Electrical

Let there be—well, you know how the saying goes. Electricity is the undercurrent of our home, powering our appliances and lighting our hallways. Most of us are fine left in the dark regarding the inner workings of electrical wiring and circuit breakers…until you’re, quite literally, in the dark. Use our expert guidance to help identify the wires behind your wall, learn how to protect your home’s electrical system, and source a list of professional electricians you can call when you’re frazzled.

man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Children play in an above ground pool
Stacey L. Nash
•
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
Keep pool-side dreams from getting short-circuited by being aware of pool electrical installation costs and how they can affect your overall budget.
Outdoor white Electrical Outlet on brick wall
Allie Ogletree
•
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
An outdoor electrical outlet makes it easy to power your lights and tools. Read this guide to learn how to install outdoor electrical outlets in your yard.
A woman checking the smoke alarm
Gemma Johnstone
•
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
Every homeowner should learn how to replace a hardwired smoke alarm, which you must do at least every decade. This guide will talk you through the process.
man charging his car in driveway
Alison Kasch
•
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
A 240-volt outlet helps your EV charge quicker and more efficiently. Follow this guide to learn how to install a 240-volt outlet for an electric car.
Ground fault interrupter electricity receptacle and wall plate.
Gemma Johnstone
•
Mar 3, 2025
Mar 3, 2025
GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. But what is a GFCI outlet, exactly? See how they lower the risk of shock or fire and where to use them.
Suburban house with a concrete driveway and a flat roof
Amy Freeman
•
Mar 3, 2025
Mar 3, 2025
Do you need to protect your home from lightning strikes? Here are the lightning protection questions you can expect an electrician to ask.
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Suburban house with a concrete driveway and a flat roof
Amy Freeman  •  Mar 3, 2025
6 Questions to Ask About Installing Lightning Protection
Do you need to protect your home from lightning strikes? Here are the lightning protection questions you can expect an electrician to ask.
Ground fault interrupter electricity receptacle and wall plate.
Gemma Johnstone  •  Mar 3, 2025
What Is a GFCI Outlet and How Does It Work?
GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. But what is a GFCI outlet, exactly? See how they lower the risk of shock or fire and where to use them.
A residential standby generator in the backyard of a house
Elisa Greenberg  •  Mar 3, 2025
How To Connect a Generator to Your House Without a Transfer Switch
Using a generator during a power outage is a lifesaver. Our guide will show you how to connect a generator to your house without a transfer switch.
Woman turning lights off
Jill Harness  •  Mar 3, 2025
What Is the Standard Outlet and Light Switch Height?
Understand the standard outlet and light switch height in America and how Electricians and ADA guidelines vary in this regard.
Man turning on light switch in living room
Chris Middleton  •  Mar 3, 2025
How to Wire a Light Switch Safely
Learn a new skill and find out how to wire a light switch (safely) in your own home. This is one project that’s sure to light up your day.
A portable inverter generator
Elisa Greenberg  •  Mar 3, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
A white modern bathroom
Lawrence Bonk  •  Mar 3, 2025
Is It Okay to Have an Electrical Panel in a Bathroom? What You Need to Know
Is it acceptable to have an electrical panel in a bathroom? Keep reading to find out the best location for this essential feature.
Power lines running in front of houses
Mizuki Hisaka  •  Mar 3, 2025
Downed Wire in Your Yard: Who to Call
Downed power lines are very dangerous. Stay safe by following these instructions if you ever encounter a downed power line.
A man plugging an electrical plug in an outlet
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Mar 3, 2025
Can One Bad Outlet Affect Others?
This guide will walk you through why electrical outlets go out and why one bad outlet can affect others in your home. Use our helpful guide to learn more.
Boy writing homework on table
Jill Harness  •  Mar 3, 2025
Outlets in a Room Not Working, But the Lights Are? 4 Reasons Why
This troubleshooting guide can help you figure out what to do if the outlets in a room are not working but the lights are.
woman in the room plugging phone charger into the outlet
Michelle Nati  •  Mar 3, 2025
How to Fix an Outlet That Stopped Working When the Breaker Has Not Tripped
If your outlet stopped working and your breaker has not tripped, it could be due to several reasons. Learn how to fix an outlet with our guide.
electrician installing electrical outlet
Taylor Freitas  •  Mar 2, 2025
6 Questions to Ask About Installing or Repairing Electrical Outlets, Switches, and Fixtures
Need an electrician to repair your outlets, switches, or fixtures? Here are six electric outlet question​s you can expect to discuss with a pro.