After a storm blows through your neighborhood and damages your electrical system, you might be tempted to address some of the resulting problems yourself. However, it's usually best to leave electrical repairs to the experts. Below, RM Electrical, a respected residential and commercial electrician in Belleville, IL, explains why. They offer three compelling reasons why you should set aside your DIY efforts and let a professional handle your electrical repairs.

3 Reasons to Call an Electrician to Repair Electrical Storm Damage

1. You Could Void Your Warranties

It's tempting to tinker with damaged equipment to see if you can fix it yourself. However, unless you're a licensed electrician, that temptation could cost you. Many products feature language in their warranties that prohibits amateurs from disassembling or otherwise fiddling with it. Whether it's the blower of your HVAC system or your electric water heater, always hire a licensed professional to handle electrical repairs. To do otherwise could void the warranty and cost you money.

2. You Might Compromise Your Home Insurance Policy

Another consequence of amateur electrical efforts is that you could compromise your home insurance policy. Insurers understand that DIY practitioners often unknowingly cause more damage than they fix, so they discourage you from doing so with coverage exclusions in your policy. For instance, you could accidentally start a fire, compromise your home wiring, or otherwise increase the cost to repair the original storm damage if you don't know what you're doing, and this could void all or part of your policy.

3. Electrical Work Is Dangerous

It takes hundreds of hours of education and apprenticeship training under a master electrician to become a licensed electrician, in part because the job can be very risky. High voltage electricity is extremely dangerous, and power can be restored during outages without any warning. If you don't have the right protective gear and follow the necessary precautions, you could suffer serious injury or death.

It makes good sense to leave electrical repairs to a professional electrician. For expert help and exceptional customer service, contact RM Electrical. They've been serving businesses and residences throughout St. Clair, Monroe, and Madison Counties since 2008, and have a record of exceptional safety and quality work. Visit their website to submit a contact request or call (618) 939-0422 to speak with an experienced professional.