There are hundreds of DIY online videos about home repair projects. Besides that, many homeowners take a lot of pride in handling home improvement projects on their own. However, some projects, such as electrical work, don't fit into the DIY category. 

In addition to the dangers of handling electricity, you risk damaging your electrical system if you do not have the right skills and tools for the job. That is why you need to engage a professional electrician for residential electrical repairs, no matter how minor the situation seems. An electrical expert will help you avert potential accidents and evade the following mistakes. 

Mixing Up Neutral and Hot Wires

Typically, it is easy to overlook some details when you do not have a vast knowledge of the project. For example, many electrical amateurs place live wires instead of neutral ones, which is pretty dangerous. 

To avoid making this mistake, check the colors before installation. For example, neutral wires are usually silver or light-colored, hot wires are often black, while the green ones are the grounding wires. But if you are unsure about it, contact your electrician. 

Failing to Secure Electric Outlets

You must ensure that your outlet gets tightly secured during installation. Keep in mind that a loose outlet can result in electrical arcing. In addition, the concentration of arc fault current and voltage leads to the overproduction of energy that can start a fire or cause injuries. The socket is also unsafe for plugging in an electrical appliance.

Not Covering Plastic-Sheathed Cables 

While fixing an electrical issue, you can damage the plastic sheath, leaving some wires exposed. If the exposed wires come into contact with other electrical conductors, unintentional electric current flow may occur outside the system, leading to shocks.

Electricians usually screw a board alongside the cable for protection. They also use the correct wiring size to avoid additional problems like overheating or shorting in the fuse.

Installing Bulbs with Incorrect Wattage

Replacing a bulb might appear easy, but there are lots of details involved. For example, most non-professionals install bulbs with the wrong wattages. Usually, high wattage bulbs installed in a fixture that cannot supply the amount of power needed to light it overheats, exposing you to the risk of a fire. Therefore, it is paramount to check the bulb wattage before installing it. 

You should resist the urge to handle electrical work by yourself to avoid the above mistakes. Instead, always call a certified electrician when you encounter an electrical issue in your home.