As we settle into the second lockdown in Northern Ireland, a lot of people might be tempted to give their house a revamp. Queue the over-ambitious redecorating, renovations and rewiring jobs. Now, our main concern is when people take their electrics into their own hands. Not only is this unsafe, it can end up costing you ten times more in the long run. If you’re set on carrying out a few electrical jobs yourself, please remember that you are obliged to get the completed job tested by a fully qualified electrician and obtain a minor works certificate. Now, here are a few DIY Electric jobs we would suggest to start off.
Wiring a UK Plug
Stripping cables to the bare wire can be very tricky and dangerous, but we’ve got some Harcon DIY Electric pointers to keep you on track with this one.
Nick the cable at the end and gently pull the bare wire through the insulation. Then, join the live red/brown to the plugs live terminal.
Next, the neutral black/blue to the neutral terminal and finally the bare or green/yellow wire to the earth terminal.
The live electricity has to pass through the fuse before it gets into the cable leading to your appliance. If anything is wrong, the fuse will blow.
For a fuller explanation of this complex job, click here. Or better still, give us a call on 075 25120685 and we can help you!
Replacing a light bulb
Ah, the age old joke: how many (insert name) does it take to change a lightbulb? Surprisingly, this job is more complex and dangerous than you might have initially thought.
Make sure to get a good, new replacement bulb from a reputable seller. Take a photo of your old bulb and use it to help you match the wattage and size.
We suggest purchasing an LED bulb because of the reduced risk of electrical shock and the amount of energy and therefore money they save.
When you go to change it, be aware of the trip switch, a sensitive safety device on your fuse box that disconnects the electricity in the event of a fault. To check if you have one installed, look at your fuse box and see if you have a device with a button marked “T” or “Test”.
Electrical jobs can be more difficult and dangerous than anticipated. These top tips and instructions for DIY Electric from us here at Harcon shouldg uide you on your way.
Related Articles: https://harconelectrical.co.uk/pat-testing-in-the-workplace/ https://harconelectrical.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know-about-electrical-installations/