There’s no such thing as a minor electrical repair. Because electricity is so dangerous and various materials respond in different ways, even a small mistake on a relatively simple repair task can result in dangerous shocks, serious injury, and fire. Even if you’re fairly handy, you’re better off leaving the following jobs to the professionals.

4 Electrical Repairs You Shouldn’t Attempt on Your Own

1. Removing Service Lugs

Circuit breakers themselves are made to be removed and replaced with ease, but the large screws that hold the service cables in place are another story entirely. These screws, called “lugs,” are always carrying electricity, even if you’ve turned off the main breaker switch, which makes them extremely dangerous.

2. Repairing a Socket

Replacing a power outlet may seem like a fairly routine electrical repair, but some problems may hint at more serious dangers. If your existing outlet shoots sparks whenever you plug something in or you smell smoke, you could have more serious problems that require the expertise of a skilled professional.

3. Fixing the Weatherhead

The pole connecting your home to the main service wire is called the weatherhead. These posts can sometimes suffer damage during serious storms or extreme weather, but you should never touch one yourself. Your weatherhead is carrying up to 600 volts of electricity, presenting a serious risk to anyone without the training of an experienced electrician.

4. Rewiring Projects

If a part of your home needs to be rewired, it’s best to call in an experienced electrician. Even if you’ve shut off the power to that part of the house, minor errors can create the perfect conditions for a fire or present a shock hazard when you turn the electricity back on.

Whether you’re building an addition onto your home or spot a loose wire in your breaker box, the experienced electricians at Miller & Humphrey Plumbing & Electric in Enterprise, AL have the expertise to help with almost any kind of electrical repair. See their website for a sample of their electrical services today, or call (334) 347-9212 to schedule a service call.