Handyman vs. Electrician: Who Should You Hire for Electrical Work?
July 8, 2024
Can a Handyman Do Electrical Work? The Risks You Need to Know
Many handymen advertise electrical services, but are they qualified to safely handle your home’s wiring and electrical system? Understandably, most home owner's are unaware of the risks, like an arc flash, that can be detrimental to a home or anyone nearby when such an incident occurs.
The Dangers of Faulty Electrical Work
Incorrect electrical installations increase the risk of fires, injuries, and costly repairs. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 24,200 residential fires occurred in the U.S. in 2021. The result was an estimated 295 deaths and 900 injuries.1
Think it won’t happen to you? Out of those almost 1200 people, most probably thought the same. Did you know that The Power Doctor owners have extended family members who lost three children in a house fire and left their mother, who tried to save them, in critical condition? Their suffering is immeasurable, and it could happen to anyone. It could happen to you.
Why You Should Only Hire a Licensed Electrician
A licensed electrician has the training, experience, and legal qualifications to perform safe, code-compliant electrical work in your home. Licensed electricians undergo rigorous training and testing to ensure their experience level is adequate to work with high-voltage electricity.
Licensed electricians have the proper tools to avoid situations like an arc flash, which is a sudden release of electrical energy caused by a fault or short circuit in an electrical panel. Arc flashes can occur anywhere there is high voltage electricity.
The Hidden Costs of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor
Think you’re saving money? Mistakes made by an unlicensed handyman often lead to higher repair costs, electrical hazards, and potential code violations. The fee of a licensed electrical contractor is nothing compared to the possible losses caused by a residential electrical fire.
In addition to major events, using a non-licensed contractor for electrical work can cost you more. It’s not uncommon for The Power Doctor to be called after an inexperienced person has attempted to perform electrical work and done the job incorrectly. Fixing another person’s mistake is often more expensive than if the electrician had been hired initially. Mistakes from non-licensed contractors can be costly.
Understanding Georgia’s Electrical Licensing Laws
In Georgia, only a state-licensed electrician can legally perform electrical contractor services. Hiring an unlicensed technician or handyman could put you at legal and financial risk or lead to a catastrophic event should your electrical system start a fire.
For these reasons, a licensed electrician or someone working directly under a licensed electrician should do high-voltage electrical work. It is the law. In Georgia, providing electrical contractor services requires a state-issued license. (43-14-8)2
How to Ensure You’re Hiring a Licensed Electrician
Not all electrical companies send licensed professionals to your home. Many companies send out an unlicensed technician without direct supervision by a licensed electrician. In these instances, you think you are hiring a licensed electrician, but you are not. Many of these technicians are skilled but typically not on the same level as a licensed electrician.
As a homeowner and customer, you can verify credentials and ensure your electrician is properly licensed by asking for his State of Georgia electrical license. All licensed electricians have one and will gladly show it to you.
Licensed Electrician vs. Handyman
Choosing the right professional for electrical work is paramount.
Benefits of Hiring a Licensed Electrician
- Proper Training and Skills: Licensed electricians have the necessary education, training, testing, and annual continued education to handle high-voltage electricity.
- Compliance with local codes: Licensed electricians ensure their work is up to code.
- Safety: A licensed electrician minimizes the risk of electrical fires, shock hazards, or system failures. Licensed electricians are familiar with the strict protocols that prevent an arc flash.
- Insurance: Most licensed electricians are insured, meaning you are protected in case of an accident or mistake.
- Long-term value: Having your electrical system up to code increases your home’s value and sellability.
Risks of Hiring a Handyman for Electrical Work:
- Inadequate skills and training: Handymen have not undergone the stringent testing required for an electrical license. These unlicensed contractors may lack adequate knowledge of live wires, improperly use tools, or incorrectly splice wires, all of which can lead to an arc flash.
- Potential code violations: A handyman’s work may not meet electrical safety standards.
- Increased repair costs: Mistakes by unqualified technicians could lead to more expensive repairs.
- Liability issues: If something goes wrong, your insurance company may not cover damages due to electrical work done by an unlicensed technician.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Risk Your Home’s Safety
The takeaway is that anything less than a company with licensed electricians servicing your home’s electrical issues is not worth the potentially catastrophic risk. When it comes to residential electrical work, always choose a licensed electrician for safety, compliance, and peace of mind.
References
1 https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/appliance-and-electrical/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20an%20estimated%2024%2C200,to%20United%20States%20fire%20departments.
2 https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=2af94d55-7132-4dd8-965d-c88b15b81875&nodeid=ABRABBAAJ&nodepath=%2FROOT%2FABR%2FABRABB%2FABRABBAAJ&level=3&haschildren=&populated=false&title=43-14-8.+Licensing+required+for+electrical%2C+plumbing%2C+or+conditioned+air+contracting%3B+businesses+conducted+by+partnerships%2C+limited+liability+companies%2C+and+corporations%3B+applications%3B+review+courses.&config=00JAA1MDBlYzczZi1lYjFlLTQxMTgtYWE3OS02YTgyOGM2NWJlMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2feed0oM9qoQOMCSJFX5qkd&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A65G4-0903-GXF6-8169-00008-00&ecomp=6gf5kkk&prid=eeedf973-375f-4418-91bc-d7909379bdfd
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