The answer in two lines
The 5 most common home wiring mistakes: too few sockets, fake or undersized wire, no earthing, a hard-to-reach panel and lighting and sockets on one circuit. Plan sockets before any chiselling, use original wire of the right size, install earthing with an earth leakage breaker, and separate your circuits.
Electrical wiring is the most important stage of any apartment finish: mistakes show up after you move in, cost money and chiselling to fix, and can put your family at risk. In this guide from Tawredaat (توريدات), an electrical and finishing materials store in Cairo and Giza, we cover the 5 most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
What are the most common wiring mistakes? (table)
| Mistake | Problem after moving in | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Too few sockets | Extension strips everywhere, extra load on wires | Plan sockets around the furniture layout |
| Fake or undersized wire | Overheating, shorts, fire risk | Original wire sized for the load |
| No earthing | Shocks from washing machine or fridge body | Earth every socket plus an earth leakage breaker |
| Hard-to-reach panel | Delays cutting power in an emergency | Visible panel away from water |
| Lighting and sockets on one circuit | Whole room goes dark if one plug shorts | Separate circuits and breakers |
1. Why are too few sockets a big mistake?
After moving in you find there is no socket by the bed or behind the TV, so you end up with extension strips that look messy and overload the wiring.
- ✔ Decide where the TV, microwave, chargers and AC go before chiselling.
- ✔ Plan sockets on the furniture layout and add a spare socket in every room.
2. How can the wrong wire cause a fire?
1.5 mm² wire on an appliance that needs 4 mm², like an AC or water heater, heats up over time until the insulation melts and shorts. Counterfeit wire can also be thinner than its label.
- ✔ Size wire by load: see our electrical wire size guide.
- ✔ Rely on a trusted brand such as Elsewedy wires.
3. Why does earthing matter?
Earthing sends any leaking current to the ground instead of through the person touching the washing machine, fridge or heater. Many technicians skip it to save cost.
- ⚠ Earth every socket, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- ✔ Install a 30 mA earth leakage (RCD) breaker, which cuts power instantly when it detects leakage.
4. Where is the best place for the distribution panel?
A panel hidden behind a wardrobe or mounted too high slows you down when you need to cut the power fast.
- ✔ Put it somewhere visible and easy to reach, such as the hallway near the front door.
- ⚠ Keep it away from the bathroom, kitchen and any water or damp.
- ✔ Label every breaker with the circuit it controls.
5. Why separate lighting from sockets?
If lighting and sockets share one breaker, a short in a single plug turns off the room's lights and you end up repairing it in the dark.
- ✔ One lighting circuit and one socket circuit per area.
- ✔ A dedicated breaker for each AC, water heater and heavy appliance.
Wiring essentials available on Tawredaat
- Power wires (Elsewedy and more)
- Circuit breakers
- Schneider Resi9 2P 40A 30mA earth leakage breaker
- All earth leakage breakers
- Switches and sockets
- Conduits
Frequently asked questions
How many sockets does a 100 m² apartment need?
There is no fixed number; plan on the furniture layout, with at least two sockets per bedroom and more in the living room and kitchen.
Is earthing necessary in an apartment?
Yes. It protects you if an appliance body becomes live, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
What does an earth leakage breaker do?
It detects small current leaks (such as 30 mA) and cuts power instantly before anyone is hurt.
What wire size does an AC need?
Usually 3 mm² for 1.5 HP, 4 mm² for 2.25 HP and 6 mm² for 3 HP. See our AC sizing guide.
Can the panel go in the bathroom?
No. It must be kept away from water and damp.
Wiring your apartment?
All wires, breakers and sockets on Tawredaat, with delivery in Cairo and Giza.
About Tawredaat: Tawredaat (توريدات) is an Egyptian supplier of electrical and finishing materials, serving homeowners, companies and contractors in Cairo and Giza. Questions? See our FAQ.
