TOP 3 Electrical Issues Best Left to the Pros
Yes, you are the man of the house, and you know all there is to know about every corner of your dwelling. Yet, for the love of God, don’t act all hunky when it comes to electrical issues best left to the industry pros. Some of those issues are extremely complex and require a meticulous approach only a qualified electrician can handle.
Let’s look at official statistics. The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI) reports that over 2,000 non-fatal electrical injuries occur in the US alone in a single year, and a notable portion of these results are from DIY attempts.
The picture is even grimmer if we look at how things are going in the UK. About 200,000 people visit UK hospitals annually due to DIY-related injuries. Of these, 10%, or a whopping 20,000 incidents, occur due to electrocution and other electrical mishaps.
Sure, it may not look like a big deal, and you may think you have what it takes to do it yourself, but is it really worth the risk? You only have one life and one body, so keeping ‘em both safe is your number one priority!
That’s why we at AroundWire decided to list the five most common electrical issues that you NEVER should do on your own. These are the kinds of scenarios that simply cannot be handled with a good old DIY!
Electrical Panel Upgrades and Repairs
If you want a safe and efficient electrical system in place, you simply cannot make do without upgrading or repairing electrical panels. Yet, it’s a dangerous endeavor, especially since older panels rarely meet modern safety standards. Meddling with those might not only cause a power outage. Oh, no – this is just the best-case scenario. It might end up badly, posing risks of electrical fires that can seriously injure or even kill a person trying to handle it on their own. Not to mention severe electrical shocks that might leave one disabled for the rest of their life!
If we are to outline some of the common causes of injuries and fatalities in electrical panel upgrades and installations, the following ones come to mind first:
- Direct Contact with Live Electrical Wires. Hopefully, this one does not require any explanations. Should you come in direct contact with electrical wires, you may end up in a hospital bed, and that’s certainly the best-case scenario!
- Inadequate Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). All those safety protocols, however silly they may appear, were written in blood. Using protective gear when handling electrical panels is, therefore, essential for anyone. A seasoned electrician knows that all too well and will come fully geared up, with no exceptions.
Lighting Design and Installation
With over 400 electrocutions every year in the US, trying to design an efficient lighting system on your own might turn out to be a VERY bad idea. Even the simplest of things, such as installing new lighting fixtures, entails great risks of getting electrical burns or being fatally electrocuted. Do it wrong, and you may also risk burning the whole place down due to electrical shorts.
In addition to electrical burns, a DIY enthusiast may also suffer from the following issues:
- Falls from Heights. Yes, it’s the most basic yet dangerous practice – working on a ladder without a secure setup or using fall protection equipment. Breaking your neck while trying to figure out how to install a fixture is one of those things you wouldn’t enjoy experiencing on your own.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and Overexertion. These are less obvious but just as nasty. In fact, it’s one of the occupational hazards listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Repetitive motion, as well as an awkward posture, may result in musculoskeletal disorders. Heavy lighting gear or performing installations in hard-to-reach areas may end badly for your health, ruin your posture, and result in expensive medical bills. Is DIY really worth it?
Generator and Backup Power Installation
If you live in an area with frequent power outages, chances are you’re already considering installing a generator as your backup power source. It’s a great idea that will allow you to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. And it does sound simple enough, so there’s a huge temptation to try and handle it on your own.
Well, please don’t! Improper generator installation is just as dangerous as being electrocuted after directly contacting live wires! Here’s why:
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Installing our generator in a poorly ventilated area entails grim consequences. See, most generators emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. This gas is nearly impossible to spot, as it’s completely colorless and odorless. Yet, carbon monoxide is deadly, meaning that this type of gas poisoning will almost surely end up in fatalities.
- Fire Hazards. If you install your backup power source improperly, faulty wiring may result in a short circuit that might even cause a deadly fire. A qualified electrician will know how to ensure every connection is secure. They comply with the highest industry safety standards and will never let anything like this occur.
Stay Safe, and Go for a Pro
As you can see, messing with electrical issues on your own could be deadly in more ways than one. A qualified electrician will have what it takes to carry out every installation or upgrade safely and effectively. Hence, hiring a pro is the only right way to go!
And if you’re a professional electrician looking for more jobs near you, AroundWire is happy to help! Sign up and get access to tons of residential and commercial electrical gigs from the get-go!
