One of the most common calls we receive is from homeowners who have inadvertently damaged, exposed, or otherwise messed with the wiring of their house. This happens for a number of reasons. Sometimes the homeowner will have attempted a simple electric repair, and found that it was a lot harder than they expected. Sometimes it will be damage caused by some other remodeling or rearranging. No matter the scenario, electrical wiring can be very tricky if you do not know what you are doing. So, here are 5 steps to make sure that you are safe, secure, and save as much of your money as possible.
If you have exposed or damaged wiring, the first thing to do is ensure that the power is off. This can be done at your circuit breaker box. Make sure that there is absolutely no power flowing to the circuit. This means that you will not be at risk for shock, as well as decreasing your risk of a spark or heat buildup leading to electrical fire.
Second, evaluate the situation. Is it an easy fix? Remember that splicing together wires is not a good solution for a break. This could lead to a fire or other hazard down the line. The electric code prevents this type of splice for a reason.
Third, do some research. Look up some articles which might help you with your problem. If you are struggling with an installation, pull up the users manual, and check that your product is functioning properly. Taking the time to make a plan rather than just jumping in will save you a lot of headache and potentially money as well. This step might include calling a trained electrician and getting some advice. Make sure that you consult a licensed and reputable electrician. A disreputable electrician might give you a quick fix that could later become a hazard or not function properly.
Fourth, if the problem is still persisting, it is time to hire an electrician to come out and take a look. At this point, it is much better to ensure that the work is taken care of properly than it is to attempt to do it yourself. While it can be appealing to want to do things quickly by yourself, you might end up paying for it later if there is a fire or your appliance is destroyed. Have an electrician come and do a complete repair on the area.
Finally, keep your eyes open for any warning signs. Now that the problem has been fixed, make sure that the fix was complete and done well. Any burning smells, heat buildup or discoloration of a socket could be a sign that something was not done correctly. Similarly, frequently tripping breakers might be a sign that something is wrong. Take the time to pay attention and ensure everything is in good working order.
