5 Reasons To Never DIY Electrical Work

6 December, 2017
The Risks Of DIY Electrical Work

The do-it-yourself culture has been trending for a while now. When faced with a seemingly easy home repair job, the first thing that DIYers think is ‘how difficult can it be?’ With easy access to an abundance of information online, anyone with the time and the will to learn some basic skills can get a job done without paying for professional help.

However, most DIY enthusiasts have encountered some projects that completely overwhelmed them and ended up in disaster. From cracked walls and frail floorboards to personal injuries and extensive property damage, there are some jobs that are best left to the professionals. For instance, electrical repairs can be incredibly dangerous if you have no idea about what you’re doing.

Electricity Repairs You Can Perform Yourself

Generally, you should exercise extreme caution when handling any projects that involve electricity. As with any other tasks that often require a trained professional, like plumbing, there are some minor tasks or repairs that you can handle yourself without much risk, such as replacing a bulb, changing a burnt socket, or installing a fan, provided you turn off the power before starting, preferably at the master switch. You can even invest in some electrical gadgets, like a voltmeter, to test circuits or wires for power.

But if the electrical project goes beyond a simple fix, you should contract a professional electrician as opposed to doing it yourself. Here are some reasons why DIY electrical work may be a terrible idea:

  1. Electrical Shock And Injury

    The biggest concern for any person dealing with electrical repairs is the danger of being electrocuted. Electrical shock can vary from mild pulls to deadly, high voltage shock that can kill you in an instant.

    In most residences, the typical voltage for power outlets is around 110 volts, which is just enough to give you a jolt to let you know when to stop messing with the electricity.

    However, the voltage levels for some household appliances, such as dryers and ovens can reach 240 volts, which is a fatal amount of current.

    Through years of training, licensed electricians learn how to work around electricity and perform electrical repairs at any voltage level in a safe manner.

    While you can also switch off the circuit breaker and do some electrical work, you lack some essential tools and skills to safely cut wires, test circuits, and perform other kinds of specific work. Any mistakes that leave open wires can expose you, your loved ones, or even your pet to accidental electrocution.

  2. Fire Hazards

    Another major concern for DIYers is the high risk of starting an electrical fire due to naked wires or faulty wiring. It only takes one wrong connection to short-circuit and start an electrical fire. Unlike electrical shocks that alert you instantly of mistakes, electrical fire hazards often stay dormant until a power surge or another incident that bypasses the standard safety measures.

    The delayed threat can lead to a false sense of security, especially if the problem appears to be fixed. A few weeks later, a premature failure or short in the wiring causes a fire that burns down a room or even the entire building.

    Electrical fires can be devastating and deadly if the occupants are unable to escape in time. This is why it is important to contract an experienced electrician to inspect and fix problems with your electrical system.

  3. Not To Code

    Some kinds of electrical work require you to have a permit, in which case your only option is to hire a licensed electrician to handle the job. Permits and building codes are usually mandated for the safety of the occupants, and while you can get away with not being up to code, the results might prove to be expensive down the line.

    For instance, if your DIY electrical repairs are not up to current standards and lead to some kind of damage, your homeowner’s insurance may be rendered invalid. So even if you trust yourself to fix the problem, any future damage will not be covered by your insurance.

  4. Inspection Issues

    Many homeowners are not aware that all their electrical components need to pass inspection for safe usage. The failure to get electrical repairs inspected poses a great danger to all the occupants, and exposes you to heavy fines.

    While you can hide your simple and quick electrical fixed behind walls, in the basement, or in the attic, you will likely run into problems when trying to sell your house because it doesn’t meet the criteria. Hiring a licensed electrician can give you peace of mind that every electrical fix will pass inspection.

  5. Costly Repairs Down The Line

    With no training or expertise in the functions of various components in an electrical circuit, most DIYers often result to guess work or trial-and-error, which have a high probability of shorting, premature failure, or the need for extensive and costly repairs later on.

Conclusion

There are many serious concerns that you need to take into account before attempting DIY electrical fixes. You need to take every measure to ensure the safety of your family and property, and reduce the risk of costly mistakes that can be easily avoided by hiring a licensed electrician.



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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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