For chronic "Do It Yourself" types or for those that simply want to save a few bucks, simple electrical wiring installations or repairs are nothing to be scared of if you simply follow some basic safety rules.
After all, 120 volts is nothing to be played with or taken lightly! While it is true that 120 volts can possibly kill you, it is also true that by following some basic safety rules and techniques, the chances of that happening are highly unlikely.
Now that you feel better, let's go over the rules for handling electrical wiring.
Check the rules set by your local electrical authority regarding permits in your area.
Some jurisdictions allow homeowners to work on their own electrical systems while others restrict the kind of work or work area, such as working on only the branch circuits and nothing larger.
Find out if you need to get a permit or if you are not allowed a permit at all.
While this should go without saying, we will say it anyway...
always shut off the power before beginning any electrical wiring work.
You can do this by shutting off the breaker connected to the circuit you would like to work on.
Just about all distribution panels have a diagram or schedule displayed that will let you know which circuit is connected to which breaker, however, you may need to be careful in following these as they may be vague or changes might have been implemented by previous owners.
It may take a little testing to find the right breaker, but it is time well spent.
You can test that the breaker is completely off by using a voltage tester or a lamp or even a radio.
It is easy enough to plug in the meter (or whatever you are using to test it) to the area you are going to be working on and ensuring that there is no power available.
If you are using a lamp or radio, you just turn in on and then turn off the breakers one by one until the appliance also turns off.
Now you will know and can document which breaker controls that particular circuit for the next time.
Depending on what kind of work you are doing and if there are others around while you are working, you may want to consider posting a notice on the service panel so that no one will try to turn the power back on while you are working on the electrical wiring or even better, lock the panel.
Be sure to not restore power until the work has been completed.
Make sure you NEVER touch the service wires that enter the service panel from the outside.
These 2-3 large wires remain live even if you shut off the main switch or breakers.
You also will not want to work near them with any kind of metal ladder and if you suspect that there is anything wrong or faulty about these wires then do not conduct any electrical wiring work yourself until you have contacted a professional or the power service provider in your area.
Again, common sense says to never work with anything electrical while there is water on the floor and to not be wet while you are working on anything electrical.
If there is moisture present and it can't be helped, then you can put down dry boards or use a rubber mat while working.
You should also use common sense and not touch anything metal while working on electrical wiring.
Be aware of your surroundings and clear the area of anything metal before getting near a live wire.
It may also help to use tools that have insulated handles.
These are the ones with a rubber or plastic coating and will not conduct the electricity easily if you do happen to touch a live circuit.
Make sure that your shoes have rubber soles or wear sneakers, and safety goggles or glasses are smart to wear while working.
As you complete your work on the electrical wiring, you can turn the power back on and test the work with a voltage tester or a lamp, etc.
But the smartest thing you can do is call a professional if you are not comfortable or feel intimidated by trying to work on electrical wiring yourself.