Home Electrical Projects You Can Tackle on Your Own

Working on electrical projects in your home can seem like a daunting task if you’ve never done it before. But just because the job is wired doesn’t mean you need to hire professionals. Here are eight common electrical repairs and replacements that you can completely do yourself. No previous experience is required.

Most of what we will discuss below is related to the replacement of fixtures. If your renovation goes beyond (say, rewiring a switch panel or wiring a new location in your home), please contact your electrician. Even if you think you have the skills to do the job, there are building codes and you often need a permit.

Make sure the power is off first.

Let’s start with a safety note: When it comes to performing any electrical repairs, make sure the power is off . It’s so easy to keep you safe. If there is no electricity, this repair is not only doable but completely safe.

Disable this

If you are working with a device that can be disconnected from the mains, always disconnect it. However, you should be aware that some devices may have capacitors that store an electrical charge even when they are disconnected from the mains. You will be able to confirm if this is the case by consulting the manual or by looking at the specifications on the Internet, but if you are unsure, consult a professional.

Turn off the breaker

Hope your switch panel is well labeled. If so, just turn off the breaker that is supplying power to whatever you are working on. If the person who originally connected the circuits did their job correctly, you will likely see labels such as “outlets on the north wall in the den” or “kitchen and living room lighting.”

Find the right switch

If your breaker panel is not properly labeled, it is usually not that hard to find the right breaker. If the plug or light switch you’re working on still works, turn it on. Go to the breaker panel and start opening breakers one at a time until you get the one you want. If it’s an outlet, turn on the light and keep flipping the switches until it turns off. Obviously, if someone helps you, this can go a lot faster. If you are repairing something that is not working, you can always use a multimeter to check if it is receiving power.

For maximum safety, disconnect the main power supply.

If you’re not sure you’ve found the right switch and you don’t have a good way to test it, you can always turn off the main power in your home. The advantage here is that you can be sure to kill the power of whatever you’re working on. The downside is that you won’t have electricity for your tools or lights to work with unless you have an alternative source.

After you are absolutely sure that you have turned off the power of the desired device, check it again. Now about the repair.

Replace light switch

Perhaps your light switch is out of order, or you just want to change the look or type of switch. Replacing a light switch is a simple project. After you’ve turned off the power, you need a screwdriver, pliers and a few minutes.

However, the first thing you need to do is make sure you have the correct switch type. The nomenclature can be a little confusing, but it really isn’t. There are several types of light switches.

Single pole switch

A single pole switch controls one light fixture from one location, such as a bedroom with one switch when you walk through the door. This is the most common type of switch you’ll find in homes, and the installation process is pretty straightforward.

Double pole switch

A two-pole switch, despite its name, still only controls one fixture from one location. The difference is that it has two additional terminals for connecting additional live wires needed to drive the 240 volt circuit. It is unlikely that you will be dealing with a switch of this type.

Three position switch

A three position switch allows one device to be controlled from two different locations. For example, you might have a corridor with one light (or garland) and switches at both ends. In this case, both switches must be three-position.

Four position switch

A four-position switch allows one device to be controlled from three different locations. They can sometimes be found in very large rooms. When installing switches in three locations, you need one four position switch and two three position switches. You will also use 4-position switches in conjunction with 3-position switches when you have fixtures controlled by more than 3 points, but this is starting to get a little confusing. The best way to attack multi-location switches is to pull out existing switches and use them as a guide for new switches.

Dimmer

Dimmer switches are also available for each of these switch types and the installation process is almost identical.

Tools / Materials You Will Need

• Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead)
• Pliers
• Multimeter (optional, to check to make sure power is off)
• Right light switches

Replace the socket

Replacing an electrical outlet is as easy as replacing a switch. In fact, it’s basically the same procedure and you don’t have to worry so much about choosing the right outlet type. There are three types of sockets:

Ungrounded

An ungrounded outlet only has two holes. It lacks the third round hole used for grounding. You usually only see them in old houses.

Grounded

This is the standard 3-prong outlet you are probably most familiar with.

Ground Fault Circuit Breaker (GFC or GFCI)

This type of switch has a built-in breaker that automatically and instantly turns off the switch, cutting off the power in the event of a short circuit. You will usually find them in places that can be exposed to water or excessive moisture, such as bathrooms, garages, and workshops. Most likely local building codes require them in these areas.

If you are replacing an outlet, you will usually select any type of outlet that is already installed. However, you may decide that in some places you need a GFC outlet instead of a regular earthed outlet. This is fine. The order of their connection is identical.

What you don’t want to do is simply swap out an ungrounded outlet for a grounded outlet. Yes, it will let you plug in those three-prong plugs, but it won’t magically turn it into a grounded outlet. To do this, you will need the help of an electrician.

When it comes to replacing an outlet, the procedure is pretty straightforward. Make sure the power is off. Remove the bezel and screws holding the receptacle in the box. Pull the outlet and wires out of the wall so that you have a place to work. Notice where the white (neutral), black (power), and green or bare copper (ground) wires are connected to the existing outlet. Remove them and reattach them in the same place on the new outlet. Turn on the breaker to test the outlet, and if it works, turn off the breaker and fasten the outlet back to the wall. It is so simple.

Tools / Materials You Will Need

• Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead)
• Pliers
• Multimeter (optional, to check to make sure power is off)
• Replaceable sockets that you want to install

REPLACEMENT OF SOCKETS | DIY network

Replace lamp

Luminaires come in all shapes and sizes, but the wiring and method for attaching them to the ceiling will be the same. As usual, double check that the breaker is off before starting work. Turning off the light is not enough, as some of these wires carry power whether the switch is on or not.

