Fancy yourself a bit of a whizz with all things DIY? No matter how confident you may feel, when it comes to electrical work, it's essential to know which tasks you can safely handle yourself and which require the expertise of a qualified electrician.
While some minor tasks are DIY-friendly, others must be carried out by a professional electrician to avoid injury, property damage, and costly repairs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the risks and benefits of DIY electrical work, highlight tasks you can safely carry out independently, and explain when you should pack up the toolbox and call an electrician.
Keep reading to discover:
Risks and benefits of DIY electrical work
Professional electrical tasks: When to call an electrician
Signs you need to call an electrician immediately
Find a professional electrician with JustFix
Risks and benefits of DIY electrical work
There are several benefits to carrying out electrical tasks yourself, including:
- Cost savings: Hiring an electrician can be expensive. You can often purchase the tools for a fraction of the cost and carry out minor tasks yourself
- Learning new skills: DIY projects can be a learning opportunity, expanding your skillset and boosting your confidence
- Efficient results: You can address minor DIY fixes immediately without having to wait for an appointment with an electrician
However, electricity can be extremely dangerous, especially if you’re inexperienced and unqualified. It’s important to be aware of the risks of DIY electrical work, which include:
- Personal injury: When you work with electricity, you risk electrical burns and shocks, which could lead to cardiac arrest or even death
- Property damage: Electrical fires or explosions can cause severe damage to your home
- Code violations: UK Building Regulations surrounding high-risk areas like kitchens and bathrooms are strict. Non-compliance can lead to fines and other difficulties down the line
- Costly repairs: In trying to fix an electrical fault yourself, you could cause further damage, which could be more difficult and more expensive for an electrician to rectify
If you have doubts about your ability to carry out any electrical task, even DIY-friendly projects, it's best to leave it to the professionals. Our fixers are qualified electricians with experience in handling all sorts of electrical tasks safely and effectively.
DIY electrical tasks
Not all electrical tasks are off-limits for the average homeowner. With the right tools, precautions, and confidence, there are several low-risk jobs you can handle yourself, even with limited experience. Minor repairs, replacements, and like-for-like changes are manageable tasks, whilst more complex projects are best left to the pros.
Here are some electrical tasks you’ll probably be able to carry out safely and effectively:
Changing lightbulbs:
Changing a lightbulb is a common electrical task that most homeowners can carry out. Ensure the light is switched off before removing or replacing the bulb, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Installing battery-powered devices
Battery-powered devices like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and electronic doorbells are designed for easy, at-home installation. They typically don’t require interaction with your home’s wiring, making installing them low-risk.
Replacing a fuse
If one of your electrical appliances, such as a lamp, kettle, or hairdryer, has stopped working, it could be because the fuse needs replacing. You can open the plug, remove the blown fuse, and replace it with one of the same rating. As long as the plug is disconnected from the mains whilst you work, this is a safe job that doesn’t require professional attention.
Replacing light switches
Changing the aesthetic or function of your light switch is relatively simple. Make sure to switch off the circuit you’re working on and be extra cautious when opening multi-way switches.
Installing a dimmer switch
Installing a dimmer switch involves working with electrical wiring. However, it's a manageable project that you can carry out yourself. Read our step-by-step guide, "How do I install a dimmer switch?" to learn more.
Changing a light fixture
Installation can be a DIY-friendly task for decorative fixtures like pendant lights with plug-and-play designs. Ensure the fitting matches the bulb type and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always turn off the power before adjusting any electrical components.
Resetting a circuit breaker
If your circuit breaker trips, you can safely reset it by flipping the switch back to the ‘on’ position. However, if the problem persists, this could indicate more serious issues that require professional help.
These are generally DIY-friendly tasks. However, if you’re unsure about your ability to carry them out or run into problems mid-project, don’t hesitate to call an electrician. Our fixers are qualified to complete a wide range of electrical works, no matter how small.
Professional electrical tasks: When to call an electrician
Some electrical jobs are complex, regulated, and dangerous. They require the expertise of a licensed electrician. Otherwise, you risk breaking the law or causing damage to your property and injury to yourself. Here are some examples of when it’s best to call in a professional:
Working in kitchens and bathrooms
Kitchens, bathrooms, and certain outdoor spaces are considered ‘special locations’ under UK Building Regulations due to their proximity to water. A qualified electrician must carry out any electrical work in these areas.
