Do not attempt your own electrical projects. DIY efforts can seem easier and less costly than hiring a professional but simply are not. Over 400 deaths and $1.5 billion dollars a year in property damage are attributed to DIY electrical efforts. Electrical projects done without required levels of knowledge and experience can lead to major issues with the electrical system and lead to serious personal injuries. Electricians have years of experience and education to not only inform them of the ins and outs of residential and commercial electrical systems but also to provide with the knowledge to handle these projects safely. An electrician will have what it takes to meet your specific electrical needs, in a time efficient manner, without causing personal injury or further damage to the electrical system and property. Hire an electrician to avoid these risk associated with DIY electrical efforts.

Electrocution

Making a mistake with wiring, hand protection and conductor contact can lead to electrical shocks in your body. A minor shock can be less than serious and should be considered lucky when considering what a large voltage can do. High voltages of electricity can cause serious burns, heart issues, and issues with your central nervous system. A large enough shock can cause an individualÕs lungs to stop breathing and a heart to stop beating, often resulting in death. Physical contact with an exposed electrical output source will result in electrocution. Electrocution is the most direct risk associated with an electrical project, though several others exist.

Risk Of Fire

Even the smallest electrical mistake can lead to a fire in your home or business. Replacing a light bulb with a bulb of incorrect voltage can cause the bulbÕs interior element to overheat and lead to and electrical fire. Attempting to install a fuse with the wrong amperage for the specific output source can become a fire hazard within a building. Using the wrong wire or improper wire insulator can also lead to overheating and fires through contact with surrounding drywall, wood materials and insulation. Installing a switch improperly can lead to a short circuit in your system, which can promote sparks and heat and eventually fires. Electrical fires are unlike wood burning fires, as the flames cannot be extinguished with water.

Code Violations

Electrical work needs to be done up to code. Electrical codes ensure that your work is safe for future use. Providing services that are up to code will often require a permit request and a final inspection from a designated electrical professional. If the system is not found up to code, further repairs will be required. Electrical work without a permit is illegal and can result in fines exceeding $100,00 dollars. Though there arenÕt serious health issues associated with this risk, failing to meet the stated electrical code requirements or performing your electrical work illegally, can cause major financial issues that are all avoided by simply hiring a professional.

Future Repair Requirement Expenses

If you are able to complete your project without electrocution or fire issues and get away with code violations, the system can still fail in the near future. This will require expensive repairs. Simply put, deciding to not hire a professional electrician can cost you more money in the end.