Electrical
Few renovation projects do not involve electrical work. So, whether doing it yourself or hiring a professional, let's look at all of the various aspects of this surprisingly fascinating trade.
Cutting Drywall to Install Wires in Closed Walls
A few tips on cutting drywall to install wiring behind closed walls.
A few tips on cutting drywall to install wiring behind closed walls.
Sub-Panel, Electrical Sub-Panel
Find out what a sub-panel is. Get the definition for an electrical sub-panel here.
Find out what a sub-panel is. Get the definition for an electrical sub-panel here.
Service panel or circuit breaker panel
Find out what a service panel is. Learn the components of an electrical service panel, otherwise known as a circuit breaker panel.
Find out what a service panel is. Learn the components of an electrical service panel, otherwise known as a circuit breaker panel.
Can Lights: Do You Really Want Them?
The so-called can light is now ubiquitous in so many homes. Do you want to install can lights? Is there a reason why the can light should not be installed?
The so-called can light is now ubiquitous in so many homes. Do you want to install can lights? Is there a reason why the can light should not be installed?
Shock and Fire Protection of the Future? Going Beyond GFCI, with the SafePlug.
Shock protection: it's more than GFCI. Now there is something called the SafePlug (OFCI), where trips power even before the overload starts. Is this the future of shock protection?
Shock protection: it's more than GFCI. Now there is something called the SafePlug (OFCI), where trips power even before the overload starts. Is this the future of shock protection?
Heavy Up
What on Earth does it mean to heavy up electrical service? Do you need to heavy-up your electrical service or not?
What on Earth does it mean to heavy up electrical service? Do you need to heavy-up your electrical service or not?
Electrical Tools I Cannot Live Without
Learn about the "Electrical Tools that I Cannot Live Without" and find out if these electrical tools are right for your DIY toolbox.
Learn about the "Electrical Tools that I Cannot Live Without" and find out if these electrical tools are right for your DIY toolbox.
Klein Side Cutting Pliers
Klein Side Cutting Pliers are a bit pricey. Are they worth the cost? Read our review of Klein Side Cutting Pliers and find out.
Klein Side Cutting Pliers are a bit pricey. Are they worth the cost? Read our review of Klein Side Cutting Pliers and find out.
Klein Wire Stripper / Cutter Reviewed
How does the Klein wire stripper / cutter measure up? Are Klein electric wire strippers worthy of their reputation?
How does the Klein wire stripper / cutter measure up? Are Klein electric wire strippers worthy of their reputation?
Cable Ripper - What is It and How to Use It
An ingeniously simple device that saves you time and frustration: the electrical cable ripper. Learn about the cable ripper (or wire ripper) and how to use it.
An ingeniously simple device that saves you time and frustration: the electrical cable ripper. Learn about the cable ripper (or wire ripper) and how to use it.
Wire Stripper - How to Use the Wire Stripper in Electrical Work
A basic element of electrical work, learn what the wire stripper is used for and how to use the wire stripper.
A basic element of electrical work, learn what the wire stripper is used for and how to use the wire stripper.
How do you secure the wire inside the plastic electrical box?
How do you secure a NM or Romex wire inside a plastic electrical box?
How do you secure a NM or Romex wire inside a plastic electrical box?
Run Wire in Open Walls
It's easy to learn how to run Romex electrical wire in your walls with this guide.
It's easy to learn how to run Romex electrical wire in your walls with this guide.
Determine Electrical Switch Problems
Just like with electrical outlets, it is not necessary to call an electrician when you have simple problems with your wall switch. Let's isolate the problem and determine what is causing the problem.
Just like with electrical outlets, it is not necessary to call an electrician when you have simple problems with your wall switch. Let's isolate the problem and determine what is causing the problem.
Determine Simple Electrical Outlet Problems
Don't call an electrician. Most problems with electrical outlets can easily be determined by the homeowner.
Don't call an electrician. Most problems with electrical outlets can easily be determined by the homeowner.
Convert 4 Prong Dryer Cord to 3 Prong Outlet
When moving a new dryer into an old house, one common problem is that the dryer has a 4 prong plug yet the outlet accepts only 3 prongs. How do you convert?
When moving a new dryer into an old house, one common problem is that the dryer has a 4 prong plug yet the outlet accepts only 3 prongs. How do you convert?
