Ask any electrical contractors in Tampa, Florida, and they’ll tell you that DIY electrical work is the biggest mistake a homeowner can make. Although there are websites dedicated to giving your DIY fixes, attempting to repair on your own is a recipe for disaster. Find out why the experts advise against doing your electrical services in Tampa, FL.

Common Electrical Problems That Homeowners Attempt to Repair on Their Own

There’s a lot that can go wrong with the electrical system in your home. However, very few of those issues are easy or safe enough for an inexperienced individual to repair. Here are some common electrical problems that owners try to fix themselves but should save for the experts.

  1. A Burning Smell
    A burning odor in your home is always a reason to be alarmed. If you smell something burning and you suspect it’s an electrical issue, you might be tempted to troubleshoot the problem. There could be a malfunction with your furnace, light fixtures, outlets, or appliances.

    If the fault isn’t obvious, you should immediately contact an electrician. The issue might be serious and result in a house fire. To save your home, you need to work with an experienced electrician.

  2. Hot Outlets
    Are your outlets warm to the touch? A hot outlet or switch plate is a sign that you need to call an electrician. Unfortunately, too many homeowners try to repair the issue on their own. The culprit could be faulty wiring, which is a common cause of house fires.
  3. Circuits Trip Frequently
    It’s not unusual for a circuit to trip once in a while. But it shouldn’t trip frequently, or there’s a serious problem. Although some individuals attempt to take care of tripped circuits on their own, this is a mistake.

    There’s a chance that your electrical panel is outdated or that you’re going over the maximum amperage. To remedy the situation, you need to hire an electrician. A DIY fix won’t be enough to stop your circuit from tripping or prevent a fire.

The Dangers of DIY Electrical Repairs

When an electrician advises you against doing your repairs, they’re not doing so with their interest at heart. Rather, they are trying to protect you and your home. Electrical work is dangerous and can result in several hazardous situations. If you take matters into your own hands, you put yourself at risk for the following:

  1. House Fires
    In the United States, over 51,000 house fires are caused by electrical problems. A surprisingly high number of those fires are caused by faulty repairs. Even if you have some electrical knowledge, there’s no guarantee that your fix won’t meet electrical standards or result in a fire.

    Issues like faulty wiring and naked wires are often the culprit. They can cause a short circuit, which could ultimately result in a fire. Although your DIY fix may work for a few months, it can fail at any time. A sudden power surge or another event is all it takes to spark a fire from defective electrical work.

  2. Electrocution
    In addition to putting your home at risk, your electrical work could put you at risk. But in this case, the danger is more immediate.

    As you’re performing repairs, there’s a potential for you to experience a shock. While some shocks are mild, others are serious and come with health complications. Working on appliances like ovens and refrigerators comes with significant risk. Due to their high voltage requirements, the appliances may result in you receiving a fatal shock.

    Electricians have extensive training that prepares them to avoid shock and electrocution. Without this training, you can’t be certain that you’ve taken the precautions needed to stay safe.

  3. You Could Fail Inspections
    To keep homeowners safe, the government regulates electrical work. All of the electric connections in your home are allowed to be inspected. If your DIY repair fails an inspection, the penalty could be a high fine.

    Your DIY repair might save you money for the moment. But a failed inspection comes with many consequences. A failed inspection could result in the sale of your home falling through or the inability to lease your home. When you sell your property or leave a rental, an inspection occurs. The results of the inspection directly impact your future.

    Even if your work is up to code, you may need a permit for it. Most places in the U.S. require homeowners to have permits for electrical work. Typically, the permit process is confusing and time-consuming. If you make a mistake, your permit may take longer to obtain or be denied. Failing to get a permit and continuing with the work will only result in future problems.

  4. There are Hidden Dangers
    While some dangers of electrical work are obvious, others are hidden. When you attempt to do work on your own, you’re likely to come across some of the latent perils.

    Because most electrical components are in the walls, you can never know exactly where the wire leads. Tampering with the wrong wire is likely to cause a shock or fire. Fortunately, a licensed electrician knows how to safely work with all connections and how to properly identify wires.

  5. You’ll Spend More Money in the Future
    In the world of electrical repairs, one small mistake can have a big impact. Your small fix could save you money for now but lead to a costly repair in the future.

    All too often, DIY projects result in errors. By hiring a professional to make the initial repair, you reduce the chance of mistakes and save money in the coming months.

  6. Work with Professional Electrical Contractors in Tampa, Florida

    There are many benefits to working with a qualified electrician. If you need electrical services in Tampa, Florida, don’t try to handle the situation yourself. There’s too much that can go wrong.

    Here at Comfort All-Stars, we advise against doing DIY repairs. Save yourself time, money, and injuries by working with one of the more reputable electrical contractors in Tampa, Florida. Contact us now to learn more.

    company icon