First of all: electrical work is difficult, technical and often dangerous work. When we talk about “DIY electrical work,” we’re talking about pretty simple things, and even those things are dangerous. If you’re even a little intimidated by the electrical work you’re considering (as “easy” as it may seem), call the pros.
There’s a reason the electrician job requires so much training and certification: it’s dangerous. Anytime you work with electricity, there is some risk. To stay safe during electrical work, you must understand and respect these risks. That’s why we’re listing the most important things you should pay attention to when carrying out DIY electrical work. To avoid such dangers, you should always keep an eye on them:
What are the main risks of DIY electrical work?
Carrying out your own electrical work involves many risks, both structural and physical. If we had to narrow it down to the top three risks, we would list the following:
- Fire. Electrical work is complex. You need to know exactly which measuring devices belong to which circuit. You need to make sure the power is flowing properly and is properly grounded. One wrong move and you could start a fire. The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that electrical fires cause approximately $1.3 billion in property damage each year. It’s never worth it.
- Electrocution. Electricity is no joke. This can be very harmful to you if not handled properly. Electric shocks often occur in homes when wiring is not properly connected or protected. If you accidentally leave live wires exposed and those wires come into contact with a conductive material (e.g. metal or water), you will suffer an electric shock.
- Inspection failure. If you ever want to sell your home, you will need to have it inspected. Are you 100% sure you did everything right? If your home’s electrical systems are not properly installed or maintained, you risk fines or loss of sales value.
When can you DIY electrical work?
As a certified technician, you can perform electrical work yourself. Don’t worry, it’s not too difficult! All you need is a C-10 electrical contractor license issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs. It’s also very easy to get! All you need is four years of experience as a journeyman. You can receive it only after passing several exams and completing almost fifteen thousand hours of work in various specialties.
Okay, now that we’ve explained everything, it might not be a good idea to do the electrical work yourself. Unless it’s just a matter of replacing a light bulb, bezel or bracket, we recommend leaving this task to professionals.
What should you do if you have an electrical problem you can’t DIY?
Call your local electrician you trust. They have experts who can handle anything you throw their way. You want to work with a company that is accessible, affordable, and able to answer your questions over the phone.
You want to be sure that the technician they send out can not only fix your problem, but also diagnose it. Professionals can uncover the cause of the problem in the first place, so you can better prevent future electrical problems.
We understand the benefits of tackling home renovation projects alone. You take care of your own living space and feel fulfilled. We are also aware of the dangers – after all, this is how we earn our living.
When it comes to electrical work, prevention is always better than cure. If you have an electrical problem in your home, call the McBride Lighting & Electrical Services team. Whatever the reason, we can help.
