Thanks to the wealth of information on the internet and in YouTube videos, it is possible to do just about anything around your home. Many home DIY-ers are now doing things that once required a professional contractor. From laying new floors and building decks to installing new windows, there are many things that homeowners can do with the right tools, information, and skillset. While numerous things can be completed without any worries, there are some projects that still need to be completed by a professional. One area that should always be left to professionals is electrical work.
Dealing with wiring and electrical systems is dangerous under any circumstances. Electrical work is so dangerous that electricians rank among the top 25 most dangerous jobs. Improper repairs or installations can lead to shocks, fires, and even death. If you are not licensed to deal with electrical panels, wires, outlets, and other electrical elements, you shouldn’t attempt to work on these things yourself. The consequences of improper work could be devastating.
Professionals at a company like Rockwall Electric have years of experience and reliability and can help you safely repair or install electrical components. Opting to do the work yourself might help save some money, however, the risks are not worth it. Let’s take a closer look at why you should leave electricity work to professionals.
Safety
First and foremost, the main reason why licensed professionals should be the only ones working on electricity is for safety reasons. As discussed, electricity is dangerous. Unless you are trained and certified, you could end up severely injuring yourself or someone else. Even a relatively minor electrical job that goes wrong could result in injury or death. Even if something doesn’t go wrong, improper work could create hazards for others.
Whether you work on the electricity in your own home or somewhere else, you will be responsible for the outcomes. Professionals are trained and certified to ensure that all work is safe and in proper working order. As a DIY-er, you may not be able to identify improper work or unsafe situations. If something goes wrong, you could be responsible for the negligence that leads to serious injury or wrongful death. If this is the case, you will have to deal with a personal injury attorney and a lawsuit. For the safety of yourself and others, you should leave electricity to the professionals.
Fire
Aside from the safety risks associated with unlicensed projects, improper work could also lead to property damage. Statistics show that electrical malfunction is the cause of 6.8 percent of all residential fires each year. That is about 24,000 house fires per year. Given the great risk that electrical malfunction poses to homes and other structures, it is best to leave all work to an electrician. Since electricity is running through the walls, ceilings, and floors of most structures, a malfunction could create a major issue that spreads quickly. Since you don’t want to take any chances with your own home or someone else’s, you should always consult with a professional electrical company to have licensed and guaranteed work done.
One of the most cited reasons for DIY work is that many think they are saving money and time. In several cases, like repairing a leaky faucet or laying new carpeting, this might be the case. However, you should always hire a professional when it comes to electrical work. Allowing a licensed electrician to complete electrical projects can give you peace of mind knowing that the work is safe and done correctly. Doing this type of work on your own could make you personally liable and lead to injuries or property damage.