Electrical
Electricity is not something to mess with unprepared. Stay safe by getting educated on all things electrical.
How to Fix and Replace Christmas Lights
Burned-out holiday lights, even the cheap kind, are often fixable with a small investment of time and money. Here's how to diagnose and fix common problems.
How to Fish Wire Through A Wall
“Fishing” wire is easier with these tips and tools.
The Most Essential Products for New Homeowners
From cleaning supplies to tools, here's a list of everything you'll need for your new home.
What to Do Within the First Year After Moving Into Your New Home
When you move into your new home, there are a number of cleaning tasks, basic projects and upgrades to consider....
Install New Hard-Wired or Battery-Powered Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms wear out. Replace them before they fail.
Ways Manufacturers Make It Tough for DIY Repairs
It's an old lament that they just don't build things they way they used to, and there's some truth to...
10 Incredible New Light Fixtures for 2018
A new light fixture can change the look of a room, whether you're swapping out a chandelier or a classic...
12 Best Home Improvement Projects Under $100
A little can go a long way when it comes to home improvements. For just $100 you can make some...
10 Women Inventors Who Changed Home Life Forever
From the circular saw to Scotchgard, inventions by women revolutionized our homes. In honor of Women's History Month, we spotlight...
10 Bad DIY Habits You Need to Stop Doing Immediately
These bad DIY habits might be costing you more than just time and money.
Electrical Questions Answered By An Electrical Inspector
Everything you wanted to know about breaker panels and more. A veteran electrical inspector answers your questions.
9 Things Electricians ALWAYS Do In Their Own Homes
Before you attempt any DIY electrical work, learn the habits and best practices that are second nature to professional electricians.
How to Install Low-Profile LED Lights in Your Kitchen
Transform your kitchen into a place you’ll love to be with this innovative lighting project.
Severe Weather Guide: Emergency Power Generators
It just takes one downed power pole to interrupt the fragile chain of electricity connecting your house to the power...
10 Electrical Wire Colors and What They Actually Mean
Need to do some electrical work, but don't know what those wire colors mean? Here's what you need to know...
How to Hang a Ceiling Light Fixture
Nothing spoils a dinner party like a chandelier in the pasta or a sudden blackout. Here's how to hang lights...
Home Wiring Demystified: Electrical Cable Basics You Need to Know
Before you take on your next home wiring project, arm yourself with basic information about the electrical cable and wiring...
13 Things Your Electrician Wants You to Know
Almost every home uses electric service to one degree or another. And sooner or later, something is going to go...
Which is the Correct (and Incorrect) Way to Install an Electrical Outlet?
One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is...
Vintage Family Handyman Feature from 1987: Landline Phone Installation
The first issue of Family Handyman was published in 1951, so this year marks our 70th anniversary. To celebrate we're...
19 Handy Hints for DIY Electrical Work
Get to know these tricks before you tackle electrical projects at home.
Stuff We Love: Electrical Outlet Upgrades
Here are two practical outlet upgrades for a safer and more functional place to plug in.
9 Things You Should Never Do With Power Strips
10 Things You Should Never Do With Power Strips
How to Put Lights On a Christmas Tree
Believe it or not, there's a right way and a wrong way to string Christmas lights.
10 Things You Should Know About LED Christmas Lights
You're probably thinking about what to give those on your holiday gift lists. But have you thought about upgrading your...
13 Holiday Light Dangers You Need to Know
Christmas lights can present a hazard inside and outside the house if precautions are taken. Make sure you know these...
7 Things Professional Electricians Never Do in Their Own Homes
Getting ready to embark on some DIY electrical work? Think safety first and dodge these common mishaps pro electricians know...
5 Electrical Projects DIYers Should Not Take On
We know our readers love to DIY, but when it comes to electrical work there are some projects better left...
How to Use Cheap Electrical Testers
Three testers make electrical work safer and easier — and for less than $20, you can own them all.
26 Things That Changed DIY Forever
Innovations that improved home improvement.