Today, the DIY movement is gaining popularity when it comes to home improvement, thanks to all of the home renovation shows being produced. There are a plethora of DIY’s out there available for homeowners to spruce up their space or conduct their own basic repairs. 

However, there are some jobs even the most skilled DIY-ers should leave to the professionals— particularly, electrical work. Even minor electrical jobs can result in a major catastrophe if you are not trained to work on wiring or electrical systems.

Electrical components can be unpredictable. Hence, you must know how to safeguard yourself and your systems. Otherwise, your DIY self-repair attempt could lead to harm and costlier problems with your electrical system.

Why shouldn’t you DIY electrical repairs?

Risk

When you attempt electrical repairs on your own, you endanger your life as well as the life of others living on your property. 

DIY electrical work is a risky task, and small mistakes may lead to larger problems. While working, shock and risk of electrical fire may occur. Voltage fluctuation can also be present, and electrical repairs become more dangerous as the voltage rises.

If you install wiring yourself and it is faulty, short circuits may occur which may result in an electrical fire in the home. Faulty wiring can go unnoticed for years, but cause major problems down the track. 

To minimise risks, you must follow proper procedures. You must ensure you have all the necessary permissions before doing any electrical repair. Hence, hiring a professionally trained electrician is the safest way to minimise risks.

Electrical work requires specific tools and equipment. Electricians use insulated tools which deter the risk of electrical shock. An unqualified person might not have these tools and not know how to use them. This poses a safety risk. 

When you engage a professional electrician, you can be rest assured that they will have everything needed to perform the electrical work safely. 

Insurance Problems

Insurance companies can deny claims resulting from negligence. Your insurance company will hold you liable if you damage your property as a result of DIY electrical work. 

For example, if your home catches fire due to faulty and illegal electrical work the insurance company has the right to deny your claim. They may even hold you liable if your property has defective electrical work. 

Hence, having a qualified electrician to evaluate a home before buying and to conduct all necessary electrical work is a good idea. A denied insurance claim comes at a considerable cost, especially when hiring an electrician would have been far more effective.

Legality 

To lawfully perform some electrical work, permission is required. Permits ensure that local regulations and safety measures are followed. Licences are also required for professional electricians and contractors to execute jobs.

It’s also unlawful to undertake electrical work without a licence. If an official catches you doing electrical work without a permit or licence, you may be subject to penalties. In addition, you may go to jail, if you continue to violate the law.

You could face criminal charges if you or any other person gets injured due to faulty electrical work.

Failed inspections

Failed inspections are another risk with DIY electrical work. If you do electrical work on your main switchboard or other areas, it will not pass any inspection. 

Before using any electrical components in the home, qualified electrical inspectors must ensure that they are safe. Inspection is conducted to prevent any risk related to the usage of defective electrical components or parts. 

When you try to sell your house, any DIY electrical repairs will be detected by the buyer’s home inspector. If the electrical work is done incorrectly, the inspector will detect it and notify the buyer. Because purchasers want to live in a safe environment, this could cost you the sale of your house.

Homeowners must be aware of the electrical code to pass inspection for the repairs. If the electrical code is not followed, penalties are levied. If these problems are detected during an inspection, the value of the property will reduce. Hence, homeowners should always use a qualified electrician.

Do You Require Electrical Repair Services in Perth?

When it comes to Perth electrical repairs, installations, and rewiring, one of the most important things to remember is that the task must be done safely and thoroughly. Qualified Perth electricians specialise in many areas of electrical installation, maintenance and repair. Our licensed electricians carefully double-check their work after it’s finished to make sure there are no loose ends. 

A qualified electrician can handle any electrical problem, big or small. They can also come to your home or workplace to provide a general electrical inspection. They will identify any areas that require attention or preventative action to keep your family and employees safe.