DIYing not only makes a person self-sufficient but can help you save money. Having a can-do attitude is great especially for your home if you engage in DIY projects that will give your house a facelift. Though there are a ton of projects you can do at your home without the services of a contractor, conversely, electrical projects are somewhat different.
Taking on electrical projects can be hazardous and can lead to you harming yourself, burning your house or even worse. You should consider getting the services of a professional such as an electrical contractor. John Keohane, owner of JK Services has spoken with The Big Idea to discuss some electrical projects that shouldn’t be done by DIYers. John has over 25 years of experience in this industry. Below are 5 electrical projects that are better left to the professionals.
Replacing wiring
If your project involves opening a socket, moving a switch or replacing fixed wiring, get a registered electrician to do that part. For jobs such as fitting a shelf, check for hidden cables with a suitable detector before drilling. If you can’t establish a safe place to drill, stop and move the fixing or get advice.
Replacing or repairing a circuit breaker
If a breaker keeps tripping, note which rooms lose power and which appliances were running. That gives the electrician a starting point. Leave the affected circuit off if it keeps tripping, and leave the consumer unit cover in place.
Replacing burnt outlets
If you see scorch marks or smell burning around a socket, stop using it. Keep clear of the socket and get a registered electrician to investigate the cause before it’s used again.
Installing dedicated circuits
Fitting a new cooker or other high-power appliance? Check the manufacturer’s installation instructions and note the model and power rating before you buy. Give those details to a registered electrician, who can check whether the existing supply is suitable and install and test a new circuit if needed.
Installing new switches
You can plan where a switch should go and choose the finish you want. Ask an electrician to check compatibility, particularly if you’re swapping to a dimmer or smart switch, and to handle the wiring.
Plan the DIY around the electrical work
On a kitchen refit or room makeover, agree the socket, switch and appliance positions before you fit cabinets or finish the walls. That leaves you free to tackle the joinery and decorating in the right order. For more advice on working safely around electrics, see Electrical Safety First’s DIY guide.
