Top 5 Handyman Electrical Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

When it comes to home projects, handymen can be great for small repairs and general fixes. But when the job involves your electrical system, cutting corners can create serious safety hazards. At Gloudeman Electric, we’ve seen firsthand how unqualified electrical work leads to bigger problems down the road.

Here are the Top 5 Handyman Electrical Mistakes we come across most often—and why they put your home at risk.

1. Leaving Panels Uncovered

Exposed electrical panel with line running out of it.

In one home, a handyman installed a mini split system and left the electrical panel completely uncovered. Not only does this look unfinished, but it exposes live electrical parts that could shock anyone who touches them. Panels are designed with covers for a reason: to keep you safe.

2. Using the Wrong Wire Outdoors

We frequently see indoor Romex wire strung across exterior walls. Romex is not rated for outdoor use—sun, rain, and heat break it down over time, causing the insulation to crack.

Romex running on exterior of home

Once that wire is compromised, it becomes a major fire hazard. Outdoor wiring requires special materials designed to handle the elements.

3. Open Splices and Makeshift Connections

One of the most dangerous mistakes is leaving open wire splices in an attic or crawlspace. We’ve even seen wires “connected” with nothing more than alligator clips. These are live, energized connections that can easily spark a fire if disturbed. Every splice should be properly enclosed in an approved junction box with a cover.

Open splices

4. Running Wires Without Protection

Sometimes wires are simply pinched through wood framing with no electrical box, conduit, or protection. This damages the insulation and leaves the wire vulnerable to overheating or being cut by sharp edges. Electrical boxes and protective fittings aren’t optional—they’re essential for keeping wires safe and secure.

5. Ignoring Water Issues

We’ve seen ceiling fans that filled with water every time it rained because of improper installation. Instead of solving the root electrical problem, the homeowner ended up replacing fan after fan. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and shortcuts in sealing or

Ceiling fan wiring without proper electrical box

wiring outdoor fixtures can lead to repeated failures—or worse.

Why These Mistakes Matter

All of these problems have one thing in common: exposed or unprotected wiring. Electrical code is designed to prevent exactly these kinds of hazards. When wires aren’t properly protected, they can overheat, spark, or ignite nearby materials. Even a small nick in insulation can put your home at risk.

The Takeaway

Handymen can do great work for painting, carpentry, or general repairs—but electrical projects should always be handled by a licensed electrician. At Gloudeman Electric, we make sure your system is safe, code-compliant, and built to last.

If you’re unsure about past electrical work in your home, or you’re planning a new project, give us a call. We’ll make sure the job is done right—the first time.

Why Choosing a Non-Commission-Based Electrician Matters for Your Home

When you invite a contractor into your home—whether it’s an electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician—you’re trusting them not just with your property, but with your peace of mind. One important question that homeowners often forget to ask is: “Does this technician work on commission?” Today we talk about Why Choosing a Non-Commission-Based Electrician Matters for Your Home.

At Gloudeman Electric, we believe that transparency builds trust. That’s why we want to be clear: our electricians are not paid on commission. We operate differently—and we think that matters.

What Does “Commission-Based” Mean in the Trades?

In many service industries, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, it’s common for technicians to earn commission on the work they sell. That means their paycheck may depend on how much they can upsell—whether that’s recommending extra services, replacing parts, or upgrading equipment.

Sometimes, this system can work well, and some homeowners may not mind it. But it’s also important to understand what that structure can incentivize. When a technician is paid based on how much you spend, there may be pressure—intended or not—to sell you more than you truly need.

Why Our Non-Commission Model Benefits You

At Gloudeman Electric, our electricians are paid hourly—not by the job, and not by what they sell. This means our team is focused on solving your electrical issues, not on maximizing the ticket price.

Here’s how that helps you as a homeowner:

• No Pressure Sales Tactics: You’ll never feel pressured to approve unnecessary upgrades or services. If we recommend something, it’s because it’s genuinely important for safety, code compliance, or functionality.

• Honest, Transparent Estimates: We quote based on what’s needed—not what benefits our staff financially. That helps build trust and makes it easier to plan your home improvement projects.

• Customer-Focused Service: Our electricians are trained to focus on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction, not sales targets. That creates a better experience for everyone.

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Ask the Right Questions When Hiring a Contractor

Whether you're hiring an electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician, don’t hesitate to ask: "Are your technicians paid on commission?"

It’s a fair and important question. The answer can tell you a lot about the company’s values—and what kind of service you can expect.

Why Homeowners in Mount Pleasant and Charleston Choose Gloudeman Electric

At Gloudeman Electric, we’re proud to serve the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area with honest, professional, non-commission-based electrical work. From panel upgrades to EV charger installations to everyday troubleshooting, we show up ready to get the job done right—no strings attached.

If you’re looking for an electrician who puts your needs first, we’d be honored to help.

How to Tell If Someone Is Qualified to Do Electrical Work in Your Home

Is Your Electrician Really Qualified? Here's How to Check

At Gloudeman Electric, we’re big on safety, transparency, and doing things by the book. One of the most common questions we get is :“How do I know if someone is actually qualified to do electrical work in my home?”

It’s a smart question — and not always easy to answer unless you know what to look for. So here’s a quick guide from our Master Electrician Andrew on how to check credentials and avoid unlicensed (and potentially unsafe) work.

⚡ Licenses That Don’t Qualify Someone to Do Electrical Work

Here are a few certifications that don’t legally allow someone to perform electrical work in your home if they aren't working under a licensed electrician — even if they sound official:

• Journeyman Electrician: This is a useful certification, but it only proves the person completed an apprenticeship or hour worked and can work for a company. It does not authorize them to pull permits or operate as a contractor by themselves.

• Residential Specialty Contractor License (non-electrical): Sounds legit, right? But this might be for roofing, plumbing. or other trades — not electrical. Always ask what the license actually covers and if it's electrical-specific.

• Mechanical Contractor: This classification often includes HVAC or plumbing work, but unless it specifically includes electrical, it doesn’t count.

  
  

✅ Licenses That Do Qualify Someone to Do Electrical Work

To legally perform electrical work (including pulling permits), someone must hold one of these licenses:

• Residential Electrical License: Allows the contractor to work on homes, pull permits, and perform all standard residential electrical work.

• Master Electrician License: (MASC or NASCLA Certification) This is an advanced credential that requires additional experience and testing. It allows for broader scope and often includes commercial work.

  
  

🔎 How to Look Someone Up

South Carolina has a great resource through the LLR (Labor, Licensing & Regulation) website where you can verify if someone holds an active electrical license.

• Go to https://llr.sc.gov

• Type in their name or company

• If nothing comes up, try checking under both the Residential and Commercial boards

Pro tip: This is the same tool we use to vet contractors who want to work with us!

💡 Don’t Forget Insurance

Even if someone is licensed, make sure they’re insured. If something goes wrong — like damage to your home or injury during the job — you don't want that liability falling on you.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right person for electrical work isn’t just about price or convenience. It’s about safety, legality, and peace of mind. If you’re ever unsure, give us a call or check out the LLR website. We’re happy to help you double-check credentials — even if you don’t hire us.

Stay safe, stay informed, and don’t settle for guesswork when it comes to your home’s electrical system.