Interested in learning how to do just about anything? Just go online. There is a YouTube instructional video for everything. Nowhere is this more evident than in the area of home improvements. And it’s capturing a lot of eyeballs. Perennial PBS how-to show This Old House has its own YouTube channel with close to two million subscribers–which could be larger than some of its broadcast audience numbers. But just because you can get step-by-step instructions on how to fix or renovate parts of your home doesn’t mean that you should put that knowledge into action.
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but even though you may be really handy, there are certain things that you should definitely leave to the professionals. Electricity is one of them. It’s dangerous work with grave consequences that can cause damage, injuries of death.
Electricians spend between 80,000 to 100,000 hours as apprentices. Can that knowledge safely be distilled into a 10-minute YouTube video? In a word, no. Just like DIY heart surgery is a bad idea, there are reasons why you should always use a trained, licensed, and insured electrician. Here’s why:
In the era of DIY, it’s important to recognize the risks involved in tackling electrical projects without professional help. At PK Electric NYC, we strongly recommend hiring an emergency electrician in NYC for your electrical needs. Our experts provide a range of services, including electrical inspections, wiring, and commercial electrician services. With their expertise, you can rest assured that safety standards and regulations are met. Don’t jeopardize your well-being or property. Trust the skilled professionals at PK Electric NYC to handle your electrical work. Visit our website to learn more about our services and the importance of professional assistance.
Fire
According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 46,700 home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction. These fires caused an estimated average of 390 civilian deaths and 1,330 civilian injuries each year in 2015–2019, as well as an estimated $1.5 billion in direct property damage a year.
Shocks
We all have images of Bugs Bunny cartoons where electrical shocks char the characters, and then all is well in the next frame. In reality, getting shocked by a live wire can cause cardiac arrest or even death. Electrical shocks cause loss of muscle control where it becomes impossible to move away. This is what can cause your heart to ultimately stop. Electricians are trained to wear the right clothes to prevent shocks and what measures to take when coming into contact with electric current.
Money
No one loves to say ‘no’ to you more than your insurance company. If there is a fire or any damage to your home, your insurance company will want to investigate the incident before paying you. If they discover that any electrical work done to your home wasn’t carried out by licensed and insured electricians, you’ll be lucky if they only hike your premiums.
The Law
Do you know the electrical codes for the area where you live? Your home must meet electrical safety requirements specific to the municipality where you live. Chances are these requirements aren’t covered in that five-minute YouTube video you watched. If your DIY work is discovered, you could have to pay fines and have the work redone by a licensed electrician.
Tools
For most electrical work, a pair of pliers isn’t going to be enough. In fact, even a well-stocked home repair kit won’t have all the tools you’ll need for electrical jobs. Licensed professional electricians have tools that aren’t easily found in any Home Depot. And even if an intrepid DIYer was able to get their hands on these tools, would they know how to use them?
PK & Altman Electric specializes in a wide array of custom residential electrical services. From a lighting redesign to a complex wiring job to bring the latest smart home technology to your fingertips, our team of highly trained licensed electricians are ready to make your home realize all of its opportunities. That’s why for over fifty years, we’ve been the number one choice of residential electricians for discerning homeowners in the Greater New York City area.
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