Electrical System

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

View More in:

Add Filter

How Much Does It Cost to Electrify Your Home Completely?

Is the price tag worth the hassle? Here's what to know if you're thinking about electrifying your home with solar, heat pumps, appliances and more.

Tout icon

12 Facts About LED Christmas Lights You Should Know

Have you thought about upgrading your home's holiday light display? Here are some tips and tricks you should know about...


Tout icon

24 Tips for Wiring Light Switches and Outlets

Play it smart and stay safe when wiring outlets and switches


What Are CFL Bulbs? Everything to Know

How much do you know about compact fluorescent lighting? Our experts are here to help.


Tout icon

10 Most Common Electrical Mistakes DIYers Make

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

Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

We Tried Kasa Smart Switches, and They Seriously Upgraded Our Home Lighting

Looking to add smart home functionality without breaking the bank? The Kasa smart switch is a brilliant solution.

Tout icon

17 Handy Hints for DIY Electrical Work

Get to know these tricks before you tackle electrical projects at home.


9 Kitchen Island Lighting Ideas That Are Functional and Stylish

Check out these designer-approved light fixture ideas to brighten up your kitchen island.


How to Hide TV Wires

Easily hide TV wires without cutting into your drywall.


How to Install Surface-Mounted Wiring and Conduit

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

Tout icon

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

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


Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

How to Solder Wires

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


Tout icon

Homeowner’s Guide to Electrical Grounding and How It Works

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


Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

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.


Tout icon

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.

Magazine Cover

Subscribe & SAVE

1 Year Subscription for only $10!

Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

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.


Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

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.


Tout icon

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.