Electrical Projects: Those You Can DIY And Those You Can’t

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Being self-sufficient is an amazing thing. You feel like you’re saving money and you’re empowering yourself in the process. It’s great to have a can-do attitude when it comes to your home. You can do anything if you set your mind to it, anything except a few electrical projects. These are projects you should never attempt and rather leave in the hands of a professional and licensed electrician like the ones at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric.

Electrical Projects You Should Never Touch

There are tons of things you can do in your home without the need to hire a contractor, but electrical projects are different. DIY-ing electrical projects can be extremely hazardous, if you’re lucky you won’t burn your house down and if you’re unlucky, you may be electrocuted. Neither situation is ideal which is why it’s important to have an electrician handle the following electrical projects in your home.

1. Dedicated Circuits

   Here’s the thing – dedicated circuits are a vital electrical component for your home. They ensure that your appliances do not draw too much electrical current, that fuses aren’t blown and that your wiring does not overheat. They prevent electrical fires and save you money on your monthly utility bill. If your appliances such as your dishwasher, TV, refrigerator, etc. are not connected to a proper dedicated circuit, these appliances can fuse and it may lead to an electrical fire in your home. Without sufficient knowledge and experience in handling circuit installation, you run the risk of blowing your appliances.

2. Wiring

   Electrical wiring can be made easy, when you have a certified electrician from Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric doing it. Trying to DIY this task will guarantee that you and your family are at risk of an electrical fire. Electricians study various electrical codes for years and must pass an exam in order to ensure that they can wire your home safely.

3. Installing Fixtures

   You may wonder how on earth this is a no-go project? It’s simple after all. Just installing a new light or electrical fixture isn’t that difficult. You’re right – It isn’t difficult for a licensed electrician. However, if you attempt to DIY it, even a single mistake can cost you the price of a new fixture or even your health as it may spark and start an electrical fire while you’re busy with it.

4. Code Corrections

   All your attempts at DIY electrical work will only lead to one thing – Electrical Code Violations. Each state is subject to its own legislature regarding electrical violations, but it is in place for your safety and the safety of those staying around you. Your household electricity must meet the standards set out in the electrical code compliance as set out in the National Electric Code (NEC) to ensure that it is compliant and safe. A licensed electrician from Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric is not only knowledgeable about all new code updates, they will have the proper training and tools to ensure that your house is code compliant.

5. Fidgeting with Your Electrical Panel

   Never mess with your electrical panel. It’s good to know where it is located. It is good to know where and how to shut it off in case of an emergency, but do not fidget with your electrical panel. This is the source of all the electrical power used in your home, fiddling with it can cause massive damage. You will be dealing with power surges and even electrical fires if you aren’t careful. If you really feel the need to change something in your electrical panel, contact a licensed electrician to handle it for you.

Safe DIY Projects You Can Do

These are a few of the electrical projects you can do in your home, without the need for a licensed electrician. It’s always important to remember basic safety even if you’re used to doing the following on your own.

1. Changing Light Bulbs

   It’s important to make the switch to more energy efficient light bulbs. They save you on your monthly utility costs and are better for the environment than regular light bulbs.

   • Make sure that the power source is off and wait approximately 10 – 15 minutes to ensure that the bulb is cool enough for you to touch
   • If the light bulb is in a high area, use a ladder, and remove the old light bulb
   • Insert the energy efficient replacement bulb and get off the ladder
   • Switch on the power to check that your new light bulb is working



2. Labeling Your Circuit Board

   This is one of the most helpful electrical DIY tasks you could do in your home. This will make it easier for you to know which switch is connected to each room. It also makes things easier for your electrician when you do need to have repairs done. You can relabel each control, but it is advised to stick to generic terms such as “Left Bedroom Upstairs” instead of personalized terms such as “Cindy’s room”. This will help new homeowners on the off chance you decide to move.

   • Take a reference photo of the current labels
   • Get replacement labels – purchased online or at a hardware store
   • 3. Use the pre-numbered switches and include the location and use of the switch i.e. “Outside pool lights” or “Outdoor back porch fixtures”



3. Upgrading Your Light Switch Faceplates

   You want your home to reflect who you are, one of the easiest ways to do this is to upgrade your light switch faceplates. This does mean you will need to get a faceplate that fits over your current switch.

4. BONUS DIY PROJECT – Baby Proofing Electrical Outlets

   For expectant parents or parents with young children, the biggest fear is dealing with their inquisitive young minds that just want to stick random things in random places. This includes electrical outlets; parents can baby proof electrical outlets by using a plastic outlet cover. These covers can be bought online or at your local hardware store.

At the end of the day, being self-sufficient and doing things yourself is an amazing feeling, but you never want to compromise your home or safety in the process. Excluding the safe DIY projects mentioned above, if you have any electrical work that needs to be done in your home, don’t hesitate to contact the Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric team at 1-800-475-1504.