Why you Shouldn’t Attempt Electrical Work On Your Own
There are few aspects of home improvement that can be as filling with risks as that of “Do-It-Yourself” electrical repairs. And while it may be a tempting prospect to resist calling an electrician with the intention of saving a few bucks, then the end result can be disastrous.
Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t DIY electrical work.
Electrical Shock
It is no mystery that one of the foremost concerns when working around electricity is the probability of being shocked. Electrical shock can be deadly at practically any voltage level, and this is especially true when working with higher voltages.
In most residential homes the average voltage for lighting and power plugs is 110 volts. That’s surely sufficient to give you a nice jolt, but the voltage levels for specific appliances, such as ovens and dryers, can reach 240 volts–a dangerous load. It is for this reason that residential electricians go through years of instruction to master how to work safely around electricity. Sure, you can always turn off the power at the breaker panel, but all very often DIYers either overlook this step or turn off the incorrect breaker and this contributes to a serious situation.
Fire Hazards
As with electrical shock, the risk of provoking a fire due to faulty wiring is a legitimate worry for DIYers. With so many electrical components to work with, it can be frustrating trying to solve wiring issues. All it takes is the arrangement of a particular wire in the wrong spot and the chances of an electrical fire significantly increase. And unlike electrical shock, where the results will be prompt, electrical fire hazards can remain latent for months. This can lead electrical DIYers into an unreal sense of security after finishing a project, and then weeks later the wiring shorts out leading to a fire. This is why you should always hire a qualified electrician when there are issues with the electrical system.
Inspection Issues
All electrical components in a home are expected to pass inspection before they can be used, and this is a condition of do-it-yourself electrical repair that is usually neglected. Not only does the failure to have an electrical repair inspected present a risk, but it can likewise lead to substantial fines. Some homeowners incorrectly think that they can hide repairs behind walls and in the attic only to run into troubles when they go to sell the house because it fails to satisfy the criteria to pass inspection. By bringing in an expert electrician, you can rest assured that every electrical repair will pass city inspection.
For lots of reasons, you ought to never try to do electrical work by yourself
As is has been established, there are plenty of risks that homeowners need to take into consideration when attempting DIY electrical improvements. A fundamental concern is the increased potential for an electrical shock to strike when fooling around with electrical units such as plugs and switches.
In addition to electrical shock, there is a greater chance for a fire to occur when repairs are not completed correctly, especially if the result is faulty wiring. Furthermore, homeowners need to be aware of the various aspects of the electrical code, as this is necessary for the repairs to pass inspection. A failure to do this could lead to fines. It may also mean a decrease in the value of the property if these issues come up during a pre-sale inspection.
Due to the serious hazards involved with electricity, only professional, licensed and insured electricians ought to handle your electrical needs.
Even the jobs that appear simple and simple still need the services of a professional electrical contractor.
You ought to never try to perform electrical work yourself.
There are lots of tiny details that must be thought about when wiring or establishing new electrical parts. Without the proper knowledge, licensing or training, you can basically, overload a circuit and cause destruction to your home.
No matter how simple the task might be, fires, electrical shock, and serious injury can occur if the work is not done correctly.
If the work is more involved, there’s electrical codes and inspections that must occur.
Everyone desires to save funds, but doing electrical work yourself can cost you more in the long run in the event you try to take things into your own hands. Even installing a simple light switch can be done incorrectly in the event you don’t know exactly what you are doing.
What looks to be a simple project can turn into a nightmare due to inexperience.
Call WireChief Electric for all your electrical needs. Your reliable electrician in Vancouver, BC.