subject: Electrical Safety Tips To Remember [print this page] Many people know that doing any type of electrical work without the required license is illegal. Let's assuming that you hope to fly under the radar. There is a second problem you may not realize. If you do this work without a license, your homeowner's insurance policy may be invalidated or cancelled. That can be devastating in a time of need. In other words, if you plan to do any significant electrical work on your home, it is critical that you obtain the proper licensing before you get started.
Safety Steps To Remember
Electrical DIY should always be done with only the very best in safety practices. This means going one step farther and taking the time to make adjustments. If you perform electrical repair without these safety steps, you could injury yourself, your family or even destroy your home. Keep the following in mind.
- All power must be turned off. This means going to the breaker and turning it off. Pull the fuse or flip the breaker.
- Place a sign on the electrical panel stating that the work is being done and that no one should turn the power back on.
- Use a circuit tester to be sure the power is off. This should be done before you touch it.
- When removing any wiring, it is important to draw out or label a diagram of the wiring. This reduces the chances that you will be electrocuted later.
- Do wear nonconductive soles on your shoes and only use tools that have rubber grips on them. Avoid water.
Electrical repair may be done by the average do it yourselfer, but only when you have the license to do so and you have the proper safety precautions in place. Anything less than this could warrant risk.
