Can I do My own electrical work?

"Look kids, Daddy saved some money by doing his own electric work".......Three days later I usually get a electrical emergency service request to correctly repair what that homeowner thought he knew how to do...after all Its a slow economy ,we have to save money somewhere. I can't tell you how often this scenario actually plays out, and most times, no, they don't burn the house down, but just the thought of how irresponsible and wreck less some people can be , well it just makes me shake my head.

After all, if someone knew nothing about repairing lets say "car brakes", should they really be doing that type of repair, putting themselves, their family, and anybody else on the road at great risk? I think not. Yet the same person who wouldn't dare tackle a basic repair on his or her car, think that because they saw a weekend warrior demonstration at the local Home Depot, and bought the book "Do it Yourself Electric 101" ,they're ready to rewire their whole house. Please take some free advice ..Its not worth risking your safety and your family's safety. "Just because the switch turns the light on dont mean its wired correctly, and it certainly doesn't mean that it's safe. In my opinion "just my opinion" , people that don't have professional training on something as critical and dangerous as electrical wiring , shouldn't being doing it.

But because that's just my thoughts and I dont write the law, when I am asked by a homeowner if they are technically allowed to do their own electrical wiring, I explain to them, it all depends on where you live as rules change from state to state, and county to county. Where I'm from the statute dictates that if you are the homeowner of a single family home and reside at the property you wish to do work in, then you are allowed to do the work so long as you get an electrical permit and have the work inspected afterwards. The thought being if you burn your own house down, kind of your own dumb fault... You should also check with your home owners insurance company underwriter to se if they permit this. From what I have heard most insurance companies do not permit this and could actually deny a claim if there was ever a house fire or an accidental electrocution.

Bottom line is , I am starting this blog to promote and remind people of some safety precautions, common sense electrical practices, and also keep everyone up to snuff on the vast array of ever-changing technologies that can save big bucks. Over the next few months we will be taking a look at solar energy systems and also infrared thermal house scans as they relate to electrical safety as well as energy conservation and savings.Please comment if you would like to see any other electrical issues addressed. Hopefully if you live in the state of New Jersey and have a need for an electrical contractor you will consider our firm in the bidding of all your electrical projects.. Cheers www.brownelectricinc.com