Installing a new ceiling fan or kitchen light may be something that a homeowner can tackle on their own with a few simple tools and precautions, but there are many other electrical jobs that should always be left to the pros, such as those at Royalty Plumbing and Gas. Before you start another home renovation or remodel project that involves electricity or wiring, note a few of those jobs that should be handled by an electrician, and why.
1. Replacing lines or wires to a hot water heater
Even if you're experienced in handling electrical or plumbing repair and upgrade work, you don't want to replace any wires or pipes to a hot water heater on your own. Anytime a job involves both electricity and water, you want to call the pros. This is because an exposed wire or leak in the plumbing pipes can mean the risk of electrical fire, since water is such a good conductor of electricity. If you use the wrong type of wiring and it becomes bare or frayed due to overuse or surges of electricity, this can mean electricity coming into contact with water around the heater. In turn, you may face increased risk of a fire.
2. Replacing wires fused to insulation or building materials
When removing drywall or insulation, you may notice old wires that have fused to these materials. It may be tempting to simply replace the old wiring, but a professional should handle this job so they can determine why the wiring was not properly protected. If the wiring cannot handle the amount of electricity running through that circuit, it may become bare and frayed and in turn, singe itself to insulation or building studs. If you don't upgrade the wiring, you may have this problem happen all over again, and in turn, put your home at risk for an electrical fire.
3. Installing a new circuit panel after damage
When installing a new circuit panel because of rust or other such damage, you need to ensure you have it labeled properly and that the wires are connected to the proper circuit on the panel. It's also good to test the wiring behind the panel to ensure they are providing enough power for all the electrical devices they're powering. A professional electrician can note if you should have upgraded wiring and if this has caused the damage and also ensure that water leaks and other risk factors are contained. Don't assume you can just hook up wires to a new panel, but have a professional handle this job to ensure your new panel will be better protected than your old one.
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