The modern do-it-yourself movement is a great way to build equity in a home while saving money and developing a new skill. Finishing a makeover of a living room or redoing the bathroom can brighten a home and give a real sense of pride.
One component of homes that should be left to the professionals is the electrical system. Even simple additions, such as a single outlet, can cause a fire if small imperfections are missed by an inexperienced handyman. Both new installations and repair work should only be done by licensed and certified electricians.
Working on Live Electrical Lines Can Kill You
When you’re working on an electrical circuit and someone turns on the breaker, the results can be serious. If you’re grounded and touch a live wire, the electricity will pass through your body. The harm will depend on where it passes through and can range from a sore finger through a stopped heart.
Long-Term Safety Depends on Knowing All of Electricity’s Idiosyncrasies
Electricians must have years of experience, take a test and get certified as a journeyman before being allowed to work alone. Even journeymen are working under the guidance of a master electrician.
There’s a lot to know about electrical systems. Slightly overtightening a connection can eventually cause it to loosen, which can spark. Each line can only be run a certain distance for the load it’s expected to carry. Some techniques of wrapping wire and laying lines can only be learned working directly under a top electrician.
The risk of a shock is serious; most electrocutions of children happen at home. Yet, the risk of fire from electricity is even higher, with around 44,000 residential electrical fires each year in the United States. If your insurance company finds out that the work wasn’t done by a licensed electrician, they can drop you from coverage – and getting new coverage right after a fire may be impossible.
Troubleshooting Requires an Expert
When your electrical acts up, having someone with years of troubleshooting experience is essential. Plus, when they are stumped, they have a master electrician they can call in for their detailed knowledge with every sort of electrical problem.
Electrical DIY Usually Ends Up Costing More
Every professional electrician has plenty of experience coming in after an inexpert electrical repair just made things worse. That’s why the best electricians offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their work. Never use a residential electrician in Salt Lake City or the Greater Salt Lake area that isn’t willing to stand behind the results. Your home – and your family’s safety – depend on an electrical system that is flawless and up to Utah’s strict residential building codes.
