Dangers of DIY Electrical

While a quick trip to Bunnings can lead to a whole DIY weekend, the electrical tasks around your home or workplace need to be left to the experts. 

Sure, you may save a few bucks in the short-term, but what may seem like a simple 'blue wire here, green wire there' is actually highly dangerous, against the law and can have deadly consequences.

Did you know that over 25,000 people were hospitalised last year from completing their own DIY work? Furthermore, studies have revealed that males are 4 times more likely to be injured in a DIY project. Despite these alarming statistics, many Aussies continue to underestimate the complexity of electrical tasks especially and attempt to do them themselves.

Not only is it extremely unsafe for the person carrying out the electrical work, it is putting the lives of anyone who comes into contact with it at risk. While it may seem like you have done everything correctly, electrical faults can develop over a period of time or only become apparent in a crisis situation. This could then lead to property damage, injury, or even death. In addition, completing your own electrical work to save money may actually cost you in the long run as you will forfeit your insurance cover if something happens.

What's more, the penalties are substantial. For example, grievous bodily harm or death caused by unlicensed electrical work can result in a $100,000 fine or two years imprisonment – and more for a corporation.

Here are some of the most common electrical mistakes made by unlicensed electricians.

1. Trying to use incorrectly sized wires and cables
If the wrong sized wire is used for the electrical current, overheating or a shorting of the fuse or circuit breaker can result.

2. Incorrect fixing of outlets and switches
When appliances are plugged in to loosely fitted outlets, the wires can loosen from their terminals and cause arcing and overheating.

3. Faulty connections in electrical boxes
Never attempt to make electrical connections outside of electrical boxes. The purpose of electrical boxes is to provide protection from external elements.

4. Replacement of fuses
It is often the case that when a fuse keeps blowing a person believes that it just needs to be replaced. If a fuse continually blows, however, there is actually a problem with the circuit wiring and this needs to be attended to by a professional and qualified electrician.

5. Loose fuse connections
It is important that all connections in a fuse box are tight and correctly placed. If connections are loose, appliances and lights will often flicker and perhaps even cut short. In the worst case, circuits will overheat.

6. Overloading outlets and drop cords
Overloading powerboards or outlets is one of the most frequently seen electrical mistakes. It may not seem like a problem as multiple adaptors and powerboards with many outlets can easily be purchased, but if a circuit is loaded up with more amps than it can handle, the breaker is at greater risk of tripping.

With all of these potential outcomes in mind, it is important not to complete any DIY tasks that are beyond your abilities or that you aren't qualified to do – it's not worth the risk. Always call a licensed electrician, even for the small tasks that you think you could do yourself.

Sources: Allianz and Queensland Government

If you have any questions or would like an electrical safety check conducted on your home, please contact us on 1300 85 98 82 orenquiries@reactiveenergy.com.au.