Hiring an electrician can be costly which is why many homeowners take it upon themselves to carry out their own electrical installations. Provided you have the skills and knowledge to do it correctly and safely, there’s no reason you can’t do a little DIY electric work at home. However, if you decide to take this path, it’s important to ensure you’re prepared.
Successful electrical installations rely on a number of factors. From skills and knowledge to having the right tools and following the relevant UK electrical standards, there’s plenty to consider before you can start tearing out wires and fitting electrical equipment.
Read on to find out what you need to carry out DIY electrics at home.
Knowledge
Working on electrics can be dangerous so it’s important to have the correct knowledge and skills to do so before you dive in. There is a range of different ways to obtain the knowledge, but whether you opt for a training course or self-education through intensive research, ensure your resources are from a reputable provider.
Not only will educating yourself keep you safe when working with electrics, but it will also give you the skills to create an installation that works well and will last a long while.
Multimeter
Multimeters like the ones shown here allow you to measure and test the electrical current of an appliance. It will be essential to have one if you’re going to work on home DIY and electrics, so you can monitor the voltage, current, and resistance of the electrical components and circuits used during your work.
A digital multimeter is quick and easy to use, making it the best option for home use.
Tools and equipment
Working on electrics requires a range of tools and equipment. At a minimum, you’ll need wire strippers and cable cutters, electrical tape, and a power drill. While high-quality tools can be expensive to buy, they’re more likely to last than cheaper alternatives and will be more reliable and possibly even safer to use.
If you’re having difficulty justifying the price, try looking at your tools as an investment in your future projects. It may also help to compare the warranty for a good quality tool against a cheaper, lower quality version.
Woodworking equipment
When working with electrics, you’ll need to have the tools to cut and prepare the wood to make space for your lights and electrical wiring. An electrical wall chaser can assist with cutting grooves and channels for electrical installations, while a cordless oscillating multi-tool is versatile enough to cut through a range of materials including PVC, flooring, and tiles.
Awareness of regulations
There are several UK standards and codes of conduct surrounding electrical installations which must be followed, no matter whether the work is conducted in a professional or DIY style. Carrying out electrical work which does not meet these standards could not only be dangerous but could void warranties on your applications.