Electrical wiring repairs is one of those things many home handymen thing they can easily take care of to save a few bucks. However, electrical wiring repairs not done correctly, electric wires not secured and grounded properly, and electric wires that are frayed or damaged can be highly dangerous. In 2011 alone, there were nearly 48,000 home fires attributed to electrical failure or malfunction.
While done properly, electrical wiring repairs are no more dangerous than any other home repair. However, not done correctly or not done by a trained and experienced professional can lead to a dangerous situation.
Wiring and wiring equipment were to blame for over 60% of electric home fires. Lamps, light bulbs, and light fixtures are the second leading cause at 20%, cords, plugs are the third leading cause at 11%, and transformers and power supplies are the fourth leading cause at 6%. Based on these statistics, wiring is the most dangerous part of electric repairs and work.
Hiring a qualified electrician to do even the seemingly smallest job can mean saving the home from fires. Electrical fires cause over $1.5 billion in property damage each year, and that doesn?t take into account lives lost due to electrical fires. The true extent of the damage can be significant.
In addition to hiring an electrician when you need electrical wiring repairs done, you also need to call an electrician to conduct an inspection depending on the age of your home and electrical work. According to many experts, any home that is over 10 years or has had major renovations or new appliances installed should have an electrical inspection.
When buying a new home, it is also important to have a thorough inspection conducted. As a new home owners, you may not be aware of home repairs done by the previous owner. You want to ensure all the wire is professionally installed and up to code.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends that all homes over 40 years have a thorough inspection to check the condition of the wires, which can get damaged or suffer deterioration over time.
Research has shown that a good percentage of electric house fires could be prevented with the use of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). These can easily be installed by a trained and experienced electrician and reduce risk.
No one wants to endure a house fire, but many do not realize the potential harm that can be caused by doing electric wiring repairs on their own. It seems like a good way to save a few dollars. Even hiring a non-electrician handyman to do the repairs can be dangerous. Self-taught workers do not have the formal training needed, nor the licenses to do electric work. They may be unfamiliar with changes in building codes and best standards for operation. This can put the home at risk of an electrical fire.
When it comes to electrical problems, it is best to call a professional lighting contractor. A professional can also offer advise on ways to make your home more energy efficient, which will save money on monthly utility costs.