Electrical Panels & Live Wire Repairs Are Not A DIY

Many people believe that they can save money by performing their electrical repairs. You might try and fix electrical problems yourself, but some repairs are best left to the professionals. Attempting to do your own electrical repairs can be extremely dangerous and even cause further damage to your home. This article will outline two of the repairs that you should never attempt to do yourself.

Electrical panel repairs

First, professionals should always repair your electrical panels. Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system, and working on it is very dangerous. You could easily electrocute yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing. Even if you know what you’re doing, panel repairs can be hazardous because of the high voltages involved. In addition, electrical panel repairs often require working in tight spaces, which can be difficult and dangerous. Finally, improper maintenance can result in fires or other serious problems.

If your electrical panel is more than 30 years old, or if you have noticed any flickering lights or outlets that don’t work, it’s time to call in a professional. An electrician can check your panel to see if it needs to be replaced or upgraded. They can also help you troubleshoot any other problems you may be having with your electrical system.

Insurance implications

One important thing to note is that most homeowners’ insurance policies will not cover damages caused by do-it-yourself repairs. So if something goes wrong while trying to repair your electrical panel, you will have to pay for the damages out of your pocket. Therefore, it is always best to leave panel repairs to the professionals.

Live wires

The second repair you should never do yourself is anything involving live wires. Even if you think you know what you’re doing, it’s not worth the risk. Working with live wires can be extremely dangerous. If a person comes into contact with a live wire, the electrical current can pass through the person, causing cardiac arrest and death. Even if the person does not die, they can still suffer from injuries such as seizures, loss of consciousness, and severe burns.

Legal risks

Aside from the physical risks to life and limb, you can create a legal risk for yourself by working on live wires. In most states, it is illegal to work on live wires without being adequately trained and certified. You could be fined or even jailed if caught. Not only is working on live wires dangerous and illegal, but it is also unnecessary. Other ways to test and repair electrical issues exist without creating such risk.

Call the professionals

In conclusion, although it may be tempting to do your electrical repairs, it is not worth the risk. Electrical work is complex and dangerous and should only be done by a certified professional. If you experience a power outage, it’s always best to call an electrician. They can help you determine the cause of the outage and get your power back on as quickly and safely as possible.

If you are experiencing electrical problems in your home, call the licensed electricians at Real Estate Electric to come and take a look!