 4 feet of a doorway and every 12 feet thereafter.)
Danger level: Minimal, as long as you use heavy-duty extension cords, 14-gauge or thicker. (The thicker the wire, the lower the gauge number.) Undersize extension cords (16-gauge or smaller) can overheat and ignite a fire if loads are too heavy.
Solution: Add more outlets. Expect to pay an electrician about $100 per first-floor outlet and double that for second-floor work. (There will likely be a minimum charge.) This work requires cutting holes in walls and ceilings to snake the wires. Some electricians will patch the holes; others leave the patching to you.

Page:
Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next
Article: Top 10 Repair Questions

Add new comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, report the comment to us.

1000 characters remaining

Need More Info? Ask a question on Electrical & Lighting

Advertisement

This Old House > To Go

  • Add ThisOldHouse to my:
  • Add
Advertisement

See More on Electrical & Lighting

AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED HOME IMPROVEMENT BRAND