5 Reasons You Want to Do Your Own Electrical Repairs
Many home renovators are unafraid to take up hammer and saw--but balk when it comes to electrical repairs. Here are 5 reasons you want to do your own electrical repairs.
Many home renovators are unafraid to take up hammer and saw--but balk when it comes to electrical repairs. Here are 5 reasons you want to do your own electrical repairs.
Electrical Service Panel Basics
Many home renovators may perform some electrical repairs on their own, but they often avoid the electrical service panel. Here are some basics of this oft-ignored but highly essential part of the electrical system.
Many home renovators may perform some electrical repairs on their own, but they often avoid the electrical service panel. Here are some basics of this oft-ignored but highly essential part of the electrical system.
What is BX, Type AC, or Armored Cable?
What is BX, Type AC, or armored wire and how would you use it when renovating a house?
What is BX, Type AC, or armored wire and how would you use it when renovating a house?
Electrical Boxes
Learn the different types of electrical boxes for home renovation.
Learn the different types of electrical boxes for home renovation.
Electrical Service Wire Lugs
Electrical service wire lugs are a highly dangerous part of the electrical service panel. Know what to watch out for.
Electrical service wire lugs are a highly dangerous part of the electrical service panel. Know what to watch out for.
How to Remove a Circuit Breaker
Removing a circuit breaker is an easy task, but you need to know how to avoid some possible dangers.
Removing a circuit breaker is an easy task, but you need to know how to avoid some possible dangers.
Electrical Conduit Basics
Learn some basics about electrical conduit.
Learn some basics about electrical conduit.
Using Romex and Conduit Wiring in Exposed Locations
When dealing with exposed locations such as the masonry walls of a basement, there are certain rules governing the use of Romex or conduit.
When dealing with exposed locations such as the masonry walls of a basement, there are certain rules governing the use of Romex or conduit.
Kitchen Electrical Code Basics
Electrical code basics for kitchen renovation.
Electrical code basics for kitchen renovation.
What does Romex or NM Mean?
When discussing electrical part, you often hear the word "romex" or "nm." What is romex?
When discussing electrical part, you often hear the word "romex" or "nm." What is romex?
How to Side Wire an Electrical Outlet
If you already know how to back wire an electrical outlet, then you need to know how to side wire an electrical outlet, too.
If you already know how to back wire an electrical outlet, then you need to know how to side wire an electrical outlet, too.
How to Backwire an Electric Outlet
When installing an electric outlet, backwiring is one of the essential skills you need to know.
When installing an electric outlet, backwiring is one of the essential skills you need to know.
Replace Old Electrical Outlet With New One
Are your old electrical outlets old, worn, and loose? Replace them with new, safer electrical outlets. This is one of the easier quick-fixes you can do, and it'll make your house look a lot spiffier!
Are your old electrical outlets old, worn, and loose? Replace them with new, safer electrical outlets. This is one of the easier quick-fixes you can do, and it'll make your house look a lot spiffier!
What is the Electrical Code?
The electrical code--properly called the National Electrical Code, published by the U.S. National Fire Protection Association--is one of the most important documents a home renovator can have. Here are the basics of the electrical code.
The electrical code--properly called the National Electrical Code, published by the U.S. National Fire Protection Association--is one of the most important documents a home renovator can have. Here are the basics of the electrical code.
How to Test Electrical Current With a Voltage Tester
Learn the safe and fast way to test electrical current with a voltage tester.
Learn the safe and fast way to test electrical current with a voltage tester.
Lighting Tips for the Kitchen
A primer on your various kitchen lighting options.
A primer on your various kitchen lighting options.
Installing a GFCI Receptacle
A tutorial on installing a GFCI (ground-fault current interrupter) for your kitchen or bathroom.
A tutorial on installing a GFCI (ground-fault current interrupter) for your kitchen or bathroom.
Making Electrical Outlet Flush With Wall
When installing wainscotting or panelling, you need to make the electrical outlets flush with the new wall dimensions. This tutorial shows you how.
When installing wainscotting or panelling, you need to make the electrical outlets flush with the new wall dimensions. This tutorial shows you how.
Electrical Wires and Cables
An illustrated explanation of the different wires and cables you will encounter when doing electrical work.
An illustrated explanation of the different wires and cables you will encounter when doing electrical work.