5 Reasons to Avoid DIY Electrical Work

Who can resist a fun do-it-yourself project?

But unless you’re a retired electrician, you’re not going to feel 100% confident in your DIY electrical work. No matter how in-depth that online guide or video was, it’s no substitute for the electrical needs presented by your home. Plus, several other factors could influence the work that needs to be done on your home.

The problem with faulty electrical work is that it doesn’t always present itself immediately. It might take repeated use of the system before the faulty work ends up creating a problem.

To give yourself true peace of mind—not just temporarily—we suggest nothing less than working with a professional electrician in Olympia, WA.

Here are 5 reasons why:

1. Risk of Electrocution

There are many precautions one must take when working with electricity. Some electrical dangers might seem obvious, like exposed wires. At other times, a short circuit in an appliance could present a risk of electrocution in an unlikely manner. It’s not impossible for something seemingly harmless, like the cabinet of an air conditioner, to become electrically charged due to a wiring malfunction.

2. Wiring and Cable Sizing

There are various sizes of wires available. The right size must be used for the right reasons, so you can’t just install wires of any size without knowing why. Using the wrong sized wire can cause overheating issues or might trip the circuit breaker. Knowing which type and size of wire to use is something that an electrician understands like second-nature.

3. Fitting and Craftsmanship

If you’re not trained to fit electrical fixtures like a professional, it’s not unlikely that you might fit an outlet or switch incorrectly. If they’re not installed properly, it can create a danger every time an appliance is plugged in. For example, overheating or arcing is a common result of wires coming loose from their terminals. It’s enough that simply plugging an appliance into the wall can create a real risk for electrocution.

4. Code Violations and Building Permits

Just like a real electrician, a DIY enthusiast must also configure their electrical work according to building codes and permits. This is especially true if you’re planning on putting your house on the market—any bad work would need to be redone by a professional anyways. Plus, if your electrical work causes a house fire, it can void your homeowner’s insurance if it’s discovered that you didn’t design according to code.

5. Proper Outlet Installation

There are different kinds of outlets for different areas of your home. For example, areas that might be exposed to water will need a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet instead of the kind that are used in bedrooms. GFCI outlets are meant to interrupt the circuit as soon as they detect an abnormal amount of circuit—such as in the event of electrocution by water. Not only can you risk your life by installing the wrong outlet, but it’s also a violation of building codes.

Don’t hesitate to call in a professional electrician for your needs. Contact Resicon LLC today to request a free consultation.