Younger generations embracing DIY, but many lack the know-how to tackle electrical jobs

Published:  26 May, 2016

New research by Electrical Safety First has found that under 35s are undertaking DIY projects three times as often as people aged 35 and older – with the former undertaking DIY, on average, 56 times a year while individuals aged 35 and over limit their DIY activities to just 16 times a year.

Despite just a third of under 35s reporting that they could change a light fitting (and just over a quarter reporting that they could wire a plug), nearly half would consider taking on electrical DIY themselves, compared to 37% of over 35s.

“Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube tutorials are inspiring younger DIYers,” explains Phil Buckle, director general of Electrical Safety First. “And there are, undoubtedly, some DIY jobs that people can do themselves. But given that well over a quarter of a million people are seriously injured by electricity each year – and over half of all fires in UK homes are caused by it – electrical work should really be left to the professionals.

“Previous research found that around one in 12 had caused significant damage to their property, or had to pay for costly repairs because of botched DIY, after following advice found online, and a recent survey of registered electricians discovered that 15% of them had been called in to repair DIY jobs that had caused an electrical fire, with a third reporting that such work had caused clients to experience an electric shock. So while the internet is a great resource, it’s no substitute for the real thing – a professional who can do the job safely and effectively.”

Image courtesy of Shutterstock/ Syda Productions