How Do I Know When Its Time To Call An Electrician?

When should you call an electrician? The Electrical and Communications Association recommends relying on a professional for tasks like repairing electrical appliances, installing or changing wiring, and repairing plugs and light switches.

As a rule of thumb, homeowners would be wise to seek the services of a licensed electrician for anything more than a minor repair around the home, especially if one has minimal knowledge and experience on electrical work. While pinching pennies is admirable in some circumstances, it's cheaper to get the work done right the first time than it is to call on backup to fix a careless mistake.

Having a professional come in and do the work while it's still a minor issue will almost always turn out cheaper for you than when it has already escalated into a serious problem or an emergency. For example, you might be inclined to pay no mind to periodically dimming lights. But if this happens often enough, it might be an indication that you're experiencing a drop in voltage. Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, it's best to hire an electrician to trace the problem and fix it. The same goes with occasional burning odors without an ascertainable source; you probably have a problem with your wire connection and need an electrician stat.

While it is tempting to work around minor inconveniences or to fix them yourself, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reminds homeowners to always place safety at the forefront. Keep in mind that electrical problems in the home can pose significant safety risks. There's always potential for shock, injury, or fire-risks you surely want to minimize.

When is it safe to do it yourself? With all that said, you're probably going overboard if you have your electrician's phone number on speed dial. There are indeed times when your own hands will suffice in fixing certain electrical issues around the house. When it comes to troubleshooting, try the simple solutions first, like making sure that your appliances are plugged in properly. If they are and you're still encountering problems, then decide for yourself if it's a fix you can make or not.

Quick fixes that homeowners can do by themselves include resetting a safety switch or circuit breaker; replacing busted light fixtures; and tightening light bulbs to address flickering lights. Of course, make sure that your power is turned off beforehand. If the simple solutions don't work, you might have in your hands a more complex issue-say, a circuit connection problem-in which case an electrician's expertise is necessary.

If the appeal to do it yourself is simply too strong, then at least keep these safety tips from ESFI in mind when working on electrical projects:

Make sure that the project you plan to take on does not require a permit. Otherwise, hire an electrician.

Always unplug appliances and switch off your circuit breaker before working on anything.

Never touch plumbing or gas pipes when working on electrical projects as an amateur.

Make sure the floor you're standing on is not damp.

Above all, let common sense prevail and let safety be your priority. Only work on an electrical problem you're familiar with, and hire a licensed electrician when you decide to seek the services of a professional.

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