Power comes into the house from external power lines but the electrical system in your house really begins with the main circuit panel. This is normally found in the basement, crawl space or garage. You will probably find either circuit breakers of a fuse box, but fuse boxes are less and less common and are only found in older homes. You should know how to turn off any particular part of the house and the different segments should be well labeled in the panel box. If you aren't sure which circuits need to be shut off for each job, you can turn off the ones you think are the most likely and then be sure to check the outlets to make sure none of them are getting power.

Understand the parts that you are going to be working with so that you can ensure your safety and that of the people that are working with you or around you. Even though you have turned off the power, it is still good practice to double check and verify that they power is really shut off. This can be done using a current tester. This is a simple little device and has two probes, one for positive and negative ends. A light illuminates when there is any current going through the two wires that you are checking. If you have turned off the power but still see a light on the current tester, you should double check yourself before proceeding.

Many people are tentative when they decide to work on the electrical components and this is only natural for most people, but you still need to get to work and get things done. So make intelligent choices and make sure that you are confident in what you are doing. If you are unsure about the steps you are taking in any way, it is best to step back and see what you could be doing better or to analyze if you should be hiring a professional to do the work instead.

You also need to know some basic tools and understand what they would be use for and in what circumstances. Planning ahead will help you to make the most of your time and to work efficiently and confidently. A prepared and thoughtful worker will have an advantage over someone of the same skill level that just assumes everything is the way it should be before proceeding. Be the worker that thinks about what to do first and then carries through with the plan.

When you are installing a new fixture or light of any kind it's important to make sure you have all the parts and items that will be necessary for the job. This requires some forethought but will make the job easier and run smoother. A significant amount of time can be wasted going back to the store to get a small item that was forgotten on the first trip. This can really become a problem if you are working with anything like a fridge or freezer and have the power off or if you are working with a heater or air conditioner.