How to Save Money on DIY Electrical Work

In today's economy, many homeowners are looking for ways to save money by doing their own home repairs and improvements. Electrical work is one area where a little DIY knowledge can go a long way towards cutting costs significantly. However, working with electricity does involve some risks, so it's important to know your limits as an amateur electrician. Follow these tips to safely take on basic electrical jobs yourself and avoid the expense of hiring a professional.

Learning Electrical Basics

Before touching any wires, it's essential to understand some electrical fundamentals. This will help you work safely and choose the right materials and tools for the job. Here are some key concepts to learn:

• Current - Current is the flow of electrons along a conductor like a wire. It's measured in amps.

• Voltage - Voltage represents electrical potential energy and is measured in volts. It drives the current.

• Circuits - A circuit is a closed loop that allows current to flow from the source to a load and back. All circuits have hot wires, neutral wires, and ground wires.

• Safety devices - Circuit breakers, fuses, and GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) shut off power in unsafe conditions to prevent shocks or fires. Know how to reset and replace them.

Spend time reading up on electrical basics so you truly understand the fundamentals. Videos, books, and online training resources can help reinforce these concepts. Gaining a solid grounding in theory is the first step towards competently handling electrical projects as a DIYer.

Purchasing Materials

When it comes time to buy supplies for an electrical job, look for ways to save money without compromising safety. Consider the following tips:

• Buy generic - Opt for generic rather than brand name boxes, receptacles, breakers, wire, and other parts. They meet the same standards at a lower price point.

• Purchase wire in bulk - Buying large spools of wire is significantly cheaper per foot than smaller spools. Make sure to size your wire properly for the amperage rating.

• Shop discount retailers - Check stores like Home Depot or Lowe's for sales, coupons, and price matching opportunities. Sign up for promotional emails.

• Buy used fixtures - Light fixtures and ceiling fans can often be found at Habitat for Humanity ReStores and other used building supply stores. Give them a good cleaning.

• Compare prices online - Ordering electrical supplies online from wholesalers may offer the lowest prices, but factor in shipping costs.

A little comparison shopping goes a long way. Paying less for materials allows you to pocket more savings from doing it yourself rather than hiring an electrician.

Using Proper Tools

Investing in professional grade electrical tools may seem expensive upfront, but it will save you time, trouble, and money over many DIY projects. Basic tools every home electrician should have include:

• Voltage tester - Test for live power before touching anything to avoid getting shocked. Non-contact testers are the safest.

• Multimeter - Measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity to diagnose problems and check circuits. Get autoranging digital model.

• Wire strippers - Quickly strip insulation without nicking copper strands of wire. Self-adjusting style is very handy.

• Linesman pliers - Twist wires, cut smaller wires, bend hooks, and grip tightly to pull wires. Insulated grips critical for safety.

• Flashlight - See inside boxes and illuminate work area. Headlamp style leaves hands free.

• Safety glasses - Protect eyes from debris when cutting boxes and drilling holes.

Take time to learn to use tools properly. Investing in quality tools and keeping them in good condition reduces frustration and makes projects easier. It's worth the upfront costs.

Handling Tricky Circuits

Certain home electrical circuits can be more challenging for DIYers to work with. Here are some tips on safely taking your skills up a notch:

Aluminum Wiring

• Use special connectors and techniques like COPALUM crimps to join aluminum wire to receptacles and breakers. It expands differently than copper.

Knob and Tube Wiring

• Hire a professional to replace rather than just pigtailing knob and tube. The old brittle insulation is a fire hazard.

240 Volt Circuits

• Double check the 240V breaker is off before doing any work. Getting shocked at higher voltage can be extremely dangerous.

• Use 10/2 NM cable for 240 volt circuit runs for devices like dryers, ranges and air conditioners. Match amperage rating.

GFCIs and AFCIs

• Know GFCIs monitor current leakage and AFCIs monitor arc faults. Both help prevent shocks and fire risks. Test monthly.

• Install GFCI outlets or breakers where needed like kitchens, bathrooms and basements. Use AFCI breakers for bedroom circuits.

With proper understanding and precautions, even tricky electrical situations can be managed safely by a knowledgeable DIYer. Know your limits and when to hire a pro.

Performing Common Repairs

Before calling an electrician for minor issues, see if DIY repair is possible. Many basic electrical fixes like these below are within reach of a homeowner willing to take their time and follow safety procedures:

• Replacing switches/outlets - Shut off circuit at breaker. Remove old device and disconnect wires noting connections. Connect matching wires to new device.

• Fixing loose outlets - Unplug. Shut off power. Remove outlet coverplate. Tighten terminal screws securely around copper wires.

• Changing light fixtures - Turn off breaker/wall switch. Disconnect and cap wires from old fixture after testing with voltage meter it's dead. Install and wire new fixture.

• Extending circuits - Plan wire gauge and box fill needs. Run cable between boxes through stud bays or basement/attic. Connect new outlet or light.

• Troubleshooting tripped breakers - Reset breaker. If it trips again, unplug devices on circuit one at a time to isolate overload. Check for shorts.

Tackling minor repairs yourself keeps more money in your pocket. But know when calling a professional makes sense for major upgrades or dangerous situations over your head.

Practicing Proper Safety

Working with electricity obviously requires safety precautions. Here are some key rules any DIYer should follow:

• Turn off power at breaker - Always de-energize circuit before starting work, and double check it's dead with a voltage tester. Lock out breaker.

• Limit live work - Only work on live wires when absolutely necessary by trained electricians. Use insulated tools designed for it.

• Wear protective gear - Safety glasses, work gloves, and insulated shoes reduce injury risks.

• Use GFCIs - Protect yourself by working off a GFCI outlet or circuit breaker, especially in wet areas. Test before each use.

• One hand in pocket - Keep one hand in your pocket while working on live wires to avoid dangerous current flows across heart.

• Secure wires - Use proper connectors and junction boxes, never wire nuts alone. Prevent loose connections leading to arcs and heat buildup.

Never rush or skip safety steps! Take your time, double check work, and you can safely handle many electrical projects yourself.

Knowing Your Limits

Certain electrical projects require the expertise and licensing of a professional electrician. Here are some signals it's time to call for backup:

• Major rewiring required - Large scope wiring jobs or service panel upgrades often require bringing things up to code.

• Working with 240V lines - Lack proper training and tools for very high current devices like well pumps or HVAC equipment.

• Dealing with old wiring - Knob and tube wiring needs complete replacement that may involve attic insulation removal or plaster repair.

• Underground wiring - No experience burying PVC conduits or handling connections in cement.

• Permit requirements - Local regulations mandate licensed electrician for certain work. Research ahead of time.

• Any signs of your limitations - If you feel unsafe, underprepared, or in over your head, swallow pride and hire help!

Knowing when to call a professional prevents safety risks and costly mistakes. Be conservative at first while building skills over multiple projects.

By following these tips, you can become competent at basic electrical work while also keeping more money in your wallet. But always put safety first! Taking your time, using proper gear, and knowing when to call for backup will allow you to improve your home's electrical system without getting burned. With practice, you may be surprised how much electrical work you can DIY.