Often when there are small problems around the home it is tempting to fix these ourselves rather than pay someone else.
Electrical problems are no different, however because of the safety issues surrounding electricity, there are some jobs that are better left to the professionals.
It is important to contact a qualified electrician in situations such as these for your own safety: - Changing the plug on a lead - Replacement of light switches or power points - Installation of any electrical wiring - Repair of electrical appliances - Changes to any pre-existing electrical wiring While some of these may seem obvious, there are times when people still attempt to undertake some of these tasks themselves, and do so at great risk.
There are many underlying risks involved in each of these jobs that only trained electricians are qualified to deal with.
Part of the training for electricians is assessing the risk in any given situation so they know the safety elements involved and can work accordingly.
It is only through this training that it is possible to understand all the risks that can be incurred when exposed to working with electricity.
Understanding these risks ensures the safety of everyone at all times.
There is however some simpler jobs that you can perform around the home that won't require calling in an electrician.
These include: - Replacing fuses - Changing fluorescent light fitting starters - Replacing light bulbs or tubes - Resetting circuit breakers or safety switches It is important to ensure the electricity is turned off when performing any of these tasks and still take extreme care.
Also, take the time to make sure you have the right fittings and replacements in each of these situations.
Using the wrong fittings can result in unnecessary malfunction and damage.
Electricity can kill or injure and should be treated with respect at all times.
It is a good idea to have a safety switch installed in your home, which will require an electrician.
These devices are not only cheap and simple to install, but have saved many lives every year.
The small investment is well worth it.
Take care when undertaking jobs relating to electricity around the home and at all times use common sense to avoid injury and remain safe.
Most importantly, don't try and undertake any jobs that are for electricians only.
Contact your local qualified electrical contractor and get them to do the work safely for you.
It may cost a little more than doing it yourself, but it's not worth risking injury or even death.