Kendall I'm going from a UK background but I can assure you I could go out and buy any buy any number of things that could burn you. If you got it wrong. I could for examle go out and buy this honeywell and have the 230- 240V. I think the sense comes in in the knowing what might be behind it - simple rule, you isolate things from the mains before messing. And a job such as changing 2 wires on a thrermostat (to fit a new one) should be safe for anyone as long as it isn't live when doing the job. Replacing a socket or light switch isn't hard either but personally I'd rather ensure it is switched of at the mains first.