DIYers Gone Wild: Electrical Fixes That Should’ve Been Left to the Pros

Intro:

We love a good DIY spirit — but when it comes to electricity, one wrong move can lead to fires, injuries, or even worse. 

Here are some of the most outrageous DIY electrical “fixes” — and why you should always leave certain jobs to licensed electricians.

⚠️ 1. Wires in Soup Cans

Yes, someone once used a metal soup can as a junction box — complete with electrical tape and all. The wires were loose, exposed, and dangerously close to the can’s sharp edges.
Why it’s a problem: There was zero grounding, no strain relief, and a serious fire risk. Metal conducts electricity — and soup cans are not UL listed.

🧻 2. Tape Fixes Everything… Right?

We’ve seen homeowners patch frayed wires with scotch tape, duct tape, or masking tape. One even used a band-aid.
Why it’s a problem: These materials are not rated for heat or voltage. They can dry out, catch fire, or fall off — exposing live conductors.

🔌 3. Extension Cords as Permanent Wiring

Extension cords run under carpets, through walls, or over doorways — powering whole rooms.
Why it’s a problem: Extension cords are for temporary use. They degrade over time, and hiding them creates invisible fire hazards. If you need more outlets, you need a licensed electrician.

🚫 4. No Box, No Problem!

We’ve seen splices just floating in wall cavities — wires twisted together with nothing but a twist cap or sometimes, just tape.
Why it’s a problem: Every wire connection needs to be inside an approved electrical box. No box = no protection = no good.

🧠 5. Switched Neutrals and Reverse Polarity

We once found a light switch cutting power on the neutral wire instead of the hot. Another had reversed hot and neutral at every outlet in the kitchen.
Why it’s a problem: These mistakes are harder to see but incredibly dangerous — appliances can shock even when “off.”

✅ Final Word: Electricity Isn’t a Hobby

We get it — YouTube makes everything look easy. But electrical work requires training, testing, and permits for a reason. A simple mistake could cause a house fire, void your insurance, or put your family in danger.

📞 Call to Action:

Think you might have a DIY fix gone wrong hiding behind a wall? Let us take a look. Better safe than sorry.
📅 [Schedule a safety inspection with E&A Electric LLC.]