Over the past fifty years, our homes have incorporated more and more electronic appliances. From the advent of dishwashers and clothes washing machines to the current swathe of smart home devices we’re buying for our properties, there’s plenty of electronic help residing under our roofs. Whether you’re thinking of making your own electronic device, or you’re hoping to find a cost-effective and instructional way to repair existing devices, this guide aims to help anyone involved in DIY home electronics. The information provided below will keep you safe while you’re working on your project and will help you understand the steps you can take to guarantee success with whatever electronic DIY assignment you’re attempting.
Safety First
First and foremost, let’s take a look at your safety. Electricity courses through your home at a high enough voltage to kill – and so it’s absolutely vital that you’re getting hands-on with your appliances without their being plugged into the mains.
Double-check every time you’re working with electronics that there is no electricity running through the device. The best way to ensure this is to simply unplug it from a power source or to turn off your electricity at the fuse.
Remember that shoddy electrical work can lead to fires and fuse issues – so if you’re not absolutely sure that you have the skills and expertise to complete your project effectively, you should leave it to the professionals.
Materials
Whether you’re conducting repairs or you’re making something electrical from scratch, you’re going to need a number of tools and materials to get you started. Some of the essential items you’re likely to need include:
- Screwdrivers, electronics pliers and electrical tape
- Spare fuses that comply with your home’s voltage levels
- Wire and cables, as well as plug heads to provide your appliance or device with power
- A soldering iron to help you fix or create circuit boards
You’ll find these essential materials in all good DIY stores – or in electrical stores, in which you’ll also benefit from the advice of the shop owner, who’ll be able to help you in your particular project.
Circuit Boards
All complex electrical appliances work with the help of a central circuit board through which the electricity provided to the device is funneled and put to work. These are some of the more complex areas of electrical DIY projects and, as such, will require some training and know-how for you to deal with. It’s easy to find this training online, wither in YouTube tutorial videos or other written online resources.
One of the emerging technological tools to help you plan your circuit boards is the CircuitStudio program offered by electricity experts Altium. Here, you’ll be able to plan the ins and outs of your electrical current, directing the power that comes from your mains supply into those areas of your appliance that require power. It’s a program that helps you demystify what can appear a complex process, leading you to more accurate and efficient work.
The tips outlined above will help you take on DIY electronic projects from the comfort of your home, teaching you a new trade and saving you money in the process.
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