5 Electrical Jobs You Absolutely Must Not DIY

There are some kinds of electrical repairs that you can do yourself, such as replacing a wall outlet or a light switch. However, there are others that you should leave to professionals. Handyman Connection® of Winter Park shares the following electrical tasks that you should never DIY:

1. Home Wiring Replacement — Wiring replacement isn’t as simple as cutting wires and soldering new ones back in. Factors such as the house’s electrical load, among other things, are calculated by certified electricians. You also have to consider that, in addition to replacement, electricians also correct wiring errors in your home.

2. Dedicated Circuit Installation — If you have built a home addition, a shed or a detached garage, its electrical circuit is practically a small-scale house wiring installation. This means everything that’s in them that will use electricity—lighting, power tools and televisions, to name a few—will have to be factored in. A small miscalculation can cause damage to your other appliances, cause a blowout or may even be a fire risk.

3. New Fixtures — Replacing light bulbs and installing fixtures are two entirely different things, and you should not attempt the latter at any rate. It may look simple, but the wiring is fairly complicated, especially when the fixture has added controls like a dimmer or lighting effects. Installing fixtures also has the added risk of a fall injury, which is one of the many things professionals are equipped for.

4. Large Appliances, Repair or Installation — A new chest freezer, home projector system or air conditioner needs to be installed by a professional. These appliances are far more complicated than light fixtures, and can take a long time to install for an inexperienced installer. There is also the risk that these appliances may not perform properly if not installed correctly. Today’s large appliance manufacturers now include professional installation as part of their warranty requirements.

5. Electrical Panel Work — Most of the tasks we listed above will involve additions or adjustments to the electrical panel. This helps make sure that power is evenly distributed throughout the house, while allowing isolated circuits that can be shut down in case of emergencies.

Handyman Connection of Winter Park is your leading provider of handyman services, including electrical repairs. Give us a call at (407) 618-5550 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.