Electrical Safety

All GFCI outlets have one little-known flaw: their circuitry eventually wears out, usually after about 10 years, at which point they no longer…

Our staff and field editors tell of the DIY mistakes they've made and the lessons learned from ladders, electricity, roofs, power nailers,…

Wiring problems and mistakes are all too common, and if left uncorrected have the potential to cause short circuits, shocks and even fires.…

Electrical boxes must be flush with the wall surface, which can present problems when you add wainscoting or paneling. The easiest fix is…

Electrical switches and outlets that move around because the box is too recessed can be a safety problem. Outlet shims offer a quick and…

Adding a new circuit can be a daunting and even dangerous job. We show you how to do it with step-by-step instructions and important,…

We’ll show you how to use inexpensive electrical testers to make electrical work safer and easier. We cover three testers—a…

Electrical overloads can be dangerous. In this article, we’ll explain how electrical circuits work, how to figure out which outlets are on which…

The easiest way to protect outdoor electrical wiring from damage is by burying it 12-in. underground in PVC conduit. Our photo shows you the key…

Static electricity can be a real problem in winter, especially in houses with carpets and radiator heat. There are several simple ways to reduce…

Adding an electrical receptacle or switch to an existing box can make it too crowded, but you can remove the old box and add a larger remodeling…

Run electrical wires underground to reach sheds, lights, patios, and other locations following safe wiring practices. We show the easiest way,…

If you're adding wires or a bigger device to an electrical box, you may need additional capacity. There are two ways to enlarge an existing box…

Whether you have years of wiring experience under your belt, or you’re a novice, this collection of tips and techniques will help you wire…

Replacing a damaged plug is easy, but for safety you have to follow proper wiring rules, especially when wiring a polarized plug. A polarized…

Follow these simple steps to replace a socket or plug on an extension cord. Your cord will be safe and you’ll avoid the high cost of a new one.

Follow this expert advice on how to buy, operate and maintain a gas powered electrical generator so that it's safe and ready to go when the…

An electric heater can be a good option for warming up a cold room. We'll show strategies for adding an in-wall electric heater wherever you…

Making tight electrical connections is critical to a safe wiring job. If wires come loose, you could get arcing and overheating, which could…

Switch boxes can sometimes be used as a power source for a new outlet, but only if the box is large enough and has neutral and ground wires…