Should I call a licensed electrician for outdoor projects? While some wiring projects in your yard are good DIY projects for those who are handy and can follow directions, there are others that are best left to a licensed electrician. It is important to recognize the difference and plan for the cost of having a professional do the work when warranted.
Considerations when doing the work yourself
When doing any work, it is necessary to know your local codes and the National Electrical Code, which set specifications for materials and guidelines for work processes when working with power outdoors. Outdoor wiring is exposed to temperature and humidity. If you use materials such as lamps, switches, and cable accessories that are designed for indoor use, you may expose yourself to risks of electric shock and excessive wear. The codes are very clear regarding the materials you must use.
As a weekend DIYer, you can find clear instructions on the materials and procedures that will allow you to run cables from your home to outdoor lighting. You should always check with your city to see if you need to obtain a permit before doing any specific exterior electrical work.
Jobs That Require a Licensed Electrician
For many exterior electrical projects, calling a licensed electrician is the best decision. Keep in mind two basic principles:
- If you’re doing something you’re not familiar with, call in the professionals.
- If you are undertaking a project that is expensive, plan with the help of a licensed professional.
Three of the most expensive projects that fall into this category include:
- Outdoor kitchens. Whether you’re talking about adding a stone fireplace that’s built outside your home or an outdoor kitchen complete with appliances, water lines, electricity, and gas lines, using a licensed electrician will make sure it all gets done. in accordance with the relevant codes. each part of the project. A fully equipped kitchen can cost thousands, so skimping on the electrician is a poor choice.
- Underground pools and spas. Adding pools, hot tubs, spas, and other water features is often a joint effort between designers, pool contractors, and landscapers, working together to make sure lighting used around or even inside a pool is safe and installed according to code. . As with an outdoor kitchen, pool installation and maintenance can be expensive. You don’t want to have to pay your pool contractor to redo shoddy electrical wiring.
- The building has a porch, patio or terrace. A DIYer could handle adding a house mounted flood light to illuminate a patio. However, the more lights you want and the more ingenious the arrangement, the more important it is to have a professional on the job. A licensed electrician can safely mount a ceiling fan and place the lighting required by international building codes and local regulations governing exterior lighting and proper stair lighting.
When planning outdoor wiring work, consider hiring a local licensed electrician. They can help with permits and experience to make sure the job is done right.
