Why You Shouldn’t Do DIY Electrical Repairs

7 November, 2019
Why You Shouldn't Do DIY Electrical Repairs

Electrical wiring is one of those tricky things which at first appear as a simple fix but isn’t. Of course, there are projects you can safely do at home, like swapping outlet covers or replacing light switches. For advanced jobs like upgrading current electrical wiring or maintenance following a power surge, it’s best to call the professionals.

A professional electrician completes 5000 hours, or 5-years of apprenticeship before becoming certified. The Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario also takes education into consideration. These capable tradespeople study electricity in depth before ever attempting to rewire something alone.

As one of the leading companies for electrical repairs Toronto offers, at Hi-Life Electric Inc., we have heard our fair share of DIY horror stories. As a proud member of the Toronto community, we care about the safety of our friends and neighbours. To minimize the risk involved in your DIY electrical repairs, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why you should avoid getting your hands dirty.

Imminent Risk of Electrocution

The greatest danger of amateur electrical work is electrocution. The amount of electricity it takes to run your home and business is more powerful than you realize. According to the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority, more than half of all Ontarians have been shocked by electricity in their lifetime. Some shocks are mild, causing sharp pain, heat, or a tingling sensation. More severe electrocution can cause permanent damage or be fatal.

An example of a seemingly simple task that could cause electrocution is swapping out the range hood over your stove and oven. You can buy a new range hood from any appliance store. Once you’ve got the new equipment, you must remove the old range hood, and here’s where things get tricky.

Your range hood is hooked up to electrical wiring which runs the lights and fan. If you unscrew your range hood and pull it down, the metal of the appliance will scrape against loose wires left dangling. This results in explosive sparks and smoke. All live wires must be capped before the range hood is removed. Prior to this, the power to that appliance should be switched off from the fuse box.

Not Meeting Provincial Electric Codes

In Ontario, the Electrical Safety Code governs residential and commercial electricity. From wiring to connections – all changes you make to your home must meet the standards in this code to be allowed. While the chances of undergoing a random audit are slim for a homeowner, it could certainly come under review for a business owner.

Unless you’re familiar with the code, a DIY project could use unapproved strategies or materials. This could result in penalization or an order to reverse the work you’ve completed. Working with a licensed electrician guarantees all electrical repairs in Toronto are in direct agreement with the code.

Expensive Do-Overs

Like any DIY project, homeowners who attempt electrical repairs in Toronto often do so to cut costs. If a job is done right from start to finish, there is a chance you could save some money. However, if your project results in a room without power, crossed wires, or other physical signs of an electrical problem, you’ll need to call an electrician for help.

Hi-Lite Electric Inc. electricians never tease or rejoice when a DIY project falls flat. We’re happy to help any way we can and always prefer you turn to us with an electrical issue than to try to deal with it alone. However, when we’re called to fix your current dilemma, rather than the original problem, it could mean undoing before redoing. This takes time and adds to the overall expense of your project.

Fire Hazards from Faulty Electrical Repairs

Even with the best intentions and a handy electrician’s manual, attempting to wire something on your own could lead to disaster. A serious problem involving bad wiring is electrical fires. When live wires in your walls try to carry energy from a source to a destination but can’t, where does the energy go?

Electricity, by nature, continually seeks to close a circuit. When wires don’t connect properly, they leave room for rogue electrical currents, sparking, and other negative reactions.

Both residential and commercial buildings are constructed using combustible ingredients. Drywall, plywood, and installation are all quick to light. This becomes especially dangerous around winter when the air is dry and static levels increase.

Frustration and Unfinished Projects

Some projects sound easy but turn out far more complicated than you thought. This creates the issue of unfinished jobs. Not finishing a task like folding the laundry before bed is no big deal. Not finishing wiring the upstairs bathroom poses a significant risk of damage or injury. When DIYers get in over their heads, it causes a lot of frustration, choice words, and potential project abandonment.

