For the avid DIY enthusiast, it can be tempting to try fixing electrical appliances yourself. Interest in DIY has ballooned in recent years, and the increased cost of living can make DIY fixes seem particularly appealing.
However, these are jobs that are best left to professionals due to the high volume of accidents caused by DIY attempts. In 2020/21, the NHS in England treated 8,000 patients for DIY-related injuries, 5,600 of which were caused by power tools.
Here are some of the common accidents caused by electrical DIY and the ways in which a professional can help:
1 Electrocution
Electrical shocks are an ever-present risk when fixing electricals, but a professional should know all about how to carry out the work without facing this problem. At best, you may simply experience some tingling. At worst, electrocution can cause heart failure.
Electrical shocks are often caused by dealing with power cables in the wrong way when trying to repair electrical. Power cables with individual insulation and a protective outer sheath are safer, while those that lack this are more likely to accidentally get cut and damaged.
Having an RCD in place is a very effective way to prevent life-threatening accidents, such as electrical shocks. This device automatically switches off the electricity if a fault is detected. It tends to be more reliable than a fuse or circuit breaker.
2 Property damage
A botched electrical DIY attempt can cause a lot of damage to your home. Depending on the scale of the damage, this can be a significant expense to you. If you caused property damage by attempting work you weren’t qualified to do, remember that it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover the repair costs.
3 Compliance violations
If you aren’t an electrician by trade, you’re unlikely to be aware of the compliance requirements that apply to electrical jobs.
Even if your completed work doesn’t cause any immediate problems, you’re likely to face the consequences when you put your house up for sale. It’s illegal to carry out most kitchen and bathroom-related DIY jobs if you’re not qualified, and it could land you a fine of up to £5,000.
4 Electrical Fires
One of the main causes of accidental house fires in the UK is electrical fires. The kitchen is a particularly common area for this to occur.
A professional electrician is in the best place to make safe electrical fixes. They have all the expertise to inform them of whether cables and sockets are safe to work on before they get started.
With an electrician’s help, you can also find out about any other measures you can take to reduce the chance of an electrical fire in your home. They have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to circuit breakers, arc-fault circuit interrupters, and more.
It’s understandable if you’re tempted to fix electrical faults on your own, but often this can result in higher costs in the long term. To get the peace of mind you need, search for a reliable electrician to carry out your electrical repairs instead.
