Do You Need an Electrical Contractor for This?
Most people do see themselves as rather capable homeowners. The modern age is filled with ample opportunities to educate yourself about how to take care of things on your own. However, there are always going to be those little issues and projects that come up that make you question if this is something you should be doing on your own. This is never truer than when it comes to electrical work.
Electrical work has an added element of risk compared to a lot of household tasks, and in truth, there are some things better left to an electrical contractor. If you're curious about whether you can do electrical tasks by yourself, read on.
1. Installing a New Light Fixture
Installing a new light fixture is perhaps one of the most common household upgrades, and most people can safely do this on their own. Make sure you shut off the breaker to the existing fixture first and pay careful attention to attaching wires properly in the process. However, if you are installing a light fixture in a place where there has ever been one, you will be facing the task of running new wiring and connecting those wires to an operating switch, as well as connecting wires to the electric panel. In the latter scenario, it is best to work with an electrical contractor.
2. Implementing a Home Generator
You should get a permanent standby generator if you periodically face electrical outages. Since you can buy these units at just about any home improvement store, they seem like they would be easy enough to install without extra help. Yet, installing a permanent generator can pose a lot of challenges. This unit has to be properly placed, properly attached to what will be powered during an outage, and properly setup. It is better if you have the guidance of an electrical contractor in the process.
3. Installing a Plug for a New Appliance
Appliances that rely on heat often need more than the standard 110 outlets can provide. Therefore, if you install a clothes dryer, oven, or glass cooktop on your counter, you may need a new plug-in installed that can support the proper level of current for the unit. Installing an additional outlet also involves running new wiring to a breaker panel, so, yes, it is always best to trust this task to a professional.
Before you work on an unfamiliar electrical project, consider asking electric contractors if it's a task you can do you your own.