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There are several tools available to help prevent electrical fires. First, ensure that you have GFCI outlets installed in necessary areas, along with an AFCI, which is a circuit breaker that can help prevent arc-faults. Investing in surge protectors is also wise, as they can safeguard your appliances and other items against power surges that may overload your outlet and cause sparking.

The National Electrical Codebook indicates that there should be at least 6 inches of wiring in the breaker box for connecting purposes. When in doubt, err on the side more, because you can always cut some wire off but you can never add it back on, and if you don’t have enough you may struggle to finish wiring your breaker box properly.

It might seem tempting to use 14-gauge wires for your outlets, as they can run a little cheaper. But, when it comes to electrical work, it’s best not to cut costs less you overload your circuit. A 12-gauge wire will ensure that you’re protecting the outlet (and your circuit breaker) from any potential overloads that might incur, as it can handle a little more amplitude than a 14-gauge wire.

Incorrectly wiring a single-pole switch results in the connected light or device not turning on or tripping the circuit breaker. Although it doesn't matter which terminal the hot wire and the load wire connect to, mixing up a circuit wire with a ground or having loose connections can prevent the switch from working.