You're Making It Worse Part 2: Electrical Shortcuts That Aren’t Worth It

Hey there, Salt Lake Valley homeowners!

We’re back with Part 2 of our “You’re Making It Worse” series. If you missed Part 1, we dove deep into how DIY plumbing “fixes” can actually turn a small leak into a structural nightmare. Today, we’re shifting gears to something more invisible and potentially more dangerous: Electrical.

We get it. When you’re living in a beautiful home in Herriman or a classic property in Sandy, you want things to work. When a light won’t turn on or you need power in a corner that doesn't have an outlet, the "quick fix" is tempting. But with electricity, a shortcut isn't just a mistake: it’s a potential shock or fire hazard.

Here are three common electrical shortcuts that are actually making your home less safe.

1. The "Permanent" Extension Cord

We’ve all been there. You bought a new treadmill for your home gym in Riverton, or you’re setting up a home office in Magna, and the nearest outlet is six feet away. You grab an extension cord, tuck it under a rug or staple it along the baseboard, and call it a day.

Why it’s making it worse: Extension cords are usually designed for temporary use. Many extension cords aren’t designed to handle continuous loads or higher-draw appliances over long periods of time. Prolonged use can cause the insulation to degrade, especially if it’s pinched under furniture or walked on. This can lead to overheating and increased fire risk, especially if the cord is damaged or overloaded. Plus, running cords under rugs or through walls can trap heat and damage insulation, which significantly increases fire risk.

If you need power somewhere permanently, the only safe answer is to have a pro install a new outlet. It’s a weekend efficiency upgrade that actually adds value to your home rather than adding risk.

2. Swapping Fixtures Without Checking Compatibility

Updating your lighting is one of the fastest ways to modernize a room. Maybe you’re ditching those "outdated lighting" flush mount fixtures for something more modern in your West Valley City kitchen. It seems like a simple "black to black, white to white" job, right?

Why it’s making it worse: Not all wiring is created equal. If you’re putting a high-wattage fixture on old wiring, or if you aren't ensuring a tight, secure connection with the right wire nuts, you’re asking for trouble. Loose connections create resistance, and resistance creates heat. That heat can damage wire insulation, sometimes before a breaker trips.

Before you swap a fixture, you need to ensure the you need to ensure the electrical box is properly rated and secured for the fixture’s weight, and verify that the wiring is rated for the load. If you're seeing visual warning signs like flickering or scorched plastic, stop immediately.

3. The "Reset and Forget" Breaker Strategy

Your breaker trips. You go to the garage, flip the switch back to "On," and go about your day. It happens again an hour later. You flip it back again.

Why it’s making it worse: A breaker trips for a reason. It is a safety device designed to shut off power when it detects an overload, a short circuit, or a ground fault. By repeatedly resetting it without diagnosing the cause, you may be allowing a fault condition to continue.

Ignoring a tripping breaker is one of those ignored home maintenance issues that can increase the risk of electrical failure or a fire behind your walls. If a breaker trips more than once, it’s time to find out why.

Why Proper Knowledge Matters

At Your Handyman Pros, we love a good DIY project as much as anyone, but electrical work is where we urge Salt Lake Valley residents to be extra cautious. Whether you are in Sandy or West Valley City, your home's safety depends on systems that meet code and are installed correctly.

Don't let a "quick fix" turn into a call to the fire department. If you’re unsure about a project, give us a shout. We are a licensed and insured contractor, and we’re here to help keep your home running safely and efficiently.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where we'll talk about those "quick" structural and cosmetic fixes that end up costing you thousands in the long run!