5 Reasons You Should Never DIY Electrical Work
Buell Electric Blogger • June 21, 2019
Electrical work can be complicated and very dangerous. Read on for more reasons you should leave electrical work to the professionals.
Electric shocks account for more than 1,000 deaths per year
in the United States. High voltage electric injuries account for more than a third of these deaths. The temptation to tackle common electric problems as an amateur is justifiable.
If you ever consider DIY when dealing with electric work, there may be a need to think about certain concerns. You may imagine that certain home repairs are inconsequential. Yet, the safety risks you expose yourself to may be dire.
Electrical work can be complicated and very dangerous.
Read on for more reasons you should leave electrical work to the professionals.
1. Fire Hazards
Electric faults account for more than 51,000 house fires
in the United States every year. Defective repairs are the main cause of these house fires. Your decision to DIY an electric repair work based on your assumption of knowledge can be the beginning of trouble.
Your house may be at risk of significant damage in case such a repair fails to meet the set standards.
Your lack of knowledge of wiring and other electric works will be your greatest undoing. Your attempt to DIY electric repairs may lead to faulty wiring and naked wires. From an electrician's point of view, this can be the onset of trouble.
Such negligence can lead to a short circuit and the result may be a potential electrical fire.
The unfortunate part about electric fire hazards is that they may remain dormant and unnoticed for a considerable period. You may, therefore, conduct a DIY exercise on electric repairs and assume that all is well. If by any chance a power surge ever occurs under such circumstances the ensuing fire is capable of destroying your entire house.
The risk of electric hazards is the number one reason to call a professional electrician near you. If you are keen on averting a possible fire hazard do not DIY electrical work at whatever cost.
2. Electrical Work Inspection
You may not realize this but all your electric connections are subject to regular inspection. The government sets out this legal requirement to ensure safe usage of electricity. Your decision to DIY when handling electric works is illegal based on this regulation.
You may assume that these repairs are negligible. However, they have significant implications from a legal point of view. The failure to pass inspection requirements when it comes to electric repairs leads to potentially hefty fines.
If you ever plan on selling your home or vacating a rented home, do not DIY electrical works. As soon as you vacate that house, the state, federal and private agencies must inspect the house for safety and quality assurance. If you are found to have undertaken illegal repairs or connections you will likely end up in trouble regardless of the extent of repairs.
As a law-abiding citizen, looking out for an electrician near me can reduce the risk of brushing shoulders with the law. Do not DIY electrical works if you are not a qualified electrician. Your decision to abide by the law will save you the inevitable legal consequences.
3. Electrocution and Other Injuries
Dealing with electrical repairs makes you prone to electrical shock. Electrocution can be mild, leading to slights pulls. In a high voltage shock, the repercussions can be extreme.
The voltage in most residential homes is mostly 110 volts. For appliances such as ovens, the voltage is higher and any slight mistake can cause you to have fatal electrocution. This is sufficient reason to call an electrician for any electrical work you need.
Electricians go through thorough training to learn how to address some of the common electrical problems safely. While it is tempting to attempt DIY on ‘small’ electric issues, seeking a professional is always advisable.
4. No Permit
With the evident risk associated with electrical work, a permit is a requirement in most states. The permits seek to ensure that occupants are safe throughout the repairs. If you are not a licensed electrician, then making electric repairs without a permit can land you in trouble.
For any electrical issues you might encounter, residential electricians
can sort you within the shortest time possible. You don’t have to attempt DIY projects, which expose you to a myriad of risks than benefits. Your electrician will walk you through safety measures when dealing with electricity.
You should adhere to the laws relating to electric work. When sourcing for an electrician, ensure that he has a valid license. Look out for an electrician with good reviews to avoid some of the common risks.
5. Hidden Electrical Dangers
Many electric components are within walls and chances are, you don’t know the exact schematics. Hidden connections can have potential dangers. You are likely to get an electric shock if you tamper with the wires that lead to the junction boxes.
The attic is another area that can potentially cause an electric shock. Electricians hide these wires purposely to avoid accidents. When you hit them during a DIY project, electrocution is imminent.
6. Costly Repairs in Future
If you are not a qualified electrician, chances of making ‘small' mistakes are high. Some of the quick fixes might restore the current issue but lead to other problems. Electrical mistakes are no small fit and future implications will be too costly.
A DIY project involves trial-and-error, which can be hazardous in electrical work. Failure to understand the electrical circuit and wiring is dangerous in any electrical project. In the United States, faulty cable insulation and electrical wiring
are the main contributors of residential electrical fires.
Electrical Work Should Never Be a DIY Project Because of the Potential Risks
Do not jeopardize the safety of your family by attempting DIY in electric work. A licensed electrician will charge you a few dollars to make the necessary repairs.
Regardless of the cost of electrical works, the benefits outweigh the threats of a DIY electric project. Homeowners should be wary of shock and other related dangers. Unless you are adding a chandelier to your living room, any other project relating to electricity should be by a professional electrician.
If you need any electrical services, contact us.
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