DIY Electrical Installation
Doing electrical work in your home, apartment, or cottage is totally doable on your own. But, it requires some basic knowledge of electricity, the laws it follows, electrical equipment specs, materials used, and safety regulations.
Basics for DIY Electrical Work:
Know the Rules:
- The rules for electrical installations are covered in standards like GOST (Russian standards), TU (technical specifications), and most importantly, the Electrical Installation Rules (PUE). Following these is essential to avoid problems and ensure everything works safely.
- International standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) also play a role, and modern PUE rules align with them.
What You Can Do Yourself: In many cases, homeowners are allowed to handle certain tasks themselves without needing official permits or inspections:
- Replacing or repairing outlets, switches, and junction boxes.
- Replacing short sections of wiring.
- Installing new lights, outlets, and switches to existing circuits.
What Requires Approval: Other work requires certifications and official notifications. Even with allowed DIY tasks, there’s always a risk, like overloading a circuit with high-power devices.
Safety First:
- When doing electrical work, ensure your own safety and electrical safety during later use.
- Make sure your wiring is fire-safe.
Safety Tips for DIY Electrical Work:
Shut Off Power: Always turn off the electricity before working. The best practice is to shut off power at the main breaker (usually in the building’s entrance area) to prevent accidental power-ups.
- Place signs saying "Do not turn on, workers inside" or lock the breaker to keep others from switching it back on.
- Use a tested voltage tester (like an indicator screwdriver) to double-check that there is no power.
Use the Right Tools: Use insulated tools to prevent accidental shock. Even if you’re sure there’s no power, always avoid working with live wires.
Double-Check Connections: After you’re done, double-check your connections before switching the power back on.
Electrical and Fire Safety:
The two main risks of working with electricity are fire and electric shock. To avoid these:
- Choose the right wires (proper insulation, material, and thickness).
- Use quality, correctly rated electrical products (like switches and outlets).
- Ensure solid wire connections.
- Use the correct circuit breakers rated for the load.
- In some cases, install grounding or residual current devices (RCDs) for extra protection.
This is just the basics! DIY electrical work can be safe if you follow the rules, but always take your time and study up on proper techniques to ensure safety and avoid costly mistakes.