Many homeowners find DIY home improvement projects an easy, cost-effective option. However, when it comes to electrical work, tackling tasks yourself can quickly turn dangerous. From installing a new light fixture to inspecting a faulty outlet, working with electricity poses serious risks if you’re not properly trained. In addition, code restrictions and safety standards are often strictly enforced, and for good reason. Below, we discuss some common electrical injuries from DIY projects and why it’s always best to leave electrical work to licensed professionals.
5 Risks of DIY Electrical Projects
DIY electrical work injuries can happen at any point when attempting a project yourself, and potentially harming yourself and your home is never worth the risk. Some of the most common hazards of performing electrical work by yourself include:
- Electrical shock: Working with live wires can lead to electrical shocks—or electrocution in severe cases—even from low-voltage circuits.
- Burns: You risk burns from shocking or coming into contact with hot surfaces that can result in thermal or electrical burns.
- Fires: Electrical fires can occur from faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and improper connections, which can lead to major damage to yourself or your home; fires are one of the most common electrical hazards.
- Property loss: Improperly handling electrical components can result in a loss of property, including melted wires, burnt outlets, and other equipment damage.
- Long-term damage: While immediate danger is the biggest risk, you may also cause long-term damage by performing DIY electrical work. You risk violating codes, improperly installing equipment that can pose hazards down the line, and other damages to yourself and your property.
Shortfalls of DIY Electrical Work
While hopping on YouTube for a quick electrical fix may seem enticing, it’s crucial to bypass this and call a professional. Online tutorials and DIY guides often showcase seemingly simple projects that are actually far more complicated, and the directions given aren’t always comprehensive or made by trained technicians. Additionally, these creators are unaware of your individual situation, meaning they can’t give you a solution tailored to your specific needs.
Why You Should Hire a Professional
When it comes to electrical work, hiring a trained and certified professional should be the only option. Partnering with a licensed electrician means more than just getting the job done, it means getting it done safely, correctly, and up to code. Professional electricians have the specialized training, experience, and tools needed to accurately identify and resolve electrical issues without sacrificing your safety or your home’s structural integrity. Trained electricians understand complex electrical systems and are up to date on local building codes. Being equipped with the proper tools allows electricians to detect potential hazards that you may easily miss.
For your Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC home, Kolb Electric is the company to call. Whether you’re upgrading your electrical panel, adding new outlets, or troubleshooting flickering lights, trusting our team of professionals plays a huge role in fixing the problem and providing peace of mind.
Never risk your safety by tackling electrical work yourself. Schedule with Kolb Electric for safe, reliable, and expert service you can count on!
