3 Reasons to Hire a Professional to Install Your Security Cameras and Lighting

Security lights and cameras are no place to skimp on safety or performance.

You might think about installing them yourself. And if you have comprehensive knowledge about residential electrical work, you should be OK. But this isn't a good time to learn on the fly.

Here are 3 reasons why a professional is the right choice for many homeowners.

#1: You Might Need a Permit

Many different types of home improvement work require a permit from the appropriate agency. Electrical work is one of them. A professional knows where and when to pull the permit, and has the credentials to pass muster for doing the job.

Part of the reason for acquiring permits before home improvement jobs is to notify the agency that the work is being done so that an inspection can take place afterward. DIY electrical might, or it might not, pass the inspection. If it doesn't, you'll have to work and rework the project until it's right before the inspector will sign off. It's easier to hire a pro who already know local code and how to pass the inspection.

Professional electricians know how to work safely with wiring.

#2: DIY Work Takes More Time

Unless you're highly experienced in electrical work, chances are you'll spend a lot of time installing security cameras and lighting. If no wiring exists where you want the new equipment, you'll have to pull new wires through the walls, ceiling and to the new locations. If you're not sure about the right wire gauge, you'll need to study up on that. And if your cameras and lights need their own circuit, you'll have to run wiring from the breaker box to each of the equipment locations plus install a new circuit breaker, and then install the new equipment.

All of this is second nature for a professional electrician. There's no guesswork about wire gauge, circuits, or how to pull new wire if needed. It's not as easy as it might sound, and American Home Shield says a pro is the best choice for new wiring work. An electrician saves you time.

#3: Improper Electrical Work Puts Your Home at Risk

Install a new faucet incorrectly, and you might get a flood in the kitchen. Install wiring and electrical equipment incorrectly, and there's a lot more at risk. Loose wiring connections, nicked wire sheathing, improper gauge, improper circuit breakers and essentially everything else that might be done wrong puts your home, and by default your family, at risk of a fire.

A professional electrician understands the risks of working with electricity, and he knows how to do the work safely. Once it's done, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that no matter the weather, your outdoor lighting and cameras are safe and won't start a fire.

After investing in a new set of security cameras and lights, the last thing that you want is a setup that looks and performs like a DIY job. You might need minimal new wiring, none at all, or the components that you bought might require a whole new circuit with branches. And where the job might take you all day or even a whole weekend, an electrician can have it done in short order.

Hiring a professional is always a good decision, especially when working with electricity. Contact us today at Rodenhiser for your project so you can be sure that it's safe, looks great and works like it should.