Are DIY Electrical Repairs Safe?

With all the do-it-yourself books, shows, and websites out there, you might consider completing the necessary electrical repairs yourself rather than hiring a professional electrician. Sure, trying to make repairs can save you money. However, saving money is nothing compared to making costly electrical repair mistakes that could put the safety of you and/or your family or employees at risk. Even if you have a handyman or friend complete the repair, you still risk serious damage to your property.

Examples of costly errors

Completing any electrical repair requires detailed knowledge. For example, you may experience a fuse that constantly knocks after it has been reset or replaced. You decide to replace the cutter or fuse yourself. Most people think valve replacement is an easy task. If the fuse keeps blowing, that means it’s time for a bigger fuse that can handle the workload, right?

No. Fuse replacement is a common mistake that can lead to serious consequences. A larger fuse may cause the wire to overheat and cause a fire. Besides, the cause of the fuse blowing is due to a problem in the wiring circuit.

Another costly electrical repair mistake involves disrespecting the age of your property. You can read home improvement books or watch TV sets All About Electrical , but you can’t ask questions. For example, older properties have ground wires in the locations of outlets and switches. While fixing an electrical problem, you can replace an old two-prong socket with a grounded outlet socket. It is a huge mistake to do so. Your cover plate, in the event of a short circuit, can activate and have fatal consequences.

hidden errors

Electricity is invisible. Thus, when you do something wrong, you may not know it until it is too late. For example, after the problem is fixed, the electricity can flow as if the electrician finished the job. However, there may be a fire burning from behind the walls. Other risks of hidden problems include shock hazards or exposed circuits.

Biggest risk for repair

Many novice electricians often use the wrong wire size to repair their electrical equipment. Electrical wires are sold in different gauges and thicknesses. If you use the wrong size wire for your circuit, it could overheat and stop working before the circuit breaker has a chance to trip and signal something is wrong. Since a circuit breaker and/or fuse protects the wires, you could damage your property so badly that you spend more money to fix the problem.

Breaking the law

Houston and surrounding areas have electrical codes that you must follow. Some tuning codes prohibit property owners from completing an electrical repair job unless they are licensed. So, even if you successfully complete the required repair, you are still violating the laws and may have a serious problem. If you don’t think the city or insurance company might not find out, reconsider:

If you are selling your business or home, it will not pass the code requirements once it has been checked.

If a fire or other damage occurs to your home or business, your insurance company may refuse to pay for the damage.

If you or someone is injured or hurt during or because of an electrical repair you completed, your insurance company may refuse to pay.

Consider having the electrical repair completed by a licensed electrician. You will know:

Done right

Electrician has insurance to cover any accidents or injuries

Correct equipment, tools and materials have been used

Completing an electrical repair job is not the same as painting a wall or changing a faucet. Working with electricity requires extensive electrical knowledge. The person who completes the repairs must be licensed.

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