Should You Call a Certified Electrician or DIY?

When DIY electrical work is relatively safe

The good news is that not every electrical issue requires a professional. Some tasks are straightforward enough that they can be handled by a handy homeowner with the right tools, materials, and safety precautions.
For instance, swapping out an old light fixture is one of the simpler electrical tasks. Most of the work involves shutting off the power, connecting a few wires, and mounting the fixture. As long as you’re replacing like-for-like and not altering the wiring or adding new connections, this is a task that many can safely manage.
Updating an outdated or faulty light switch or outlet is another relatively simple job. You’ll need a screwdriver, a voltage tester, and replacement components. After ensuring the power to the circuit is off, you can carefully remove the old device, connect the wires to the new one, and secure it back into the wall.
Before diving into any project, it’s important to note: working on your electrical system without proper knowledge or experience can be dangerous and potentially illegal. Always prioritize safety, and when in doubt, call a professional.

When to call a certified electrician

As tempting as it may be to tackle more complex jobs, certain electrical work should always be left to a qualified professional. This is because certified electricians have extensive training and knowledge of local codes and safety standards. They know how to troubleshoot problems that aren’t visible to the untrained eye, and their work is often required to meet legal and insurance requirements.

Here are some situations where it’s crucial to bring in the pros:

• Upgrading Your Electrical Panel: Upgrading your panel involves working directly with high-voltage equipment and balancing electrical loads across circuits. This is not a job for a DIYer because mistakes can result in dangerous overloads, power outages, fires, or worse.
• Adding New Wiring or Circuits: Whether you’re remodeling your home or building an addition, adding new wiring requires a deep understanding of electrical systems and local codes. Poorly installed wiring can cause long-term issues including electrical faults or failed inspections.
• Outdoor Electrical Work: Electrical work in outdoor or wet areas requires specialized equipment and techniques to prevent shock hazards. Projects like installing landscape lighting, pool wiring, or outdoor outlets should always be handled by a professional.
• Persistent Issues: If your lights flicker, breakers trip frequently, or outlets don’t work, these could be signs of a deeper problem. Certified electricians have the tools and expertise to identify and resolve such electrical repair safely and efficiently.

Hiring a certified electrician is affordable

Many property owners consider DIY electrical work because they want to save some money, but the risks are too great. Plus, DIY work will take valuable time and you’ll still have to purchase tools, materials, and parts.
Moreover, hiring a certified local electrician is affordable when you choose Mr. Electric. In fact, we are so confident in our prices that we provide price estimates UPFRONT and BEFORE the work begins.