While there are numerous things that you may be afraid of doing when it comes to electrical work in your home, and plenty that you should hire a professional electrician for, there are still plenty of things you can do yourself for your DIY projects. If you ever need to, we’re going to provide some tips on this matter, and yes it is very true, electricity is no laughing matter, nor is it a force to be reckoned with, but you can get your hands dirty without hurting yourself with some of these things and save on having to hire an electrician.
Always Power it Down
No matter what you do when it comes to your home electrical projects, always make sure your power is off says Electrician Sydney REED. If you’re working on an appliance that’s plugged into the wall, unplug it first. For things that can’t be unplugged, or if you’re working on anything directly like fixtures or replacing basic electrical outlets, be sure to turn the individual breaker off, or if you have plenty of light in your home and want to be extra safe, open the curtains and turn off your main breaker to your home (this is the safest way to do it yourself).
Things You Can Easily Do Yourself
You can easily find documents online in order to do the right kind of work that you’re needing to do. If you can’t find a document or instructions online or with your item you’re replacing (outlets, light switches, fixtures, ceiling fans, etc.), you can usually find a video online that shows how to do it properly.
Light Switches
You can easily replace either single pole switches, double pole switches, three-way switches, four-way switches, and even light dimming switches in your home. All you need is a screwdriver, some needle-nose pliers, a continuity tester or multimeter to check power current (if you turn off your main breaker and even turn it off on your power box outside, you can be pretty certain it’s off). If you don’t have a multimeter or continuity tester, you can often use a LED light, a 9v battery, and two electrical cords. Also, you need the right switch.
Replacing Outlets
The same rules above apply, only you need the correct replacement outlets you wish to install.
Light Fixtures
Replacing or installing light fixtures is sometimes a little trickier. You need to have the correct support on your ceiling or wall that you’re putting the light fixture on, and make sure it’s not too heavy for where you’re installing it. Also, you want to add plastic wire nuts and electrical tape to the mix, plus the light fixtures you are wanting to install.
Fixing Lamps
You can actually rewire any old or broken lamp with just a long cord that you have lying around, or even a cheap extension cord. Trim the ends off, keeping the plug, and re-feed the cord up through the lamp itself, and attach it to the light fixture. You only need wire cutters or scissors, the new cord with a plug, and a Philips or flathead screwdriver depending on what you need for lamp’s light fixture.
Conclusion
While this isn’t everything you can do yourself, these are some of the simplest items you can repair yourself in your home. Why spend the extra money to hire an electrician to do this, other than for the ease of convenience or time? If you still think you need to hire an electrician, you can do so, but be sure to know they charge by the hour.
