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.
A woman doing her laundry
Breyden Kellam
•
Mar 7, 2025
Mar 7, 2025
Before you hire a licensed electrical contractor, you should learn the cost to run electric from the road to your house so you can budget for the project.
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.
A person upgrading an electrical panel
Alison Kasch
•
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
Are you planning an electrical upgrade and wondering whether you need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel? This guide reviews everything you need to know.
A TV mounted on a brick wall
Taylor Freitas
•
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
Need to mount a TV? Hiring a professional will help ensure it’s done safely. Here are common TV mounting questions a pro will likely ask about your project.
person turning circuit breaker on
Melissa Graham
•
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
Looking to improve your home’s energy output and want the full picture on electrical panel upgrades before you commit? Learn the benefits of upgrading your electrical panel.
A concrete patio serving also as an outdoor kitchen
Taylor Freitas
•
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
Building an outdoor kitchen can be complex and costly. To help you prepare for this project, here are five common questions for an outdoor kitchen build.
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Private home theater
Deane Biermeier  •  Mar 10, 2025
5 Questions to Ask About Installing a Home Theater Surround Sound System
If you’re preparing to install a home theater surround sound system, here are the home theater questions you should discuss with your pro.
woman changing light bulb in kitchen
Jenna Jonaitis  •  Mar 10, 2025
Why Is My Arc Fault Circuit Breaker Tripping?
When your circuit breaker trips, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Here are the main reasons why your arc fault breaker keeps tripping and tips to find and fix the issues.
shot of woman in gray shirt plugging in power cord of coffee pot to electrical outlet
Michelle Nati  •  Mar 10, 2025
What Is an Electrical Power Surge?
An electrical power surge is a sudden and short increase in voltage in an electrical circuit, which can damage sensitive electronics.
emergency electric generator outside home
Tyler Lacoma  •  Mar 10, 2025
How Do Whole-House Generators Work?
Whole house generators are a power alternative that can deal with frequent blackouts and other problems. Here’s how they function.
A close-up of a technician testing exposed wires with a multimeter to ensure proper electrical connectivity on a white wall installation.
Becca Lewis  •  Mar 10, 2025
Wire Color Code: Decoding Electrical Wire Colors
All home electrical wires follow standard color codes that identify how each one functions in a circuit. Learn about the colorful world of electrical wiring.
Mom and daughter reading by flashlight
Melissa Graham  •  Mar 10, 2025
How to Change a Fuse In a Fuse Box: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to replace a fuse in a fuse box of your older home to restore the power to a blown electrical circuit.
close up of wall with electrical outlet and cords
Melissa Graham  •  Mar 10, 2025
Electrical Outlet Not Working? Here Are 7 Possible Causes
If your electrical outlet is not working, you can try troubleshooting the outlet to fix it. Here are several causes and solutions for a faulty electrical outlet.
Mother reading a story to her little daughter at night
Alison Kasch  •  Mar 7, 2025
Choosing a Generator for Hurricane Season: A Complete Guide
Backup generators are a necessity to keep your home powered during a hurricane. Find out how to choose the best generator for hurricane season.
An old house alarm on the exterior of a house
Alison Kasch  •  Mar 7, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Old House Alarms? [2025 Data]
Removing an alarm system may require the assistance of a professional electrician. Find out the average cost to remove old house alarms.
A woman doing her laundry
Breyden Kellam  •  Mar 7, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Run Electric from the Road to Your House? [2025 Data]
Before you hire a licensed electrical contractor, you should learn the cost to run electric from the road to your house so you can budget for the project.
Person looking at a lamp while holding a baby and cellphone
Melissa Graham  •  Mar 7, 2025
Here’s How to Tell if a Fuse Is Blown
A blown fuse or tripped circuit can create many electrical problems in your home. Learn how to tell if a fuse is blown, what caused it, and what to do about it.
woman charging her phone in outlet
Jenna Jonaitis  •  Mar 7, 2025
5 Reasons Why Your Appliance Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping when you use the toaster or coffee maker, learn why it’s happening and how to fix it.