Home : Blogs : Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector : Russel's blog

If you can't afford designer lighting, do it yourself

Readers will eventually come to know me as a stickler for using extension cords properly, and that means NOT as permanent wiring under any circumstances. The picture here shows a conscientiousness on the part of the home owner to at least get that extension cord up and out of the way so that it can't be damaged as easily.

Designer lighting

Using extension cords as permanent electrical wiring is a major cause of fires in our homes. Don't let yours be next!

Posted by Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector on 09/02/2008 08:29 AM

Comments (10)

Home Inspection in the ActiveRain Channel

extension cords, light fixture, lighting

Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Everything California

10 Comments on If you can't afford designer lighting, do it yourself

SEP

2008

I see commercial establishments do this all the time, especially restaurants. Good Post.

I saw one house that had so many extension cords -- we referred to it as the spaghetti house -- it was not a good way to do wiring for sure.

Russel,

I so enjoy reading your blogs...and I especially enjoy your photos! I can only imagine what else you come across during your inspections! Keep'em coming...look forward to seeing more!

Russel, it's amazing what some people will do to save a buck. I really believe if you want to have a feature in your home that requires new wiring you ought to have it done by a licensed electrician. I wouldn't want to take the chances some people do by "doing-it-yourself." I'd rather be safe than sorry!

Russel, after showing so many homes with sketchy wiring, I know that life is too short as it is without taking an electrical risk. We call our licensed electrician whenever we have a potential problem.

Pretty funny Ray----all those bungees cost more than the cord.

Hey, Folks! Thanks for stopping by.

Randall—Yea, I see it in restaurants here, too. I refrain from being a home inspector when I'm out eating, but I also tend to avoid restaurants that I know have hazardous conditions inside.

Joan—Did you see my blog on spaghetti wiring: http://activerain.com/blogsview/628845/What-are-you-thinking

Rebecca—Glad you enjoy my blog. I've got millions of pictures from 43 years in real estate, so stay tuned.

Jon—Sometimes saving a buck isn't really saving a buck, though. It's just postponing spending the buck by spending less than a buck right now. Eventually one is going to have to pay. Hmmm. Sounds like credit cards. LOL

Debbie—I've always disliked things that I can't see, so electricity ranks right up there.

Charles—That's why it's called "designer lighting." "Designer" anything is always more expensive, right? LOL

Russel, if this wasn't so true, it is actually kind of funny. Thanks for the reminder and the post. I'm looking forward to your future posts and hope to catch up on some the past ones in the near future.

The person put in a lot of effort to hang it from the ceiling. I would have been too lazy and just duct taped it along the floor. Thanks for keeping us safe!

dude, what a waste of bungies, i could have done that with HALF as many!

Chris

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?