3 Reasons Why DIY Electrical Work Is A Bad Idea

When it comes to home improvement, the DIY movement is certainly gaining traction. Home renovation shows with a DIY theme are popular on TV and there is a lot to recommend getting on board. But there are some things that simply should not be done without the right qualification and licence. Probably one of the most notable of these is electrical. To highlight the dangers of attempting DIY electrical work, we have compiled a brief guide on why DIY electrical work is a bad idea.

If you need electrical work contact a professional

Before we get into the reasons why you shouldn’t do electrical work yourself, it is important to establish the correct procedure. Fortunately, it is simple: contact a professional. There are a few ways to identify a professional electrician. It is important to do so, as a non-qualified individual could put your life and their own in jeopardy. Put simply, an electrical professional is someone who is a qualified electrician with a licence to perform electrical maintenance. It is a good idea to ask a prospective electrician about their qualifications before enlisting their help. Doing so will ensure that you are getting the highest quality work, from someone with extensive training.

Three reasons not to DIY electrical work

Now that you know what to do when you need electrical work, we can look at some of the problems with a DIY approach. Below, we have listed the three most prominent issues that are associated with DIY electrical work. These are the most severe problems and they highlight the importance of getting professional help. It is important to remember also that these are just a few of the many issues. So when you need an electrical fixture changed, contact a professional.

It is illegal

The foremost issue with DIY electrical work is its legality. Doing your own electrical work is strictly illegal in Australia. These laws were introduced in response to an alarming number of deaths and injuries caused by electrocution. Electrocution is a distinct possibility when working around electricity. It can result in long term injuries and death. The law surrounding DIY electrical work also provides that anyone who does so is liable for imprisonment if another person is injured or killed. So not only do you risk injury and death, but you also risk jail for negligent electrical work. Even if nobody is injured, you remain liable for fines of up to $40,000. It is just not worth the risks.

It is unsafe

It goes without saying that electrical work done without a licence or training is unsafe. Even if you have an intimate knowledge of electricity, you are risking more than just immediate electrocution. Poorly installed electrical fittings can become hazardous in the future, even if they are not immediately so. This means that you, or another occupant of your house, risks electrocution at some point in the future. There is no way to tell for sure whether or not your work is safe, other than getting it professionally done.

It is very complex work

Finally, electrical work is far more complicated than other DIY projects. Electrical work requires extensive training and the right tools. In addition to this, there is a lot of safety equipment that is necessary. Domestic electrical systems are very complex and simply cannot be done safely by an untrained and unlicensed individual. All of the electrical systems in your home are connected and if one aspect of the work is done poorly, the entire system can be compromised. So save your DIY projects for something a little safer. When it comes to electrical work, always ask for professional help.

For all your electrical work, contact the experts at Mercury Services today on (07) 3312 4244.