Should You Be Your Own Electrician?

If you’re a homeowner, it is inevitable that at some point you will have to pay some attention to your electrical system. Circuits trip, wires fray, your needs change. It can be tempting to do a little googling and attempt to do your electrical work yourself to save some money. But what good are those savings if you make a little mistake and end up hurting yourself?
ZAPIf you decide to try and do your own electrical work, you need to be aware of which projects require electrical permits from your city and which do not. The city of Oregon City, for example, does not require permits for the following electrical work:
  • To remove and replace broken or damaged electrical outlets (like for like only) however, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes.
  • If a GFCI protected outlet is required by code, a permit is required
  • To remove and replace broken or damaged light fixtures (like for like) however, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes
  • To remove and replace broken or damaged light switches (like for like) however, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes
  • To replace approved fuses
  • To replace defective breakers (like for like only)
  • To replace light bulbs and fluorescent tubes
  • To replace an existing garbage disposal.
  • Dishwasher, electric tank water heater, or similar appliance of 30 amps or less
  • To install low voltage wiring for garage door openers
  • To install phone outlets (however, wire must be listed type wire)
  • To install CATV (Community Access TV, however must be listed type wire)
  • To replace an existing door bell

Of course, this does not mean that just anyone is qualified to do this work. Unless you are well-versed in NFPA National Electric Code, there is a decent chance that some of your work will be rejected by the inspector, and this will only end up costing you more money and time to fix.

Any other work not listed above (in the city of Oregon City, specifically) requires you to apply for a permit and have an inspection done when the work is finished. Before you begin your work, it is essential that you check with your township to verify what work you are legally allowed to do yourself.

In most jurisdictions, you must be both the owner and occupant of the home you are planning to do DIY electrical work on. From oregon.gov:

“You must be both the owner and the occupant of a dwelling to obtain a permit to do the electrical work yourself. You may not perform any electrical installations or modifications on a house or residential unit intended for sale, lease, rent, or exchange. If you do not own or do not intend to live in the unit, a licensed electrical contractor must do the work. A landlord, landlord’s agent, or the employee of the landlord or landlord’s agent may replace an existing garbage disposal, dishwasher, or electric water heater with a similar appliance of 30 amps or less, single phase, in residential properties. If you have any questions concerning your eligibility to work on a building, call the Building Codes Division, (503) 378-4133 or (800) 442-7457, or your local jurisdiction.”

If you have never done any electrical work or are unsure about how to go about it, for your own safety it is best to call a licensed electrician (hey, we know one or two of those…). However, if you are intent on doing the work yourself, 3D Electrical offers DIY support service. We can talk you through the process, give you safety tips, and we will be happy to come to the rescue if something goes awry.

Good luck!

Share your $0.02! Have you done any electrical work around your home?

 

3 Comments

Raleigh Electrician said,

September 6, 2011 @ 8:21 am

This is so important. Always check what your jurisdiction allows. Don’t trust anyone that says “they just want your money, you don’t need a permit”. You will pay for it later when either when there is a fire or legally when you go to sell. Good information. Will send others to this page.
Thanks!

Anaheim Electrical Services said,

October 18, 2011 @ 2:47 pm

Electrical system must be done by a certified and fully skilled electrician. Electricity can be fatal. We should not take the risk of our own safety since we are not knowledgeable based on this matter.It’s best to let electricians do the work.

Atlanta Electrician said,

November 29, 2011 @ 1:19 am

That’s very true. Some of the minor electrical issues in the house can be rectified if you know little bit of Electrical work. That will be really very helpful to you. The tips listed in this article serve a beginner to know about such faults in the residence or office.
As its really hard to find a good electrician and that too at the time you need it. Thanks for the tips!

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