DIY Electrical Repairs You Should Avoid

Every now and then, homes require electrical repairs. While some seem straightforward, others are complex. Some homeowners tend to fix simple electrical repairs like a faulty socket or head shower with wiring problems. However, electrical repairs pose significant fire and electrocution hazards. For this reason, you must desist from the following DIY electrical repairs.

Electrical Panel Work

To keep your home up to date with new technology, you should upgrade your electrical panel. Your electrical panel's purpose is to prevent electricity from overloading and damaging your home's wiring.

When you continue to introduce more electrical gadgets in your home, your electrical panel becomes overloaded. This leads to tripped circuit breakers and can cause a fire hazard. A DIYer can hardly tell when to repair or upgrade the electrical panel. Therefore, you should consult a local electrician to advise you about electrical panel upgrades.

Replacing Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum wire was popular in the past for use in electrical systems. To save on costs, builders and electricians preferred aluminum over copper because it was cheaper. However, a home fire incident associated with aluminum wiring led experts to acknowledge the high risk of fire hazards in homes constructed with aluminum wiring.

One of the reasons aluminum is more dangerous than copper is that it can lead to loose connections. For this reason, this project shouldn't be completed by a DIYer. 

Rewiring Your Home's Electrical System

It doesn't matter whether you are remodeling your kitchen or changing its layout, you should only rewire the electrical system if you are an experienced electrician. The same applies when you are renovating the upper level of your home. This involves moving electrical wires all over your home and updating the electrical system. This shouldn't be done without the aid of an electrician.

First, your electrician will pull the appropriate permits and finish the necessary rewiring tasks without endangering your home. They will also install electrical outlets and switches where necessary.

Circuit Installation 

If you are scrambling for open plugs in your home, your circuits should be upgraded. If your breakers are constantly tripping, it means you need more electrical capacity. This can be frustrating if your house is full of electronic gadgets that need to be up and running. Avoid trying to expand or update your home's electrical capacity, as any wrong miscalculation could pose a fire or electrocution hazard.

In Closing

Some electrical repairs at home, like replacing a fuse or changing a blown bulb, are easy and don't pose significant risks. However, there are other electrical repairs that need a basic background in electricity and the appropriate safety gear. To be on the safe side, always hire an electrician for your electrical repairs.


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