TOP 5 Common DIY Electrical Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Installing a new outlet or replacing a ceiling light may seem like simple tasks even for those without electrical expertise. However, even a minor mistake in electrical work can lead to shock hazards, fires, or appliance damage . In this post, we’ll cover five of the most common DIY electrical mistakes and how to fix or prevent them safely.     1. Confusing the Ground Wire and the Neutral Wire (N) One of the most frequent errors. Many DIYers confuse the green ground wire with the blue or white neutral wire. Ground wires connect to the metal casing of devices for safety, while neutral wires are active current return paths. Mixing them can cause device malfunctions or failure of GFCI breakers . Fix: Use a multimeter to verify voltage—between neutral and ground should be 0V, and between live and ground should read 220V. Don’t rely on color alone.     2. Overloading the Circuit – Plugging in High-Power Heaters Using a temporary outlet...