Electrical System

Everything you need to know about the electrical power systems that run your home.

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How to Install Surface-Mounted Wiring and Conduit

Adding a new light or receptacle to your garage or basement is easier than you think.

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Fluorescent Lights: What Are They and How Do They Work?

How much do you know about these workhorses of the lighting industry?


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How Electrical Code Requirements for Kitchen Islands Have Changed

The 2023 National Electrical Code brought changes to rules regarding electrical receptacle outlets on kitchen islands. Learn about them from...


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Wire Gauge Sizes: What You Need To Know

Wire gauge is a measure of wire thickness. Don't let the fact that the gauge number goes up as thickness...


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How To Use Task Lighting Effectively

Task lighting brightens your work and reduces eye strain. Here's how DIYers can make best use of it in the...

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Is Solid-State Electricity the Future of Home Electricity?

One of the largest infrastructures on the planet might be getting an overhaul. Here's how solid-state electricity could impact your...


Do You Need a Home Battery Backup System?

If the power goes out or your electric bill rises, a backup battery system be a lifesaver. Here's how to...

Why Does Hydrogen Come in Different Colors?

Hydrogen is a colorless gas, so why does it come in different colors? Surprisingly, the colors refer to the methods...


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How to Solder Wires

Here's is how to solder wires to achieve a durable and long-lasting connection.


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Homeowner’s Guide to Electrical Grounding and How It Works

You know electrical grounding is important. What does it actually do?


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How To Test GFCI Outlets

GFCIs save lives. Learn how to test your GFCIs two ways, with these instructions.

How to Use a Surge Protector for Electronic Devices

Learn how to use surge protectors for any electronic device, whether it's a digital clock, a computer, a dishwasher or...


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Drawing Your Own Electrical Plans

Electrical plans are a roadmap to project success. And, yes — you can draw your own! Here's what you need...


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What You Need to Know About Romex Wiring

Wondering where to use Romex cable in your home? How about where you can't? We've got the details below.


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What To Know About Electrical Transformer Boxes In Your Yard

Those green metal boxes hiding in plain sight are a lot more important (and interesting!) than you might think.


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What Is Electrical Shock and How Can I Prevent It?

Electrical shock injures thousands of people every year. Before doing any of your own electrical work, take precautions and know...

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How an Electrical System Works

If your home is grid-connected, your electric power comes from far away. Here's how it gets from the generator to...


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15 Amp vs. 20 Amp Outlets: What’s the Difference?

Outlets and receptacles. What's the difference? Which one goes where? Our expert is here to clear up the confusion.


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Tips for Wiring a Subpanel

When you run out of space in your service panel, a subpanel is the best solution. Use these tips from...


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What’s the Difference Between a Surge Protector and a Power Strip?

Surge protectors and power strips look alike, but they have different functions. Here's how to tell what's what.


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Where Is a Tamper Resistant Receptacle Outlet Required?

Here's how you can easily protect small children, and everyone else, from electrical shocks, burns or electrocution.


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Homeowner’s Guide to an AC Fuse Box

Fuse boxes were the precursors to modern circuit breaker panels and are largely obsolete. But some large appliances are still...


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Testing a Circuit Breaker Panel for 240-Volt Electrical Service

Before you add a 240-volt appliance, you need to make sure you've got what it takes.


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What To Know About Smart Home Wiring

Smart home wiring keeps your smart devices in touch with your home's data center, and it feeds data-hungry appliances the...


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Homeowner’s Guide to Smart Electrical Panels

A fully electrified home needs an intelligent control center to manage energy usage and maximize savings. A smart panel can...

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What to Know About Electrical Conduit Wiring

There may be times when you need to install some electrical conduit as part of your project. The following tips...


What Is a Disconnect Switch (aka Safety Switch) and Why They Are Important

It's a good bet your home's electrical system has one or more disconnect switches. Here's what they are, what they...


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How To Choose the Right Wire Nuts for Electrical Connections

How important are wire nuts? Extremely! Make sure you're choosing the correct wire nuts every time you join together two...


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A Guide for Soldering Electronics

Got an appliance that's stopped working, or want to build something electronic? Learning how to solder electronics is an essential...


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What Is Overcurrent Protection?

Overcurrent protection is one of the most important concepts in electrical safety. This is what you need to know.


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How To Put Out an Electrical Fire

Learn how to extinguish an electrical fire — but know your limits and stay safe.