If you’re handy around the house, it’s tempting to think, “I’ll just fix that light switch myself.”
But when it comes to electrical work, what looks simple can quickly turn into something dangerous and costly, if done wrong. Electricity doesn’t give second chances, so before you grab your screwdriver, here’s what you should know.
Why DIY Isn’t Always a Good Idea...
Many homeowners are confident tackling basic maintenance jobs, and that’s great, until wiring and voltage come into play. Electricity is invisible, fast, and unforgiving. A small wiring mistake can cause anything from tripped breakers to electrical fires or serious injuries.
Even something that seems harmless, like changing a fitting or running a new wire, can have hidden risks that only a licensed electrician can safely assess.
Key Things to Watch Out For
- Faulty tools: Frayed cords, cracked handles or outdated tools can give you more than a shock, literally. Always check your gear before use.
- Incorrect wiring: Mixing up active and neutral wires might not sound like a big deal, but it’s one of the quickest ways to start a fire or damage your appliances.
- Overloading circuits: Plugging too many devices into one outlet or power board can cause overheating, sparks, and even full-blown outages.
- No proper permits: In Australia, certain electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician, it’s not just safer, it’s the law.
How to Know When a Problem Is Serious
Some warning signs are easy to spot and when you see them, it’s best to stop tinkering and call in a professional right away:
- Burning smells or smoke coming from outlets or switches
- Lights flickering or power surges happening frequently
- Circuit breakers that keep tripping for no clear reason
- Outlets or switches that feel hot to the touch, or worse spark when used
If you notice any of these, it’s not a “wait and see” situation. Switch off the power and call an electrician immediately.
Step-by-Step Safety Approach
If you’re tackling something small, like replacing a light bulb or installing a smoke alarm battery, play it safe from the start:
- Turn off power at the main switch before touching anything electrical.
- Use a voltage tester to make sure the area is safe to work on.
- Wear insulated gloves and shoes to reduce shock risk.
- Check local laws and safety guidelines before starting, just because you can doesn’t always mean you should.
And remember, never work alone, if something goes wrong, you’ll want someone nearby who can help or call for help.
When to Call Curran!!
If you’re unsure or things are getting a bit too technical, it’s time to give the experts a buzz. Our licensed electricians handle all the tricky, high-risk work safely and efficiently, so you don’t have to stress about what’s behind the walls.
You should call Curran Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air if the job involves:
• Anything connected to your home’s main wiring
• Installing, replacing or moving power points or light switches
• Setting up large appliances like ovens, hot water systems or air conditioners
• Fixing electrical faults that could cause fire, shock, or damage
• Upgrading old wiring or switchboards for safety and compliance
No matter how big or small the job, we’ll make sure your home is powered safely and everything’s done to Australian standards, no guesswork, no sparks, just peace of mind.
When in doubt, call Curran.
