Hiring an electrician is a big decision. You need to weigh the pros and cons before making a choice.
Some factors you’ll want to consider are the cost of hiring an electrician, the amount of work that needs to be done, and your safety.
In some cases, it might be cheaper to hire someone than do the work yourself.
On the other hand, if there’s a major issue, it could cost a lot more money to have an electrician come out and fix things for you.
It’s also worth considering some of the safety risks associated with electrical work-if they’re not done correctly by a professional, they can end up being dangerous.
When should you call an electrician for help?
Sometimes people tend to undermine the value of electricians’ services. But, electricity is not something to be taken lightly.
That is why having on-hand professionals like an Electrician in Brisbane is important because they can get a good and thorough estimate of your systems.
As electricity gets closer to the surface it becomes easier to access, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
If you notice any of these signs, call an electrician right away:
Sparking power outlets or appliances
If you notice any sparking power outlets or appliances, it’s time to call an electrician.
This is a sign of a bigger problem with the electrical wiring in your home.
Electrical shocks
If you’re receiving electrical shocks from doorknobs or other surfaces, that’s a clear sign that something is wrong with the wiring in your house.
Discoloration or flickering lights
Whenever there’s a change in lighting, it’s typically a signal of an issue going on behind the scenes.
Discoloration could mean problems with the insulation, while flickering lights could be caused by faulty wiring inside your home.
Frequently blown fuses or tripped circuits
Blown fuses and circuit breakers can be annoying-which is why you need to get to the bottom of what’s causing them.
It could be a sign that there are faulty appliances or loose wiring in your home.
It’s also worth noting that electrical issues can cause an increased risk for fires.
If you notice any of these signs, call an electrician immediately.
What if you’re doing minor work around the house?
Sometimes, homeowners need to do some light electrical work around their homes.
Do-it-yourself jobs should only occur when you feel confident about working with tools and electricity.
For example, if your plug outlets are outdated, you might want to update them yourself instead of calling an electrician.
Here are some ways that people have safely done electrical work around their homes:
- Placing new light switch covers on your walls.
- Installing ceiling fans and other fixtures.
- Updating outdated outlets and plugs.
Just be smart about it. If you’re not an electrician, then take precautions to avoid injury or death while working with electricity in your home.
When should you not call an electrician?
Don’t call an electrician for things that don’t need work by a professional.
For example, if one lightbulb in a string of Christmas lights blows out, don’t call and ask the electrician to change it.
If anything that uses electricity doesn’t work correctly, take steps to figure out what’s wrong without calling someone else.
If you already have a bill from an electrician who came to your house, but there’s nothing wrong with the wiring in your home, then call and ask for a refund.
To help you avoid costly mistakes when it comes to hiring an electrician, we’ve put together a list of things you should never do:
- Never touch anything electrical if the power is on. This includes fuses and circuit breakers. You never want to change these or turn them off when they’re powered up unless there’s a direct reason for doing so (e.g., changing lightbulbs).
- Never use aluminum wires in place of copper ones. Aluminum is not as good at conducting electricity as copper is-so you must always use copper wire for your projects.
- Never replace a fuse or breaker if it’s already tripped. Instead, turn the power off and wait for it to reset itself before turning the power back on.
What are some common electrical problems people experience?
For example, you might have to deal with lights flickering inside your home or faulty appliances that don’t function as they used to.
Here are some electrical problems you’ll want to watch for in your home:
- Faulty wiring can lead to an overload in energy use, which could cause frequent tripping in circuit breakers and blown fuses.
- Overloading outlets often lead to short-circuiting plugs. The best way to avoid this is by using extension cords sparingly when necessary.
- Corroded wires can lead to overheating and fires. This means you must take care of any frayed or loose wiring.
- Frequent electrical shocks can be a major problem if you’re working around wires that aren’t properly grounded. For example, you might get an electric shock when using certain appliances or even get your hair wet in the shower. Grounding these power sources is crucial to avoid this issue in the future.
The bottom line: Always call in professional help when dealing with electricity issues in your home.
If you need proof of their work, ensure they provide it before signing any contract and paying for services.
What are some of the most common causes of electrical fires?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are many common causes of electrical fires. These include:
Faulty wiring and repairs
Improperly grounded outlets that aren’t properly connected to wiring cause electric shocks, which can ignite carpeting and other flammable materials.
Overloaded outlets
Too many appliances plugged into the same outlet lead to overheating, sparking, and igniting nearby items such as curtains or furniture.
Shorts or sparks
Faulty plugs and loose wires lead to short-circuiting electricity that sparks when it comes in contact with metal objects.
How can you find a qualified electrician in your area?
The best way to find a qualified electrician is to ask your friends and family members for recommendations.
Try calling them or visiting their place of business to see whether or not they’re professional, friendly, and capable of handling the specific job at hand.
If you don’t know who to call, consider checking online for reputable companies in your area.
A quick Internet search should yield some good results, or call the experts from Phyxter Electrical Services.
We have reliable and professional electricians who can solve any electrical problem.
