Electrical
problems and requirements may be very confusing, so how can you tell if you
will need a licensed electrician to do the work? Almost all electrical work
requires a licensed electrician if there is electricity involved. There is a
good reason for this, a licensed electrician has the training and knowledge to
safely work on or install electrical systems and appliances to meet code.
Electricity can be very dangerous, in addition to becoming a big necessity.
Proper techniques must be used to ensure that the electrical wires and
components are installed and grounded safely. Shoddy or inept electrical work
has contributed to home and business fires, where many times the entire
building has burned up, along with everything that was inside. There are a
number of various tasks that will require a licensed electrician.
Anytime
a new home is built, the electrical systems must be installed and electricity
needs to be run to the home. Without these two components, the new home will
not have any lights or power. A licensed electrician must be the one to install
the electrical systems in any new home. The building permit, the electrical
permit, and the electrical inspection will require the license number of the
electrician doing the work on the new construction. This offers reassurance to
the local government that the work is being done according to the local
electrical codes and expectations. Using an unlicensed electrician for new
construction can lead to the revocation of your permits and a big fine.
Electrical codes may vary slightly depending on the area and location, and a
licensed plumber will be familiar with the codes and regulations in your area
and state.
If
you are planning a remodeling project on your home and the electrical systems
will be affected at all, a licensed electrician should be used. Just like with
any new construction, if building or other permits are needed it may be
necessary to give the license number of the electrician who will be doing the job.
Electric codes are in place to protect the public, and because of this most
areas insist on a licensed electrician for any remodeling jobs that require any
electrical changes from the existing systems in place. Many times the licensed
electrician you choose should be in on the planning stage of the project, to
allow for minimal changes if possible and to advise about the best place for
switches, wires, and other electrical components of your new home.
Sometimes
electrical problems can occur, and this may happen in a home that was finished
last month or a home that is two hundred years old. Many times it may require
an electrician to pinpoint the problem and the recommend repairs or fix it. A
licensed electrician has advanced knowledge of how electrical circuits and
systems work, and this will allow them to quickly troubleshoot the problem and
repair it. Electrical problems can cause a lot of damage. They may cause sparks
which can lead to a fire, surges in electricity that can cause damage to
appliances like refrigerators and microwaves, as well as damaging computers and
other electronics including television sets. These problems can also include
lights or electrical sockets that do not work, scorch marks on any electrical
system components like wires or fuses, a loss of power, or even flickering
lights and power.
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If
you own an older home, you may need to have the wiring and electrical systems
replaced. Advances in technology in the last few decades have made older
electrical systems and components obsolete, but many older homes still have
these components and systems in place and in use. If you buy a home and it has
an older system, a licensed electrician will be needed to completely remove the
older components and replace them with safer and more efficient systems and
components instead. This will prevent any fire or safety hazards associated
with outdated electrical components, and will save you a substantial amount on
your electric bill each month at the same time. This process is very dangerous,
especially when live power sources are involved, and only a licensed master
electrician should attempt this project.
Sometimes
your home may have a new and efficient electrical system in place, but it may
not supply all the energy you need in your home. If this happens, you may need
to upgrade and increase your electrical system. Only a licensed electrician can
do this. Your optimum power supply will be determined, and the existing systems
will be modified to meet your electrical needs. In addition, new components may
have to be added to your existing systems to ensure that there is a large
enough power supply to fully meet your needs. Sometimes homes may be small or
older, and so the power supply installed is not sufficient for modern
appliances and electronics. It can be quite easy to upgrade and increase your
home's electrical supply to meet your individual needs, but a licensed
electrician is required to do this project.
Homes
are not the only structures that require power and electricity. Manufacturing
plants and industrial compounds require electricity to light and heat their
buildings, for the machines used to make or create products, and for other uses
as well. Companies and manufacturers may need to upgrade and increase the
amount or electricity once they have been in operation, and new plants will
need to change the electrical systems to meet their needs. In addition, because
of their high energy use industrial plants usually have a high demand for
repairs and maintenance on their electrical systems. Only a licensed
electrician can perform these jobs. For this reason many plants and factories
have a licensed electrician on staff, and this allows them to address the
electrical problems and needs not just of the building itself but also
electrical problems involving the machines and other equipment used by the
company.
Commercial
buildings may have special electricity requirements, and at times this may mean
the installation of many components and systems. Office buildings may need
electricity for lights, heat, a large number of phone systems and phones,
computers, printers, copiers, shredders, and much more. These buildings can
pull a substantial amount of electricity, and this can mean hundreds or even
thousands of wires and components. This can lead to a very complex wiring
diagram. Only a licensed master electrician should even attempt these jobs,
because the risk of injury, electrocution, or even death is high if they are
not done correctly, not just for the person doing the work but for others as
well. This is one reason why commercial buildings must legally use only
licensed electricians in many states.
Large
multi unit apartment complexes have sprung up all over the United States, and
many times these complexes can contain one hundred or more different apartment
units. Many times these businesses have their own maintenance men to fix
repairs, but in most states only a licensed electrician can perform these
tasks. If the apartment complex does not have a licensed electrician on staff,
they may have to call one in and pay for it instead. This is done to protect
the safety and security of all the tenants in all of the apartments. Because
these complexes have a large number of people and units all closely spaced, a
fire could spread rapidly, and cause damage to a large number of units
affecting many people. The electrocution or shock potential may also be higher
because of the large number of people living in one of these complexes.
