Some experienced homeowners are likely to tackle the odd DIY small electrical project occasionally. While we don’t recommend homeowners do this because of safety reasons, we won’t pretend it doesn’t happen. However, there are various electrical jobs that no amateur should ever attempt. Doing so could compromise your safety and the safety of everyone in your home. Here are some of the electrical projects you should never try to do yourself.

Electrical Panel Replacements

If your home ever needs its electrical panel replaced, we understand that this is a major expense to take on. However, it’s costly for a reason. Replacing an electrical panel is a big job that can be dangerous if done incorrectly. It involves working with the incoming power lines that feed into your home. If you make any mistakes in the process, you could end up getting electrocuted. You could also create a significant fire hazard in your home.

Additionally, electrical panel replacements require permits. If you skip the permitting process, you may face fines and a legal mandate to redo the work at some point. Not to mention, your electric company has the authority to refuse to turn your power back on when you complete the job.

It’s also worth noting that you likely lack the proper tools and testing equipment required for replacing your electrical panel. As a result, even if you manage to sidestep permitting issues, you may end up with an unreliable electrical panel. That can lead to additional damage beyond the panel itself. For example, an incorrectly wired circuit might overload or short-circuit and damage the wiring in your walls.

Adding New Outlets or Circuits

One of the most common electrical projects homeowners try to do themselves is the addition of new outlets. It often happens as household needs change, and you are short of receptacles in convenient places. There are multiple reasons why you should never try to add new outlets on your own.

One reason is that your home’s circuits must remain balanced to avoid overload. Piggybacking new outlets onto existing circuits requires a thorough understanding of the circuit’s existing load. Plus, it isn’t uncommon for existing outlet circuits to already have the maximum number of attached receptacles. If you add more than that, you could create fire hazards or reliability issues.

Alternatively, some homeowners try to add new circuits to their electrical panels to support new outlets. This is another project you should never tackle yourself. For starters, making changes to your electrical panel involves a significant risk of electrical shock. You must also know your panel’s capacity so that you don’t exceed it with your new circuit.

There is also a possibility that your home’s existing panel has no additional room for new circuits. In those cases, you’ll need your circuits either reorganized or a larger panel installed. In either case, it’s a job for an electrician, not an amateur.

New Ceiling Fan Installation

Adding a ceiling fan to a room can enhance your comfort and lower your HVAC costs. However, doing the job correctly is typically beyond the skills of the average homeowner. If the installation location previously had an ordinary light fixture and you want to elaborate on that setup, that’s even more true.

Installing a ceiling fan often requires the replacement of your ceiling’s electrical box. Standard boxes can’t hold the weight of a fan. Skipping the replacement can lead to your new fan falling from the ceiling. However, improperly installing a ceiling fan electrical box can also cause problems. It may lead to an unstable fan that wobbles when running. That, in turn, can damage the fan itself and the ceiling of your room.

EV Charger Installation

Every year, more people purchase electric vehicles to replace their aging internal combustion vehicles. When they do, they typically look for a compatible charger to install in their home. While there are some basic EV chargers that you can plug into existing outlets, many require permanent wiring. Those chargers aren’t something that you should try to install on your own.

Most hardwired EV chargers require a dedicated circuit. On average, they need 240-volt electrical service and a 20- to 40-amp circuit. In many cases, their electrical requirements will exceed the capacity of existing electrical panels. Even if they don’t, you’d be working with high voltages. So, installing one can present safety risks even in the best circumstances. Any mistake you make during installation may damage your charger or, worse, your electric vehicle.

Whole-Home Surge Protection

The proliferation of digital devices in modern homes makes power surges more potentially damaging than ever before. The good news is that you can now install whole-home surge protection to mitigate that risk. The bad news is that doing so is a bad idea as a DIY project.

There are two main types of whole-home surge protectors you can purchase. The first is a panel-mount surge protector. This type of equipment gets installed between your incoming power lines and your main electrical panel. Their job is to prevent external power surges from entering your home. Your electricity company will insist on a professional installation for those due to the risk to their infrastructure.

The second and more common type is a point-of-use surge protector. They are installed inside your home’s electrical panel. They can block internal and external power surges, making them an ideal option for most applications. However, installing one requires making changes to your home’s electrical panel. It also requires a detailed understanding of your electrical system’s grounding mechanism. Installing a surge protector incorrectly can result in it failing when you need it.

Installing Outdoor Outlets and Lighting

Finally, trying to DIY any outdoor outlet and lighting installations is never a good idea. The electrical components outside your home are among the most vulnerable. They must stand up to the weather, pest infiltration, and all manner of wear and tear. Improper installation can create an electrocution risk and allow water to enter your home.

The only exception is low-voltage landscape lighting. It doesn’t pose much risk if installed according to manufacturer specifications. However, if you’re trying to assemble a complex low-voltage lighting system, you should still hire an electrician. They’ll know how to hardwire your system’s power transformer to keep your lighting safe. They can also give you tips on proper trenching for your wiring to keep it safe from post-installation damage.

Local Expert Electrical Services

The reality is that there aren’t many electrical projects homeowners can safely handle alone. That’s why Potts Electric offers affordable electrical services in Fenton, MO. Our team of experienced electricians can handle all your home’s electrical needs. We offer repairs, generators, electrical panels, surge protection, rewiring, and more. We even offer convenient financing options on approved credit to help you pay for larger projects.

We’re also a fully licensed, bonded, and insured company for peace of mind. Plus, we’re
Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating. We also have countless five-star reviews of our work from homeowners just like you. So, when you need electrical work performed in your Fenton home, contact our experts at Potts Electric immediately.

company icon