We get it, DIY is part of British life. A bit of painting, a flat-pack build, maybe even swapping out a light fitting. But when it comes to electrics, even a small mistake can be dangerous, and we see the results of DIY gone wrong more often than you’d think.

Here are seven of the most common electrical mistakes we come across in homes, and why calling a qualified electrician can save you time, money, and possibly a trip to A&E.

⚠️ 1. Loose or Incorrectly Wired Light Fittings

Swapping a ceiling light seems simple, until it’s wired incorrectly. That can create a shock risk or leave you with a light that flickers, shorts, or just won’t work. We often find live and neutral wires swapped, or no earth at all.

The fix: Let an electrician confirm correct wiring and check the circuit integrity.

⚠️ 2. Overloaded Extension Leads

Not enough sockets? Most people just plug in an extension and then plug another into that. The result? Overloaded circuits that can overheat, trip breakers, or worse, cause a fire.

The fix: Add extra wall sockets professionally instead of relying on multi-plugs.

⚠️ 3. DIY Outdoor Electrics

Whether it’s garden lights or a summerhouse power supply, we’ve seen outdoor electrics without weatherproof fittings, proper RCD protection, or safe cable routing. That’s a serious hazard, especially in the wet UK weather.

The fix: Outdoor electrics must be installed with the correct IP-rated components and tested properly.

⚠️ 4. Mixing Old and New Wiring

We often see attempted upgrades where modern cabling is patched into older wiring that’s not up to current safety standards. This creates an inconsistent system with unpredictable performance and hidden risks.

The fix: Always upgrade with a full understanding of your home’s existing wiring layout.

⚠️ 5. No Earth Connection on Metal Fixtures

Fitting a new light or socket with a metal finish? If it’s not earthed, it could become live during a fault posing a serious shock hazard.

The fix: Ensure metal fittings are only used on circuits with a proper earth. If you’re not sure, get it tested.

⚠️ 6. Using the Wrong Cable Type or Size

From undersized cooker cables to incorrect flex for downlights, using the wrong cable can lead to overheating, reduced performance, or long-term damage to appliances.

The fix: Cables must be rated correctly for the circuit load and application. This is where expertise counts.

⚠️ 7. No Testing After the Work

Even if you wire something correctly, you can’t know it’s safe unless it’s tested. Resistance checks, insulation testing, and polarity tests are crucial and they’re not something a DIY’er can guess at.

The fix: Always test and certify any electrical work, especially on fixed wiring.

🛠 When in Doubt, Call the Experts

At JCE Contracting Ltd, we believe in safe, compliant, and future-proof electrics. Whether you’re fixing a DIY mistake or planning a proper upgrade, we’ll get it done right with minimal disruption and maximum peace of mind.

📞 Call us today to book a home visit or get honest advice about your electrics.