Do I Need An Electrician? 10 Signs You Shouldn’t DIY
When something electrical stops working in your home or business, it can be tempting to “take a quick look” yourself. But electrical systems are complex, regulated, and dangerous when handled incorrectly. The most common electrical injuries and home fires in Texas come from illegal repairs, outdated wiring, or DIY attempts gone wrong.
At Copper & Willow Electric, we believe homeowners and general contractors deserve clarity — not fear. Here are 10 signs you should call a licensed electrician instead of trying to fix the problem on your own.
1. Flickering Lights or Dimming When Appliances Turn On
This usually indicates:
Overloaded circuits
Loose connections
Undersized service
Failing breakers
In older DFW homes, this is one of the top causes of electrical fires.
2. Frequently Tripping Breakers
Breakers trip for a reason — they’re protecting you from overload or a short. If it happens repeatedly, you need:
A load assessment
Possible circuit separation
Panel evaluation
Resetting the breaker is not a fix.
3. Warm Outlets, Buzzing Breakers, or Burning Smells
If you feel heat or smell anything “electrical,” cut power immediately.
This could be:
Faulty wiring
Loose terminal connections
Arcing
Failing breakers or panels
These issues require a licensed electrician, not guesswork.
4. Outlets That Don’t Work Consistently
A dead outlet can come from:
Loose wires
Damaged GFCIs
Backstabbed receptacles
Breakers failing internally
DIY swapping often masks a serious underlying issue.
5. Older Homes With Aluminum or Cloth Wiring
Many homes built before 1980 in Denton, Lewisville, Dallas, and Fort Worth have:
Cloth wiring
Aluminum branch circuits
Fuse boxes
Outdated grounding
These are not DIY safe. They require professional evaluation and often full or partial rewiring.
6. You’re Adding a Major Appliance or EV Charger
Anything high-load needs:
A dedicated circuit
Correct wire sizing
Breaker upgrades
Panel load calculations
Improper installation risks both the appliance AND your electrical system.
7. Your Panel Is Rusting, Overcrowded, or Warm to the Touch
Panels are the "heart" of the home’s power. Signs of danger include:
Double-lugging
Rust/corrosion
Hot breakers
Old Zinsco, Federal Pacific, or Pushmatic panels
A replacement is often far less expensive than the risk of failure.
8. You’re Remodeling or Building an Addition
Any remodel involving:
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Additions
Detached structures
…must meet current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
A licensed electrician ensures:
Permits
Load calculations
Correct AFCI/GFCI placement
Contractor coordination
9. Outdoor Outlets or Lighting Aren’t Working
Exterior circuits are more exposed to:
Moisture
Weather damage
Failed GFCIs
Buried line damage
These require specialized equipment and safety procedures.
10. You Simply Don’t Feel 100% Confident
Electricity is unforgiving.
One wrong move can cause:
Arc flash
Electrical fire
Property loss
Injury
If you aren’t fully certain, call a licensed professional.
When to Call Copper & Willow Electric
Copper & Willow Electric serves Denton and the entire DFW region. Led by Master Electrician James Henry, we bring decades of experience from:
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Solar + EV
Public works
High-security facilities
We provide safe, code-compliant, and reliable electrical solutions for homeowners, contractors, and businesses.
Need help? We offer:
Troubleshooting
Panel & service upgrades
EV charger installs
Remodel wiring
Lighting installation
Surge protection
Solar electrical integration
Commercial & tenant improvement work