Dangers of DIY Electrical

If you encounter an electrical issue after returning home from a beautiful day at Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, you may be tempted to make some DIY electrical repairs. However, performing most DIY electrical upgrades or repairs yourself can be extremely dangerous. The team of experts at Dean’s Home Services has vital information on why attempting to handle electrical components and wiring yourself can be dangerous, what could happen, and why hiring a licensed electrician is essential to keep you and your family safe. 

When “Doing It Yourself” Can Be Dangerous

Some homeowners prefer to handle certain electrical home projects themselves, as it costs less than hiring a company that offers professional electrical services. While it’s understandable that you want to save some money, and it may seem tempting to try to do things yourself, electrical work is not a safe DIY task. Untrained homeowners who handle electrical wiring and other components face significant risks, including electric shock, fire hazards, and other potentially serious issues that threaten health, life, and property. Even the smallest electrical mistake can cause a house fire, serious shock, or significant damage to your home, appliances, and other devices.

Risk of Electrical Shock or Electrocution

One of the most significant and serious dangers of DIY electrical repairs and upgrades is the risk of electric shock or electrocution. Even standard household systems at around 120 volts can deliver enough voltage to cause serious injury or death. Electrical shock can cause serious physical harm, including severe burns, temporary or permanent nerve damage, or cardiac arrest.

Several common mistakes can lead to electrocution or electric shock. Failing to turn off breakers before performing electrical work, using the wrong tools, or misinterpreting wiring diagrams are just a few common problems homeowners may encounter. According to the organization Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), thousands of people end up with serious electrical injuries in U.S. homes each year, including approximately 400 electrocutions. 

Fire Hazards and Property Damage

Aside from incurring serious injuries, electrical fire hazards resulting in major property damage are another common problem associated with DIY repairs and upgrades. Not all DIY electrical fires happen right away. Faulty wiring can smolder for weeks before igniting and catching fire, and hidden wiring mistakes can easily go unnoticed until it’s too late. Many factors that the average homeowner might not notice can increase the risk of an electrical house fire.

Overloaded circuits

Plugging too many devices into a single circuit exceeds the wire’s capacity, causing the wire to heat up quickly. As the wires heat, the insulation melts, and sparks ignite the surrounding materials. Look for flickering lights, tripped breakers, or warm, buzzing outlets, which are all signs of a possible overloaded circuit. 

Loose connections

If your electrical wires aren’t fastened securely, it creates a gap that could cause electrical resistance. This process generates extreme heat and may cause flashes or sparks that can ignite nearby insulation or other materials. Fires from loose electrical connections most often occur at switches, panel terminals, or receptacles.

Improper wiring

Damaged or frayed wiring, improper splicing, and the use of incorrectly rated devices can lead to shorts. The sustained heating from the short circuit almost always eventually causes a fire. When you’re not familiar with the proper wiring and electrical safety standards, your DIY work may pose a major risk to life and property. 

Code Violations and Legal Issues

All electrical work, whether it’s DIY or performed by a professional, must meet all of the newest local and national safety codes, like those set forth by the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC is updated every three years and is adopted by all 50 states and local jurisdictions, so it’s legally required. If the work doesn’t meet these stringent guidelines and standards, you may have several electrical code violations that will likely fail inspection. 

Homes that fail electrical inspection may affect your homeowner’s insurance coverage and can negatively impact the resale value of your property. If a fire occurs, any unpermitted electrical work could void your insurance claim. This means you’ll end up having to pay for all of the repairs and rehabilitation yourself out of pocket. 

There are also some serious legal implications of doing electrical work that doesn’t meet NEC safety codes. If an electrical fire or electrical shock injures someone in your home, you may face financial liability for damages. In some cases, you may even face a civil or criminal lawsuit, including negligent endangerment.

Costly Repairs Down the Road

Attempting DIY electrical repairs or upgrades yourself can also lead to costly repairs later down the road. These fixes often need to be redone, and they could have more issues or more damage than there was before. For example, if you rewire an outlet incorrectly, it could damage your home appliances or the breaker panel, which is expensive to repair or replace. 

Here’s what to know about comparing the cost of hiring a professional, licensed electrician upfront versus fixing unsafe wiring later:

• Minor repairs like replacing a faulty switch or outlet typically cost less than $300.
• A professional electrical inspection that finds and addresses minor issues early usually costs much less than paying for major repairs like a full rewiring, which could cost up to $10,000 or more.
• If you hire a professional, all of your electrical work is warrantied, insured, and done to code, so it passes inspection.
• DIY repairs or upgrades that are done incorrectly can permanently damage expensive appliances, electronics, and other valuable devices.
• Your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover damage caused by improper DIY electrical work, which means you’re left footing the bill.

The Importance of Hiring a Licensed Electrician

Although you may consider doing some electrical work yourself, it’s important to hire an experienced, licensed electrician whenever possible. Before you hire anyone, confirm their licensing and credentials. These are some of the many benefits of hiring a licensed electrician over DIY repairs:

• Better safety, lower risk: Professional electricians always adhere to strict safety standards and codes, reducing your risk of fire or electrical shock while improving the safety of your home.

• Legal protection: Because licensed electricians follow the NEC code, your home insurance should continue to provide coverage and offer liability protection and other benefits.

• Expertise: Licensed electricians undergo ongoing, rigorous training, can obtain the proper permits, and use the right safety tools and techniques to provide you with effective, efficient service.  

• Long-term peace of mind: Not only will you save money by hiring a licensed electrician to do things right the first time, but you’ll also have lasting peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and protected from dangerous issues in the future.

• Warrantied work: Most licensed electricians’ work is backed by a warranty, so you’re covered if you ever need them to address any issues related to the work later. 

Leave Electrical Work to the Experts and Call Dean’s Today!

Ignoring electrical safety by attempting to do DIY electrical upgrades and repairs is not worth the risk. If you want to protect your home and your family, hire a licensed electrician who provides safe, reliable repairs. To schedule professional, high-quality electrical services for your Twin Cities area home, contact Dean’s Home Services today!