Starting DIY projects around your home might seem tempting and rewarding. Often, simply finishing something yourself without hiring someone to do it for you will seem like a win. Making your own furniture, fixing small things around the house, or decorating is fun and you have the freedom to do whatever you like. However, when it comes to electrical repairs, you should stop and think twice. If you are inexperienced and don’t really have the knowledge of how exactly something should be done, you should seriously consider hiring a professional. The truth is that they’ve been doing that type of work for many years and the chances are that they can do it better than you.
Experts from MulticoreNational are advising you to contact a professional in order to be certain the job is handled properly. Electricians are qualified and experienced, and most importantly, they know how to do any kind of repairs without getting injured.
Source: The End of Free
What are the dangers?
There are certain repairs you could probably handle yourself, but you still need to be skilled and do your research prior to starting the work. You need to be absolutely certain that you can safely get the work done without risking injuring yourself. Besides safety, you also need to consider the legality of the action. For some bigger, more complex, and serious repairs, you often need a permit that will allow you to do the work by yourself. On the other hand, some smaller, less challenging repairs do not require a permit. It might be difficult sometimes to differentiate more complex tasks from the easier ones and understand which ones require a permit. If you’re unsure, it’s best that you contact a professional. It’s important to remember that electrical work can not only be illegal but also dangerous if it’s done wrong.
If you do decide to start your DIY project, there are a few things you should keep in mind. You have to have the necessary knowledge on how to properly finish the job. Before starting, make sure that the power is turned off and that the repair is not taking place anywhere near a live conductor or terminal.
Source: fastserviceelectric.com
What you can do on your own
The repairs you can do yourself are some smaller ones such as removing and replacing fuse links or fittings (switches, socket outlets, light fittings, ceiling roses, thermostats, water heater switches, etc.) You can also install or extend sub-circuits without connecting your work to the electricity supply by yourself and you are required to have a licensed electrical inspector check your work and verify its safety. Moving and repairing flexible cords that are connected to outlets is also something you can do without hiring a professional.
As you’re risking being shocked while working with electricity, it’s crucial to consult an inspector or someone with experience before starting. There is also a danger of causing a fire that you need to worry about. Electrical fire hazards can stay dormant for a long period of time which means that the chances are good you’re not going to notice it in time. Whenever you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to call a professional to get the job done for you safely and quickly!
