Electrical wiring is not something you should mess with at home on your own. If you don't have any knowledge of electrical work, you could end up injuring yourself or you could end up causing an issue at your home that may result in a fire or worse. If you have some knowledge of how electrical wiring works, there may be a few things you can do on your own. Read on for some residential electrical installations you may be able to handle.
Replace An Outlet
You can replace an outlet on your own, but you need to have the right tools. First, you need to turn off the power to the outlet, and then you need to test the outlet to be sure there is no voltage using a multimeter. Once you are sure there is no power at all, you can remove the old outlet. Pay attention to the wiring and where it is supposed to go in the new outlet. Take your new outlet and install the wiring in the outlet just as it was in the old outlet. If you have to, trim back some of the insulation on the wiring to make it fit in the new outlet. Replace the outlet in the wall and install the screws to hold it in place. Replace the outlet cover and turn the power back on to the outlet. Check the power to be sure that there is power and that it is working properly.
Change A Light Fixture
Replace a light fixture in your home to give your home an updated look by replacing a light fixture. To replace a light fixture, turn the power off to the fixture, then check it to be sure the power is truly off. Once you have determined you don't have any power, remove the old fixture and gently pull the wiring out so it doesn't slide back into the wall. Take your new light fixture and attach the wiring as instructed by the manufacturer's instructions, attach the new fixture with the screws it came with, and turn the power back on. Check to be sure the fixture works properly.
If you are attempting electrical wiring on your own, be sure you turn the power off at the fuse box. Simply turning off the switch isn't enough, as you still have continuity. If you smell burning after you do any repairs, turn the power back off and inspect your work to be sure it was done properly. If you don't think you can handle these electrical installs at your home, hire a professional to do this work for you.