Did you know that there are more than 70,000 electrical contractors in the US right now?
While knowing when to call in a professional electrician is important, knowing a few DIY electrical tips yourself allows you to address everyday issues around your home.
From wiring basics to minor repairs, this guide has you covered with the essential DIY electrical tips everybody should know.
Read on for everything you need to know.
1. Remember: Safety First
It’s crucial to practice good health and safety while carrying out DIY electrical work. Domestic electricity shocks can be very dangerous. Before attempting any job, make sure the electricity is turned off at the mains circuit breaker.
Improper electrical work can cause fires and put your safety at risk. Therefore, you should only carry out work that you feel confident with.
If you’re unsure about anything, do further research or contact a professional electrician. Never compromise your safety to save a few dollars on a complex electrical project.
2. Get the Right Tools
You’ll need quality electrical equipment and tools if you want to carry out DIY electrical repairs. Electrician’s tools are specially designed and come with a certified safety rating, so you know you’re safe while using them.
As your knowledge grows, so will your electrical equipment and tool kit. Start off with the basics and invest in new tools as the need arises. Before long, you’ll have a full kit of quality electricians tools at your disposal.
3. Know Your Electrical Wires
When connecting electrical wires, it’s important that you link them to the correct terminal. The white wire is the neutral wire. It connects to the neutral terminal, which is identified by silver screws.
The black wire is the hot wire connected to the hot terminal, which is located opposite the neutral terminal. If a ground wire is present, it will be a copper wire on the same side as the neutral terminal.
Knowing the difference between wires is crucial if you want to avoid the high voltage surges caused by confusing neutral and hot wires.
4. Do Some Research
These days, you can learn how to do just about anything online. As a result, you’re able to do your research before working on electrical wiring and switches in your home.
There are several DIY Electrical Wiring lessons available online from electricians and home improvement specialists. They show you how it’s done, from guides on how to install lights to general troubleshooting and FAQs.
You could also consider joining an online community or group for additional DIY advice and support.
DIY Electrical Tips to Remember
Learning these DIY electrical tips will help you improve your skills and save money on electrical repairs and projects. By starting off simple and following the learning process, you’ll soon be undertaking DIY electrical tasks you never thought you would.
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