What can be a potential risk of using inadequate wiring methods?

Using inadequate wiring methods can lead to significant dangers, particularly the risk of electric shock and fire hazards. When wiring is not done according to industry standards or is not suitable for the electrical load it carries, it can become overheated or damaged. This overheating can ignite nearby materials, leading to fires. Additionally, poor wiring practices may expose live wires, increasing the likelihood of electric shock to individuals who come into contact with these exposed or improperly insulated wires.

The other options, though they may relate to wiring to some extent, do not capture the immediate and serious safety concerns that arise from inadequate wiring. While inadequate wiring could lead to reduction in energy efficiency or higher equipment costs over time, these outcomes do not pose the same level of immediate threat to human safety or property as electric shock and fire hazards do. Similarly, longer installation time is not a direct risk associated with inadequate wiring but more a characteristic of the installation process itself. Therefore, focusing on the safety implications highlights why the potential risks associated with inadequate wiring methods are primarily electric shock and fire hazards.