DIY projects are fun to do, and it gives you a sense of fulfillment every time you achieve great results in the end. However, not all home fixes are fit for DIY work. If you are planning to troubleshoot your electrical problems on your own, you better think twice before you push through with it.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) strongly recommends hiring a licensed and experienced electrician to perform the necessary electrical work in your home. And here’s why:
5 potential dangers of DIY electrical work
Electrocution
Unsafe handling of electricity can lead to electrocution, which sometimes can be fatal. Recent data by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that nearly 400 electrocutions occur in the United States each year.
The majority of these electrocutions happen due to DIY troubleshooting of electrical installations and repairs. Depending on the severity, a person who comes in contact with live electricity may experience burns, irregular heartbeat, seizures, tingling or prickling sensation, loss of consciousness, and headaches.
Your child can also fall victim to electrical shocks due to incorrectly installed or unprotected outlets. Having a professional service your electrical system is part of childproofing your home.
Fire
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical malfunctions or failures are the second leading cause of house fires, accounting for about 20 percent of direct property damage in the U.S. One way you can protect your family and home from the devastation of fire is by leaving any home electrical work to a qualified technician.
Simple mistakes in DIY electrical installation and repair can lead to an electrical fire. These include incorrect bulb wattage, wrong fuse size or amperage, improper use of electrical wire, and faulty installation of switches and outlets. Faulty electrical work can go undetected for a considerable period, which may lead you to believe that you’ve done a successful DIY job until a fire occurs.
Code violations
Most electrical work requires a permit before you can get started with it. This permit ensures that all local building codes and safety protocols are observed. Doing electrical installations and repairs on your own can lead to violations of these codes. As a result, you may face severe fines of up to $100,000. A larger penalty may be imposed if your illegal electrical work has caused damage to a person and property.
If you are planning to sell your house property, it may not be able to pass the inspection conducted by both the buyer’s home inspector and city inspector due to DIY electrical fixes. Aside from decreasing your property value, it may also take longer than expected to make the sale.
Costly future repairs
Many homeowners do DIY electrical work to save money, not knowing that it could cost them more. If you perform an electrical repair or replacement without professional help, you run the risk of causing additional issues to the system and damage to your property and your neighbor’s.
According to HomeAdvisor, it would cost you around $2,932 to $31,251 to restore your home from damages caused by fire, which is one of the most common DIY electrical disasters. Damages in your electrical system will similarly cost you thousands of dollars to fix. And you have to deal with all that just because you refuse to pay the small fee of a residential electrician.
Denied insurance claims
When your home catches fire due to your illegal electrical activity, your insurance claim may be denied. Most insurance companies do not accept insurance claims resulting from negligence.
Failure to get the necessary building permits and hire a licensed electrician is considered negligence on your part. If your homeowner’s insurance is voided, that means you will be held liable for any damages your property has incurred.
Protect your family and home by hiring a professional electrical repair
Never compromise the safety of your family and home. Whether you need a minor or major electrical repair, you should never do it on your own. Always hire the service of a licensed and experienced electrical company.
Hiring professional services will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe from electrical hazards. What are you waiting for? Get in touch with your trusted local electrical company today to schedule an appointment!
