Can I Do My Own Electrical Work in Las Vegas?

You might think you can take a DIY approach and do your own electrical work, especially if you are good at it but first you should ask yourself – “Can You Do Electrical Work Without A License”? 

The answer to this question depends on the state or county laws and regulations for the specific work you want to carry out. Weigh the pros and cons of doing the work yourself, take into account the risks you can face and what damages it can cause.

What Electrical Work Can I Do Without A License?

There is some minor electrical work which you can carry out. Changing out fixtures is an example of something you can do. It is simply cosmetic and doesn’t have structural impacts which are restricted.

So changing a light bulb or even a switch doesn’t necessarily count as something you need a permit for. Especially not if you only plan to do a couple of projects in the home.

Instead, it is worth finding Las Vegas electrical contractors to provide you with the help you need in case you plan to do structural changes. You can be trouble free with Silver Hawk as our specialists are properly licensed and trained.

Types of Electrical Work That Are Legally Restricted

There are legal restrictions outlined by Las Vegas State Government and it is very important you follow these restrictions. We have directly quoted the state’s guidelines below in order to help you establish whether you can do your own electrical work without a permit or whether you need to obtain a permit or work with an electrician.

Electrical works that  require a permit.

1. Install or alter any permanent wiring or electrical device;
2. Run additional wiring to put in an electrical outlet or light fixture;
3. Change out, upgrade, or relocate the existing main electrical panel;
4. Install a photovoltaic system.

The same document also says that “routine maintenance and service” can be done without a permit. This covers things like replacing a fuse or switch.

What Are The Consequences of Electrical Work Done Without A Permit?

Though you don’t instantly get penalties for carrying out restricted work there are sure consequences for it. You won’t be found out and instantly get in legal trouble, but you certainly can get in trouble should the worst occur.

For instance, let’s say there is a fire which is caused by faulty electrical work. If you have done this work yourself and electrical issues occur then you might well have voided your home insurances or other insurances.

If the time comes for you to sell your home, you will be asked to fill in the information on which Las Vegas contractors have worked on your home, or to confirm that all work has been carried out by licensed pros. If it turns out that you haven’t done this, you may either be facing a dip in the value of your home, or you might face some legal challenge should this ever lead to issues.

There are a variety of ways in which doing your own electrical work can turn out to be an issue down the line.

Can I Do My Own Electrical Work or Should I Hire A Pro?

Even if you know how to do electrical work and you are confident enough to do your own electrical work, it really isn’t worth taking the risk.

If you simply need to carry out some very simple maintenance then you should be fine, but anything that requires structural changes or serious alterations to wiring and electrics, you should make sure you get the work carried out by someone who has a license.

The safest course of action is to work with a contracted professional to advise you on which work they can help you with. This keeps you safe when selling your home or if you ever have to make any sort of an insurance claim.