12/14
Backstabbing Instead of Using Screw Terminals
Unlike sizing breakers and wire, some projects are extremely DIY-friendly, like swapping out a receptacle. But even on a straightforward project like this, there are some tricks of the trade you should know. First up: Use the screw terminals on switches and receptacles, not the push-in holes.
Wires that are “backstabbed,” or pushed into the back of the device, tend to loosen over time. This can cause arcs, melted devices and fires. Instead, make a hook in the end of the wire and wrap it clockwise around the terminal screw. Tighten it with a screwdriver and tug on it to ensure it’s secure. Then, wrap electrical tape around the device, covering the screw terminals.
13/14
Reversing Hot and Neutral
When you flip on a lamp, electricity flows to the light on the hot wire and back to the panel (and transformer) on the neutral. This loop, or circuit, continues until you shut it off. But what if you accidentally swapped the hot and neutral? Would your light still work? Yes, but it would be a lot less safe. Here’s why:
If you look inside your lamp, the silver threaded receiver that holds the bulb is the “neutral”, and the “hot” is the small flap tucked down inside that touches the end of the bulb. Reversing hot and neutral to the light socket completes the circuit, but now the hot is on the silver threads instead of buried under the bulb. That’s going to shock someone eventually.
In newer house wiring, the hot tends to be black or red and the white wire is the neutral. When you have screw terminals, like on a receptacle, the hot goes on the brass screw, the neutral on the silver. For wires that aren’t clearly marked by color, like on a lamp cord, the hot is the smooth wire, and the neutral has ribs, grooves or other markings.
14/14
Not Calling a Licensed Electrician
Don’t mess around with your safety. Have a licensed electrician investigate frequently tripping breakers, buzzing devices, flickering lights, burning smells, scorch marks or melted devices. Always turn off the power (and verify it’s off) before looking into anything yourself.
