Do you have a small DIY project around your home you’re considering?
Installing a light fixture is something many find appealing, especially as the technology improves. DIY projects give you the opportunity to save money and spread your skills further.
But there are things to be aware of – what if something goes wrong? This can be costly to rectify and you may need to call an electrician to help.
Read on to discover if it’s worth it to do it yourself and how to install a light fixture.
Reasons to Hire an Electrician
There are a few reasons to consider hiring an electrician for light fixture installation rather than attempting a DIY project.
First, electricians have the training and experience to know how to properly install a light fixture. This includes selecting the appropriate size and type of fixture for the space, as well as understanding how to wire it correctly.
Second, electricians have the proper tools and equipment to do the job safely. This is important because working with electricity can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Finally, electricians are insured, so if something does go wrong during the installation process, you will be protected.
Reasons to Choose DIY Lighting Installation
You might choose to install a light fixture yourself rather than hiring an electrician.
Maybe you’re on a tight budget and hiring an electrician is not an option. Or, maybe you’re a DIY enthusiast and you enjoy tackling projects around the house. Whatever the reason, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you start.
First, make sure you have a basic understanding of electrical work. Second, be sure to turn off the power to the area you’ll be working in. Third, follow the instructions that come with the light fixture carefully.
And fourth, if you’re not comfortable working with electricity, it’s probably best to hire an electrician.
Tips for Installing Light Fixture Yourself
If you are confident in your ability to follow directions and are comfortable working with electricity, then you can install a light fixture yourself. Here are a few tips:
Before starting, make sure to turn off the power to the circuit that you’ll be working on. This can be done by flipping the switch on the circuit breaker panel. To be extra safe, you can also remove the fuse that corresponds to the circuit.
Once the power is off, remove the old light fixture. To do this, first, remove the shades or bulbs. Then, unscrew the mounting plate and carefully pull the wires out of the electrical box.
With the old fixture out of the way, you can now install the new one. Start by attaching the mounting plate to the electrical box. Then, connect the wires.
Usually, the black (or hot) wire goes to the brass screw, the white (or neutral) wire goes to the silver screw, and the green (or ground) wire goes to the green screw.
Once the wires are connected, screw in the light bulbs and replace the shades. Finally, turn the power back on.
Whether you’re looking to hire a professional lighting installation or you’d like to replace a fixture on your own, Sunrise Electric can help. Make sure to check this link for more information.
Weighing Your Options: Hiring an Electrician vs. DIY Install Light Fixture
It really depends on your level of comfort and expertise when it comes to electrical work. If you’re confident in your abilities, you can install a light fixture yourself and it shouldn’t be a problem.
However, if you’re not comfortable or familiar with electrical work, then it’s probably best to hire an electrician. In the end, it’s up to you to decide and weigh your options.
If you’ve found this article about whether you should DIY or hire an electrician has been helpful, browse our site for more informative posts.
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