Electrical Skills

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

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

We'll show you how to use this monster of a tool for troubleshooting almost any type of electrical wiring or appliance. Once you understand…

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…

You can save a lot of money by doing your own wiring. Here we'll show you to wire an entire room. Even if you've never picked up an electrical…

Eliminate those ugly and often dangerous extension cords. You can add a new outlet quickly and easily without tearing open a wall, if you…

Add wiring for new switches, light fixtures and outlets anywhere in the house, with minimal wall damage. This article shows you how to use a…

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…

Running electric power to a garage or garden pond? Learn about code requirements and different options for depth of trench, conduit material,…

Accidentally cut an underground electrical wire? The easiest way to repair it is with an underground splice kit, which uses a rustproof…

If you accidentally cut your extension cord or power tool cord, save it by adding a new plug and receptacle to the two pieces—a safer…

Analyze your circuit breaker panel to see if you have amperage capacity and the physical space needed for a new 240-volt circuit or appliance.

Frustrated by too few outlets in your garage? Lighting that’s too dim? Or maybe you just want to install a garage door opener and need a nearby…

Instead of using bulky surge protector strips, you can now install a point-of-use surge protection receptacle to protect appliances and…

Learn special tools and techniques for stripping any kind of wire. Different types of electrical cable and cords, coaxial cable, communication…

Install a new electrical switch without any wiring or batteries. Piezoelectric switches use radio signals generated by the push of a button to…

You can safely drill joists for electrical and plumbing runs without weakening the joists, if you follow the rules.

When fluorescent bulbs go bad, there may be a problem with the fixture. Learn simple repairs for the most common problems.

Learn about the tools, materials and techniques you need to cut, bend and install surface-mounted metal conduit. Add power to a basement or…