If something ever goes amiss in your home, whether it’s a tap that won’t stop dripping, your computer keeps crashing or your electrics aren’t working as they should, then often our first instinct is to try and fix it ourselves.
And it’s a good attitude to have – some electrical problems and installations can be carried out yourself with the right information, tools and a good amount of common sense and safety. However, there is a lot of electrical work that you shouldn’t do yourself either down to legality or safety, so it’s paramount you know what simple work is safe to carry out on your own.
1. Replacing Light Fittings
Whether your home has a damaged light fitting, or simply one that’s getting a bit old and could do with updating to a much newer point, then this is something you’re able to do yourself without notification to your local authority – providing it’s not outside.
As well as replacing a fitting or installing a new one, you’re also able to replace or repair existing light switches, and add lighting points to an existing circuit. However, if any of these sounds too complicated, out of your comfort zone or you just want to ensure you get it right then we recommend using our NICEIC-approved services.
2. Adding Or Repairing Plug Sockets/Switches (Not including Bathroom or Kitchen)
If you’re renovating a bedroom or your living room, and the change-round in furniture layout means that your existing sockets are out of reach, then you may want to install more sockets onto your home’s existing circuit. If this is the case, then (providing you feel competent enough) this is another electrical job that it’s possible to carry out yourself legally.
You’re also able to repair existing sockets and switches, including their wiring, providing it’s a like-for-like replacement , replace damaged cabling providing it’s the same size and type as the original.
3. Some Major Work – But You Must Inform Your Local Authority
For the more experienced or well-versed DIY enthusiast, you can undertake more complicated work as legally there is no prohibition on what work you can do yourself. However, you do need to advise your local authority’s building control before starting any work, and they will have to inspect and test the installation too.
This includes major electrical work and electrical work in potentially hazardous areas such as areas where water is present (e.g bathroom, kitchen, gardens).
This kind of work is not usually recommended, however, as using an NICEIC accredited contractor, such as us here at First Strike Electrical, means that you don’t need to inform your local authority as the work has been carried out by an approved electrician. Unless you’re experienced and incredibly confident, we would advise using one of our approved electricians for guaranteed quality and safety.
Of course, if your home is in need of any major electrical work, such as a replacement fuse box or bathroom electrical installations, then this is definitely not something you should tackle on your own – always use an NICEIC approved contractor, such as our experts here at First Strike Electrical.
Or even if anything on this list sounds daunting and a bit out of your comfort zone or DIY ability, then don’t hesitate to call us today for an electrician in North London that you can trust. For any home rewiring or lighting projects, or any emergency electrical work, just call us today on 0203 503 0755 or get in touch via our website’s online contact form.
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