DIY Network

With an installation as complex as electrical wiring, it's practically certain that an element of the project will be dealing with mistakes or misjudgments.

• One problem that Doug Kerr ran into with his wiring installation had to do with unfamiliarity with a particular code restriction. When he began doing the wiring himself, he didn't realize that each standard electrical box should only accommodate a maximum of 12 wires. As a result of this mistake, Doug had to go back and flag boxes that had too many wires (figure G) and rework the wiring.

• For Jody Siegler, the mistake had to do with aesthetics. Because she has a lot of framed art that she knew she would be hanging in her home, Jody followed a recommendation of her design team and opted to have installed a number of special outlets for specialized picture-lights. After seeing the picture lights in her finished home, she decided the special lights had too formal a look for her interiors. As a result, she paid for installation of a number of special outlets (figure H)J that she does not use. She lights her pictures instead using other light sources. She now feels that she should have been more confident and assertive at the outset, and declined the suggestion of her interior designers.

One thing that first-time home-builders frequently underestimate is the number of electrical outlets they will need. When it comes to outlet, it's usually best to follow the adage that "more is better."

• Michael Buchtel deliberately installed more receptacles than required by the electrical code. This ensured availability of access to electrical power in just about any location in every room. Throughout most of the house, Michael installed a receptacle every five feet along the walls (figure I).

• Fred Samuels agrees that an abundance of outlets is a benefit. He notes that extra receptacles cost very little, and advises home builders that an excess of available outlets (figure J) will come in handy and reduce the need for unsightly extension cords.