DIY Electrical Mistakes

DIY electrical mistakes and the law

Below is a list of tasks that might seem simple enough to complete on your own but engaging in these tasks is actually illegal. Avid DIYers might be guilty of doing some of these seemingly easy jobs.

These simple tasks might include:

• Installing a ceiling fan
• Replacing a light switch, light fitting or power point
• Repairing an appliance
• Replacing a lead on an appliance
• Building an extension lead

The truth is that engaging in some of these tasks would mean breaking the law. Unless you are licensed, you are not allowed to perform these electrical tasks. DIY electrical mistakes are easy to make when you don’t have the necessary qualifications.

DIY projects are common to most homes. When it comes to DIY electrical mistakes, the best way to avoid them is to work with certified electricians. Unless you are a qualified electrician, you should never carry out any electrical repairs, maintenance or installations inside your home. NSW Fair Trading has extensive information on the do’s and don’ts for electrical work.

What happens if I make a DIY electrical mistake?

The worst case scenario of engaging in illegal electrical work is that someone could get hurt. You could get electrocuted, or even worse, cause a house fire. If you get caught doing illegal electrical work, you will receive a fine. Fines can cost you thousands of dollars, as high as $40,000 for an individual. The fine for serious risk of electrocution can be as high as $600,000 or five years jail. DIY electrical mistakes are just not worth the cost to you or your family.

Your property and your family both deserve the care and expertise of a professional, certified electrician. At Amber Electrical, we specialise in catering to the needs of our customers. You don’t have to worry about exorbitant prices. We will take care of your electrical needs at an appropriate price with excellent workmanship.

Is there something I can legally do?

There are a few things you can do without the help of an electrician. Here are some tasks you can do:

• Replacing LED downlights
• Replacing a blown light bulb
• Fitting an electric wall oven, without connecting it
• Installing pond pumps or low voltage garden lights

This list is brief, and there are a few other tasks you can do. However, they do not encompass everything you might need to maintain the electrical standards in your home. While you can fit an electrical oven, for example, you cannot connect it. And while you might be able to cut an opening for an air-conditioning unit, you would not be able to install them. Attempting an electrical task might lead to time-consuming and costly DIY electrical mistakes.

Our electrical technicians have the necessary compliance certificates. We can ensure the work we do meets the Australian standards, so you avoid defective workmanship. You may think it would be easier to do an electrical repair yourself out of convenience. But you can cost yourself more that way than by simply bringing in the right people.

Here are a few tips that might help you avoid some DIY electrical mistakes:

• Watch out for any home renovation activities that might put you in danger of coming into contact with electricity. DIY tasks include painting, tiling, and other small repairs.
• Arrange a thorough safety inspection for the electrical work of a new or existing home, especially if you are aware of deterioration in any way.
• Replace safety switches every six months and circuit breakers every two years according to Australian standards.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to any appliance or set up related to electrical work.
• Reach out to us if you constantly experience blown fuses. It’s important to figure out the cause of this malfunction.
• Cover power points or switches when painting. Don’t remove them as it might cause a hazard.
• Use extension leads with three pinned plugs so electricity flows through the earthing pin.
• Use one double power adapter per power point to avoid overloading the unit.
• Unwind any electrical cords or extensions so they don’t overheat.

If you need help with your electrical installation or if you find a safety hazard, contact your electricity provider and give us a call for any necessary repairs.