One of the best things about being a homeowner for some people is the ability to tackle many upgrades and repairs yourself. There is just something quite satisfying about DIY projects. However, it is always important to look at each project for DIY viability. Some things just don’t make sense to do yourself for a variety of reasons.
Electrical projects can often fall into this classification. In fact, here are a few tasks you should seriously consider leaving for a licensed electrician.
- Fuse Box or Circuit Breaker Panel – There is a great deal of power going through this main hub into your home. One wrong move can result in serious injury or ruined electronics and appliances. Other than shutting off breakers, turning a tripped one back on, or replacing fuses, dealing with a fuse box or circuit breaker panel should be left to a licensed electrician.
- Adding Outlets or New Fixtures – The main risk in adding outlets or new fixtures to a circuit in your home is inadvertently overtaxing that circuit. A licensed electrician will properly test the line to be sure it can handle the additional load, and they’ll put in a new circuit if it is safe to do so.
- Abide by Local Regulations – You should also consider any regulations in your area regarding doing electrical work yourself. Some communities and areas require most if not all major electrical work be permitted and completed by a licensed electrician.
The best thing to do is look at each project on a case-by-case basis. You should consider whether you have enough experience as well as the proper equipment to tackle the electrical project yourself. Working with electricity can be dangerous, and it isn’t worth the risk to yourself, your family, and your home to proceed with something outside your comfort zone. Call a licensed electrician instead for peace of mind and quality results.
