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DIY vs. Professional Electrician: Choosing the Safe and Smart Path

Jan 15, 2025 | Electrician Program

DIY vs. Professional Electrician

The internet age has created a boom in DIY home projects, ranging from plumbing to painting to electrical. Though there are plenty of how-to guides to go around, not every project can be handled in a DIY fashion. Simple projects like changing light bulbs and resetting circuit breakers can be done on your own, but more complex projects should be left to a professional electrician. 

Improper electrical work can lead to fires, shocks, and other hazards, so it’s important to understand which projects can and cannot be done yourself. DIY work is great because it saves you money on smaller projects, and you might be able to learn by doing. 

However, when a project calls for extensive, complicated handiwork, it’s time to call in the pros. Though a professional electrician will charge you for their services, they will perform safe, highly reliable work. In the end, the price of the service will be well worth it. 

If you consider yourself a DIY electrician and enjoy the work, a professional career may be waiting for you. In this article, we’ll go over DIY electrical projects and their risks, along with scenarios that require a professional electrician.   

The Basics of Electrical Work

Your home’s electrical system is made up of several key parts, including electrical panels, outlets, and switches. Without these components and the wiring that connects them, your home wouldn’t be as comfortable as it currently is. 

These components work together to provide basic functions like heating, cooling, and lighting. Sometimes, one faulty component can throw the whole system into chaos. This is why proper installation and upkeep are so important. 

Proper electrical work is critical to 21st-century life, which is why professional electricians need to receive certifications. These certified professionals then need to adhere to local codes, which are designed to ensure homeowner safety. 

Common DIY Electrical Projects

Not all electrical projects need to be performed by a professional. Many homeowners will save money and earn satisfaction from replacing light fixtures, outlets, or switches. If you decide to start your DIY electrician career, be sure you have the right equipment for the job. You’ll need basic tools like screwdrivers, voltage testers, and wire strippers.

More importantly, you’ll also need proper safety gear before you begin. Thick rubber gloves are non-negotiable, and you will also want to consider wearing goggles and a hard hat. Many professional electricians will also wear flame-resistant clothes and steel-toe boots. 

Risks of DIY Electrical Work

When DIY electrical work goes wrong, shocks, fires, and malfunctioning electrical systems are the typical consequences. These issues can wipe away the money you intended to save, leading to costly professional repairs and installations. 

Before you begin work, be sure you understand local electrical codes and safety standards. Adhering to electrical best practices will keep you and your home safe in the long run. 

If you start DIY work and find it’s beyond your skill level, it’s best to contact a professional electrician. They can safely resolve your issue and even show you their process if you’d like. 

Code Compliance and Insurance Implications

If your DIY electrical work does not adhere to local safety codes, you’re not only putting your safety at risk, but you’re also putting your finances at risk. Unauthorized work can void insurance policies and electrical warranties. 

When to Hire a Professional Electrician

If you think a project is beyond your skill level, the safest option is to hire a professional electrician. Complex work like panel upgrades, major rewiring, new circuit installation, and EV charger installation should be left to the pros

A professional electrician will ensure that their work meets local standards and keeps your insurance coverage intact. Improper installations can leave homeowners with costly liabilities, so it’s best to put tough jobs in experienced hands. 

Signs You Need a Professional Immediately

Burning smells, flickering lights, and tripped breakers signal the need for professional help. These problems can be hazardous to DIY electricians, resulting in fires and shocks when improperly addressed. 

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Electrician

Professional electricians are experts. They will arrive at your home with the necessary tools to solve your issue, and they’ll be sure to meet local codes with each repair they make. A professional electrician lowers the risk of fires, shocks, and system damage, making fixes that last years and save you from extended maintenance costs. 

Not all professional electricians have the same standards, and some are more knowledgeable than others. But don’t worry, we can tell you what to look for in a pro.

Choosing the Right Electrician

When the time comes to hire a professional electrician, you’ll want to make sure they’re the real deal. Here’s what to look for:

  • Certification and Insurance: You should always try to hire an electrician who is licensed and insured. Licensure guarantees that the electrician has undergone proper training to work on your home. If the electrician is insured, then you are given extra protection if damages or accidents occur during a job. 
  • Warranties: A trustworthy electrician stands behind their work, offering long-lasting warranties that guarantee the quality of labor and materials. 
  • Customer-Friendly Pricing and Estimates: A reliable electrician will be transparent with their pricing, informing you of all charges before they begin work. 

Explore a Career in Professional Electrical Work

Why Enroll in an Electrician Program?

If you’re a DIY electrician and are looking to take the next step, an electrician program can take you far. Formal training will familiarize you with power systems in homes, businesses, and factories, and you’ll learn how to use the tools of the electrical trade. 

An electrician program can open hundreds of doors in the electrical industry, equipping you with the know-how that master electricians built their careers on. You will learn national electrical code requirements, which prepare you to work anywhere in the United States. 

How Erie Institute of Technology (EIT) Prepares You for a Career

After you complete Erie Institute of Technology’s electrician program, you will be qualified for entry-level employment in the electrical field. Your next-level knowledge can be applied to a variety of positions, including electrician, electrician’s helper, electrical technician, and utility technician. 

Our graduates have been hired throughout the country, most often finding jobs in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. When they first stepped through the door, they were DIY electricians being introduced to Ohm’s Law and basic circuit design. When they left, they had mastered technical mathematics, AC/DC motors, logic controllers, and more. 

Electricians enjoy some of the most lucrative, rewarding careers in the United States. Their work is essential to modern living, making them indispensable to nearly every single person in the world. 

Start Your Career as a Professional Electrician with EIT

You want to become a professional electrician, and we want to help you get there. EIT’s comprehensive coursework will prepare you for the road ahead, introducing electrical and technical concepts that ensure your work is done safely and correctly. In no time, you’ll go from DIY to pro, and it’s all thanks to your hard work and dedication. We’re proud to help you unlock your potential. 

At EIT, we train the next generation of skilled trade workers. Without people like you, who’s going to keep the world on track?

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