Hire a Licensed Electrician for Major Electrical Work
As a homeowner, I always want to save money by doing repairs and upgrades myself. However, electrical work is one area where it pays to have an expert handle major jobs. While I can change a light switch or outlet safely, I do not have the skills or knowledge to completely rewire a room or my entire house. Hiring a licensed electrician reduces the risk of sparks, shocks, and fires.
An electrician has years of training and understands electrical codes and safety procedures. They use high-quality materials and tools designed for electrical work. I simply don't have the background or supplies needed to safely perform a full home rewiring. Paying an electrician also gives me peace of mind that the job was done properly.
"I learned the hard way that electrical work is best left to the professionals after starting a small fire in my basement. I should have hired an electrician from the start."
Use the Proper Size Breakers and Fuses
Electrical fires often start from overloaded circuits. I used to just plug in several appliances into the same outlet without thinking about the circuit capacity. This can put too much current load on the wiring and breaker. Now I'm careful to balance power usage across different circuits.
I also had an electrician upgrade my breaker box and ensure each circuit has a properly rated breaker or fuse. Putting a 20 amp breaker on a 15 amp circuit is a major fire hazard. I have the electrician perform an inspection to confirm my circuits, wire gauges, and protection are all matched. Taking the time to get this right prevents overheating wires and arcing faults.
Update Outdated and Damaged Wiring
My home is over 50 years old and still had some original cloth-insulated wiring. While functional, this old wiring is prone to cracking and fraying over decades of use. I had an electrician replace all outdated wiring with new copper wires that meet modern safety standards. This included running all new circuits in remodeled rooms.
Replacing old outlets and switches is another important upgrade. Corroded or loose connections can lead to dangerous hot spots that ignite fires. Any outlets or switches that show signs of overheating, arcing, or damage should be replaced immediately. I test outlets regularly with a tester to catch problems.
Use Extra Caution for High Power Appliances
Some appliances in my home require 220-240 volt circuits and draw a lot of power. Ranges, dryers, water heaters, and air conditioners need special care as potential fire risks. I make sure these appliances have dedicated circuits and are not overloaded.
I also avoid using extension cords with any major appliances. The high current can overheat a lightweight extension cord quickly. For safer operation, I plug appliances directly into outlets wired specifically for them. Paying attention to the power demands of large appliances reduces electrical faults and failures in the wiring.
Check Electrical Before Remodeling
When remodeling a room, electrical safety should be my first consideration. Adding new lighting, appliances, and outlets may overload existing circuits. I always have an electrician evaluate the electrical capacity before construction starts. They recommend any upgrades needed to handle increased electrical loads.
Trying to simply tap into existing circuits can result in serious hazards. The electrician also identifies any wiring that needs to be rerouted within wall cavities before putting up new drywall. Taking time to plan ahead is far safer than trying to retrofit electrical in an already remodeled space. This approach also gives me flexibility in placing lights and outlets optimally.
Inspecting my home's electrical service regularly and making necessary upgrades prevents the risk of catastrophic fires. Hiring a professional electrician gives me confidence my family and home are safe. While cost is always a concern, it is not worth risking major damage to save money on electrical work. Using qualified experts and quality materials greatly reduces hazards.