Should I DIY this? (Electrical)

Submitted ⁨⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago⁩ by ⁨peregrin5@lemm.ee⁩ to ⁨[deleted]⁩

I’m a dumbass and had someone come out and install a 240v outlet (and 120v). The reason I’m a dumbass is I didn’t measure and had them install it in a place it wouldn’t work for the appliance I am using.

I need to move the outlet a lot closer to the breaker box so I won’t need additional wire or material, less actually.

I’m debating doing this myself. I technically have an EE degree but my day job is primarily coding, and any electronics I’ve worked on are usually the micro variety. I am aware of all the electrical safety requirements and in terms of technicality/connections, I think I just need to copy what has already been done but just remove a bunch of wire and place the outlet closer.

Do you think this is something I could take on myself with some research? My brother-in-law is also a proper electrician and I can facetime him.

Or do you think I should just ask the guys who installed it back and have them do it?

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Comments

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MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.net ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
It sounds like the job should be pretty simple. The mechanics of household electrical are very straightforward. I would definitely lean on your BIL here: discuss the project, not just what to do and pitfalls to avoid, but also have him give a vibe check on your understanding. He knows you better than any of us do.

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anamethatisnt@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
If you have the materials then ask your brother-in-law if he’ll come give you a hand in return for dinner or something.
If you’re uncertain enough to ask if you should do it on your own you shouldn’t do it on your own when it comes to electrical wiring in the house.

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- peregrin5@lemm.ee ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  I would totally trade dinner or whatever but unfortunately he’s in a different state so it’s not really convenient unless he’s visiting.
  
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Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
This kind of falls in the “if you have to ask” territory.

While it’s technically pretty simple (you’re just moving it, not setting it up initially), code has specific rules, and this is the knowledge you’re paying for with an electrician. Since code can vary, knowing the code for your area may be important.

May be worth a call to the electrician about the code and homeowners doing such work. He may not mind talking about it. Just be honest with him.

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- Balthazar@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
  If you don’t 100% know exactly what you’re doing and 240 volts is involved, you shouldn’t do it.
  
  120 volts will give you a nice little shock, but 240 volts will kill you.
  
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Magister@lemmy.world ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
Well, obviously on the net everyone will tell you to don’t do it yourself… personally I do change all my outlets, switches, chandeliers, thermostats, etc myself. I moved outlets too, extending them you need an accessible junction box, right wires gauge, romex 12/2, blabla, etc. shorting wires? well, disconnect the wires, move the outlet at the correct place, cut the wires and reput them (with the whatever way it is done in your country).

Having a EE degree and an electrician BIL you should be able to handle this. Best way, ask him to come and let him guide you on the howto.

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wildbus8979@sh.itjust.works ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
This 100% within your reach, don’t don’t yourself.

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vk6flab@lemmy.radio ⁨1⁩ ⁨week⁩ ago
I don’t know what the electrical code is where you live, but where I am it’s illegal to do what you propose.

Consider what would happen if your modifications were found to be the source of a fire at some point in the future.

Pay the sparky.

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jubilationtcornpone@sh.itjust.works ⁨6⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago
Even if your BIL lives a long way away, you can always call him for advice. I’m pretty good with doing most of my own electrical work but if I have a question I just call my dad since he’s a retired master electrician. He can usually tell me what I need to know without even looking at the job.

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ChaoticNeutralCzech@feddit.org ⁨6⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago
Remember to send your BIL detailed before/after photos of the insides of any boxes you’re tinkering with, and let him take a look the next time he comes over.

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