When To Call A Professional Electrician -Whether you’re adding on to your home or just fixing something that’s broken, electric work can be complicated. Even for the handiest among us, electrical work can be dangerous without the right know-how. Some electrical problems are easy enough for almost anyone to fix by themselves.
Other problems require a professional because they can be unsafe or simply too complicated for someone without the right skills or tools. If you aren’t sure whether your electrical issue requires a pro, here are some things to keep in mind. Keep reading to learn more about when you need to call a professional electrician and what you can do yourself.
Finding A Qualified Electrician In Your Area
When you’re searching for an electrician, make sure you find someone who works in your area by using “electricians near me” in an online search engine. That way, you won’t have to pay more for the call-out fee. However, you can narrow down your search and find vetted local electricians by heading to MyBuilder, where you can also check out their reviews to find out how others feel about their work.
What Can You Do Yourself? & When To Call A Professional Electrician
If you’re planning on doing some electrical work around your house, there are a few tasks you can do yourself. However, if you’re ever unsure about something, it’s always better to call a professional.
- Changing sockets
- Changing ceiling lights
- Changing light switches
- Replacing plug fuses
Changing Sockets, Ceiling Lights, And Switches
Sockets are one of the easiest electrical issues to fix yourself. If the socket is just loose, you can tighten the screws on the sides. Additionally, if the socket is damaged or you just want to change the fixture, you can do this yourself. You’ll need to shut off the power, remove the old socket, and install the new one. Make sure the wires are connected correctly and that the new socket is properly grounded. If you’re not sure how to do this, you may want to call an electrician, but there are typically instructions in the pack with the new socket.
When it comes to changing a ceiling light or light switch, you will need to follow a similar process to the sockets. Again, you’ll want to turn off the power before you begin working on it to ensure you don’t give yourself a shock. You can do this by checking the light switch is off and then turning off the power on the mains for the lights, which should be labelled.
Replacing Plug Fuses
If your plug has blown a fuse, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new one. You may be able to replace the fuse yourself by purchasing a new fuse online. However, before you open up the plug and replace the fuse if you aren’t sure whether you’re doing it correctly, you may want to call an electrician.
When Do You Need To Call An Electrician?
If you have any of the following issues, you may need to call an electrician. If you aren’t sure what caused your problem, it’s better to be safe and call an electrician.
- Damaged light fittings
- Improperly fitted cables and switches
- Damaged electrical accessories
Damaged Light Fittings And Electrical Accessories
If you notice that your light fittings or electrical accessories are damaged, you may need to call an electrician. Electrical accessories include switches and sockets. Electrical accessories can be dangerous if they aren’t properly installed or maintained. Damaged electrical accessories may also present a fire hazard, which is why it’s essential to have them checked by a professional electrician. If there is any smoke, noise or burning smells coming from the damaged fitting or accessory, turn off the power at the mains immediately until an electrician has inspected it.
Improperly Fitted Cables And Switches
It can be difficult to tell if cables or switches have been fitted improperly when you don’t have the same training as a professional electrician. However, there are some ways you can check if the electrics in your home have been fitted correctly. If your switches or the wires connecting to them are hot to the touch, this is a sign your switch has not been installed correctly, and you will need to call an electrician to fix the issue. Additionally, you can use a non-contact voltage tester to check the electrics in your home. This inexpensive tool allows you to test wires without having to handle them. However, before you begin, you will need to ensure the mains have been turned off.
Conclusion
When in doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Electrical work may be something you can handle yourself if you have the right knowledge and tools, but it can be risky and dangerous if you don’t. If you’re not sure whether your electrical issue is simple enough for DIY, it’s best to call an electrician. They can help you solve your electrical problems quickly and safely.
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