5 Common Electrical Mistakes Homeowners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
When it comes to home repairs, it’s tempting to take the DIY route—but when electricity is involved, one small mistake can turn into a major hazard. As a licensed and insured electrical company serving Gloucester, the Middle Peninsula, and Northern Neck since 1972, we’ve seen it all. Below are five of the most common electrical mistakes homeowners make—and how to avoid them.
1. Overloading Outlets
Plugging too many appliances or devices into a single outlet or power strip can cause overheating, sparks, or even electrical fires.
What to do instead:
Spread out your devices, unplug what’s not in use, and never plug high-powered appliances into extension cords. If you consistently run out of outlets, it may be time to consider installing more—safely and to code.
2. Using the Wrong Type of Bulb
Not all fixtures are designed for high-wattage bulbs. Using bulbs with wattage above the fixture’s rating can lead to overheating and melted wiring.
Pro tip: Always check the wattage rating on your fixture. LED bulbs are a safe, energy-efficient choice in most cases.
3. DIY Electrical Work Without Permits or Inspections
Installing outlets, breakers, or new lighting without proper permits is not only illegal in many areas—it’s unsafe. Code violations can also create insurance and resale issues down the road.
Our advice: Leave the wiring to licensed professionals who know the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local requirements.
4. Ignoring Warning Signs
Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or warm outlets are red flags. These aren’t quirks—they’re signs that something may be wrong behind the walls.
Don’t ignore it: Schedule an inspection before the issue becomes dangerous or expensive.
5. Skipping Generator Maintenance
Here in coastal Virginia, storm outages are common. But many homeowners don’t maintain their backup generators regularly.
As a Briggs & Stratton authorized dealer, we recommend servicing your generator annually—especially before hurricane season.
Final Thoughts
At W.J. Whitley Electric & Communications, we’ve proudly served Gloucester and surrounding communities for over 50 years. As a family-owned business and veteran-owned company, we’re committed to integrity, safety, and affordable service you can trust.
Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights, planning an upgrade, or thinking about installing a whole-home generator—don’t wait until it’s an emergency. Reach out today for a free estimate.
📞 Call us today at (804) 693-1256
📍 Serving Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex County, Lancaster County, Northumberland County, King and Queen County, King William County, Essex County, West Point, Urbanna, White Stone, Kilmarnock, Tappahannock, Saluda, Deltaville, and surrounding counties!
🔌 Fully licensed & insured | Always up to code | Free estimates