Simple electrical works DIY
 

Hi everyone, looking for some advice. We have just moved out and live in the Monterchi area of Arezzo. We want to change a light fitting or two. We found lights we like but the shop owner told us that simply changing the light fitting requires an electrician. I know that in the UK there are limits on what you can do at home yourself with regard to electric but changing a light fitting is OK. Can anyone confirm that I cannot do this myself and if anyone knows, can you tell me where the line is drawn for homeowners in terms of what I can and cannot do; is it recorded as a law anywhere? I’m not looking to do major stuff, just swap out a ceiling rose or two. Any help greatly appreciated

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

I suspect what he says is true but I cannot see a great problem changing light fittings. I watched this youtube video yesterday. They talk about the differences between the UK and Italy.

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

Philat98
Thats great, I’ll take a look now. Thank you

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

I wonder how much resource is put into enforcing whatever the law says inside your own home? I'm going to say "not much" ..... There are similar restrictions on work that can be performed in the US, and a "permitting process" for work above a certain size of project (not only electrical), but in reality there is no resource spent on looking for homeowners doing work on their own property. In fact the electrician I use for projects beyond my own capabilities actually asked me once if I wanted him to obtain a permit. I asked him what difference it would make to the work he was doing for me, he said "none". You can guess what I decided. :lol:

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

Only thing I would say is to make sure you have the right tools and test equipment and take photos as you go / mark cables you disconnect / etc.

Lighting circuits may be RCD protected (protect you from being killed) or circuit breaker / fuse protected (hopefully protecting wiring from overheating / fires).

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

If you cannot purchase what you want locally order from any online merchant that has what you want from back home or a site like Amazon and just DIY. There is not much to replacing a light fixture or moving a switch. You can find numerous videos on YouTube about basic electrical projects. Many countries have laws about electric and natural gas supposedly under the idea to protect DIYers but IMHO it is to protect electricians and gas fitters profit margins. If you are uncomfortable working on electrical projects turn off ALL the breakers in your house including the mains when working and take photographs of what you found before making changes and the after pictures so in the event you encounter a problem.

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

I think the trouble would come if someone was electrocuted. Electrocution is quite common here in Italy. A young woman was electrocuted yesterday using her phone charger in the bath. A few years ago a man was electrocuted walking his dog near my village!

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

The problem will be if you take the old one down and suddenly a Medusas head of wires boing out of the ceiling or you find that the ceiling is dodgy so that you cannot fix in the new rose etc,so take it slowly....

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

I suspect that he knows an electrian.:wink_smile:
We asked the electrician who had done some work for us to hang our lights. He told us to do it ourselves-though he did eventually hang them for us- so no, I don't think that there is any law preventing you doing it.

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

From personal experience the issue I have been facing is that they use all the same coloured wiring for everything...it’s a nightmare if you think.....ha in the UK changing a light fitting is a breeze.....here, when you take down a light fitting or open up an inspection cover you are faced with a bundle of wires taped up without any clues what they are.....main advice would be to make sure the power is off at the mains box...... I have still had a shock when I switched the breaker....oh the joys of southern Italy 😂

Re: Simple electrical works DIY
 

Of course you can do it. A house with modern wiring will have colour coded wires. Your problem may come if you have a relay switch, or two. I have never been able to understand the wiring of those.