Hiring an electrician might seem like a simple task, especially when someone offers to do it for a lower price. But cutting corners on electrical work can come with serious risks. Unqualified electricians may lack the training, knowledge, and proper tools to perform electrical jobs safely and correctly. While their services might look like a bargain at first, the long-term consequences can be costly and dangerous.
Below, we’ll explore the risks of hiring unlicensed or unqualified electricians and explain why hiring a certified professional, such as one from Luce, is always the smarter and safer choice!
Why Qualifications Matter in Electrical Work
Electricity is not something to take lightly. Whether it's fixing a faulty socket or installing new wiring, electrical work must follow strict safety standards and codes. Qualified electricians go through extensive training and licensing to ensure they can do the job safely and correctly.
Below are some of the factors that make an electrician “Qualified”:
- Has completed formal education and training
- Holds a valid license or certification
- Follows local electrical safety codes
- Uses proper tools and safety equipment
- Has experience with different types of electrical systems
When you hire someone who lacks these qualifications, you risk more than just bad service, as it can lead to potential danger!
What Are the Risks of Hiring an Unqualified Electrician
Let’s look at all the risks that can happen if you hire an unqualified electrician!
Potential of Electrical Fires
Electrical issues, such as poor wiring or incorrect installations, can all lead to fires! An unqualified electrician may not understand how to prevent overloading circuits or secure wires properly, which can lead to sparks or overheating.
Electric Shocks Which Can Cause Injuries
Improper electrical work done by an unqualified electrician can expose you to electrical shock. This can happen immediately during or after work, or even later, when using appliances or switches. In severe cases, electric shock can cause burns, nerve damage, or even lead to death.
Code Violation
Every electrician in Singapore should have a valid license, which is issued by the Energy Market Authority (EMA). To apply for this license, the electrician must have at least two years of hands-on work experience and must also pass a licensing exam. This exam tests their knowledge of the Code of Practice for Electrical Installations, such as the Singapore Standard CP5:1998, as well as any updated regulations. Having this license proves that the electrician is properly trained and they are authorized to plan, design, install, and maintain electrical systems in homes and HDBs in Singapore.
Unqualified electricians may not have this knowledge of the codes or might ignore them to save time or money. This can lead to code violations, which could result in:
- Failed inspections
- Fines or legal issues
- Difficulty selling your home later
Risks of Careless Work
When you hire someone who doesn’t have proper training, you may end up with sloppy or incomplete work. You might notice that the wires aren’t properly connected, fixtures aren’t secure, or outlets might not be working.
You may not notice the issues right away, but over time, poor work can cause serious problems, and you’ll likely have to pay another electrician to fix it.
If you hire someone who isn't licensed and they do a poor or unsafe job, you won’t have legal protection. If a licensed electrician makes a mistake, you can report them to the relevant authorities. But if you choose to work with an unlicensed person, you're taking that risk alone, and there may be no way to hold them accountable.
Increased Long-Term Costs
Trying to save money by hiring a cheaper, unqualified electrician often leads to higher costs in the long run. If the job isn’t done right the first time, you’ll need to hire another electrician to fix the mistakes, replace damaged appliances, or cover the repair for any damage caused by the sloppy work. What seemed like a good deal at first can quickly turn into a financial burden.
Insurance Problems
If your electrical work leads to property damage or injury, your insurance provider might not cover the costs if the work was done by an unlicensed contractor. This could mean paying out of pocket for repairs, hospital bills, or even lawsuits. Always check with your insurer about requirements for electrical work coverage.
Safety Risks for Family and Neighbors
Faulty wiring or unsafe installations can put not only your household at risk but also your neighbors, especially in apartment buildings or shared living spaces. A fire or power surge caused by one unit can spread quickly to others. This is a total nightmare! Never take for granted the safety of your home, always hire a qualified electrician.
Final Thoughts
Electrical work is not something to gamble with. Hiring an unqualified electrician might seem like a cost-saving move, but the risks far outweigh the savings. From fire hazards and injuries to legal and insurance problems, the consequences can be severe.
Always take the time to find a licensed, experienced professional. It’s an investment in the safety of your home, your loved ones, and your peace of mind.
