1. Swapping a Range Hood for a Microwave Hood

The Mistake: Many people upgrade from a simple range hood to an over-the-range microwave. While convenient, these microwaves often draw significantly more power than a standard hood. If the existing wiring isn't up to the task, it can lead to tripped breakers or, worse, a fire hazard.

The Fix:

Check the Circuit: Before installing, ensure the existing electrical circuit for your old range hood is a dedicated 20-amp (20A) circuit. This means it only powers the microwave and nothing else.

Upgrade if Needed: If the circuit isn't dedicated or isn't 20A, you must run a new, dedicated 20A circuit directly from your electrical panel to the microwave's location. This is crucial for safe operation.

2. Skipping GFCI/AFCI Protection

The Mistake: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are modern safety devices designed to prevent electrocution and fires. Failing to install them where required by local electrical codes leaves your home and loved ones vulnerable.

The Fix:

Know Your Codes: Always familiarize yourself with your local electrical codes regarding GFCI and AFCI requirements. These devices are typically mandated in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages, and bedrooms.

Protect Your Home: Install GFCIs in wet locations to protect against severe shocks, and AFCIs in living areas to prevent electrical fires caused by faulty wiring. They are essential safety features.

3. Hiding Junction Boxes

The Mistake: A junction box houses electrical wire connections. Concealing these boxes behind walls, under floors, or in ceilings makes them inaccessible, creating a significant problem if a connection fails or needs servicing.

The Fix:

Keep Them Accessible: Every single junction box must remain accessible. This means they should be located in an area where they can be easily opened and inspected without damaging walls or structures.

Future-Proofing: If connections go bad, you'll be thankful you can easily get to the box to diagnose and fix the issue.

4. Improper Wiring & Incorrect Wire Gauges

The Mistake: Using the wrong size wire for a circuit, or pairing a wire with an oversized circuit breaker, is incredibly dangerous. A wire that's too small for the electrical load it's carrying can overheat, leading to insulation melting and, ultimately, a fire.

The Fix:

Match Wire to Breaker: Always ensure the wire gauge (thickness) you use for a circuit is appropriate for the circuit breaker's amperage rating.

For example, a standard 15-amp circuit typically uses 14-gauge wire, while a 20-amp circuit requires 12-gauge wire.

Fire Hazard: Never use a smaller wire on a bigger breaker. The breaker is designed to trip and protect the wire, but if the wire is too small for the breaker's rating, the wire can overheat before the breaker trips.

5. Replacing Ungrounded Outlets with Grounded Ones (Without GFCI)

The Mistake: Older homes often have ungrounded two-prong outlets. Simply replacing these with modern three-prong grounded outlets without also providing GFCI protection is a common and dangerous mistake. Without a proper ground, the third "ground" prong on the new outlet offers no safety benefit, and you remain at high risk of shock or electrocution if a fault occurs.

The Fix:

GFCI Protection is Key: If you replace an ungrounded outlet with a three-prong grounded outlet in an ungrounded system, it must be protected by a GFCI device. This can be a GFCI outlet itself or a GFCI breaker in your electrical panel.

Safety First: The GFCI provides crucial shock protection in the absence of a true ground wire, making the outlet safe to use with modern grounded appliances. Without GFCI protection, the risk of severe shock or electrocution is extremely high.

Always remember, if you're unsure about any electrical work, it's best to consult a qualified and licensed electrician. Your safety is paramount.