Are you having electrical issues in your home? There are some issues you can take care of on your own, but there are some that require a professional. Deeper issues will need professional troubleshooting and repair. So which issues can you take care of on your own?

Home Wiring DIY Projects

• Circuit overloads. Circuit overloads that are simple can be dealt with on your own. Like when too many appliances are plugged onto an outlet or circuit. This can be remedied easily by simply unplugging appliances and moving them to another outlet or circuit to spread the power draw.
• Dimmer switches. When dimmer switches malfunction, it’s usually due to sub-par materials or poor workmanship. Looking at the switch installation will usually lead you to the problem and is easily repaired.
• Bulb blowouts. Most of the times when bulbs blow out it’s because the wattage of the bulb used was incorrect. Simply replace the bulb with one that has the correct wattage.
• Recessed lighting. Recessed lighting needs specific bulbs to correctly dissipate heat. Bulbs that are turning on and off are caused by safety features kicking in so make sure you’re using recessed-compatible bulbs.

Electrical Risk Assessment

There’s an important rule to follow with DIY electrical work and it’s, you will not get shocked if the electricity isn’t off. There are steps you must take before you start any electrical work in your home.
1. The breaker on the appliance/outlet you’re working on needs to be turned off. This will immediately remove electricity from the situation.
2. Put a piece of tape over the breaker so others can be aware of what’s going on. This makes it harder for the breaker to be switched back on easily.
3. Use a non-compact electric tester to check the appliance/outlet/wires you’re working on. It’s always good to double check.
4. Recap wires when they’re being worked on to reduce the probability of a mishap.
5. Try not to work in areas that are prone to moisture because water and electricity just don’t go together.

Issues to Leave to the Professionals

• Lights that are dimming and/or flickering. This usually means there’s a loose/faulty connection that needs expert detection and resolution.
• Outlet malfunctions. Outlets that buzz or don’t hold a plug anymore usually means that the wiring system is old and needs to be looked at.
• Breakers the continue to trip. If redistributing and/or reducing the circuit loaded doesn’t fix the problem, then you need professionals because wires may be broken or exposed.
• Breakers that are humming and/or buzzing. This is an indication that the breaker is over loaded and can’t trip. Turn it off right away and call for help.
• Wiring that is outdated. This can be a dangerous problem and needs to be addressed by professionals.
• Insufficient power supply. We use more and more appliances and electronics every day and some houses need a better wiring system. This can happen in homes that are just a few decades old.
• Issues that include water. Issues that involve plumbing need the help of professionals because remember, water and electricity don’t mix.

Electrical Services in Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida

It’s not worth the risk of damage or injury by trying to do electrical work yourself. When in doubt, call the professionals at Burley Electrical Services for all your electrical needs.