Like electrical current flowing through a circuit, we at Experts In Your Home feel the energy flowing since we started our series on do-it-yourself electrical repairs.
We hope that more of our customers now feel confident to repair an extension cord, replace a light switch, install an outlet and address an overloaded circuit—the subjects of some of the articles in the series. As electricians, this is what we mean when we talk about "empowering" our customers.
While we don't want to dampen anyone's enthusiasm for electrical repairs, we've think it's important to mention which electrical repairs should be “off limits” to amateurs, and by that we mean anyone who is not a licensed electrician.
Why should electrical repairs be done by an expert?
That's a valid question, even if you didn't know that electricians are specialized and so can attain a wide variety of licenses, including those to become a maintenance electrician, journeyman electrician, master electrician and an electrical contractor.
As professionals, they have been trained and tested (and tested again) to ensure that they can deftly handle complex electrical repairs. They also know the risk of (and have seen their fair share of) shortcuts and shoddy workmanship, which can lead to electrical shock, burns, injuries and even fires and small explosions.
Some of the more complex electrical repairs that are best left to a licensed electrician include:
- Those major jobs (repairs and otherwise) that require a permit, and almost always home renovation projects in which walls are moved and/or new living space is added.
- Extending or replacing circuits, which can be downright dangerous. While our customers now know how to handle an overloaded circuit, tapping into and extending a general purpose circuit can be more complicated than it looks—and that's even if your main electrical panel (breaker box) contains a legible, easy-to-understand circuit map.
- Maintenance on the electrical panel. In fact, a good rule of thumb is to literally follow your thumb: use it to reset a tripped breaker and call a licensed electrician for anything else in the panel, such as if you see an exposed wire or a drooping service lug or cable.
- Work on the weatherhead. (And if you're wondering what this is, consider it a good sign to studiously avoid it). This metal pole connects the electrical service lines leading from outdoor utility poles to your home. Especially after a powerful storm, weatherheads can bend and lean, but stay clear of them. They can carry about 200 amps of electrical current—enough to trigger respiratory arrest.
- Repairing appliances, including a frayed cord on an appliance. Both rank among the top five causes of electrical fires in the country, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Heed the power behind the capacitor, which stores electricity to infuse the start-up function on some appliances. Even with the power off, a metal tool that touches the contacts can incite a truly shocking experience.
Ask yourself these important questions before attempting DIY electrical repairs:
- Do I enjoy DIY projects?
- Do I have the necessary knowledge and skills required to complete this electrical repair?
- Do I have the proper equipment to execute the electrical repair safely?
- Do I know how to address an unexpected problem?
- Is the electrical repair governed by local building codes?
- Do I understand the consequences of a repair-gone-wrong?
- What is my back-up plan for a repair-gone-wrong?
As always, follow your gut instinct about electrical repairs. If you're in any way hesitant about proceeding, reach out to Experts In Your Home. Our expert electricians serve Chico, Paradise, and surrounding areas and will be here to light your way.
Stay safer with this FREE and handy downloadable list of electrical jobs you shouldn't ever do yourself:
