Dealing with electrical problems at home by instilling do-it-yourself techniques is not only costly but dangerous as well. A lot of people are underestimating the conditions and complexity of the repairs that they took safety precautions for granted.
It’s summer and it’s hot. We might be under quarantine, but essential service providers, however, will remain open. Hopefully, right?
Common electrical problems homeowners face
An electrician often assesses electrical repairs and approaches the problem at hand. While one can help in maintaining or cleaning the equipment and appliance, major electrical works should be left with the pros.
Here are common electrical problems homeowners do when fixing their power haul.
Placing wires without or outside of electrical junction boxes
The junction boxes serve to protect wire connections from damages. This, in turn, traps heats and sparks from short circuits and prevents electrical fires. The box safeguards your connecting wires especially if the material latching from it is combustible – like wood.
Overfilling electrical boxes with wires
When your wires are overly crammed in a small junction box, it can cause short circuits and overheat. Stuffing the wires can create a potential fire hazard in your home. Have a certified electrician assess your electrical needs and see fit the right size for your box.
Having wires cut too short
Short wires can make poor connections and give out bad current flow. This can cause overheating, arc faults, and short circuits enough to start a fire. Leave at least three inches or more protruding from your junction boxes.
Leaving unprotected cable
Plastic-based sheaths of cables can be easily damaged under circumstances. When that happens, it’s left exposed to the elements and framing. You can use a thick board or metal conduit to nail on the wall and protect your cable. You can further safeguard it by installing clamps within a foot of your electrical box. Exposed cables can strain flows and connections.
Electrical boxes should be fitted evenly
If your junction box is latched on a flammable wall material like wood, make amendments to flush the box with the wall surface to avoid electrical fires. When arc faults, shortages, or short circuits happen, it can minimize the risk associated with house fires.
Bad installation of outlets and switches
Bad installation can cause arc faults and shortages. When setting up outlets and switches, make sure they fit well before usage. Loose outlets are safety hazards and can damage the flow and current between wires. If it gets pulled or plugged in badly, it’ll result in overheating, and eventually a fire.
Why you need to hire an electrician
Doing your own electrical work saves you time and money. But, does it really? Most homeowners reach a point when they need a pro to handle fix-its, installation, and assessment. Here’s why you need to hire an electrician.
You’ve got permits involved
When you’re doing major renovation works, the state will need permits and inspection over the correct layout or blueprints of the house. This will involve fire safety and electrical works in your home. To make things easier, an electrician will help you assess your condition and do home electrical works with safety in mind.
Permits and inspections add frustration to your growing to-do-lists. Paper works, including the approval documents, can be maddening. Hiring an electrician can speed or improve the process when renovating electrical works in your home.
Pros know more than you think
You might see the incident as a short circuit condition, but electricians know better. They see the reason why and what’s wrong with your outlets, switches, boxes, and cables. Electrical works are deep and dangerous. Unless you’re a DIY superstar, you can tackle home improvements without a glitch.
However, regular homeowners don’t have the eyes trained to spot electrical glitches. A certified electrician, nonetheless, is the perfect person to oversee your home works.
It’s a long-term investment for electrical repairs
Bad or sloppy repairs can lead to further electrical breakdowns. While certified electricians aren’t cost-effective, it’ll save you a huge amount of pesos for years to come. Keep maintenance of your appliances or electronics to prevent electrical meltdowns from happening.
Even a quarterly check-up from a technician can save you thousands of pesos from buying new equipment every year or two.
Electrical works are dangerous
Accidental electric works happen to just about everyone. Heard of the news when a 66-year old man electrocutes himself on a DIY pool work? Or how about that father of three when rewiring the cables? Death during DIY electrical works comes unexpectedly often. Unintentional injuries resulting in death (electrocution) is a lot more common in the Philippines. Always call a certified electrician to do major works for you.
