July
17
How to safely do DIY electric work
DIY is on the rise and for very good reason. Whether you’re looking to avoid hefty service fees and save some money or trying to avoid rogue traders, doing some DIY electrical work around the house has probably come to mind once or twice. In 2022, the total sales in the UK DIY market amounted to £75.48 billion but it’s not as easy as you might think.
To stay safe in your DIY electrical work, there are some important safety tips to remember. Before you go drilling into a wall and just hope for the best, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure your safety and the people you live with.
Use the correct tools
A DIYer is only as good as their tools, and you can’t get started on your work without the proper kit. There are many combo kits available like the Milwaukee drill set that will ensure you have a range of different equipment ready at your disposal. The better condition and quality of your tools, the higher-level craftsmanship you can produce.
You also should stock up on personal protective equipment such as goggles and gloves. This will keep you safe from debris when handling sharp tools.
Turn off the power
This may seem a bit obvious, but you’ll be surprised about how many accidents can be caused by doing at-home DIY with live circuits. To avoid accidents, it’s worthwhile familiarising yourself with basic electrical safety knowledge and where your fuse box is in your home. You should never attempt to fiddle around with electricity and appliances while they are still connected to mains electricity.
There are three types of main electrical accidents: electric shock, electrical burns, and electrical fires. Electrical fires may not initially harm you, but they can cause significant damage to your property and it is a hazard to everyone in the building.
Check safety regulations
It’s a good idea to make sure you are up to date with council regulations and Part P and Wiring Regulations. This prevents you from getting caught out by legislation and determines whether you are actually permitted to carry out electrical work yourself.
Locate cables
A DIYer’s worst nightmare is breaking their property and risking permanent damage. This defeats the point of the entire DIY ethos so it’s a good idea to be proactive about locating your cables before you begin. You can use a cable detector to check any surface you are about to drill and successfully avoid having to call in a specialist to repair your mistake.