Because electricity is so hazardous, you must use a qualified electrician Denver is home to, to do any electrical installation or repair. Even professionals can make mistakes; however, the best ones know how to avoid them and how to fix them, not to mention that they offer warranties, so you can rest assured that you are covered in the case that something goes wrong.
Here are some mistakes that every Denver electrician has to deal with and avoid on a regular basis:
- No electrical box | Wires must never be connected outside of electrical boxes. A loose connection or short circuit could produce heat and sparks, which are contained by junction boxes (J boxes).
- Wires too short | Too-short wires make connections challenging and also potentially dangerous due to the increased likelihood of making mistakes. Wires must be long enough to stick out from the box by at least 3 inches.
- Unprotected cables | Plastic- sheathed cables left exposed between framing components are vulnerable to damage. Because of this, the electrical code mandates that cable in certain locations be safeguarded. When cable is carried over, under, or around wall or ceiling framework, it is particularly vulnerable.
- Exposed combustible material | If the surface of the wall is made of a combustible material, electrical boxes must be flush with it. Boxes that are recessed behind combustible surfaces, like those made of wood, put them at risk for fire because they expose them to heat and sparks.