Leave Electrical Repairs to the Experts

DIY projects have become increasingly popular. YouTube and blogs have evolved into trusted information sources for anything you need to tackle around the home. However, some areas should still be left to the professionals, electrical repair being one of them.

While you might think that you can perform that electrical outlet wiring, trust us when we say that it’s not worth risking your safety. This article covers the main reasons you should call in the pros for your next electrical repair. 

Electrical Shock

Electrical shock is a serious risk associated with performing repairs and one of the main reasons you should hire a professional. Electrical shock can cause severe injury and may even be deadly at higher voltages. 

Licensed electricians are trained and certified to perform electrical repairs safely. Each electrical repair is unique. Outlets have different voltages than appliances, and understanding how to handle each is crucial. Don’t put yourself at risk unnecessarily, and be sure to call in the experts for your repairs. 

Fire Hazards

It doesn’t take much to initiate a fire when fiddling around with your home’s electrical system. There are many components within an electrical system, and without the expert knowledge needed to manipulate them, you run the risk of causing a fire. 

It only takes the slightest error to cause a fire hazard, and the issue is not always immediately apparent. A fire could occur months later and result in an expensive repair bill, injury or even death.

Meeting Provincial Electrical Codes

Each province has safety codes in place to protect homeowners and their properties. Licensed electricians have niche knowledge pertaining to provincial codes. When performing your electrical repairs, they will ensure your home is up to code. 

This is not common knowledge that the average homeowner possesses - another reason to hire an expert. Ensuring your home is up to code is also very important if you plan to sell in the future.

Insurance Concerns

Electrical work comes with inherent risks. Professional electricians are licensed and insured and are fully protected should an incident occur. Hiring a certified electrician also ensures that you are protected and do not end up liable for an incident as a homeowner. 

Additionally, many home insurance companies will not process a claim for damages from electrical issues if a licensed electrician did not perform the work. The last thing you want is to be financially responsible in these situations. 

Hidden Electrical Dangers

It’s easy enough to watch a video online and think you can perform an electrical repair yourself. What often isn’t mentioned in the video is the underlying fundamentals surrounding electrical systems that you need to be familiar with to complete the repair safely. 

There are various tools that professional electricians use to ensure the utmost safety while working, such as a meter that confirms a circuit breaker is fully shut off. Most homeowners do not have these tools or even know they are required. 

Even the simplest electrical repairs require a great deal of technical knowledge and skill. Without a comprehensive understanding of electrical systems, you might perform a repair and think it is done, but there may be numerous issues with the work. 

It’s Always Better to Hire a Professional

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why you should focus your DIY skills on tasks other than electrical repairs. The fundamental risk is the potential for an electrical shock. It is best to avoid this situation altogether.