When
In Doubt, Use A Licensed Electrician
Whatever
your electrical needs are, think carefully. Weigh the risks involved. Is there
a potential for injury? Could there be a fire hazard if the project is not done
correctly? Thinking about the risks and hazards involved will help you
determine whether a licensed electrician is needed. If the electrical system,
supply, or components will be affected or changed in any way at all, a licensed
electrician is probably needed to do the job. If you have any concerns or
problems with your electricity, consult a licensed electrician. The same is
true if your home has older or inadequate electrical systems to meet your
current power needs. A licensed electrician is normally insured as well, so if
there is a mistake made the electrician can be held accountable. These
professionals receive years of training to learn and understand electricity,
safety, and building codes. Only a licensed electrician can safely and
effectively work with electricity. Using one will help you protect your loved
ones, your home, and your belongings. Always verify the license number and
state of an electrician before allowing them to start work, and you should also
ask for verification of any insurance they carry as well.
A
Licensed Electrician Is the Only Safe Alternative
In
the do it yourself culture today, many homeowners are saving money and doing
home repairs and improvements on their own, without hiring any professional
help. This trend has become so popular that many home improvement stores have
started holding classes and training sessions for homeowners who buy the
project materials at the store. There are some things that a homeowner should
never attempt though, and one of these is electrical work. Most states have
laws concerning licensing, education, and experience requirements before a
person can work on electrical components, and for good reason. Electricity is
very dangerous, and not just to the person doing the work without the proper
training and licenses. Electrical fires commonly occur, and this can affect not
only your home but also the homes and buildings that are close by. Often the
electrical work may be small, such as replacing a socket or wiring, but some
homeowners have even tried to install systems without a licensed electrician,
and many times this has cost them much more than the savings found from using
unqualified electrical help.
Whether
you are building a new home or remodeling a current one, a licensed electrician
will be needed for any work that involves electricity or any electrical system
component. For new construction, you will need the license number of the
electrician just to apply for a building permit or electrical permit. This
number will also be used on the electrical inspection form. A licensed
electrician not only understands the safe way to install and repair electrical
systems, but they are also knowledgeable about the electrical and safety codes
in the building laws for the area. Building codes were developed to ensure all
new buildings are safely constructed, and can be inhabited without fear of
electrical hazards and other safety issues. Understanding these codes will
prevent any safety hazards and ensure that your new home complies with all the
building laws. Using an unlicensed electrician can cause you to lose your
building permit, face very stiff fines, and will put your family at risk.
Electricity is very dangerous and can cause death, so it is important that any
electrical systems and components are properly installed, wired, and grounded.
Only a licensed electrician can do this.
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Any
remodeling project that requires installing, changing, or removing any
electrical component also needs to have a licensed electrician for this work.
If a remodeling project requires any permits at all, the license number of the
electrician may be needed for the paperwork. Using an unlicensed electrician
can cause the permits to be pulled, you can pay a big fine, and the work may
have to be redone by a licensed electrician, costing you even more money.
Anytime the electrical systems are changed even the slightest bit, a licensed
electrician should be used. Involving the electrician during the planning stage
can help minimize the amount of electrical work needed and keep project costs
down. This step can also help decide on the optimal place for any switches,
wires, or other electrical components that may be installed.
Any
troubleshooting of an existing electrical system also should utilize a licensed
electrician. The education and training these professionals receive means that
they understand electricity and the electrical system components clearly, and
they are trained in ways to fix problems so that there are no safety risks or
electricity hazards in the finished project or home. Electrical problems may
occur no matter how new or old your home is. Rodents, weather, home repair
issues, and even simple age can cause problems in your electrical systems that
need to be repaired. Hiring an unlicensed electrician can cause you to have
higher risks of hidden hazards that are not noticed by an unlicensed
electrician. This can lead to sparks and fires inside the walls of the home,
electrocution and even death from a switch or wall socket that is not grounded,
and other safety hazards that are serious. As the electrocution of soldiers in
the shower in Iraq has shown, any time that an unlicensed or unqualified person
does any electrical work at all there is a much bigger chance that there are
problems and issues which can be life threatening.
If
you buy or own an older home, you may want to upgrade the electrical systems.
Older systems are less efficient so they cost more each month in higher
electric bills. These components and systems are also less safe and involve
higher risks. Sometimes the best option is to completely remove the older
system and install a new one, while at other times only certain components of
the electrical system need to be upgraded because some areas of the system are
modern and up to code. Either way, only a licensed electrician should do the
job. Advances in technology mean that the currently available electrical
systems are some of the safest ever. Installing a new system can make your home
more efficient and help to keep bills low and conserve electricity. A licensed
electrician can ensure that there are no fire or injury risks after the systems
and components are installed.
If
you are planning on installing or changing the current electrical systems, or
building a new home and installing the initial system, or you suspect
electrical problems, only use a licensed electrician. These professionals carry
insurance that can help protect you financially if a mistake is made and a
fire, injury, or death occurs because of the error. An unlicensed electrician
does not carry this insurance usually, so if there is a fire which causes
damage or expenses due to injury caused by faulty work you may be out a home or
have to pay for your own medical care. Many homeowners insurance policies have
clauses requiring any work done is done by a licensed or qualified professional
to avoid damage, injury, death, and other difficulties due to inexperienced and
unlicensed electricians, plumbers, and other building trade professional. This
protects the insurance company against claims caused by unlicensed contractors
and others.