Reasons why you shouldn’t DIY electrical works at home
It’s always tempting to try your hand at jobs in the house, and in most cases you might save yourself on both time and money… but DIY repairs and botch jobs can have a higher cost in the long run, and when it comes to electrics, can you be certain you’ve done your best to comply with current regulations and that it’s safe?
We all know that working with electricity already poses a risk, and even a “simple” job such as rewiring a power point or replacing a light fitting can lead to a serious shock, and you should have the correct protective equipment. It isn’t just a simple case of changing a fitting or moving a socket, you have to take into consideration materials, safety equipment, managing amperage and more. In fact, it could end up being a bit of a minefield if you’re not a qualified electrician.
Taking aside your own personal risk, you also need to consider the risk your DIY work may result for others in the property (electric shocks), or to the property itself – this could be overloading the circuit, or a faulty connection that might cause overheating, sparks and even fire. Houses are large electrical systems, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, there may be some hidden electrical connections that only a qualified electrician will be able to find (they are trained for this, after all).
Sadly, there is no real regulation in place in the United Kingdom to stop DIY electrical works, and it might not surprise you that according to Liverpool Victoria Insurance, 29% of British people carry out DIY on their electrics. To put some numbers to you, that’s over 18 million people, who are potentially putting themselves, their families and their property at risk. Of these, almost a quarter will go wrong and result in a qualified electrician coming out.
Did you know, that if you do DIY electrical works at home fail to comply with current regulations, you will invalidate your home insurance? In fact, have you ever considered having your electrics checked by a qualified professional (Electrical Installation Condition Report)? It might be a good idea to do so.
