DIY is something that most people enjoy. They get satisfaction from doing things themselves, even though they are not trained. The electricity supply is one of the many jobs that even the most experienced DIYer should avoid. This is why it is so important to use a qualified electrician.
Safety first
We all know a lot about electricity and water mixing. It doesn’t tell the whole story. Working with electricity in your home can be hazardous. This is one reason why qualified electricians are recommended. A homeowner must also have a variety of electrical jobs done by an electrician in order to be sure that the work is done properly and stays safe over time.
Installing a new shower circuit, or wiring up a new cooker, are two examples of jobs that may appear simple but could be dangerous. These jobs fall under the scope of the law and require an electrician to perform. If you have any doubts about what job to do, you can call in an electrician.
Killer mistakes
While it might seem harmless, the electricity in your home can be deadly. Because electricity is used by our bodies to control our organs and make our hearts beat, or our lungs work, this is why it can be fatal. This can cause death by causing extra electricity to interrupt or send them haywire. An average of 30 people are killed each year by electrocutions and electric burns. Another 350,000 are seriously injured. Electricity causes the deaths of 46 children each year.
Poor workmanship, which can lead to electrical fires, is another reason for electricity-related deaths. The wiring must comply with all building regulations. A qualified electrician near me will know these and ensure that everything is compliant. You won’t know this if you don’t have the necessary qualifications. Your insurance company may not pay for any damages that result from work you have done.
Qualifications
So how can you tell if an individual is a licensed electrician? Part P qualified electricians can sign off work done on a domestic home. A Part P-qualified electrician will require someone to inspect the work, sign off on it and verify that it is safe. When looking for an electrician, one who is Part P certified could do the job faster than one who’s not.
The company’s website is another area worth checking out. Quality electricians will proudly display examples of their work as well as details about the projects they are qualified to do. A great way to find an electrician who is right for the job is to combine customer feedback with the right qualifications.
Unless your home was built recently, there is a good chance that the electrical system needs to be upgraded or repaired. It’s vital to stay current with changes in electrical codes that make homes safer. With technology improving at an ever faster rate, power is more important than ever.
Older homes are particularly challenged to keep up today’s electrical demands. These symptoms are easy to see, but they are often ignored.
Here’s what you need to look for
“System Interruptus” will put you in the dark. Circuits that draw more current than they can safely supply may trip or blow frequently if electrical circuit-breakers trip. This could indicate a dangerous fault within one or more of your circuits.
The lights flicker, then wane. Do you give your hair dryer a break? Are the ceiling lights dimmed when the air conditioner or fridge turns on? Many motor-driven appliances draw large amounts of current, so it is important to wire them on separate circuits. You can also add a 20 amp line to service smaller appliances.
Many outlets have an octopus. If your electrical system is consuming too many outlets with plug-strips, multi-receptacle additions, and other devices such as multi-receptacles, it’s probably overloaded. You will need additional circuits that have duplex receptacles to restore order and safety.
Carpet damage can be caused by rug bumps. A dangerous condition is one that leaves your living space looking like a snakefarm with wires under your furniture and rugs. The outlets are too far apart if some of the wires are extension cords. Both of these signs are usually a sign that extra outlets are needed throughout the house.
You can’t put three in two. Some older homes won’t take three-prong grounded plugs. This could mean that you are not able to plug your microwave oven in.
The old standards don’t work anymore. Are there bits of black rubber left in the outlet or switch box when you take off the cover? Is the cloth covering the wires better than plastic? If your home is older, the insulation could be dangerously inadequate for today’s electrical needs.
The feeling is warm and tingly. Are electrical-system surfaces like switches, outlets and switches warm to the touch. Are there any visible blackening near the switchplate, switch terminals, wire ends or switch plates? Do you feel a mild shock from a switch? You could have too much current on the circuit or something more serious and dangerous. It may have aluminum wiring if it was built or wired in the 1965-75 period. Check it regularly if it does.
It is dangerous to get near water. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters or GFCIs are now required to protect outlets in wet areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and utility room, as well grounded areas, like your basement, garage, or garage. Your home code will be safe and compliant with retrofit installation. Test GFCIs that have been installed near sinks or dishwashers to make sure they are functioning properly.
Rust is slowly taking control. You should notice signs of rust or moisture around your main service panel. A panel that is deteriorating could cause problems with the main wiring connections.
It doesn’t get better, it just gets older. If your home is older than 25 and you have not upgraded your electrical service in the past, you could be living with a dangerous and inefficient wiring system. It is important to have your home inspected by an electrician. If necessary, it should be brought up to current code standards.
