Why Hire An Electrician: Possible Consequences of DIY Electrical Work

In theory, do-it-yourself projects save homeowners time and money. If a project is simple enough, why wait and pay for a professional’s services?

This logic isn’t foolproof when one considers hiring an electrician. A homeowner’s smallest mistake in attempting electrical tasks could have serious consequences. 

Electrical fires

One likely risk is electrical fires – commonly caused by faulty installations, incompatible parts, and defective wiring. A professional electrician can ensure none of these occur through a job well and thoroughly done.

Take the seemingly straightforward task of replacing a light fixture. Do-it-yourselfers may manage the act of unscrewing the old bulb and screwing on the new, but they might overlook the kind of bulb needed for the job.

Professionals would not only check the wattage needed for an installation. They would also inspect switches, cords, and nearby wiring, to make sure turning on the new bulb does not light up a network of hazards.

Property Damage

Burnt carpets and singed walls are the least that could occur when electrical fires cause property damage. For example, if do-it-yourselfers make mistakes when upgrading an outlet or adding some new wires, it could lead to the short-circuit a malfunction of appliances.

 Electrocution and shock

Do-it-yourselfers also risk harm to themselves. Despite studying instructional and safety manuals, inexperienced homeowners are not likely to anticipate everything that happens in an electrical project. If they move a finger a centimeter in the wrong direction, toward live wires they could electrocute themselves.

One brief jolt of electricity can be painful. A few sparks can be jarring. But cases of electrocution and high-voltage shock can be much more serious, leading to deep burns, internal injuries, nerve damage, and irregular heart conditions.

Code violations

The abovementioned dangers would harm both do-it-yourselfers and their attempts to save money. However, the financial impact of a DIY project gone wrong may be most felt in fines for code violations. Do-it-yourselfers whose properties fail electrical standards not only pay penalties – they have to pay professionals to redo whatever they attempted. 

When trying to cut costs on electrical work, it’s better to spend for safety, than save and be sorry.

Sources:

DIY Electrical Safety. DIY Network

DIY electrical work: an expert’s opinion. Independent.