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What you’re doing is probably illegal. By law, only qualified, licensed electricians can do work which involves electricity because of the dangers and hazards it poses.
There are very few jobs that you can do yourself. While you may want to impress others with your talents as a handyman or handywoman, the electrical work that you can complete is very limited.
The short answer
Very little. Almost all electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. The exceptions are minor jobs such as changing a light bulb or a smoke alarm's backup battery.
- Switch off the power before changing a light bulb.
- You can fit a wall oven or create an opening for an air conditioner, but connecting or installing them is a job for a licensed electrician.
Change a fuse
Replacing a blown or broken fuse is a relatively small task. If you’ve never changed a fuse before, check it’s the right one. Fuses have different amperages, so don’t exceed the rating and turn off the power as you replace it.
Changing blown light bulbs
There are many lightbulb jokes around to, wait for it, brighten up your day. Bulbs are very easy to replace but make sure the switch is turned off. Grab the bulb, push it up slightly and turn it anti-clockwise so it’s released from the socket. Then twist the replacement in. The most hazardous element of changing a lightbulb is probably ensuring that you don’t fall off the ladder!
Battery operated smoke detectors
Hard-wired or mains powered smoke detectors have batteries which will emit a bleeping noise if they ever need replacing. Changing this battery, which will lose power over time, is something you’re permitted to do. The battery exists as a back-up in case of a power failure.
Know the limit
Outside this short list, doing electrical work yourself is probably illegal, and mistakes can cause burns, tissue damage and heart attacks. For anything else, use a licensed electrician.
Low voltage garden lighting
Nearly all outdoor lighting is low voltage meaning it’s safe and easy enough for any handy homeowner to install. It’s simple to do – just lay the cable, then connect the cable to a transformer, turn them on and see those LED lights shine.
Other DIY
Australian law says you can also install pond pumps, replace a drive belt in a washing machine, fit an electrical wall oven but not connect it. You’re able to create openings for air conditioning units but not install them yourself. For most electrical jobs, you’ll need a qualified licensed electrician.
Electrical mishaps can cause burns, tissue damage and heart attacks, so call in the experts at PWA Electrical Services. We provide a high standard of affordable electrical work. It’s no wonder past customers are referring us to their friends and extended family, so we’re becoming one of the fastest growing electrical companies in Perth.
Talk to PWA Electrical
Need a licensed electrician in Perth?
Talk to the PWA team about residential, commercial or after-hours work. Call us or send an enquiry for a free quote.
About the author
Mitchell Burns
Senior Electrician, PWA Electrical Services
Mitchell is our quiet achiever: steadfast, respectful and the constant professional we can all rely on. He works hard to keep his work at a high standard at all times.
