8 Things Electricians Would Never Do To Their Own Homes
Electricians spend their days fixing other people’s wiring mistakes, so when it comes to their own homes, they know exactly what not to do. Most of their advice isn’t about fancy upgrades either, it’s about safety, comfort, and avoiding problems down the road. Whether you’re a homeowner or a DIY tinkerer, these are the habits and shortcuts electricians say they never do, and what they do instead.
They’d Never Overload An Outlet
It’s tempting to plug a dozen things into one power strip, especially in older homes with too few outlets. But electricians know that’s how circuits overheat and start fires. They’d rather install an extra outlet or two than risk damage to their wiring, or worse. If a room’s power needs are growing, that’s your cue to call a pro, not your cue to run another extension cord.
They’d Never Ignore Flickering Lights
A flicker might seem like no big deal, but electricians know it can be a sign of something more serious, like a loose connection or overloaded circuit. Instead of shrugging it off, they’d trace the problem before it gets worse. It’s the small electrical issues that often become big ones later. If your lights dim every time you use the microwave, that’s a problem worth fixing, not ignoring.
They’d Never Hide Cords Behind Walls Or Rugs
It’s a quick fix that looks tidy, but it’s also a fire hazard. Hiding cords under rugs or through walls can cause them to overheat, fray, or short out without you realizing it. Electricians prefer proper wiring, outlets, or cord channels. The effort might take longer, but it’s safer and actually lasts. A hidden cord might look good today, but it could be trouble tomorrow.
They’d Never DIY Their Electrical Panel
Even the most confident electricians know when something requires precision, and working inside a breaker box is one of those times. They’d never replace a breaker or rewire a panel without fully cutting the power and following code. Homeowners sometimes treat breaker boxes like puzzles, but one wrong move can be dangerous. Electricians respect the panel like it’s the heart of the house, because it is.
They’d Never Mix Old Wiring With New Fixtures
Modern light fixtures and appliances pull power in ways that older wiring was not built to handle. Electricians know to upgrade wiring when installing new features, not just “make it fit.” Old, brittle wires and new loads are a bad combo. It’s all about matching your home’s bones with its modern demands. What you can’t see inside the walls matters more than what you can.
They’d Never Skip Grounding
Grounding is one of those invisible safety features most people forget about until something goes wrong. Electricians would never live in a house without properly grounded outlets. That small third prong keeps electricity from going places it shouldn’t, like through you or your appliances. If you’ve got older two-prong outlets, that’s not “vintage charm.” It’s a signal that your home could use an update.
They’d Never Use The Wrong Bulbs
It sounds minor, but using a bulb with higher wattage than a fixture allows is a recipe for overheating. Electricians always check wattage ratings, even on lamps. They also avoid mismatched bulbs in multi-light fixtures, since uneven loads can shorten the lifespan of both the bulbs and the wiring. It’s a simple habit that prevents melted sockets, scorched shades, and unnecessary repairs later.
They’d Never Skip Routine Checks
Even pros inspect their own homes once in a while. They’ll test outlets, look for warm switches, and make sure GFCI outlets near water still trip properly. Electrical systems wear out over time, just like anything else. Regular checkups keep small issues from turning into emergencies. You don’t need to be an electrician to follow their lead, just a homeowner who pays attention.
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-7 Easy-to-Miss Clues Your Home Has A Serious Electrical Problem
Electricians don’t have secret tricks, they just respect the power running through their walls. Most of their “never do” rules come down to slowing down, doing things right, and remembering to put safety first. So, the next time you’re tempted to take a shortcut or ignore a flicker, think like an electrician. A few smart habits today can keep your home safe, sound, and running beautifully for years to come.
Bliss Donahue-Power