If you insist on pursuing the DIY route, be sure you know everything required of your new project. Enlisting the expertise of an electrical contractor as a consultant could save you a lot of questions and concerns later. It will also help keep you safe.

For more information on why you shouldn’t do DIY electrical repairs, or for any electrical assistance, call Hi-Lite Electric Inc. at 1-416-800-5523 or contact us here.



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Riaz Jilani
Riaz Jilani
2024-06-05
I had another electrician which not giving me time and then I search on google and found Hi Lite with good reviews so I decided to try them. I send massage on their website and after 30 minutes I got call from them they booked me different time which was not suitable for me. I requested them and they change according to my convenient.electrician came on time complete the job also advised me some unseen problems also fixed perfectly and my satisfaction . First time I really impressed I recommend them they are trouble free and with good reputation
Michael Butler
Michael Butler
2024-05-10
Stove wasn't working. Stove people said it was an electrical issue. Steven came over, showed me what was wrong. Now I know more about electricity. 5/5 would electricity again.
Heather D
Heather D
2024-05-10
Excellent service. Matt came out after hours to resolve an emergency situation where an outlet in our garage caught on fire. He was here within the hour and completed the work efficiently. In addition he communicated clearly all the necessary steps needed. We will definitely be calling him back for additional assistance in the future if the need arises.
Amrik Bhogal
Amrik Bhogal
2024-04-29
Excellent service! We had a problem with some receptacles in a couple of rooms in our house. Tried the usual resetting the breakers and GFI plugs, but to no avail. Called Hi-Lite Electric based on a recommendation from a friend. Matthew from Hi-Lite come over, diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very knowledgeable and kept me in the loop as what he was doing. His estimate was very accurate. I would highly recommend HiLite
Roy Thompson
Roy Thompson
2024-04-29
Matthew and Steven did a fantastic job added two lights in my bedroom, prior to that their was no lights in my bedrooms. i would highly recommend them.
Izabella Hansen
Izabella Hansen
2024-04-23
Had a great experience with Matthew, a licensed electrician. He explained everything I needed thoroughly. Worked efficiently, was professional and curteous. I highly recommend this family run company.
Jo Persad
Jo Persad
2024-04-19
Excellent service. We had a problem with our house wiring and Matthew diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very polite and pleasant and informative. We would highly recommend HiLite.
James Danakas
James Danakas
2024-03-27
The service we received from Matthew and Luciano was excellent and our problem was solved in a timely matter. Great customer service! Highly recommend!
Corrado Di Rosa
Corrado Di Rosa
2024-03-26
Excellent customer experience! Matthew is always on point with his recommendations and makes sure the issue is solved. Highly recommend Hi-Lite.
Funk Roberts
Funk Roberts
2024-03-18
I recently had the pleasure of having Matt from HiLite Electrical come over to replace my smoke alarm, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service provided. From the moment Matt arrived, it was clear he was not only highly skilled but also incredibly personable and professional. His attention to detail was impeccable, ensuring that the job was done efficiently and effectively. What truly set Matt apart was his commitment to going above and beyond. He was punctual, arriving right on time, which is a rarity these days. But more importantly, he took the time to explain the process, what the problem was, and why we couldn't get the unit from the foundation in the first place. He was also amazing to talk about in general (especially fitness, training and combat sports, relationships, and other things), and ensured everything was working perfectly before he considered his job done. I highly recommend Hi-Lite Electrical to anyone in need of electrical services. Their team, from speaking with Ang on the phone to set up the appointment (Happy Angela Day..that's an inside joke) to Matt getting it done, Hi-Lite exemplifies the kind of professionalism and expertise that is all too rare. Trust me, if you want a hassle-free, high-quality service, look no further than Hi-Lite Electrical. A big thank you to Ang and Matt for not just meeting, but exceeding my expectations! Super Happy Customer! Funk Roberts

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