First, remove the old lamp. Remove the cover (if any) and remove the bulbs. The next step depends on the fixture, but there are usually two long screws that secure the fixture to the electrical box. After you remove them, the light should easily come off the ceiling. You will see that it is connected to the electrical box with three wires: white (neutral), black (power), and green or bare (ground). They will be attached to wires coming from the ceiling using screw connectors (commonly called wire nuts). Unscrew the nuts and the wires should come loose easily.

Installing a new fixture is a little tricky simply because you’ll have to hold it in place while you plug those wires back in. Sometimes you can start screwing in the fasteners, but there is still room for working with wires. Sometimes not. If it’s a heavy attachment, it’s really helpful to have a friend by your side to hold it while you put everything together. Connect the wires in the same way as they were on the old fixture. The instructions for installing the new fixture will include a diagram if you need it. After you have connected the wires with a nut, you can also tape the wing nuts and wires for added security. This can help prevent the wires from coming loose when you plug them back into the electrical box and screw the new fixture into place.

Tools / Materials You Will Need

• Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead)
• Pliers
• Flashlight (if there is not enough natural light)
• Multimeter (optional, to check to make sure power is off)
• Wire nuts (plastic connectors for wires that usually come with a new fixture. You can also reuse already installed ones)
• Electrical tape (optional, helps secure the wires so the nuts don’t come off)
• New lamp

How to: install the lamp | bobvila.com

Repair a broken lamp

Whether you have a favorite lamp with a frayed cord or rusted socket, or find an old lamp you want to repair, replacing a broken lamp is one of the easiest electrical projects you’ll find. It doesn’t take long, and it’s a cheap solution – definitely cheaper than buying a new lamp.

Lamp basics couldn’t be simpler. The lamp itself is hollow, which allows the cord to run from its base to the outlet to which the wires are attached. First you need to disassemble the lamp. How you do this varies slightly from lamp to lamp, but not very different. Pry or unscrew the bottom cover at the base of the lamp so you can reach the place where the cord enters. (Some bulbs don’t even have this, and you just see the cord right there.) Usually the nut holds the cord. in place, so unscrew this. Cut off the old cord with a pair of wire cutters or scissors, and then notice the top of the lamp. On some lamps, you can unscrew the cartridge directly; on others, you may need to unscrew the screw itself. When unplugged, pull on it to open the wiring. Unplug the wires from the outlet and you’re done.

Reinstalling a lamp is simply the reverse process. Thread the new cord through the lamp base. You may need to expose some wires at the top end so you can screw them into the terminals on the outlet. Screw the socket back in place, retighten the nut at the bottom of the lamp and reinstall the bottom cover if it was.

Tools / Materials You Will Need:

• Screwdriver (Phillips or flat head; depending on lamp)
• Nippers or scissors
• A new cord, outlet, or whatever you replace. You can often buy them as complete kits from hardware stores if you want to replace them all at once.

How to Remount a Lamp | This old house

Replace extension plug

Extension cords are often mishandled, especially at the end of the plug, and the plug can bend or break. Fortunately, replacing an extension plug is a quick and easy solution, and much less expensive than replacing the cable itself. I like to keep a few new forks in the store just in case, as I can replace the plug faster than going to the hardware store.

First you need to cut off the old plug. If the cutters aren’t enough for the job, use a good utility knife. Just be careful and cut on a good hard surface. Use a knife to split the cable body and expose the wires inside: white (neutral), black (power), and green or bare (ground). Pull the housing off about 3/4 inch from the end of the cord. Use a wire cutter (or a wire stripper) to strip each of the three wires about 1/2 inch from the end. Open a new plug and connect the three wires to the terminals inside the plug. Remember to wrap the wires counterclockwise around the terminals, because in that direction you will be tightening the screws holding the wires. Reinsert the plug and you’re done.

Tools / Materials You Will Need:

• Screwdriver (Phillips)
• Utility knife
• Wire cutter or wire stripper
• Replaceable plug.

How To Replace The Plug Of An Extension Cord | This old house

Map Switch Panel

We hinted at this above, but one of the smartest electrical projects you can do is map your circuit breaker panel. Knowing what each switch controls can make life a lot easier when it comes time to repair electrical equipment. Here’s how to do it.

Take a snapshot of the current tag first before you start, just in case you need to reference anything. If the previous tenants used a pencil, consider yourself lucky as you can simply erase it and start over. If they used a pen, you can buy a new label online or at most hardware stores.

The label is usually pre-numbered. If not, make sure you include the breaker number when you record things. The label should state where and what. Good examples are “4 – All sockets in the master bedroom” and “12 – Headlights in the living room and back porch”. Just choose shortcuts that you understand and remember that in the future, someone other than you may need to decipher them. So do them a favor and skip labels like Mike’s Bedroom. Choose something like “SW Corner Bedroom” instead .

You can also tag the actual switches and plates in your home according to their switch numbers. In our house, I removed the faceplates from the outlets and switches and, with Sharpie’s help, wrote down the corresponding switch number on the back. It turned out to be really helpful.

This post was originally published in March 2014 and was updated in October 2020 to replace broken links and videos, perform copy editing, and add a new header image. Updated 03/15/21 to match current Lifehacker style.

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