For most people, screwing in a lightbulb or plugging in their wifi modem is about the extent of their electrical know-how, but there are plenty out there that like to get their hands dirty and save money by doing things themselves. While there are plenty of home improvement projects out there that can be done by the average person, there are several aspects of a structure that should not be attempted without special training. Electrical installs are generally one of them, as electricity by itself is already dangerous in nature. Here are 3 electrical installs that you should leave to the professionals.
Circuit Panel Upgrades
Circuit panels are important, as they control the flow of electricity to your home. Therefore, it is vital that they are regularly inspected and maintained, as older power boxes tend to cause flickering lights, blown fuses and more. In addition to that, often as you upgrade appliances or add new additions to your home, you’ll need to upgrade the circuits to adapt to the new demand for power.
It should go without saying that such a vital and integral source of power shouldn’t be tampered with without proper training and experience. For any work involving your electric panel, hire a certified electrician to do the job. It is an extremely complicated task that should never be attempted by an amateur.
Adding Outlets, GFCI Receptacles, USB Ports
While having a closer USB port to your bed does make charging your phone easier, make sure to have some qualified install it! Your home’s electrical system is one giant circuit that needs to not only flow correctly and have all the necessary fuses and breakers, but also comply with strict building codes and regulations. Therefore, its vital that a certified electrician works on it.
This applies particularly for GCFI plugs, as they are designed to shut off power if water comes into contact with the electricity or the load of the electricity. Required by law to be installed in every bathroom, they need a ground wire that discharges excess electricity into the ground. Improper grounding can result in a fire or loss of power.
Replacing Light Fixtures
A slightly surprising one, switching light fixtures is a fairly easy tasks that can be carried out by homeowners for the most part. However, there are certain fixtures that require an expert’s knowledge. For one, if you have a larger light fixture to install, or if your home is older, you will want to check to make sure that the amperage of the circuit and the wattage of the fixture is suitable. If it isn’t high enough, you will have to run another wire from your circuit box, which as stated before, is something only an electrician should handle.
Other things worth considering include high-temperature insulation, as older homes may not have it installed, which is required by many ceiling lights and fans. Another notable point is ceiling mounting, as you need to make sure your structure is strong enough to support the fixture.
As you can see, there is more to electrical installs than merely putting in a few cables. You want to ensure that your home’s power infrastructure is safe and up to regulations, and the best way to do that is having the work done by someone who is well versed in them. If you feel like you could benefit from having the expertise of a skilled electrician doing your next installation, contact us or fill out an inquiry form.