Electrical work is almost always better left to the pros, and for good reason. For starters, you can become seriously hurt or even killed if you were to be shocked or electrocuted. Secondly, faulty electric work is a fire hazard that can cause total destruction of your property. Lastly, the money you intended to save by doing the work yourself might be flushed down the drain along with the cost of bringing in the professional you could have hired in the first place.
Still, there are positives to completing electrical work yourself. If you take the time to make sure you are working safely and have everything you need to do the job right, then it might be worth it. Large jobs, like rewiring of any kind, is better left to a professional electrician. Some simple jobs suitable to a DIY project include:
- Changing a light fixture
- Replacing a wall outlet
- Replacing a switch
- Rewiring a lamp
- Attaching an appliance cord
Electrical Do’s and Don’ts for DIYers
Do Use Correct Tools
Tools have individual purposes. Using them for jobs they are not intended for can damage the equipment you are fixing/installing or break the tool itself. For example, wire cutters should only be used for cutting wire.
Also, purchase and use a circuit tester anytime you’re working on an electrical project.
Don’t Rush Through Your Work
The saying “measure twice, cut once” is not just for carpenters, it applies in electrical work as well. Double-checking what you are about to do can prevent you from cutting the wrong wire or shocking yourself.
Related: 7 Ways to Avoid Electrical Shock
Do Test Switches
Examine your breaker box to test where each switch runs to. Use a multimeter to ensure the power is not running to the area you are working in.
Don’t Always Trust the Labels on Breaker Boxes
It’s a good idea to be have your breakers labeled correctly, but if you’ve recently moved into a new home, don’t necessarily trust the old lables. To avoid shock or electrocution, you will need to test the circuit before you begin working. The box may have been incorrectly labled or not updated by a previous homeonwer.
Do Know When to Call a Pro
We’re here to help! If you get started on a project and run into a problem you don’t know how to solve or you realize you’ve wired something incorrectly, give Fowler Electric a call or make an appointment.
Always be cautious when completing any kind of electrical work on your own. Get the sound advice from an experienced professional if you are ever unsure of the task you’ve undertaken. Refer to our Electrical Do’s and Don’ts for DIYers list for helpful reminders to keep you safe when you’re working on your next project.
Schedule A Free Estimate!
