Home Electrical Projects You Should Never Do Yourself

Here at Randy’s Electric, we’re all about empowering the average homeowner with knowledge. There are many home repair projects you can tackle yourself, but some are best left to the experts. If you're not sure whether you should DIY at home or search for “electrical repair services near me”, read on to learn more.Need a “budget electrician near me”? Randy’s Electric provides professional home wiring, home safety and electrical services in Minneapolis, MN. Give us a call at (612) 470-0914 or visit us online today.

Electrical Repairs Best Left to Professionals

Home electrical repairs are more complex than, say, retiling the bathroom. They can also be dangerous, which is why qualified technicians have to be trained, licensed and insured to work in the field. Aside from the immediate dangers of working with electricity, poorly executed repairs can create fire hazards, putting the whole family and all your belongings at risk. Here are a few examples of electrical repairs you should never take on yourself.

Updating From Aluminum Wiring

The price of copper skyrocketed between the mid-60s and 70s. As a result, builders and electricians opted to save money by using single-strand, aluminum wiring instead of copper. Following a 1974 house fire in Hampton Bays, NY, fire officials determined aluminum wiring was the cause. Homes built prior to 1975 may rely on aluminum wiring. It’s wise to replace the electrical systems in these homes with a safer option, but this requires professional repair work and expert knowledge.

Electrical Panel Repairs

Repairing an electrical panel requires extensive training. You also need an electrical permit to perform this repair. Sorry folks, but that makes it illegal to DIY this one. Electrical panel repairs are complicated and dangerous. You’ll want to enlist the help of professional electricians, like the team at Randy’s Electric.

Installing a Junction Box

A junction box is an electrical box that contains the splice of two or more circuit cables. The box gets attached to the framing of a home and requires a removable cover for easy access. The National Electric Code (NEC) states that no wiring splices are permitted outside of an approved enclosure, such as a junction box. This electrical project requires certain tools and involves testing voltage and wires. If done incorrectly, it can be a dangerous endeavor and can lead to expensive repairs.

Updating Switches

Worn fittings and sockets in the home are an indication it’s time to install new switches. This may seem like an easy DIY, but complications include checking for hot wires before doing any work. Without taking these precautions, you run the risk of injuries or fires. Installing new switches is one of those home repairs where the right tools and expert knowledge make all the difference.Â

Power Cable Installation and Repairs

Installing, altering or extending power cables is a job that should be left to professionals. Upon installation or alteration, homeowners aren’t permitted to connect their own power cable to the electricity supply. The job will need to be inspected and tested by a licensed electrical inspector. It’s important to note these conditions are in place to protect homeowners, their families and their properties from injury or damage due to fires.

Repairing Large AppliancesÂ

Broken appliances don’t always warrant replacement—sometimes they can be fixed. A frugal DIYer may be tempted to try repairing large appliances themselves, but this can lead to further damage, greater expenses and injury. Don’t forget, large appliances store electricity, so an uninformed repair can lead to you or a family member getting shocked or injured. Â

Weatherhead Repair Work

A weatherhead, sometimes referred to as a weather cap or periscope, protects service entrance cables from potentially destructive weather conditions, like thunderstorms. Roughly 200 amps pass through electrical lines and into a weatherhead. Repair work is best left to a qualified Minneapolis electrician, as uninformed attempts at repairs could lead to severe or life-threatening injuries.Â

Rewiring Your Home Electrical System

Remodeling or renovating your home may require rewiring your electrical system to accommodate layout changes or an increased power demand as appliances are added or upgraded. Renovation costs can run high and homeowners might want to save money by doing the work themselves whenever possible. Unless you’re an electrician, however, rewiring your home yourself is not a good idea. Aside from considerable safety concerns, including injuries and fire hazards, a botched job means you’ll need to pay a professional to redo the work anyway. This is before factoring in the costs of appliances and devices that can be damaged by faulty wiring. Another reason not to attempt rewiring your home is that it could lead to inspection issues. All the electrical components in a house need to be inspected before they can be used. Failure to have these components inspected creates a safety hazard can result in hefty fines. It’s best to play it safe and avoid the headaches by working with a professional electrician instead.Â

Professional Electricians in Minneapolis, MN

Home repairs that seem simple and straightforward can quickly turn into expensive nightmares. From navigating industry-specific knowledge and specialty tools to safety codes and testing, sometimes it’s worth enlisting the help of an affordable electrician to avoid major headaches. In a few of the instances mentioned above, you are legally obligated to do so. Electrical repairs are directly linked to the safety of your family and your home. When you search for “electrical repair services near me” in Minneapolis, MN, you’ll want to ensure you work with a reputable company. Randy’s Electric has been in business for two decades. Providing spectacular customer service and transparent, upfront pricing is part of our mission. Minneapolis, MN homeowners get Randy’s Guarantee, which means our workmanship is guaranteed forever. You read that right—forever.  We also guarantee all our parts for 5 years, while dimmers, smoke detectors, motion light, photocells, underground wiring as well as GFI and AFCI devices are guaranteed for 1 year. Call Randy’s Electric at (612) 470-0914 or book electrical services online today.Â