At Horsell Electrical, we understand that you may be tempted to take on electrical DIY projects in your home or workplace to save money. However, we strongly advise against attempting any electrical work unless you are a qualified professional. In this blog, we provide 10 solid reasons why you should never attempt electrical DIY and why it is crucial to leave electrical work to fully licensed and qualified experts.
Legal Ramifications of Electrical DIY
The first and foremost reason why you should never attempt electrical DIY is that it is illegal. Regardless of how many YouTube tutorials you watch or how handy you are with tools, DIY electrical work is strictly prohibited in NSW. It is important to note that any unlicensed electrical work carried out by an unqualified person can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment.
Safety Hazards and Risks
Apart from the legal ramifications, electrical DIY also poses several safety hazards and risks. Electrical work is highly complex and involves various technicalities that only licensed professionals understand. Attempting to carry out electrical work without adequate knowledge or training can result in severe injuries or even death. Electric shocks, fires, and explosions are common occurrences that can arise from electrical DIY.
Faulty Electrical Installations
Another reason why you should avoid electrical DIY is that faulty installations can cause significant damage to your property. Electrical faults are a common cause of house fires, and poorly installed electrical systems can also lead to electrical surges, which can damage your electrical appliances and devices. Additionally, faulty electrical installations can cause power outages, which can disrupt your daily routines, inconveniences and increased costs to repair any damages.
Higher Insurance Premiums
Homeowners and business insurance premiums can be significantly higher if the electrical work is carried out by an unlicensed person. In the event of a fire, explosion, or any other electrical incident, insurance companies won’t cover the damages if the electrical work was carried out by an unqualified person. Thus, it is essential to leave all electrical work to qualified professionals.
Higher Cost in the Long Run
Attempting electrical DIY may seem like a cost-effective solution, but it can result in significant costs in the long run. In most cases, unqualified electrical work is substandard, and you may require professional help to rectify the mistakes. Moreover, if you cause any damages to your electrical systems, you will need to pay for the repairs, which can be expensive.
Voiding Manufacturer Warranties
DIY electrical work can also void your appliance or device warranties. Most manufacturers require that their products be installed by licensed professionals to remain under warranty. Attempting to install the products by yourself can result in the warranty being voided, and you will need to pay for any repairs or replacements out of your own pocket.
Lack of Specialized Equipment and Tools
Qualified electricians use specialized equipment and tools that are not readily available to the general public. Attempting to carry out electrical work without the proper tools and equipment can be challenging, it is easy to make mistakes that can lead to serious problems down the line.
Time Consuming and Challenging
Electrical DIY is time-consuming and challenging. It requires a lot of research, knowledge, and training to be able to carry out electrical work safely and effectively. Attempting to do it yourself can take up a lot of your time, While it may seem like attempting DIY electrical work will save you time and money, it often ends up costing more in the long run. Licensed professionals have the necessary expertise and tools to get the job done quickly and efficiently, saving you both time and money in the long run.
Peace of Mind
By hiring qualified professionals, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that the work has been carried out to the highest standard. Professionals carry out electrical work in accordance with the Australian Standards and Regulations, and they also provide a warranty for their work. In case anything goes wrong, you can always contact them to rectify the issue.
While DIY projects can be fun and rewarding, electrical work is not something that should be attempted by amateurs. The risks associated with DIY electrical work are simply too high. Instead, hire Horsell Electrical. With over 20 years of combined experience! Fully insured ($20 million public liability) With two passionate and fully trained teams, we're dedicated to fixing all of your electrical problems, no matter their size. Plus, with three fully equipped vehicles, we'll arrive promptly to anywhere in Maitland, Newcastle or in-between. Don't settle for subpar electrical work - trust us to get the job done right. Call us today on 0400 079723 for a free no-obligation quote.
