Answer: In some cases Explanation: A homeowner can install their own electrical wiring, but only under specific conditions and with strict rules. In California—including the Sacramento region—a homeowner is generally allowed to do their own electrical work only on a home they personally own and occupy, and only if they pull the proper permits and pass all required inspections.
When a homeowner is allowed:
They own and live in the home (not a rental or flip).
They pull an electrical permit from the city or county.
They follow the California Electrical Code and are responsible for corrections if the inspector finds issues.
The work is within their capability—unsafe or non-compliant work will fail inspection.
When a homeowner is not allowed:
Rental properties — only licensed electricians can perform electrical work.
Commercial properties — always requires a licensed electrician.
Work involving service equipment (main panel, meter, service mast) — many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician for this due to safety and utility coordination.
If the homeowner cannot meet code — inspectors can stop the project.
Summary
A homeowner can install their own wiring in some cases, but only with permits, inspections, and full compliance with the California Electrical Code. For anything involving service upgrades, complex wiring, or safety-critical systems, most people hire a licensed electrician to ensure the work passes inspection the first time. |
| EcoWise Electric LLC |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: Homeowner's in our area are capable of pulling their own permit for any work they need done. |
| G & H Electrical Services, LLC |
Answer: No, never Explanation: Not unless the home owner is licensed. |
| CHI Construction |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Yes, always Explanation: While doing your own electrical work is often legal and can be safe, if performed carefully, one major concern surrounds ensuring DIY electrical work is up to code. Amateurs may complete perfectly functional electrical projects that may not meet code, and thus may cause issues if and when it's time to have the house inspected in order to sell it. |
| Ross Electric Company |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: Whether you can legally do electrical work on your house will depend on the type of work you need done and your city or county's laws. In most cases, you will need to obtain a permit before you can move forward. You'll want to carefully understand the risks of DIY electrical work and the law to decide whether you should hire a professional instead. As long as the electrical work you need to do is minor and doesn't involve something like changing the main electrical panel, you can often legally do it yourself. |
| Electrical Services Plus LLC |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: Depending on the authority having jurisdiction |
| LVC Electric inc |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: Depends on what the local authorities allow. It's always best to call the local permitting office to get the official answer. |
| Aegis Electric LLC |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: depends on their comfort level |
| Electrical Services Inc. |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: Although most municipalities require a licensed electrician to obtain permits and complete the work, there are still some out there that will allow a homeowner to complete. Unless you have experience in electrical, I would highly recommend against this. |
| Construct Boss |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: If they are a licensed electrician |
| My Electrician |
Answer: Yes, always Explanation: Although a home owner is allowed to work on their own electrical, it never hurts to have an electrician verify the work completed. Even if you know how to install an outlet correctly, there may be issues with overloading the circuit. By doing an amp draw at the device and at the breaker as well as a thermal scan will help ensure the install will be safe. |
| Seabreeze Electric |
Answer: No, never Explanation: No |
| Gacem Electric |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: Check your municipality |
| Advanced Electrical and Energy |
Answer: Yes, always Explanation: In Texas if you own the house and live in it, and pull the required permits if needed, then the homeowner is allowed to install their own electrical wiring. |
| LED Electrical Services |
Answer: Yes, always Explanation: electrical can be performed by home owners. |
| Advanced automation inc |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: home owner can get there own permit too |
| GREEN ELECTRIC |