The Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Electrician for Replacing Electrical Outlets in the Kitchen

Being handy is a brilliant trait in a world where there is little time to learn how to make one's own repairs. However, there's a fine line between being handy and being irresponsible.

Trying to fix a household device is simple enough, but replacing components such as electrical outlets is dangerous and should only be left to a professional. With this in mind, here are some of the benefits that come with hiring a licensed electrician to replace kitchen (or any other) electrical outlets.

PLAYING IT SAFE

Hiring a licensed electrician to perform outlet replacement is the responsible thing to do. One wrong step could have dire consequences.

Instead of doing every repair around the house, focus on smaller, less risky maintenance, and leave the big endeavors to the professionals.

AVOIDING COMMON MISTAKES

A hugely important reason for seeking out a professional when it comes to outlet replacement is that they won't make rookie mistakes. An untrained, unlicensed individual, on the other hand, might.

Here are some common mistakes with outlet replacement that a licensed professional will always help avoid.

WRONG WIRE LENGTH

Outlet replacement involves a lot of wire cutting and stripping. Cut the wire too short, and the connection becomes both difficult and dangerous. The electrical code is rather specific about stripped wire length requirements. Too many exposed wires can result in significant problems.

WRONG WIRE SIZES

Electrical wires come in various thickness options. The thicker the wire, the larger the electrical current it can handle. Using too small a wire on a circuit that requires something bigger can cause overheating and short-outs, which are common fire hazards.

WRONG FUSE SIZE

The fuse is responsible for breaking an electrical circuit when it starts running above safe limits. Fuses are safety components. A fuse's effectiveness is limited if it is the wrong size and can result in failure to break the circuit, creating a fire hazard.

FAULTY OUTLET INSTALLATION

Installing a 3-prong outlet without a ground instead of a grounded 2-prong outlet presents a considerable fire hazard, in addition to a code violation. A certified electrician would never make this mistake.

CONFUSING HOT WITH NEUTRAL WIRES

Connecting a hot wire to a neutral terminal can result in a severe shock. This kind of oversight is tough to detect with an untrained eye.

HIRE A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL

Hiring a licensed professional for replacing electrical outlets in the kitchen or anywhere else within a home is the best way to go. A certified electrician won't make a rookie mistake that could result in a severe injury.

Evenflow Home and Commercial Services offer residential and commercial electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services in San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and surrounding cities. Call us at 210-941-3503 today!