Although a licensed electrician is the expert to call for generator repair, a patient home handyman with common sense and good tool skills can do many generator repairs safely and efficiently.

Before engaging in generator repair, it is important to be aware of your local laws regarding electrical repairs. In many towns, there are limitations on the work an unlicensed person may do - even the homeowner! Local codes exist because of and are often based on local concerns. Densely populated areas, such as large cities, tend to have electrical codes severely limiting homeowner electrical repair work because errors can endanger hundreds or thousands of people. Rural codes are often less stringent, allowing more owner flexibility and involvement in the work.

Rule number one in any generator repair work: Don't forget to turn off the power! Of all the generator repair work you may do, the most potentially devastating mistakes are in faulty electrical wiring. Countless fires are caused by poor wiring techniques, substandard materials, or faulty extension cords.

Read more: DIY Generator Repair