6 MISTAKES DIYers Make When Wiring Outlets

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Published 2022-05-14
These 6 mistakes that we make as DIYers can be dangerous. Are you familiar with all six and how to wire an outlet or light switch properly and safely? #electrical #diy #tipsandtricks

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00:00 #1: Using Back Stab Terminals
00:55 #2: Using the Wrong Screwdriver
04:01 #3: Stripping Too Much / Little Wire
06:27 #4: Too Many Wires Per Terminal
08:57 #5: Wrapping in the Wrong Direction
10:42 #6: Leaving S

All Comments (21)
  • @outofdarts
    Why aren’t more channels this fast and to the point?! Great content.
  • @1jtwister
    no silly intro, straight to the point, excellent presenter, accurate info, well produced

    10/10
  • @foesfly3047
    So many subtle factors separate ‘good’ instructional videos from ‘just watchable’ ones. Your technical but unpretentious vernacular, set lighting, scripting, sound recording quality, video editing and especially your approachable demeanor and appearance are IMO, Absolutely Perfect for DIY subjects.
  • @dfwtxslc
    After 40 years of providing Air Force educational videos, it's a pleasure watching a simple, concise and well-done project with minimal equipment. Thanks for the straightforward approach.
  • Immediately to the point with no unnecessary rambling on, brilliant
  • @bobandy13
    Before even watching the video, props on starting right away and not wasting a minute or two of everyone's time with BS at the beginning!
  • @ustaarthur
    There are so many small and not small tips and advice that anyone can use that they didn't know even after so many years of being a DIYer. Thanks for a great video.
  • @willj1598
    Cool, you learn something new every day, I've been an electrician for 33 years and I've never seen an ECX driver, I'm going to check it out. You're absolutely right about stab-in terminals, don't use them. New ones won't even take a #12 wire because they know they're not good for 20 amps. With a little practice you can learn to wrap the wires nearly as fast. Since you won't have to redo them you'll actually save time. Not burning your house down is another nice perk of properly terminating wires.
  • Thanks for the ECX information 👍👍🇺🇸
  • @JoeJ-8282
    I do electrical work professionally, and I've been casually telling "newbies" or anyone else who is seriously interested in how to wire electrical stuff properly, about all of these tips here in this video... Very well presented and accurate info!
  • Absolutely correct. What amazes me the most is that you know the common problems we see with DIYer/Handyman work and Apprentices.
  • @michaelallen5505
    Just replaced all the backstab outlets in my house with commercial grade outlets. I like the straight wire connections in the back that tighten with screws. Also the internal connections for the plugs are much more rugged and durable. Several of my old backstab outlets were scorched and melted, some of the wiring had to be replaced. I also bought an ECX screwdriver from Lowes, very useful.
  • @Kpar512
    I already knew many of these techniques, but I was VERY impressed by the "ECX" . Gonna go out and get some.
  • @jtotheace1
    Very thankful for these tips! Doing my first DIY electrical. Almost done installing 3 GCFI outlets, 3 lights, and 2 lighted medicine cabinets. Happy to say its going very well.
  • @bubbatime
    I just had to rewire a bedroom in my house. All outlets in my house were backstabbed and one room kept tripping the AFCI breaker, every night. I opened up all the outlets and switches and I didn’t find anything inherently wrong… so I decided to just get rid of the backstabs and wire it up properly with pigtails and wire loops under terminals. Hasn’t tripped a breaker since re wiring. Videos like this one helped put me on the correct path to diagnose and fix the problem correctly.
  • @tom_olofsson
    Thanks for turning me on to the ECX driver. Always learning.
  • @Bub049
    Wow! Was an electrician in the Navy and have done my own wiring for 50 years and learned something new!! Awesome videos!! Thank you!!
  • Thanks for a pragmatic and realistic video. I particularly appreciate that you avoided the grandiose, eye-rolling "Six Biggest DIY Mistakes in the History of the Universe"-type titles that I see all over YT!
  • @HellcatM6
    professional inside journeyman here. Great video, There are so many wrong videos on youtube but this is simple and to the point but most importantly accurate!
  • @timmack2415
    As a 30-year electrician, I appreciate the direct, concise advice here. The no nonsense approach is fantastic! I can't begin to tell you the amount of diy mistakes I encounter. Whether made last week, last year or last decade, they eventually come back to bite you....or the next person.