Often, we pride ourselves on our ability to fix things around the house. For the hands-on types, most projects are right up our alley. However, some electrical projects are best left to someone who knows their stuff. Thus, if you’re combing the web for a highly-motivated professional electrician in Vancouver, the certified and licensed pros at NW Pacific Electric could be your answer.
Well then, which electrical projects should you never attempt to do yourself? Check out our list below:
1. Replacing a Circuit Breaker
Sure, your circuit breaker looks like a simple enough switch, and you might rationalize, “what’s the harm in giving it a go?” Well, circuit breakers are integral parts of the electrical system in your home.
If you mismanage the installation, you can interfere with your home’s safety. Imagine, for instance, the impact of a power surge occasioned by a faulty installation – it can be wide-reaching and destructive. If your circuit breaker is out of whack and you feel tempted to repair or replace it, rethink your decision and contact an electrician instead.
2. Rewiring Your Home
Unless you have a background in wiring and knowledge of electrical codes, this isn’t a project you should undertake. Why? The likelihood that you won’t do a bang-up job is very high, which would be detrimental to your home.
An electrician knows how to ground wires to prevent shock-related incidents. Proper wiring also averts the risk of electrical shorts, which can lead to a house fire. And by the way, are you aware that electrical fires are the third most frequent cause of home fires in the US?
Simply put, don’t even think about tinkering with wiring in your home. All it takes is one error, and your home could go up in flames. Let a pro familiar with safety standards and codes handle the job.
3. Hot Tub Wiring
We get it; you’re over the moon about the prospect of soaking in your new hot tub. And you can’t wait to start installing it.
For starters, hot tubs require electricity to power their pumps and heating elements. What’s more, you need to install a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for it to function optimally.
Mostly, owing to the unit’s high electrical demands, you’ll require a new circuit. Such a dedicated circuit prevents your breaker from tripping and minimizes the risk of electrocution.
As such, consider calling in a licensed and equipped electrician who understands the nuances of GFCI wiring and can competently set it up in your home. By so doing, you won’t have to worry about safety or dealing with a faulty system. Plus, you’ll know where to point the finger if anything goes wrong.
4. Installing a Surge Protector
Home surge protectors are like a shield against electrical spikes. They detect and prevent power surges from reaching and frying electronic devices and appliances.
Even so, installing a surge protector implies figuring your way through your home’s electrical panel. If you try to tinker with the live panel, there’s no telling how that will end – you may end up with a surge protector that doesn’t work, or you could electrocute yourself (not anyone’s idea of a great time).
Instead of taking your chances and hoping to save some dough by DIYing the installation, task a qualified electrician with the job. They can help you choose, install, test, and maintain the surge protector – ensuring your home is safe from electrical surges. Besides, they’re trained to handle such a job and have the requisite equipment.
5. AC Installation
The summer heat can be unbearable, to say the least. Fortunately, you can spring for an air conditioner to make life indoors more bearable. But while the DIY route seems appealing, it’s not always as scenic as some people may want you to believe.
Basically, the installation should be precise for safety and efficiency. Make the wrong connections, and you could damage your unit or risk a property fire.
Instead of pulling out your toolbox and giving it a whirl, seek out the services of an experienced electrician. They understand the inner workings of such a system and can safely and correctly install your unit. For instance, they can connect it to your home’s air duct and wiring. While at it, they’ll link the wiring to your home’s thermostat (a task only a master electrician can competently pull off).
Taking on electrical projects requiring expertise and specialized tools could be a ticket to disaster. Hence, call in a qualified electrician if the electrical projects we’ve discussed are on the cards. You never know; you could avoid a multitude of issues.
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