In short, electrical engineering business is a model that cannot be replaced by AI and AI-assisted DIY electrical work, at least because of three major barriers. First, the strong intellectual infrastructure required for professional electrical work. Second, the required specialised tools. Third, the risk of AI hallucinating and lack of accountability.

Holistic assessment is king

When turning to AI assistance for electrical work, a layperson may suffer from a critical gap in information and systemic understanding. To clarify, AI generates answers that are confined to the input the user provides. However, without deep expertise for nuanced on-site judgment, the user cannot provide a full picture, while AI by itself cannot ask the right questions to guide the user to conduct a full assessment.

Instead, qualified electrical engineering specialists don't just describe the symptom but investigate the entire system, based on their knowledge and, what is more important, their experience. And this holistic, experienced-based assessment is a strong fundament for developing correct and effective solutions.

Electrical work requires specialised tools

Electrical work requires more than just a screwdriver. Here are just a few examples of tools and equipment for some electrical tasks:

• For EV charger servicing and circuit installation – from armoured cable strippers and heavy-duty cable cutters to conduit tools
• For EV battery maintenance and repairs – from battery test systems and analysers to specialised EV lifts
• For oven and fridge repairs – from recovery machine and leak detector to specialised diagnostic software for smart appliances
• For medical imaging equipment repairs – from non-ferromagnetic screwdrivers and radiation dosimeters to manufacturer-specific software and QA phantoms

In other words, the equipment necessary for electrical work is highly specialised and not only requires specific skills to use safely but substantial capital investment first. But is it reasonable to buy these expensive tools for just a one-off DIY attempt?

Risks of AI hallucination

Sometimes AI hallucinates and generates plausible-sounding but entirely incorrect information. In some other context, such hallucinations may be classified as forgivable mistakes. However, in electrical engineering, incorrect information is a direct threat that can lead to full equipment failure and even electrocution. However, if this is the case, you cannot hold AI accountable.

So, to sum up, electrical engineering is a domain that is built on a foundation of the ability to derive truth from incomplete data, access to specialised tools, and tangible accountability. AI lacks such foundation. That is why neither businesses no homeowners will ever rely on AI for critical systems. That is why AI can never replace the electrical engineering business.