When it comes to electrical work, the small details inside a junction box can make a big difference in safety and performance. Even experienced DIYers sometimes make simple wiring mistakes that can lead to tripped breakers, poor connections, or potential fire hazards.
A common issue we see at Galaxy Electric & Solar is when multiple wires are attached directly to a single screw terminal. Each screw terminal on a switch or outlet is designed for one conductor only. Stacking two or three wires under one screw can cause loose connections over time, resulting in heat buildup or intermittent failures. The right way to handle this is by using an approved wire connector (like a wirenut or Wago) and adding a short pigtail that connects to the device.
Another frequent oversight is missing ground connections. A metal box must always be grounded—this ensures any fault current travels safely to the panel instead of through you or nearby surfaces. Always attach a bare or green grounding wire to the box with a 10-32 green screw and bond it to the device.
It’s also essential to identify your conductors correctly. If you repurpose a white wire as a hot or switched leg, mark both ends with black or red electrical tape. This helps future electricians (and inspectors) understand your circuit layout.
Lastly, every cable or conduit entering a box should have a proper clamp or fitting to protect the wires from movement and abrasion.
By following these small but important details, you can keep your electrical system safe, code-compliant, and long-lasting.
At Galaxy Electric & Solar, we’ve been serving Seattle-area homes since 2002, and we take pride in doing things the right way — no shortcuts, no guesswork, just solid, safe installations backed by our two-year workmanship warranty.
📞 206-414-1211
🌐 www.galaxyel.com