Let’s face it: We all like the idea of a do-it-yourself project. If you’re a homeowner, the feeling of taking care of your own home by building, remodeling, fixing, or creating something around the house is really empowering. Plus, these kinds of DIY projects allow us to control every aspect of the task, do it on our own time frame, and maybe even save a little bit of money. As much as we like the idea of tackling projects around the house ourselves, though, some home projects are best left in the hands of a licensed electrician.
You might want to let a professional handle a project for a number of reasons, but when it comes to anything to do with electricity or electrical wiring, the biggest reason to call an electrician is simple safety. Wiring and electricity can be dangerous—or even deadly—for those who don’t know their way around it, and a nasty shock isn’t the only peril. No DIY project is worth burning the house down, after all. Before you tackle any of these home projects, call a licensed electrician in Springfield, MO.
1. Installing ceiling fans. This is one of those projects that may seem deceptively simple and something you could easily handle on your own. However, installing a ceiling fan is a lot trickier than screwing in a lightbulb, and for safety’s sake, it’s best to call in a professional. Plus, there’s usually a ladder involved, and falls from ladders are among the leading causes of accidents in the home.
2. Putting in light fixtures. Like ceiling fans, these seem simple enough—and they are, for a licensed electrician. However, even a minor mistake in wiring can not only damage the fixture, it can spark an electrical fire that you may not even notice until it’s burning out of control. Then there’s that ladder aspect again and the added difficulties that come with ensuring that outdoor lighting is properly grounded for safety.
3. Adding outlets or light switches. Almost all of us have wished, at one time or another, that one of the light switches in our house was in a different place or that there were more outlets in a room. However, adding new outlets or light switches carries with it considerations that you may not even be aware of, including ensuring that your home stays within code. Not being up to code could even invalidate your insurance. Better to call in the pros.
4. Anything that has to do with the electrical panel. Often located in the basement, the electrical panel and circuit breakers are the beating heart of all the electricity in your home. Think of it like your car’s engine. As such, it’s not something you want to mess with unless you absolutely know what you’re doing. If even one thing isn’t connected properly, you could end up with tripped circuits or blown fuses, at best, and house fires and other dangers at worst.
5. Connecting a backup generator. A backup generator can be a great thing to have, especially if you live somewhere that loses power frequently. However, numerous codes apply to having a generator connected to your home, and connecting it incorrectly can have a variety of adverse effects, from shorts and overloads within your electrical system to the potential of nullifying your home warranty or even violating the terms of your insurance.
With projects like this—and any others that you may feel unsure about—the best idea is to call in a licensed electrician like the ones at TruStar Electric. We’ll ensure that your home electrical repairs are handled safely and effectively, and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a job well done. Get in touch to learn what we can do for you today!
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