Detecting an electrical problem in a home installation can be an extremely complicated task, as electrical systems are made up of an intricate network of wires, switches, and connections hidden behind walls. Without the proper knowledge and specialized tools, identifying the exact source of the problem can be nearly impossible.
Additionally, some electrical problems are not immediately apparent and may manifest as intermittent blackouts, flickering lights, or even increased electricity bills, making it even more difficult to detect and resolve the problem.
An electrician has shared a “secret” that might surprise many homeowners. This trick reveals how professionals spot signs that a non-professional has tampered with the electrical system, which could void the warranty on any work done by a certified electrician.
The “secret” of vertical screws in the electrical system
TikTok user Bison Renovations (@bisonreno), a contractor based in the greater Tampa Bay area of Florida, posted a revealing video. In the clip, one of their contractors offers a crucial tip for homeowners: “Just so you know, this is how we know,” the contractor says. “Because we have a warranty, but we put all our screws vertically up and down.”
Pointing to a light switch on the wall, the contractor shows that the screw slots are horizontal rather than vertical. “At an angle, it really collects dust,” he says. “And it just makes your house dirty. So we, as electricians, are raising and lowering them every time.”
This little detail is not only a matter of cleanliness, but also a useful tool for identifying unprofessional interventions in the electrical system. “We come into your house because you say something is not working, and I come in and the screws are different?” he asks. “How can I guarantee something that you have played with? Or that your uncle who thinks he is an electrician has played with? It is just a sign that this was not installed by an electrician.”
The video has racked up more than 536,000 views as of Wednesday morning. In the caption, Bison wrote, “You better check your wall plaques.” In the comments section, users expressed a variety of opinions.
One user wrote: “It’s a light switch, not rocket science.”
Another user commented: “Or they painted the wall and put the cover back on.”
A third user said: “Electricians always act like we can’t make basic changes to the switches.”
Despite the skepticism of some viewers, this topic is neither new nor insignificant for professionals in the sector.
Opinion of the community of electricians
On Mike Holt’s electrician forum in 2005, a user mentioned this very issue. “I was wondering how many installers take the time to line up the plate screws? We always line them up vertically. I’ve seen many 4-gang switch plates with the screws going 8 different directions. In my opinion, it looks unprofessional if they follow a random pattern. This is right up there with plate-level installation. Does anyone else do this?” the user wrote.
Another user replied: “If the screws are in the correct position, I know it was one of my guys who installed the crooked covers. If they are in the wrong position, I know it was someone else, usually the painter who was doing the touch-up, who removed the plate and reinstalled it sloppily.”
In a Reddit post on r/MildlyInteresting three years ago, one user posted photos of their kitchen outlets. “Our electrician left all the screws upright in our new kitchen.” Another user responded, “It’s a sign of craftsmanship. Since most people can’t see what’s behind the wall in terms of how meticulous some electricians are, whether it’s how they run the wires or how they hold them, always making sure their work is up to code. At the end of the day, it shows the client and other electricians that you take pride in your work and your craft.”
Joe Caito, owner of Bison Renovations, commented on the situation to the Daily Dot: “We appreciate the lively discussion sparked by our recent TikTok video. At Bison Renovations, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail, even something as small as the alignment of screws on a wall plate. It’s our way of ensuring our finishes stand out from the average contractor. If we spot any issues in our clients’ homes, especially those caused by previous work done by others, we jump right in and fix them for our clients. Many thanks to everyone who watched and chimed in. We love hearing your thoughts!”
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