Safety should ALWAYS be the foremost concern for anyone who is working on or around electricity. It is critical to recognize and distinguish between repairs, which you are qualified to undertake and repairs that only a professional electrician should handle.

We recommend that you always contact a qualified, licensed electrician to perform any electrical work in your home.

If you do decide to undertake a basic home electrical project, consider the following important safety tips:

Always turn off the power to the circuit that you plan to work on by switching off the circuit breaker in the main service panel.
Be sure to test wires before you touch them to make sure that the power has been turned off.
Test from the black wires to both the grounded box and the white wires. Test from the white wires to the grounded box.
Never touch plumbing or gas pipes when performing a do-it-yourself electrical project.
Make sure that you are not standing on a damp floor.
Be sure to unplug any lamp or appliance before working on it.
Take an active role in understanding the condition of your current electrical system, its capacity, limitations, and potential hazards.

Is a permit or inspection required? Many state and local laws require that a permit be obtained prior to the installation of electrical wiring or devices. In addition, an inspection must be performed to ensure the work is safely completed meeting all applicable code requirements.

Projects that require a permit include:

Adding or extending a new circuit and/or wiring for central air conditioning, a swimming pool, or a hot tub
Installing a receptacle or light fixture where one did not already exist
Installation of new electrical panels in the house would require a permit
Wiring or re-wiring any new structure such as a house, garage, or shed. Permits are generally not mandated for minor repairs, but work must comply with the version of the National Electrical Code that is recognized by the state or city in which you live.

Projects that do not require a permit may include:

Replacing a receptacle where one already exists
Replacing a faulty circuit breaker that is the same size/type does not require a permit
Replacing or changing a light fixture within the home
Installing a phone or coax cable for cable television

If you hire an electrician or contractor to perform work at your home, be sure to confirm that he/she has obtained the appropriate permits, and request an inspection once the work is complete. This protects your family against risk of electrocution and electrical fires—and it is the law!

About the Author

David M Specht is the Director of Field Services for Cirtcele Electric, an electrical contracting firm located in Mesa, Arizona, just outside of Phoenix that provides residential, industrial, and commercial electrical services. As a second-generation electrician, he is committed to carrying his family’s legacy of professional service to individuals, families, and businesses in and around Phoenix and the Southwest United States. Mr. Specht is also a pilot and frequently travels to client locations, which puts him in a class few competitors can match. To learn more about David and the services his company offers, visit: http://www.CirtceleElectric.com