Are You Ready to Be Your Own Electrical Contractor? Tips and Tricks for the DIY Electrician

DIY home improvement is increasingly popular, but many people aren’t sure about doing their own electrical work. Electrical Magazine Read on to find out whether you’re ready to take the plunge into being your own electrical contractor.
Do-it-yourself home improvement can be extremely satisfying. Not only do you have the pleasure of looking at the finished project and boasting, “I did that,” but you also have a little extra cash in your pocket from the money you saved over having a professional electrician in. However, when it comes to electrical work, it’s important to consider the project thoroughly before diving in. Many DIYers can successfully complete electrical projects from ceiling fan installation to new light installation and beyond, but don’t just assume that’s true for you. Slow and steady, even in the planning stages, is the key to a beautifully, safely finished electric install you can really be proud of!
Know Your Skill Common Electrical Problems In Industries Level
Many types of electrical installations can be easily performed by knowledgeable DIYers, but remember, just because your buddy Joe was able to install a new outlet or hang a ceiling fan, you might not be able to. Every do-it-yourselfer has a different level when it comes to training and skills, not to mention available tools, so it’s important to make an honest assessment of your expertise in relation to the project at hand. Now is not the time for boasting or bravado! Ask yourself whether you have the appropriate knowledge and equipment to handle the job you’re contemplating working on. If you’re putting in backyard landscape lighting to match the walkway lights you put in the front last year, go for it. You probably have the necessary experience to make sure the job is completed safety and correctly. But on the other hand, if you’re a first-time electrical DIYer, shy away from dangerous tasks like swimming pool wiring or generator hookups. By accurately considering whether you really have what it takes to handle the job at hand, you’re far more likely to ensure the project is done right. And when it comes to electrical installations and repairs, done right means increased safety for yourself and your family.
Safety First
No matter what type of electrical project you’re considering, the first step every time is cutting the power! Before you even remove the switch plate cover from that light switch or unscrew the retaining nut from that light fixture, make certain the power is off by flipping the relevant circuit breaker or removing the pertinent fuse. It may seem like turning off the electricity is so obvious that it can go without saying, but you’d be surprised at what some people try. Literally thousands of emergency room visits each year are caused by electrical shocks from home improvement projects like generator installation, and sadly, an average of more than 50 people each year die from electrocutions related to household wiring. Don’t become a statistic: take the time to not only turn off the electrical power where you will be working by flipping the breaker, but also check the wiring with a voltmeter to confirm that no wires are live before you begin the work.