When you are faced with an electrical problem in your home, it is very tempting to try to fix the problem yourself. Sometimes we might think the problem is not serious enough to warrant an inspection by a professional electrician, or perhaps we want to cut the cost.
However, there many reasons why you should leave electrical repairs to professionals. In this article, we tell you why you should never try to do the electrical repair yourself.
Risk
Many things can go wrong when you try to fix electrical problems yourself, including electrocution, short circuits, and fire. So, you put yourself, your loved ones, and your property at risk when you attempt to work on a faulty electrical system without the necessary skills and experience. Also, some home electrical systems have high voltages and therefore require special skills to repair.
Moreover, some junction boxes and electrical connections are hidden and difficult to maneuver around. So, if you do not know how to work around them, you expose yourself to the risk of getting electrocuted by them. Fire accidents can also happen due to defective wiring. So, to reduce these risks, you have to involve the services of a professional electrician.
Legality
In some states, you have to obtain a permit to work on your electrical system legally. These permits are meant to ensure all local codes and safety protocols are followed. So, if a fire accident happens while trying to repair your electrical system on your own without the necessary permits, you will be held criminally responsible. In most cases, these permits are only given to professional electricians with the required licenses.
However, there are some minor electrical repairs that you can do without a permit, such as replacing switches, repairing lights, and replacing fuse cartridges and cables. However, these allowable electrical repairs vary with states. So, it’s essential to check your local codes before you start the repairs.
Failed Inspection
Suppose you complete an electrical repair that requires a permit. In that case, a licensed electrical inspector is required by law to inspect the project to ensure it is in line with local codes and safety protocols. So, if you did the repairs yourself without a permit, the inspector will include those details in the report, which could earn you fines.
You will also have a difficult time convincing potential buyers when you decide to sell your house. Your insurance provider will also have a right to deny you claims in case of a fire accident. So, always leave the electrical repair work to professionals.
