Why DIY Electrical is a Bad Idea

Do it yourself (DIY) might seem like a cheap, time-saving, and easy solution to your electrical problems, but there are plenty of reasons why it might pay to pause before you turn off the safety switches.

The Risks

The law is clear when it comes to doing home handyman style repairs and patch jobs on the electrical circuits and systems in your home. If it’s not replacing a light bulb, then it is likely that New South Wales law prevents you from legally doing those electrical repairs yourself.

The misleading element of the picture is the store shelves of Bunnings, Masters, and Mitre 10 overflowing with every electrical apparatus and tool you could need to wire up a home from scratch.

But unlike driving a car, you don’t need to have a licence to buy the parts, though using them without the proper experience and instruction is just as likely to end badly as letting a teenager drive the family car before they get their L-plates.

It might sound a bit blunt, but the first thing to remember is that messing about with electricity can result in death. The proof of this fact is that even highly experienced electricians with years of experience can have serious mishaps.

But the likelihood of an amateur running into serious trouble is a thousand times higher than an experienced professional, so you have to ask yourself, is it worth the risk?

And the hidden danger that not many pause to consider is that electrical work done incorrectly may not immediately cause harm to you, but may have long term consequences down the track. Inexpertly wired circuits can result in fraying and wear which can result in sparking and catastrophic house fires.

Whether it is your family or the next one that lives in the home, no one should be exposed to risk that can be easily avoided by calling a licensed electrician.

Electricians

Common Myths

Contrary to popular belief, wearing rubber soled shoes or rubber gloves will not protect the wearer from an electrical shock if there is an unsafe electrical situation.

Similarly, too many home owners and would-be handymen use indoor extension cords or power boards for purposes outside the home. If it’s not specifically rated for outdoor use, then its not worth the risk. Electricity is not an area where you want to be your own product tester.

Another common myth is that electrical work can be certified after it takes place, no matter who completes it. This after-the-fact certification is against the law as it places future buyers and other residents at risk by exposing them to unlicensed electrical work.

What To Look For

When you are looking for a trusted local electrician, word of mouth and recommendations are always a great place to start. At Everest Electrical, many of our customers from Sydney’s North Shore and the Northern Beaches are repeat customers, and have told a friend or colleague about us.

You should also always ask for the electrician’s license and, if in doubt, check whether that license is current or expired. All Sydney electricians’ licenses are issued by the NSW Department of Fair Trading, which can be found online at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.

Call the Professionals

If you are looking for friendly, experienced and professional help with your electrical needs, we would love it if you gave our team at Everest Electrical a call. We have worked all around northern Sydney and the Northern Beaches for many years, and are trusted electricians for emergency work or planned renovations, as well as everything in between.

To speak with one of our team, call us today on 0410 229 139.