The Risk Associated with DIY Electrical Work
A second reason that DIY electrical repair should be avoided is the fire hazard your electrical components represent. Electrical fire hazards are easy to create, and they can hide behind your outlets or in the walls of your home for months until a spark ignites and your home and belongings are destroyed.
A third reason to avoid DIY electrical work is the amount of money it will cost if something goes wrong. You probably want do your own electrical work, but the disasters created by electrical errors typically end up costing more than the job would have cost to begin with if you had hired the professional electrician you should have.
Finally, before going the route of DIY electrical repair Charlotte homeowners need to understand that electrical system changes and upgrades must pass inspection before they can be used. However, when you do the job on your own, you may overlook this step, and that could lead to fines in the future when you are ready to sell the home.
As you can see, these risks are substantial. Still, you may find yourself thinking that you can handle some of the electrical work in your home without help. If so, make sure the job at hand is not one of these, because these common electrical problems are issues that should always have the service of a professional.
1. Wires with Water Damage
If water has come in contact with your wiring, and the wires have gotten wet, you have a serious fire or shock hazard on your hands. This is not the time to try to repair the job on your own. Any exposed wires that touch water are especially dangerous, because they can transmit electric current through the water to you.
If you see wires close to water damage, contact an electrical repair contractor immediately. This must be addressed as quickly as possible by a certified professional, or your family is in serious risk.
2. Circuit Breaker Tripping Frequently
If your circuit breaker is tripping, it means that the current exceeds the rating for that particular breaker. This often occurs when you add outlets or electrical components to the circuit without having it adjusted for a heavier load. Sometimes in older homes, circuit breakers start to trip when the demands of modern technology become more than they can bear. These systems weren’t designed for the technology-heavy lifestyle of the modern homeowner. Tripping circuit breakers can also occur when the circuit breaker is wearing out or if you have a short somewhere in the wiring throughout the house.
Both of these problems need the attention of a professional electrician. Sometimes, fixing the problem is as simple as adding another breaker to the circuit panel. Other times, you need to find the underlying cause and repair that, so the right amount of current is drawn from the breaker panel. However, doing this job incorrectly can leave your home at serious risk for a fire, so you need to work with a pro.
3. Installation of New Electrical Appliances or Equipment
Electrical appliances and equipment require more out of your electrical systems than simply plugging in a device. You may need to add additional outlets or a circuit breaker to ensure that they have the correct amount of voltage or amperage for the appliance. Also, large equipment or appliances will need more power than smaller devices, so you need to be sure your circuit breaker panel is properly equipped. Large electric appliances like ovens and dryers, require 240-volt currents. This is a deadly amount of current, so you do not want to mess around with these outlets unless you are certain you know what you are doing.
Again, this is a place where you need a professional to help you evaluate your electrical circuits and determine what needs to be added and where. The last thing you want is to invest in a costly new appliance, only to find it useless as your home’s electrical system can’t handle the job. With the help of a professional electrician, you can be confident that the appliance or other piece of equipment will be ready to go when you need it.
4. Updating Outdated Wiring
If your home is older, you may have outdated wiring that puts it at risk. Updating this wiring will greatly improve the overall safety of your home, but this is not a DIY task should you want do your own electrical work. In fact, this type of electrical repair is quite extensive, and you will want to partner with a pro to ensure the task is done safely. With a professional electrician handling the job for you, you can be confident that all areas of your home, even the hidden wiring behind your walls, are properly updated. Also, your electrician will be well versed in current electrical codes, so your home with its updated wiring will match the building codes. This can be an asset should you decide to sell your home at a later date.
If you are facing any of these problems, or simply have an electrical repair you need to tackle, don’t put your home and family at risk. When it comes to electrical repair Charlotte homeowners are always better off trusting a professional electrician. Schedule a consultation with On Time Electrical today to discuss your needs.