Many homeowners are incredibly handy, and always looking for ways to do work themselves not only to save money, but also for their personal enjoyment and sense of accomplishment. Many tasks that need to be completed around the house lend themselves well to a do-it-yourself mentality, but electrical installation can be a bit dicey unless you are a licensed electrician. How do you know when it's safe to DIY and when you should call in the professionals for your outdoor lighting project? Check out our quick guide to see which tasks are safe to try on your own. 

Wired Installations

Anytime you're going to have a wired installation, or anything requires an upgrade to your circuit box or other major electrical systems, your best option is to work with a professional electrician. The reason for this is because the amperage coming through the line is enough to cause serious damage to your body, and the pros know all the different security measures that are important to take when working with live electrical outlets and accessories. Nearly any wired installation, including changing light fixtures or fans that are hard-wired into your home, is work best left to the pros.

Licensed and Bonded

When you are selecting your electrician, be sure you're working with a team or individual who is licensed, bonded and insured. Do not be afraid to ask for a contract upfront, and be sure you see their documentation. True professionals are used to these questions and should not be offended. In fact, they may offer this information up front before you even ask for it! At Northern Lighting, we are happy to offer recommendations for area electricians upon request to ensure that your lighting project proceeds as quickly and painlessly as possible. 

Safety First

Anytime you are working with electrical elements, it is important that you turn off the electricity to the area you are working before beginning any task. While you may feel comfortable having a family member or friend with electrical experience working with your outdoor lighting installation, it's still important to keep in mind the liability issues that you may incur if someone other than a licensed electrician works on your home.

Creating the ideal environment for your lifestyle is more than simply adding a table and chairs to your back porch or deck. Having just the right outdoor lighting ensures that you can see well enough to enjoy great conversations no matter the hour and that you get as much enjoyment as possible out of your space. 

Don't forget our Clearance Dot Sale! You can get everything you need for your summer lighting projects with these great deals:

• Red dot items are 10 percent off
• Yellow dot items are 20 percent off
• Blue dot items are 30 percent off
• Green dot items are 40 percent off

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