The wonders of the Internet have given way to a society of do-it-yourselfers looking to save a few a bucks with DIY housework. And while this may work out for tasks like building shelves in your garage or installing new flooring in your kitchen, other tasks – especially those dealing with electrical wiring – should be left to the professionals.

Although your DIY shelf-building project may result in a mess of sawdust or a bruised fingernail, DIY electrical work can result in something much worse… like an electric shock or a house fire. So, unless you’re simply replacing a light bulb, hiring a professional electrician is always a good idea. Here are three electrical jobs that even the most experienced DIY gurus should leave to an electrician:

1. Breaker Box Replacement

The breaker box, or electrical panel, is the command center of electricity for your home. Due to complexity and potential safety hazards, replacing a breaker box is a major job. Most breaker boxes are designed to keep our homes safe by tripping when the circuit overloads. However, if your home was built before 1990, it may still be using an older breaker box model that does not trip and could cause a fire. To have your breaker box inspected or replaced, call a qualified electrician.

2. Home Rewiring

Your home may need rewiring if you frequently experience tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses, or if you notice a persistent burning smell or sizzling sound; Or even if your outlets and switches are charred and discolored. Rewiring a house requires advanced electrical knowledge, so hire an electrician to ensure your home is rewired safely and effectively.

3. Outlet Upgrades

If your home’s electrical system has not been upgraded in the last 20 years, some of your outlets may not be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters). These outlets have a built in circuit breaker that interrupts the flow of electricity when it detects a problem. Not only are GFCI outlets code in your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages and outdoor spaces, but they also help to prevent damage to your valuables and diminish the chances of electrocution. If your home’s outlets need an update, have a professional electrician handle the job to make sure everything is safe and up to code.

Trust the Professionals at Mister Sparky!

When it comes to big electrical projects for your home, our team of experienced electricians is here to do the job safely and effectively. We’ve also got you covered on the smaller tasks, like installing light fixtures and ceiling fans. So, whether your project is big or small, call Mister Sparky® of Clearwater today to schedule an appointment!