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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man testing fuse box in house
Alison Kasch  •  Feb 27, 2025
What’s the Best 100-Amp Wire Size for Service Panels?
Selecting the right wire size helps your electrical system run safely and efficiently. Find out the correct wire size for 100-amp service panels.
African-American father holding EV charger, ready to plug it into red car outside their home
Alison Kasch  •  Feb 26, 2025
I Need to Install an EV Charger: Do I Need to Upgrade My Panel?
When it’s time to install an EV charger, you’ll need to decide whether to upgrade your panel. Learn how to determine whether your electrical system is ready.
A residential standby generator installed on a concrete pad
Becca Lewis  •  Feb 26, 2025
Who Installs Generators? A Complete Guide
Wondering who to hire to install a generator? Consult this guide to learn who to hire to install a generator or a transfer switch.
older woman looking at her phone
Tyler Lacoma  •  Feb 26, 2025
How to Hire an Electrician: A Complete Guide
Finding the best electrician for your project starts with asking the right questions and checking credentials. Here are tips on how to find an electrician.
Woman turning on the lights
Alison Kasch  •  Feb 26, 2025
Why Does My Three-Way Switch Only Work When One Switch Is On? How to Fix It
When a three-way switch only works when one switch is on, the wiring or switch is often to blame. Find out how to diagnose and correct the problem.
close up shot of blue and brown wire
Derek Rose  •  Feb 26, 2025
Brown and Blue Wires: Which Is Positive?
Understanding what wire colors mean will help you complete electrical projects safely. Follow this guide to distinguishing blue and brown wires.
Technician turning power off
Kyle Schurman  •  Feb 26, 2025
100-Amp vs. 200-Amp Panel: Which Is Right for Your Home?
When you need to choose between a 100-amp versus 200-amp electrical panel, check out our easy-to-understand explanation of your home’s power options.
White kitchen with wooden countertop
Tyler Lacoma  •  Feb 26, 2025
Electrical Codes for Kitchen Counter Outlets, Explained
Keep your outlets user-friendly and compliant in your kitchen remodel. Here are the latest codes for outlets in the kitchen and everything they require.
Family toasting drinks
Elisa Greenberg  •  Feb 25, 2025
Electrical Panel Location Rules to Follow and Clearance Requirements
The electrical panel delivers all your electricity needs, but it might ruin your aesthetic. Here are the electrical panel location rules so you can choose the best spot.
Electrician turning off power for electrical outlet
Kyle Schurman  •  Feb 25, 2025
How to Tell If a Breaker Is Tripped: Everything You Need to Know
You may be able to diagnose a simple electrical issue yourself with our easy-to-use tips for learning how to tell if a breaker is tripped.
Kitchen with stainless steel appliances
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Feb 25, 2025
What is Involved in Upgrading to a 200 Amp Service?
If your circuit breakers are shutting off, it may be time to upgrade your electrical panel and wiring to 200-amp service. Here's what's involved with upgrading to a 200-amp service so you can safely meet your home's electrical demand.
A view of a house at night
Heather Ayer  •  Feb 25, 2025
Whole-House Generator Installation: A Complete Guide
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.