When to call the electrician?

[rainbowsmiles]

Ok, the bf managed to fix the light switch that wasn't working with a bit of help from some guy at home depot But now he thinks he is an electrician and I'm worried about him. We have a light that doesn't work in the basement. I tried replacing the bulb but that clearly isn't the problem. It must be in the electrical - is this a job that requires an electrician? Same goes for an outlet in our bedroom. There is a cord coming out of the wall with to plug-ins at the end of it. I went to move it the other day and it shot sparks at me. I secretly called an electrician and he told me it wasn't a fire hazard because our circuit breaker flipped when it sparked. He even suggested I flip the circuit breaker back on and then recheck the outlet. I'm too chicken to do that Anyway... just wondering if any one can tell me if these jobs are simple enough for just us little home owners or if we need to get someone in here that really knows what they are doing? I'm getting the impression the electricians think the jobs are just too small for them to come out.

[spot]

There are prudent warnings about such folly which should be taken to heart:

Lord Finchley tried to mend the Electric Light
Himself. It struck him dead: And serve him right!
It is the business of the wealthy man
To give employment to the artisan.

[OpenMind]

If you have to ask this question, then you shouldn't be trying to fix the electrics. However, if you know the safety precautions to follow, then there is no reason why you can't do these little jobs yourself.
I would suggest you get yourself a good DIY book. I would recommend Collins Complete DIY Manual which is very comprehensive, but make sure you get a manual relevant to the USA.

[Accountable]

Home Depot has a fix-it book that should help you decide.

[Nomad]

I dont like to venture beyond changing out a fixture, Ive seen the damage fire can do. I dont really understand wires coming out of the wall. Can you post a pic ?

[rainbowsmiles]

Thanks for the advice everyone! Yeah, we have like 20 self-help books That was how the bf managed to change the light switch (sorta). He had the books and since the books weren't descriptive enough for him he went and begged for help at home depot But now that he made the switch work he thinks he is an electrician and can accomplish anything.

The problem with electricians, there aren't many who want to do the small jobs, and I'm always worried about fire if it doesn't get taken care of.


Nomad,

Sorry, I don't have a picture at the present time. I'll try and get one with the digital camera. It looks like a cord that is usually plugged into the wall except this cord is hardwired into the wall and it comes out from the wall about 3 feet and then at the end of it are two outlets. It is weird. It was here when this house was purchased.

[spot]

Originally Posted by rainbowsmiles

Sorry, I don't have a picture at the present time. I'll try and get one with the digital camera. It looks like a cord that is usually plugged into the wall except this cord is hardwired into the wall and it comes out from the wall about 3 feet and then at the end of it are two outlets. It is weird. It was here when this house was purchased.

That really sounds like it ought to be screwed to the wall - you seriously can't have the weight of two plugs and leads dragging on a cord like that. A photo here would be a good idea.

[rainbowsmiles]

Ok spot. I'll get the photo. I agree with you! The weight I think is a problem because I went to move the thing and it shot sparks at me and it threw the circuit breaker. But I've whined to everyone about it (including 2 electricians) and they keep telling me it isn't a fire hazard

I'll go get the photo now so you all can see what it is I'm talking about. It scares me just looking at it.

[rainbowsmiles]

Here is a link to the picture: http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1319/outletyv2.jpg

I tucked it between the wall and a dresser after it spit at me.

[spot]

Originally Posted by rainbowsmiles

Here is a link to the picture: http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1319/outletyv2.jpg

I tucked it between the wall and a dresser after it spit at me.

Well done. That quarter on the floor is mine by the way, I remember dropping it.

If I'd put that in, the cord would go through the wall in a straight line and into the next room, where it would connect (with a plug, I hope, not hard-wired!) into a socket in that room. Can you find that other end of the cord and take a photo of where it goes to? If you can't then someone's walled up the wire and you have no idea what's feeding it. I'll wait to see what you find before I make any suggestions.