The electrical system of your home or office is quite a sensitive one. You need to be extra careful while working with this system because any minor mistake can lead to fatal consequences. It’s always tempting to save money by doing the work yourself, but sometimes it can be hazardous, so it’s advised to leave the electrical work in the hands of a qualified professional.
Electrical Tasks You Should Never DIY
You might have the right kind of equipment to take care of the project, but it is your safety that is at stake as well. This blog will give you a list of what Electrical Tasks You Should Never DIY without the help of an electrician.
1. Wiring Upgrades
When it comes to electrical work in your home, some jobs are better left to professionals. One of those jobs is wiring upgrades. Upgrading the wiring in your home is not a job for the DIYer. It’s a job for a licensed electrician. Here are four reasons why:
- Safety is the number one priority for electrical work. You could seriously injure yourself or start a fire if you don’t know what you’re doing.
- Wiring upgrades can be complicated. Wiring upgrades can be very complex, depending on the size and age of your home. If you make a mistake, it could be very costly to fix.
- The risks are too significant. Electrocution is one of the most severe risks associated with electrical work. And when it comes to wiring upgrades, the risk is even greater because you’re dealing with live electrical wires. Even if you think you know what you’re doing, it’s not worth the risk of electrocution.
- Most wiring upgrades come with the risk of increased fire hazards. This is because older homes are not up to code with the current electrical standards. The wiring in these homes is often unable to handle the load of today’s appliances and electronics. This can lead to overheating, which can start a fire. It is essential to have a professional assess your home’s wiring before making any upgrades. They can determine if your home needs to be rewired or if there are other options available. Calling a professional ensures safety from fire hazards.
2. Electrical Code Repairs
If your home has undergone an electrical inspection, you might be tempted to read over the list of code violations and try to fix them yourself. You risk not only failing to fulfill the national electrical code standard, but also causing damage to appliances, injury, or even death.
If you’ve had a safety inspection and the electrician discovers issues that need to be addressed, it’s always better to arrange licensed, professional work to bring your residence up to standard as soon as possible.
If your home isn’t up to electrical code, the last thing you want to do is raise the danger of damage, injury, or death by attempting repairs or replacements yourself. Remember that qualified electricians study and train for years to operate in their area since the work is intricate, complicated, and potentially dangerous.
A reputable, qualified electrician will also be familiar with the most recent code standards and have the best tools for the work.
3. Electrical Panel Work
Keeping up with modern technology may involve the replacement of electrical panels. It is the function of your electrical panel to keep power from overloading and ruining your home’s wiring. As you add additional technology to your home, your electrical panel may become overburdened. This can cause tripped circuit breakers and potentially a fire hazard. The distinction between a repair and a replacement is tough for any DIYer to determine and implement. You can rely on your local electrician for expert panel upgrade advice.
4. Circuit Installation and Update
If your family constantly fights over who gets to use the one open outlet in a room, your circuits probably need an upgrade. Breakers that trip or cut power regularly indicate that your circuits lack sufficient electrical capacity. This is not only inconvenient; it may also be pricey if you work from home and rely on office devices to function. A local electrician can increase the electricity capacity of your home to meet rising demand.
5. Electrical Service Upgrade
Upgrading your electrical service is a major project that requires permits, inspections and the expertise of a licensed electrician. This is not a job for amateurs or do-it-yourselfers.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your electrical service, call a licensed electrician and get an estimate. It’s the only way to be sure the job is done safely and up to code.
Final Thoughts
You should only attempt electrical work independently if you are a licensed electrician. You could be putting yourself, your family, and your property in danger as a DIYer. We hope that you now feel safer knowing that there are some electrical projects that you should not do on your own.