Some electrical jobs are fine for a careful homeowner, but many aren't worth the risk of shock or fire — and in most places, significant electrical work legally requires a licensed electrician and a permit.
Call right away for these
Burning smells, warm or discoloured outlets and switch plates, sparking, buzzing from the panel, and frequent breaker trips are all warning signs of a fault that can start a fire. Shut off the circuit and call an electrician.
Aging systems
Knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch wiring, ungrounded two-prong outlets, and undersized panels are common in older homes and often need professional evaluation and upgrade — both for safety and because insurers may require it.
Anything inside the panel
Adding circuits, upgrading the service, and working inside the electrical panel are jobs for a licensed electrician with a permit. The energy in a panel can be lethal, and the work must be inspected.