Common Issues With Electrical Boxes

In the event that you have any issues with your electrical boxes, this may be a potentially dangerous situation, so it is crucial to repair any problems that you may have. On many occasions the typical do-it-yourself homeowner will be able to fix the problem with no need to hire an electrician. However, you should keep in mind that electric box problems can cause a great deal of damage, including a fire, so it's crucial to make repairs properly. Should you be not familiar with electric repairs or aren't certain that you are able to complete them properly, the best thing for you to do would be to make a call to a licensed electrician. Here's a listing of a few of the more common electrical box problems that you can encounter in your home.

Missing Cover Plates

While a missing cover plate does not seem like it could be a huge issue, it might actually cause some unexpected problems. The reason that the cover is there is to protect the wiring in the electrical box, and you should always make sure that if work is performed to the junction box, that the cover is replaced. With no plate securely in place, a little rodent could go into the box, possibly chewing on the wiring. An electrical fire may be caused by frayed wiring, therefore the best answer is always to make sure that the cover plates are securely installed.

Making Use of Electrical Tape Inside Electrical Boxes

Whenever the wiring within the electrical box is worked on, people commonly use electrical tape to provide a temporary fix, bear in mind that it is not a permanent solution. After some time, electrical tape will naturally deteriorate, which may cause bare wiring becoming exposed. Bare wiring in a electrical box can be extremely dangerous, often resulting in a fire. Instead, always use electrical wire caps as an alternative to tape.

Lighting Fixtures That Have Been Installed With No Junction Box

Occasionally you might find improperly installed light fixtures that don't include a junction box as part of the installation. Even if the wiring appears to be sound, this can be a very dangerous situation. The reason for the junction box is to act as a barrier between any flammable materials in the walls or ceiling, like wood or drywall, and the wires. If this barrier isn't in place, then the slightest electrical arc or spark can start a fire. If you do find an improperly installed light fixture without a junction box, it should be removed. Once you have reinstalled the junction box properly, you can then replace the light fixture. Should you not feel safe installing a different junction box, calling a licensed electrician is usually your best option.

Junction Boxes That Are Overcrowded

A very common condition in older homes is overcrowded junction boxes. If new outlets, switches or fixtures have been installed over the years, often there is the possibility that they are simply tied in to the existing junction boxes. When there are excessive wires inside an electrical box, the possibility of overheating increases, which could potentially cause a fire. While the quantity of heat given off by one wire can be negligible, the existence of multiple wires can greatly add to the total quantity of heat in the box. When you notice that you possess an electrical box that controls multiple fixtures, outlets, or switches, it would be a smart idea to speak with an electrician about installing additional boxes.

Hopefully these tips will help you better trouble shoot your electrical box problems so you can figure out if it's something you can fix yourself or if you need to call a licensed electrician.

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