Thanks to the proliferation of home improvement TV shows and DIY home improvement tutorials on platforms like YouTube, DIY projects have become increasingly popular in recent years. DIY projects are an excellent way to save money, and completing challenging DIY tasks can be incredibly fulfilling.
However, while there are some electrical tasks you can tackle yourself, several jobs are best left to professionals. Here are five electrical tasks you should never DIY.
1. Wire Replacement
When thinking about whether or not to tackle an electrical task, the complexity of the task is the most important factor you should consider. Wire replacement is a complex task, even for seasoned DIYers. There’s a steep learning curve to learning proper wiring, and improper wiring can cause electrical fires, which can be catastrophic. As a result, wire replacement is best left to professional electricians.
2. Switch Installation
While replacing or upgrading switches isn’t too complicated, installing new switches is. If you want to install new switches in your home, hire a professional electrician. The electrician will perform the job more efficiently, saving you time and possibly money too.
3. Dedicated Circuit Installation
Certain appliances such as refrigerators, furnaces, electric water heaters, dryers, washers, and microwaves require dedicated circuits. Dedicated circuits help to protect these appliances from electrical damage, extending their lifespans.
However, dedicated circuit installation requires advanced electrical knowledge of wiring and outlet installation. Therefore, if you want to install a dedicated circuit, hiring a professional electrician is advisable.
4. Burnt Outlet Replacement
Replacing outlets is a straightforward task that shouldn’t challenge seasoned and even intermediate DIYers. However, if an outlet is burnt or even hot when touched, don’t attempt a DIY outlet replacement. There may be a more serious underlying issue that caused the problem. A professional electrician will be able to conduct a thorough inspection, identify the root cause of the issue, and then take the best course of action to fix the problem.
5. Electrical Code Updates
Many older homes aren’t up to date with current electrical codes. If you live in an older home that isn’t up to code, you might be tempted to tackle a couple of electrical tasks that seem simple to bring your home up to code. But if you aren’t conversant with proper electrical wiring, receptacle installation, and choosing circuit breakers, you could violate several codes.
As a result, it’s advisable to leave electrical code updates to professional electricians. Professional electricians know electrical best practices, and they usually stay abreast of the ever-changing code.
Electrical Services in Eugene, OR
On rainy spring days in Eugene, OR, tackling DIY projects can be an excellent way to spend time indoors. While you can do some electrical tasks yourself, such as replacing light fixtures or installing a ceiling fan, you should leave these five tasks to professionals.
If you need commercial or residential electrical services, you can rely on the team at Excel Electric. We serve residents of Eugene, OR, and surrounding areas, and our team is dedicated to providing high-quality service every time.