What You’re Actually Allowed to Do With Your Home’s Electrical System
“Can I do this myself?” depends on your local building department (AHJ), the type of work, and whether it touches service equipment or a generator tie-in. This guide gives you a practical map of what’s usually okay, what’s usually permitted, and what’s usually pro-only.
Fast truth
Your AHJ can require permits/inspections — especially for new circuits, panels, and generator connections.
This post is not legal advice
Rules vary by state/county/city. Always verify with your AHJ and follow manufacturer instructions + applicable electrical code.
Use this one-sentence question with your building department
“Do you allow homeowners to do electrical work here — and what tasks require a permit or a licensed electrician?”
DIY vs Permit vs Electrician (quick map)
| Category | Usually OK for homeowners? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like replacements switches, outlets, light fixtures | Often yes (varies) | Lower risk if done correctly (box fill, grounding, correct ratings) |
| New wiring / new circuits adding outlets, new runs | Often yes but commonly permit-required | Changes the system; inspection catches hidden mistakes |
| Service equipment meter/service entrance/main upgrades | Often restricted / pro-only | Highest hazard; utility coordination; grounding/neutral rules critical |
| Generator tie-in interlock/transfer switch/inlet | Commonly permit-required (often pro) | Backfeed risk; must use approved transfer method |
What homeowners can often do (common patterns)
Often allowed (sometimes no permit)
- Replace a switch or outlet (same type/rating)
- Replace a light fixture (same location)
- Replace cover plates
- Replace a bathroom fan or ceiling fan (proper box/brace)
- Replace a GFCI outlet (wired correctly: line/load)
Work that commonly needs a permit
Permit zone
- Adding a new circuit or dedicated circuit
- Adding outlets/lights in new locations
- Running new cable in walls/attic/basement
- Installing a subpanel
- Hardwired smoke/CO changes (where required)
Work that is often restricted (or best left to pros)
High-risk zone
- Main service upgrades (100A → 200A)
- Meter base / service entrance changes
- Main panel replacement
- Service neutral/ground bonding corrections
- Generator inlet + interlock/transfer equipment (permit almost always)
Call-your-AHJ checklist (copy/paste script)
If you do nothing else, do this. It takes 5 minutes and can save you weeks of rework.
- Ask if homeowner permits are allowed.
Some areas allow homeowner work broadly; others restrict panels/service/generator tie-ins. - Ask what requires a permit.
New circuits, subpanels, generator inlet/interlock/transfer usually trigger permits. - Ask if a licensed electrician is required for panels/generators.
Many AHJs are strict about generator transfer equipment. - Ask about inspection timing + what they want to see.
Rough-in vs final, labeling requirements, manufacturer docs, photos, etc.
“Do you allow homeowners to do electrical work here — and what requires a permit or a licensed electrician (especially for panels or generator connections)?”
Generator connections: decision chart
Answer these and you’ll instantly know whether you’re in “cords,” “permit,” or “electrician” territory.
Local rules section (placeholder you can expand)
Wisconsin / your city rules (fill this in)
Replace this paragraph with a short, factual summary after you confirm with your local building department. Keep it simple: homeowner permits (yes/no), what requires permit, and whether generator transfer equipment requires an electrician.
Paste your notes here (private draft)
• Homeowner electrical permits allowed? ___
• Permit required for new circuits? ___
• Permit required for generator inlet/interlock/transfer? ___
• Electrician required for service equipment/panels? ___
• Inspection steps: rough-in / final / labeling requirements: ___
Quick quiz
This isn’t a test — it’s a sanity check.
switches, outlets, light fixtures
adding outlets, new runs
meter/service entrance/main upgrades
interlock/transfer switch/inlet
What homeowners can often do (common patterns)
Often allowed (sometimes no permit)
- Replace a switch or outlet (same type/rating)
- Replace a light fixture (same location)
- Replace cover plates
- Replace a bathroom fan or ceiling fan (proper box/brace)
- Replace a GFCI outlet (wired correctly: line/load)
Work that commonly needs a permit
Permit zone
- Adding a new circuit or dedicated circuit
- Adding outlets/lights in new locations
- Running new cable in walls/attic/basement
- Installing a subpanel
- Hardwired smoke/CO changes (where required)
Work that is often restricted (or best left to pros)
High-risk zone
- Main service upgrades (100A → 200A)
- Meter base / service entrance changes
- Main panel replacement
- Service neutral/ground bonding corrections
- Generator inlet + interlock/transfer equipment (permit almost always)
This is where mistakes can cause fires, equipment damage, or dangerous backfeed to the grid.
Call-your-AHJ checklist (copy/paste script)
If you do nothing else, do this. It takes 5 minutes and can save you weeks of rework.
- Ask if homeowner permits are allowed.
Some areas allow homeowner work broadly; others restrict panels/service/generator tie-ins. - Ask what requires a permit.
New circuits, subpanels, generator inlet/interlock/transfer usually trigger permits. - Ask if a licensed electrician is required for panels/generators.
Many AHJs are strict about generator transfer equipment. - Ask about inspection timing + what they want to see.
Rough-in vs final, labeling requirements, manufacturer docs, photos, etc.
“Do you allow homeowners to do electrical work here — and what requires a permit or a licensed electrician (especially for panels or generator connections)?”
Generator connections: decision chart
Answer these and you’ll instantly know whether you’re in “cords,” “permit,” or “electrician” territory.
Local rules section (placeholder you can expand)
Wisconsin / your city rules (fill this in)
Replace this paragraph with a short, factual summary after you confirm with your local building department. Keep it simple: homeowner permits (yes/no), what requires permit, and whether generator transfer equipment requires an electrician.
Paste your notes here (private draft)
• Homeowner electrical permits allowed? ___
• Permit required for new circuits? ___
• Permit required for generator inlet/interlock/transfer? ___
• Electrician required for service equipment/panels? ___
• Inspection steps: rough-in / final / labeling requirements: ___
Quick quiz
This isn’t a test — it’s a sanity check.