Proper electrical maintenance should not be taken lightly. Research concluded by the Electrical Safety Foundation International, sometimes abbreviated simply as ESFI, has concluded that more than 50,000 electrical fires occur in the United States each year. Moreover, a large percentage of these incidents are attributable to faulty wiring and other electrical system errors. These unfortunate events may also result in the death and create nearly a billion dollars in property damage every year.

Yet despite these startling statistics, many homeowners or property managers often engage in DIY electrical repair. Electrical work can be expensive and time-consuming. However, most safety experts agree that electrical maintenance is an area where corners cannot be cut and is not easily learned by reading a handbook.

The truth is DIY electrical repair can prove to be a serious detriment to one’s safety and the well-being of their families and property. D.O.C. Electric, Inc., invites prospective do it your-selfers to read the following brief blog discussing the potential risks and the reasons this work should always be performed by a licensed electrician.

Potential Legal Issues

Due to the complexities and possible dangers associated with electrical work many states require a homeowner or even a licensed electrician to obtain a permit before work can begin. Permits are a potential double whammy for do it your-selfers. First, a state or local municipality’s electrical maintenance board is not likely to award permits to persons who cannot produce documentation demonstrating specific levels of proficiency and expertise. Moreover, those found to be working without permits could be subject to significant fines and legal problems.

The Complexities Of DIY Electrical Work

Any book or internet video can provide basic instruction regarding how to perform a specific technique. That said, electrical systems are anything but simple and there may often be hidden dangers. Wiring is typically placed inside walls and in other spaces an inexperienced individual may not be aware of. Not knowing the exact schematics of a particular system can make many repairs very difficult without the specialized skills of an electrician.

The Risk Of Serious Injuries Or Even Death

Even the slightest electrical can be a painful and scary experience. These risks can be more significant when attempting to repair or wire common household appliances like ovens. The voltage concentrations of these units are generally higher and even a small error could have big consequences.

Increased Fire Risk

Fire hazards are arguably the most serious risk associated with DIY electrical repair. An inexperienced person’s lack of knowledge in wiring and the proper flow of an electrical system may often be recipe for disaster. Novices almost always execute improper connections, do not cover wiring correctly and often create faulty connection. Any of these can lead to problems with your system and could even lead to an electrical fire.

Because so much of your electrical system is hidden potential problems might remain unseen for many years to come. A do it your-selfer may complete a specific project, see that the system seems to be operating efficiently and believe no problems exist. The unfortunate truth is that even the most serious issues have a tendency to remain dormant only to surface in the future. Many times an unforeseen event like a power surge could trigger a problem that was not visible under normal circumstances.

All Electrical Work Is Subject to Inspection

Because of the complexities and potential dangers, electrical work executed on any residential or commercial building is subject to inspection by your local municipality, state or county. Every electrical system must meet a strict set of government-mandated safety guidelines. When a home or business does not adhere to these regulations, their owners or managers could be subject to significant fines or potentially even legal problems.

Moreover, faulty or insufficient electrical work could interfere with a home or building owner’s ability to sell their property. Before selling and residence and even most businesses the building itself is likely to be subject to an inspection. Problems with a property inspection during the sale process can lead to delays in the sale or could even expose the seller to legal issues down the road.

Final Considerations

The desire for homeowners to perform DIY projects around the house is an overall good thing and can save the owner time and money. However, almost every safety expert or electrical professional warn that do it yourself and electrical work generally don’t go together well. Proper maintenance of an electrical system is often too complex for the typical homeowner to take on. At the bare minimum, these DIY projects could lead to costly repairs in the future. In worst case scenarios, such irresponsibility could ultimately lead to fire, property damage and potentially injuries and death.

Your Next Move

You should always contact a licensed electrician whenever you consider upgrading or repairing anything electrical. Electricity is nothing to play with, and attempting to fix a problem on your own could worsen your issue or create a bigger problem than you know how to fix. When it comes to installing dedicated circuits, you want to make sure the process goes smoothly and causes no issues.

At D.O.C. Electric Inc., we have the know-how to assist you. We’ll send out a professional electrician to help you figure out which appliances deserve dedicated circuits so that you can configure the electricity of your home more efficiently and logically. To get in contact with an electrician today, contact us, and we’ll help you get your circuits sorted out.