8 Home Electric Tasks You Should Never Do Yourself

Hands installing or removing a wall-mounted device panel — Credit:
kellymarken / Getty Images

There's a lot of learning that goes into homeownership. And with that, there's plenty of satisfaction to be had. There's no beating the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully unclogging a drain or patching drywall all on your own. But there are some DIY projects—specifically, those requiring electrical work—better left to the professionals.

When it comes to working with electricity and wiring, the stakes are often infinitely higher, with safety issues and fire hazards coming into play. "There’s a lot you can DIY around the house, but electricity isn’t where you want to wing it," says licensed electrician Carly Steiman. "If it’s something you’re curious about learning, let your electrician know ... Education can be a part of the process—it just needs to be communicated."

Here’s a guide to help you recognize when to call in an expert and why it’s worth it.

Carly Steiman, licensed electrician with nearly two decades of experience specializing in lighting design, installations, and homeowner education

01 of 08

Rewiring and Adding Outlets

While there are plenty of YouTube tutorials out there detailing how to rewire a home to add outlets, Steiman recommends against undertaking such a task yourself. Extending circuits and ensuring their safety can be dangerous—incorrect grounding or non-compliant outlets pose serious risks.

Oftentimes (and especially in older builds), it can be tough to know what exactly lies behind your walls. "Old homes often have mixed wiring types and a pro knows how to work with what’s there and bring it all up to code without any surprises," Steiman explains.

02 of 08

Circuit Breaker Issues

Circuit breaker board — Credit:
Makidotvn / Getty Images

If you repeatedly find yourself resetting your circuit breaker after a power outage, it’s a sign that your electrical system is under stress. This could be due to overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or other underlying issues. Diagnosing and fixing these problems requires expertise in electrical systems. A professional electrician can assess the situation, identify the root cause, and implement a safe solution.

03 of 08

Installing Dimmer Systems

Want to add some soft, mood lighting to your home? Adding dimmers can give you total control over your atmosphere's lighting. However, due to common issues with incompatible controls to your home's wiring, Steiman recommends saving yourself the frustration and leaving this task to a pro.

04 of 08

Smart Home and Energy Setups

beautiful entryway with SmartHome Technology — Credit: imaginima / Getty Images

There are a lot of modern, high-tech ways to save energy in your home. Good for the environment and often your electric bill, these include smart switches that allow you to remotely switch on your lighting and energy-saving thermostats.

However, not all of these are plug-and-play, according to Steiman. A professional can assist in ensuring all devices are installed properly and saving as much energy (and money) as possible.

05 of 08

Full Home Renovations

Home renovations often involve changes to the electrical system, such as adding new outlets, installing lighting fixtures, or upgrading the electrical panel. These tasks require a thorough understanding of electrical systems and local building codes. A licensed electrician can ensure the work is done safely and complies with regulations.

06 of 08

Fixing Flickering Lights or Surges

pendulum lamp with light bulb — Credit: Khaosai Wongnatthakan / EyeEm / Getty Images

Flickering lights or frequent electrical surges are often indicative of wiring problems or issues with the electrical panel. These problems can lead to electrical fires and other safety issues if not addressed promptly. While replacing a light bulb is straightforward, persistent flickering or surges should be inspected by a professional to ensure safety.

07 of 08

Large Installations

Installing complex lighting systems, such as recessed lighting, involves intricate wiring and sometimes structural modifications. These installations often require professional expertise to ensure they are done safely and function correctly.

As a bonus, some pros can also help you with specific design inquiries and recs. "It’s part art, part wiring—and getting it right makes all the difference," says Steiman.

08 of 08

Electrical Work in Wet or Damp Areas

Modern bathroom with globe lights — Credit:
Artjafara / Getty Images

Areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces require special attention due to moisture exposure. Installing outlets, lighting, or appliances in these areas involves specific safety measures to prevent electrical hazards. A professional electrician is trained to handle these installations safely.