Shocking Truths: Why You Should Never Handle Electrical Work Alone

DIY projects can be rewarding—painting a room, building shelves, or landscaping your yard. But when it comes to electricity, “do it yourself” can quickly turn into “call 911.” That “simple” outlet replacement or breaker swap isn’t as harmless as it seems.

At Ace Electric, we’ve seen the aftermath of DIY electrical work, and trust us; it’s not worth the risk. Here are four big reasons why you should leave electrical projects to licensed professionals.

1. Safety First: Electricity Isn’t Forgiving

Electricity is invisible but powerful, and mistakes can be fatal. Even a 120-volt household circuit carries enough current to cause severe injury or death. One wrong move: like touching a live wire or connecting wires incorrectly, can lead to:

• Shocks and burns

• Electrical fires

• Permanent injuries

Licensed electricians are trained to work safely around live systems, use the right protective gear, and understand how circuits behave. For homeowners, the risk far outweighs the reward.

Real example: We were called to a Stillwater home where the homeowner had tried to swap out a light fixture. They didn’t shut off the right breaker, got a nasty shock, and melted the wiring in the process. A simple 30-minute job turned into a full rewiring of the room.

2. Code Compliance Matters in Oklahoma

The State of Oklahoma follows the National Electrical Code (NEC) to regulate how wiring and electrical systems must be installed. These standards exist for one reason: safety.

DIY jobs often fall short of NEC requirements - whether it’s improper grounding, incorrect breaker sizing, or overloading circuits. That might not seem like a big deal now, but it can:

• Create hidden hazards in your walls

• Cause your home to fail a future inspection

• Delay the sale of your property

Professional electricians know the codes inside and out, and ensure every installation is done right the first time.

Real example: One Stillwater homeowner tried to add a new circuit for their garage workshop. They tied into the panel incorrectly and used undersized wiring, which violated NEC standards and nearly caused an electrical fire. We had to completely redo the work to bring it up to code.

3. Insurance Issues: DIY Can Void Coverage

Here’s something most homeowners don’t realize: insurance companies don’t cover damages from unlicensed electrical work.

If a fire starts because of faulty wiring you installed, your claim could be denied, leaving you with the full financial burden of repairs. By hiring a licensed electrician, you’re protecting not only your home but also your wallet.

Real example: After a small kitchen fire in Stillwater, the insurance adjuster discovered the homeowner had installed the outlet themselves. The claim was denied because the work wasn’t done by a licensed professional. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the homeowner had to pay thousands out of pocket.

4. The Cost of Mistakes is Higher Than You Think

It may seem like DIY electrical work saves money upfront, but when something goes wrong, the repair bill is often much larger than if you had hired a pro from the start.

Common DIY mistakes we see in Stillwater homes include:

• Reversed polarity on outlets

• Overloaded panels

• Loose connections causing overheating

• Wrong wire sizes

Each of these issues costs more to fix later than it would have to do the job correctly the first time.

Real example: A customer tried to install a ceiling fan themselves, but didn’t secure the connections properly. The fan wobbled, the wires overheated, and the breaker tripped repeatedly. What should have been a $150 installation turned into a $500 repair plus replacement parts.

Final Thoughts

Electricity isn’t like painting or fixing a fence, one mistake can cause life-threatening damage. That’s why it’s always worth calling a licensed professional who knows how to handle the sparks safely.

👉 Don’t risk it: let Ace Electric handle the sparks. Call today for a free estimate on safe, professional service.