Home Electricity Basics
Electrical work can be a bit intimidating, especially for someone new to construction or DIY. Understanding more about electricity can help you determine what types of electrical projects you'd be comfortable tackling on your own.
There was quite a bit of discussion on this post about changing out a wall outlet that questioned whether or not it's safe to tackle your own electrical or wiring projects. Some projects do require permits and the use of a licensed electrician by law, but most projects including changing wall outlets, light fixtures, and switches can be done safely by any homeowner. Every project (and house) is a bit different so it is always best to understand your own system, the basics of how the system should work, and gauge your comfort level with tackling different projects from there.
The video above from Home Depot is a little cheesy, but it's still a good primer for how electrical systems are set up in a home. I highly recommend checking it out if you want to take on those kinds of projects (or even if you're curious).
Note: These resources are specific to residential electrical systems. There are separate codes for commercial buildings including offices and apartment complexes.
