DIY or Call an Electrician
When to Know it is Time to Call an Electrician
Modern homeowners have everything they need to tackle do-it-yourself (DIY) projects around the house. Large box stores have every tool and supply imaginable. The “know-how” is amply provided by 24-7 television programming and if anything is lacking.
YouTube has video instruction for just about everything. The real incentives for homeowners are the cost savings and the sense of satisfaction that comes from completing a project on your own.
However, not every home improvement project is a DIY project; even though you can do something, it doesn’t mean you should do them. Because of the potential of electrical shock, most electrical projects should be completed by professional electricians.
Changing an overhead light or installing a ceiling fan might be simple enough, but the dangers involved in most electrical projects are not worth the risk.
Why it matters
- The Danger of Electric Shock. An exposed hot wire at an outlet carries 20 amps of power and prolonged exposure can lead to severe injury or death. If you open the cover to the breaker box, you are exposing yourself to 5 to 10 times that power. This amount of electricity should be handled by a professional electrician.
- New Technology. If your project requires connecting electricity generated differently—for instance, adding an emergency generator to your home on a utility grid—a mistake during installation can create dangerous situations beyond your home.
- Fire is a Real Threat. Wiring mistakes can lead to a short or to overloading a circuit; a fire can result from either mistake. Often this danger smolders inside the walls, hidden from view, and remains undetected until a major fire breaks out.
- Building Code Compliance. In the past, other DIYers have worked on electrical projects with disastrous consequences. For this reason, government entities developed building codes that require certain projects to be completed by licensed, professional contractors.
Projects That Require Professionals
- Projects that require you to uncover the circuit breaker service panel
- Projects that combine electricity from different sources
- Projects that require new wiring or rewiring
- Any project that will be covered by walls, floors, or ceilings
Why a Professional Electrician?
- Electricians receive training on the safe installation and use of residential electricity. Educational requirements include up to 2 years of classroom study to properly prepare for working in your home.
- In addition to the classroom study, electricians take continuing education courses and complete 4 years of training under more experienced electricians.
- Safe installation is an everyday job, compared to a once-in-a-lifetime project. Electricians come prepared to complete projects safely the first time as if their reputation depended on it—because it does.
- A professional electrician will give you, the homeowner, peace of mind, knowing the project was completed properly and safely.
Have a hard time deciding between DIY or Call an Electrician?
Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise for electrical repairs of any size.
We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at 281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.
