When to Leave a Project to a Professional Palm Desert Electrician

The DIY craze is in full swing and we all love to save money when we can just take care of something ourselves. Lots of projects are relatively easy to do, or worst case scenario, if you make a mistake you can just paint over it or do it again. But some projects pose a true hazard if you don’t do them perfectly the first time. This is the case with many projects involving electricity. Following are 4 projects that may seem easy, but you should leave for a professional electrician.

1. Installing Outlets, Switches or Dimmers: Changing out an outlet may seem like an easy DIY project, but it actually can be very dangerous. When not properly installed, it may cause sparks, may not conduct electricity or even might not hold the plug. Trying to upgrade an ungrounded plug to a grounded plug without proper grounding is also very dangerous and can result in loss of power or fire. This project should only be done by a licensed electrician.
2. Replacing Light Fixtures: Actually, homeowners can replace some light fixtures themselves, but there are some times that you should be more careful and hire a professional. If the amperage of your outlet isn’t high enough for the wattage of your new light fixture, you’re going to need a licensed electrician to add additional wiring from your circuit breaker. Another advantage of hiring a professional is that they will know if your insulation is appropriate for your new fixture and whether the ceiling is strong enough.
3. Installing Outdoor Lighting: Stringing up some lights on your patio is no big deal, but for anything more involved, it’s better to call a professional electrician. An electrician can safely add wiring or electrical outlets where you need them outside and also ensure that everything is grounded and safe from the weather. Rangel Electric specializes in outdoor lighting design and can advise on every detail of your project from planning to installation.
4. Anything Requiring a Permit: This seems to be somewhat obvious, but many people still try to tackle some big jobs themselves. When you have a project that requires a permit, your best bet is to hire a professional electrician. A professional will be knowledgeable about the codes in your area and can be prepared for an inspection. Code violations can add up to costly fines and/or repairs that can easily be avoided if you hire a professional from the beginning. Palm Desert electrician Rangel Electric are experts on the particular permits and codes in the Coachella Valley.

If you decide to take on any DIY job that involves electricity, always be sure to first turn off the electricity to that area of your home. But even better, leave the electrical jobs to a professional. You don’t want to risk the safety of your family or your home with any electrical issue. Palm Desert electrician Rangel Electric is a full-service electrical company specializing in indoor and outdoor lighting design and home theater/audio visual. From changing out switches to re-wring the entire house to lighting design projects, Rangel Electric ensures a safe and professional job.