Electrical work: What you can do yourself

You can do a lot yourself, but there are clear rules for what you should leave to professionals. If there is damage or fire in something you have installed yourself, you risk a reduced insurance settlement.

Family standing in a living room under renovation — Photo: Johnér

You are allowed to do minor electrical work at home or in your holiday home. Larger tasks must be taken care of by electricians.

Do not touch the heating cables

Many people think they can save money by laying the heating cables themselves, and then asking an electrician to connect it to the electrical system in the house. Non-skilled workers are not allowed to lay, install or connect fixed heating cables. Only professionals can do this.

Avoid insurance scams

If the work has not been carried out professionally, you may get overheating, which in turn can lead to a fire. If the insurance company can prove that there have been unskilled workers on the move, the insurance can be shortened. Then you risk not being covered for the damages.

You can do this yourself:

Replacing covers on switches, sockets and junction boxes.
Install and replace heaters if they have movable cord and plug.
Connect or replace two-pole plugs up to and including 25 A, with and without earthing.
Connect or replace two-pole extension connectors and device connectors up to and including 16 A, with and without earthing.
Connect and repair table lamps, sconces, and the like with moving cords, including cord switches.
Connect or replace lamps hanging from ceiling hooks or similar, which are connected with a crown clamp or plug/socket. The lamps must not be part of the fixed installation.

Work that is not on this list must be left to professionals.