Installing new circuits
Adding a new circuit to your electrical system requires expert planning and knowledge. Electricians ensure the new circuit is properly rated for the intended load, safely integrated, and compliant with Building Regulations.
Rewiring your home
While you can carry out some basic projects involving electrical wiring, some tasks, such as rewiring your home or making significant changes, must be completed by a qualified professional.
Installing electrical systems or high-powered appliances
Electrical systems like EV chargers and garden lighting, or high-powered appliances like electric ovens and power showers, require professional installation. An electrician can ensure the installation meets safety standards and is compatible with your home.
This list is by no means exhaustive — many more jobs may require professional attention. If you’re unsure whether attempting a task is safe, it's always better to call an electrician to check.
Signs you need to call an electrician immediately
Electrical issues can escalate quickly, turning minor inconveniences into significant hazards. Recognising the warning signs and acting promptly can prevent damage to your home and keep you safe. Here are some key indicators of when to call an electrician immediately:
- Burning smells or burn marks: A burning smell around or scorch marks on outlets or switches can indicate overheating wires or electrical components. This can be caused by loose connections, overloaded circuits, or faulty appliances. Call an electrician immediately to minimise the risk of a fire.
- Frequent circuit breaker tripping: It's normal for your circuit breaker to trip occasionally. However, if it keeps happening, this could indicate overloaded circuits, short circuits, or other faults.
- Electric shocks: Feeling even a mild shock when touching an outlet, switch, or appliance signifies an electrical fault. Electric shocks can be life-threatening, so call an electrician to fix the fault immediately.
- Uneven power outages: Losing power to specific rooms or circuits can indicate faulty wiring, blown fuses, or loose connections. An electrician can identify the fault and make the necessary repairs.
- Problems while carrying out DIY projects: If you encounter unexpected issues while performing DIY electrical tasks - such as wires that don’t match your expectations, unusual sparks, or circuits that won’t function as intended - it’s best to stop immediately and call an electrician. Continuing without professional help can lead to severe risks, including electric shocks or permanent damage to your home’s wiring.
If you have any of the above issues, you can find and book an emergency electrician using our app or website. Whether you’re in London or Liverpool, Manchester or Milton Keynes, we can get a qualified electrician to your door in as little as 30 minutes.
Find a professional electrician with JustFix
Now you know when to call an electrician, but do you know how to find a qualified professional you can trust? Cowboy builders and unlicensed tradespeople can be a nightmare for your finances and property, so finding an accredited electrician couldn’t be more important.
At JustFix, we only partner with accredited, vetted Fixers who deliver high-quality services to homeowners across the country. Download the app or use our website to tell us about the job, advise a time that works for you, and we’ll match you up with an experienced local electrician.
From carrying out emergency electrical repairs to helping with DIY projects, we’ve got you covered. Plus, with fixed hourly rates and a 12-month guarantee on all work undertaken, you can relax knowing that whatever we fix stays fixed!
FAQs
Should I call an electrician for flickering lights?
Yes, flickering lights can indicate underlying electrical issues that may be unsafe. Common causes include loose wiring, voltage fluctuations, or overloaded circuits. While a single bulb flickering might just be faulty, widespread or frequent flickering should be inspected by a qualified electrician to prevent potential hazards like electrical fires.
Does electrical work need to be done by an electrician?
In the UK, many types of electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician to comply with Building Regulations. Tasks such as installing new circuits and working in special locations (e.g., bathrooms or outdoors) require professional certification. While minor tasks like changing a light bulb or replacing a fuse can be done safely yourself, most jobs involving wiring or circuits should be handled by an electrician.
How do I know if someone is a qualified electrician?
To ensure your electrician is qualified, check that they are registered with a government-approved scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA and ask them to provide proof of certification for their work, such as an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).
You can also search for registered electricians online through official bodies like the Checkatrade website. At JustFix, all of our electricians are qualified professionals, so when you book a service with us, you can be assured that our Fixers know their stuff.
