Electrical Safety Tips During Your Home Renovation

Renovating your home is exciting—but it’s also a time when you’re more exposed to electrical hazards. With wires exposed, circuits disrupted, and tools in constant use, electrical safety should be a top priority. A single mistake can cause serious injury, fire, or costly damage.

As home renovations often require electrical work, safety is key. Whether you’re doing light DIY work or overseeing a full renovation, understanding basic electrical safety can help keep you, your family, and your property safe.

Today, we will learn essential electrical safety tips to ensure your project stays safe, efficient, and up to code.

Why Electrical Safety Matters During Home Renovation

• Risk of electric shock: Exposed wires or damaged circuits can be lethal.

• Fire hazards: Faulty wiring or overloaded circuits can cause fires.

• Legal requirements: In Ireland, most electrical work must be done by a Safe Electric-registered electrician.

• Insurance compliance: Many insurers won’t cover accidents from unregistered electrical work.

Key Electrical Safety Tips

1. Hire a Registered Electrician

Never attempt major electrical work yourself. In Ireland, all electrical installation work must comply with ET101 National Rules for Electrical Installations, and a completion certificate is required for rewiring, new circuits, and consumer unit upgrades.

• Always choose a Safe Electric (RECI) registered electrician.

• Check credentials and reviews before hiring.

2. Turn Off Power Before Work Begins

• Use the main switch to cut power to areas being worked on.

• Label circuits so everyone knows which areas are live or safe.

• Use battery-powered tools where possible when working near live areas.

Never assume a wire is dead—test with a voltage tester first.

3. Avoid DIY Electrical Work

Jobs that require a qualified electrician include:

• Installing new sockets or circuits

• Rewiring

• Replacing or upgrading a fuse board

• Installing outdoor lighting or EV chargers

DIYers can handle non-electrical tasks like chasing walls or drilling holes—but leave the wiring itself to professionals.

4. Use the Right Tools and Equipment

• Always use insulated tools when near electrical sources.

• Check extension leads for damage.

• Avoid overloading sockets with multiple high-power tools.

• Keep cables away from sharp edges, heat sources, and water.

5. Protect Cables and Wires

During renovations, loose wires can easily get cut, crushed, or pulled.

• Use proper cable trunking or conduits.

• Mark areas where cables are hidden in walls or floors.

• Avoid running extension leads under carpets or rugs.

6. Plan Electrical Work Before Plastering or Flooring

One of the costliest mistakes is forgetting to install wiring or sockets before walls are closed up.

• Plan lighting layouts, socket placement, and future tech needs early.

• Photograph wall wiring before plastering—this helps in case you need to drill later.

• Ensure all circuits are tested before final finishes go in.

7. Beware of Temporary Power Solutions

Renovations often involve temporary wiring and lights.

• Keep temporary leads off the floor to avoid tripping.

• Use RCD-protected sockets to prevent electrocution.

• Never use makeshift wiring or “daisy-chained” extension leads.

8. Watch Out for Water

Electricity and water don’t mix—yet during renovations, you may be dealing with plumbing changes, leaks, or plastering.

If a cable or socket gets wet:

• Turn off power at the mains immediately.

• Call a qualified electrician before switching it back on.

9. Upgrade Outdated Wiring

Renovations are the perfect time to replace old, unsafe wiring.

Signs you need rewiring:

• Fuses trip regularly

• Sockets feel warm

• Aluminium or rubber-insulated wiring

• Two-prong sockets with no earth

A full rewire ensures your home is safe and compliant.

10. Get a Certificate of Completion

After electrical work, you must receive a Completion Certificate from your electrician. This proves the work is safe and up to standard.

Without it:

• You may face problems selling your home.

• Your insurance could be invalid.

Safety Tips for DIYers During Renovation

Even if you’re not doing the wiring yourself, you may be cutting, sanding, or drilling—so stay safe:

• Use a cable detector before drilling or nailing into walls.

• Keep power tools away from wet areas.

• Always wear rubber-soled shoes when working with electricity nearby.

• Never run power tools from a socket without an RCD.

It is always advised to leave the wiring and other professional electrical works to the experts. At Painter Adam, we work with trusted electricians to ensure every part of your renovation—from lighting to rewiring—is safe, efficient, and future-ready. Planning a renovation? Get in touch with us to get an estimate for your project instantly with our online calculator.

The Final Word

Electrical safety isn’t optional—it’s essential. Renovation is the perfect time to upgrade wiring, add sockets, and modernise your home’s electrical system, but it must be done correctly. Always hire a qualified electrician, follow safety protocols, and never take shortcuts with wiring.