Licensed-Electrician
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Why You Should Call a Licensed Electrician

People can look up virtually anything online and find answers to their questions. A good example is the countless YouTube videos for DIYers everywhere, showing everything from rewiring a kitchen to installing new circuits using a licensed electrician. But watching a how-to video does not mean you can do it too, or that you should, especially if it involves electricity.

When it comes to electrical work, you are better off calling a licensed electrician for homeowners, and here are the reasons why.

Legal Requirement 

Most people do not know it, but it is illegal to do your own electrical repairs at home. Electrical work, along with plumbing and gas work, is strictly regulated. Only licensed electricians are allowed to do electrical repairs in homes, rental properties, commercial establishments, and even boats.

If you do your own electrical work at home or hire an unlicensed contractor, you could receive a hefty fine. Insurance companies would also not cover hospitalization and repairs resulting from failed DIY attempts.

Safety Considerations

Beyond the legal ramifications, safety risks should be enough to make you balk at DIY electrical repairs. Electricity, by nature, is dangerous to you and your property.  One of the most common causes of fires in homes is upsizing a fuse that frequently trips due to faulty electrical wiring. A licensed electrician for homeowners should have inspected the whole system before significant damage was incurred.

Another simple but alarming example is using a light bulb that has a higher wattage than the socket can handle. There is a high risk for the bulb to overheat and catch fire in this situation.

Cost Implications

One of the most compelling reasons for DIYers in doing home repairs is to save money. However, they could end up doing just the opposite. An electrical DIY repair that looks fine now often has a damaging surprise waiting for you in the future. An excellent example of this is using wires and cables of incorrect size. Undersized wiring could overheat and short the fuse over time. If you are lucky enough, you will end up with the additional cost of rework. In other cases, it could catch fire and cause not only property damage but also injuries.

Lack of Capability

Before an electrician can even apply for a license, he or she must first enroll in Certificate II in Electrotechnology, then move on to Certificate III in Electrotechnology, which involves an apprenticeship of four years. The licensing process itself is also strictly regulated to ensure only qualified tradespeople are allowed to practice.

It is safe to say that, once licensed, an electrician can safely do an electrical home repair. In addition, a DIYer, no matter how knowledgeable, is not nearly as skilled as a licensed tradesperson.  

Electricity improves lives and makes things easier for all homeowners. However, it should be treated with much precaution. It only takes a split second for electricity to cause injuries. The damage it can cause to your property is also substantial.

If you encounter electrical problems, call a licensed electrician for homeowners immediately. Licensed tradespeople have the proper training, extensive experience, and the right tools to get the job done safely and efficiently.       

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