7 Things Beginners Need To Know Before Replacing Electrical Parts
Every residential, public and commercial property depends on electricity. You use electricity for lighting, operating appliances, using machinery, heating, cooling, and utilizing computers. Ultimately, electricity has become one of the fundamental needs of every human around the globe, together with food and water. (1)
However, handling electrical projects is also proven to be dangerous. That’s the primary reason why hiring professional electricians is recommended when doing electrical repairs and projects. They have the necessary skills, knowledge, and equipment to complete and safely handle anything electrical-related. Still, there are minor electrical projects that can be done by novice homeowners. These minor electrical projects include installing or replacing light switches, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and outlets. (2)
If you’re thinking of handling minor electrical projects yourself, you’ll need to undergo careful planning, practice safety measures, and have basic knowledge about the electrical system. As a guide, here are seven things beginners need to know before replacing electrical parts.
- Turn off the electrical power
Before you start working with any electrical parts, always remember to turn off the main power first. Working around with live wires only puts you at risk for potential electrical shocks, arc flashes, fire hazards, and other fatal electrical accidents. So, go over your breaker box or fuse box, and turn everything off before touching any electrical device. You can also have a professional electrician teach and assist you on how to turn your electrical power on or off. (3)
- Test electrical parts for power
Even if you’ve already turned off the primary electrical source, you’re still recommended to test your devices, wires, and other electrical parts for power. It could be hard to tell if one of the cables belongs to another live circuit, which you might not have turned off.
To guarantee maximum safety, use a non-contact voltage tester to determine if these devices, wires, or cables still have power. If they do, you can recheck their circuit breaker and turn it off before replacing an electrical part. (2)
- Label all electrical parts
You’ll most likely handle the replacement or installation of electrical parts every once in a while. To save you time and hassle when doing the same minor electrical projects in the future, label all the wires, cables, breakers, fuses, and primary circuit switches you have around the house.
The labels will serve as your guide when doing replacements and mitigate the risk of cutting, touching, or replacing the wrong electrical parts. (4)
- Understand the fundamental electrical codes
Every region or state has different household electrical codes. Preferably, get a copy of your state’s household electrical code and take time to understand it thoroughly. This code will give you all the information regarding the loads and limits allowed for every house or room. (5)
The main purpose of electrical codes is to protect you and your residential property from electrical shocks or fire risks. Furthermore, these electrical codes will help ensure that all electrical parts are installed safely and function appropriately. (3)(5)
- Read and understand the installation instructions
If you intend to replace your ceiling fan, light fixture, or other electrical parts, make sure to read and comprehend the installation instructions included with the product. This installation manual will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to complete the project efficiently and safely.
If there are jargon terms you’re unfamiliar with, you can look them up yourself. Better yet, have an electrician assist you in understanding the manual.
- Check the condition of the electrical materials
There may be cases wherein you’ll reuse your old light fixtures, switches, or old wires for an electrical replacement. Some people may do this to save money and time from shopping for new electrical supplies. Although this is possible, it might be hard to tell if that specific component is still in its good quality. (2)
This is the reason why it’s recommended to replace electrical parts with new and unused materials to guarantee safety and quality. Most importantly, take time to check the condition of each electrical material and supply, regardless of whether they’re secondhand or newly bought. (2)
- Get an electrical permit
Most states would require people to obtain an electrical permit before handling any major or minor electrical project. If possible, get yourself an electrical permit before taking any project.
This may seem like an additional expense and may require time-consuming electrical inspections. Still, an electrical permit will protect you and give you the satisfaction that your project is safe and compliant. (5)
Takeaway
For starters, replacing electrical parts and handling other electrical projects may be daunting. But by following safety precautions, familiarizing yourself with the basic electrical system, and going through the tips above, you can have a smoother and safer workflow.
If you’re still unsure about your skills and knowledge of handling electrical work, don’t hesitate to call a professional electrician and let them complete the job for you.
