Electrical work can be dangerous if not done properly. While some basic electrical repairs like changing light fixtures or outlets are DIY-friendly for handy homeowners, it’s crucial to prioritize safety every step of the way. At Cransten Handyman and Remodeling, we always recommend hiring a licensed and insured professional for larger electrical projects. However, if you do decide to tackle minor electrical repairs yourself, you might want to watch some videos first and then make sure to always follow these essential safety tips.
Shut Off the Power
Before starting any electrical work, the first and most important step is turning off the power. Never work on live wires or electrical components. Locate your home’s service panel and shut off the circuit breaker supplying power to the area you’ll be working on. Once the power is off, double check that it’s no longer live using a non-contact voltage tester.
Wear Proper Protection
Whenever handling electrical components, wear insulated gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate clothing with no loose fabric that could get caught. Protect yourself from potential shocks, burns, and injuries.
Understand Your Limits
Know when a project is beyond your abilities. Electrical work involving service panels, major appliance installations, new construction wiring, or aluminum wiring should always be left to professionals. Don’t take chances with tasks you aren’t fully equipped to handle safely.
Verify Wire Colors
In electrical wiring, black indicates hot/live wires, white denotes neutral wires, and green/bare copper is for ground wires. Always double check wire colors before connecting or disconnecting to avoid mistakes. Use a circuit tester if needed.
Secure Connections
Loose electrical connections can lead to arcing and fires. Ensure all wire connections are secure by using the proper wire connectors, junction boxes, and fasteners. Don’t leave any exposed live parts.
Don’t Overload Circuits
Avoid overloading electrical circuits by distributing appliances and devices over multiple circuits. Use proper wire gauges for circuit loads. Overloaded circuits can overheat and cause electrical fires.
Test Before Restoring Power
Once work is complete, inspect your handiwork carefully before restoring power to ensure everything is wired correctly and securely connected. Flip the circuit breaker back on only after your final checks.
While DIY repairs can save money, your safety should be the top priority for any electrical work. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional like those at Cransten Handyman and Remodeling to handle the job safely and up to code.