| Homeowners often face many do-it-yourself | | | | the circuit. Always tape the circuit breaker into |
| projects and many of those projects are trial and | | | | the off position to avoid anyone restoring power |
| error. However, electrical repairs and/or projects | | | | while you are working. Finally, remember that the |
| should not fall under the category of trial and | | | | main wires entering the electrical panel from the |
| error. Before beginning an electrical repair project, | | | | outside cannot be turned off. For this reason, do |
| follow the steps below to ensure a safe, | | | | not touch the wires or go near them with |
| successful result. | | | | anything made of metal. If you suspect the |
| First, confirm that you are permitted to do | | | | electrical problems are with these wires, contact |
| electrical work on your own home. The Oregon | | | | the power company. Do not try to find the |
| Department of Business and Consumer Services | | | | problem on your own. |
| (ODBCS) indicates that homeowners do not need | | | | Third, standing in water or on a damp floor could |
| a permit to replace electrical devices or perform | | | | result in a life-threatening shock. If there is water |
| maintenance on an existing electrical installation, | | | | on the floor, place a rubber mat on the floor to |
| but a permit is required in some instances. | | | | stand on. Also, be sure you are wearing dry |
| According to the ODBCS, you need a permit to | | | | clothes. If you are not sure if the area is safe, call |
| install or modify any permanent wiring or electrical | | | | a professional. One call could save you from a |
| device, run additional wiring, put in an electrical | | | | dangerous shock. |
| outlet or light fixture, install or modify low-voltage | | | | Fourth, remember that metal is bad and rubber is |
| systems such as security alarms or stereo | | | | good. If you touch metal and a live wire at the |
| systems, install a receptacle for a garage-door | | | | same time, your body carries a current from one |
| opener or convert to circuit breakers. Of course, | | | | to the other. Running a current through your body |
| the law varies from state to state. Be sure to | | | | is, obviously, not healthy nor is it pleasant |
| check with your local office to confirm whether | | | | experience. However, rubber is a nonconductive |
| or not you need a permit. | | | | material and actually insulates against electricity. |
| Secondly, off all electrical power through the | | | | Use tools with rubber or plastic coated handles |
| circuit breaker. Flipping a switch off is not enough. | | | | and wear shoes with rubber soles. |
| The socket or appliance will remain live. Many | | | | Finally, test your work once you are finished. Turn |
| circuit breakers have diagrams detailing with circuit | | | | the circuit breakers on to return electrical power |
| is connected which breaker, but be sure to check | | | | to the area, and use a voltage tester to check if |
| for yourself. You can do this by using a voltage | | | | the appropriate amount of electricity is running. |
| tester. Someone assisting you is also helpful and | | | | The amount required varies by the size of the |
| prevents the need to run back and forth to test | | | | appliance. |