Common mistakes in electrical installations – and how to avoid them
I see many installations that work – but are far from optimal. And in some cases, they’re downright dangerous.
Here are the mistakes I encounter most often – and how to get it right from the start.
Cables that are too thin
Cables that are too thin cause voltage drop and poor performance – especially over longer runs.
Typical problem:
- Equipment performs poorly or works erratically
- Cables get hot
What to do:
Size your cables correctly – and always use a cable that’s slightly larger than the minimum required.
Fuses are incorrectly positioned – or missing
A classic mistake: the fuse is too far from the battery – or missing altogether.
What to do:
Place the fuse as close to the battery as possible – otherwise, it won’t protect the cable.
Poor connections
Loose or poorly crimped cable lugs create resistance and heat.
What to do:
Use the right cable lugs and a proper crimping tool.
No overview of power consumption
Many people have no idea how much power they use – and just guess.
What to do:
Install a battery monitor and get a complete overview.
No installation plan
Many people build as they go – and end up with a messy, inefficient system.
What to do:
Start by calculating your power consumption and build the system correctly from the start.