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If you are a true blue handyman, you likely think you can DIY for anything in your property.
If so, you aren’t alone.
Because of the easy access to YouTube tutorials and renovation shows like The Block.. Abba Electrical have seen an upshoot in the number of DIY projects being performed.
However, not all things can be done via DIY. Case in point: electrical work.
Let’s go through some common mistakes.
The fact is that electrical renovations are incredibly dangerous and can be very complex.
The problem is that a lot of homeowners aren’t quite as careful when it comes to minor electrical repairs!
Mistake: Exposed cables
It’s obvious that exposed wiring and cables often lead to damage, short circuits and fires. Many time’s DIY problems have nothing to do with not understanding or using the wrong process – sometimes it’s simply because DIY-ers simply aren’t as thorough or skilled as the professionals.
It could be lack of practice and skill, or simply not being familiar with the procedure, our emergency electricians in Melbourne are often called out to fix exposed wires and bad wiring jobs.
Mistake: Loose fittings for switches and outlets
Homeowners assume that electrical outlets and switches are plug-and-play, like inserting a USB into a port, but they are not.
Many homeowners can overestimate its simplicity, and end up making mistakes or getting it wrong. While it may not be the most complex electrical job around, it isn’t quite that easy.
Some DIY-ers often install a screw or wire too loosely, or cut them in the incorrect length – something that can result in overheating or cause a fire.
Mistake: Cutting wires too short
Using the wrong ‘gauge’ or size of the wire can also result in your electrical wirings using unsecured wire connections. Do you know that cutting electrical wires too short may result in poor electrical connection among other issues.
This is exactly why you need expert advice on the proper length and width of the wire or cable so that your wirings will not overheat or result in a short circuit.
If you are at all unsure of the right size and length of the wire needed for your electrical project, don’t chance it.
Mistake: No junction box installed
Junction boxes protect you from further harm resulting from smoke, sparks as well as fires caused by short circuits and loose connections. Installing a junction box is a certain must in every home as it protects almost all your electrical wirings from physical damage and exposure.
If you don’t install a junction box, it often results in accidents caused by live wires and terminals.
All wiring systems must be connected in the junction box to keep everything housed for secure wire connections.
This is an aspect of electrical safety that many DIY electricians overlook.
Mistake: Overloaded outlets
As a homeowner you may not know it, but your home’s electrical circuits only have a finite capacity.
If Exceed the amount of electricity your home can safely handle, and you put yourself (and your home) at risk of a whole range of issues:
In the worst case scenario, it can even cause electrical fires
Damage to your appliances
Mild electrical shocks
If you use Abba Electrical we’ll also fit your home with safety devices to protect you from the consequences of accidentally overloading your circuitry. Inexperienced DIY installers don’t realise this, and can overload their systems.
Mistake: Not using a voltage tester
Before you do any electrical work, one must first test the wires to make sure that there’s no flow of current and that there’s no electrical ground when working in an outlet. Another mistake that DIY-ers make is not testing the voltage present in the wire or the present current flowing in the electrical wire with a voltage tester.
Just another good reason to leave electrical renovations and upgrades to a professional electrician in Melbourne! This isn’t your fault at all – not many people have voltage testers at the back of their cupboards.
If you are Planning your next DIY project? Contact a Melbourne electrician today!
Working with any DIY electrical project is seriously dangerous – that’s why you need the expertise of a fully-licensed electrician for any electrical work your renovation project may involve!
Reasons you might need our help?
Have you just moved into a new place and discovered a history of dodgy DIY electrical repairs? Has someone you love tried their hand at electrical work and made a mess of things?
Our emergency electricians in Melbourne are available 24 hours a day. Give us a call, and we’ll be there to fix the problem, no matter what it is.
Alternatively, lodge an inquiry online with us today!
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