Most DIY homeowners can do their own electrical work around the home. Basic electrical repairs such as replacing a switch or adding another outlet is fairly easy in a technical sense. The process consists of basic tasks such as installing electrical boxes, running wires and attaching wires to screws to switches or outlets. You don’t need to be a licensed electrician to do these tasks in your own home.

A licensed electrician has expertise way beyond those of a typical DIY homeowner. He is a master tradesman in his profession performing all forms of electrical work and has the knowledge of the electrical code.

However, any DIY handyman with common sense, the right tools, some basic skills and a comprehensive book on electrical repairs can do many electrical repairs safely and efficiently. In addition he must be aware of local code requirements.

In many towns, there are limitations on the work an unlicensed person may do. There are also distinctions made between what an unlicensed homeowner can do and what an unlicensed tradesman can do. For example, a homeowner (with the proper permits) may be allowed to wire an addition to his or her home. If it’s necessary to hire someone to do the work it must be a licensed electrician.

In addition to the national code, there are local codes that must be complied with because of local concerns. Densely populated areas, such as large cities, tend to have electrical codes severely limiting homeowner electrical work because errors can endanger many other people. Rural codes are often less stringent, allowing more owner flexibility. Local concerns deal with environmental conditions such as the possibility of earthquakes, tornados or hurricanes, the level of the water table, amount of rainfall and general humidity, soil conditions, and the types of building materials the structure in constructed of.

Of all the repairs that a DIY homeowner may do around the home, the most potentially devastating mistakes are in faulty electrical wiring!

Countless house fires are caused by poor wiring techniques, substandard materials, faulty extension cords, or defective electrical appliances. Small mistakes can cause quick and severe consequences. Improper wiring techniques can cause shock hazards that may not be evident till the accident happens.

Electrical work is most dangerous when the prior work was done by an amateur. Quality electrical work depends on consistency and uniformity. That is why there is an electrical code, so everyone is clear on the correct and incorrect way to perform an electrical repair or installations.

If you are a DIY homeowner that is considering doing your own electrical repairs or adding new electrical circuits in your home, you should educate yourself by reading, get advice from your local building inspector, or consult a local licensed electrician if you are not totally clear as to what you need to do. Don’t put your family or home at risk through your own lack of knowledge.

See related articles:

Ceiling Fan Installation

Ceiling Fans and Lights

Changing Light Bulbs and Light Fixtures

Checking Fuses and Circuit Breakers