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 technician in a black shirt and khaki pants walks away from a house wall with utility boxes, a ladder, and a blue "X" marking on it.
Breyden Kellam
•
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 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.
Technician smiling while using a multimeter to test wiring on an outdoor wall, enjoying his work on a sunny day with a lush background.
Alison Kasch
•
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
Rewiring a house can be a complex project but don’t let it catch you off guard. Read this to plan ahead and discover the cost to rewire a house.
A step stool holds electrical tools, outlet covers, and tape, while a tool bag and drill sit nearby, indicating electrical work in progress.
Ginny Bartolone
•
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
Looking to size up your electrical system to cover higher usage and improve efficiency? Use this guide to see the cost to upgrade an electrical panel.
Handyman Chris McNeill from C.A. Shamrock LLC carefully installs a ceiling light fixture, focusing intently on connecting the fixture wiring.
Allie Ogletree
•
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
Wire sizes vary based on the ampacity of a circuit and more. Use this wire gauge amp chart to help you choose the correct wire size for your electrical circuit.
A technician kneels on the floor while working on an electrical outlet installation, with a tool bag full of equipment nearby for home repairs.
Michelle Nati
•
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
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.
Handyman Chris McNeill from C.A. Shamrock LLC carefully installs a ceiling light fixture, aligning the wiring to ensure a secure fit in the ceiling.
Allie Ogletree
•
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
To wire outlets and lights on a single circuit, you need experience with electricity. Keep reading to learn how to wire outlets and lights on the same circuit.
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House natural gas backup generator
Breyden Kellam  •  Mar 24, 2025
Home Standby Generators vs. Battery Backup Systems: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Generators are a home essential when a power outage strikes. Compare home standby generators vs backup battery systems to find the best one for you.
Home garage with door open at night
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Mar 24, 2025
How to Wire a Detached Garage and Why You Should Leave It to the Pros
A trusted electrical pro can add lights to your additional living space or work area. Here’s how an electrician runs power to a detached garage.
A person inspecting a circuit breaker
Kat Brancato  •  Mar 24, 2025
What’s the Best Wire Size For a 200-Amp Service Panel?
When installing a new 200-amp service panel, the right wire size is critical to ensuring sufficient amperage.
A woman turning on a light switch
Rachel Hoffman  •  Mar 20, 2025
Why Is My Light Switch Hot? 4 Common Causes
Why is my light switch hot? It may indicate a serious electrical problem. Learn what causes hot light switches, how to fix the problem, and when to call a pro.
A man putting a plug in an outlet
Mitchell Grant  •  Mar 20, 2025
Why Is My Outlet Buzzing? 5 Reasons Why and How to Fix Them
Is your electrical outlet humming or buzzing? There are a few reasons why, and most of them need to be checked by a pro for safety reasons.
Woman putting her smartphone on wireless charger
Mitchell Grant  •  Mar 19, 2025
6 Common Reasons Your LED Lights Are Flickering
Flickering LED lights are distracting and can be a sign of larger issues. Before talking to a pro, consider these common problems and their solutions.
A person turning a light switch on
Rachel Hoffman  •  Mar 18, 2025
Why Is My Light Switch Buzzing? 5 Common Reasons
Why is my light switch buzzing? It might be more than just an annoyance. Learn common causes and how to fix a buzzing light switch safely.
An electrician carefully inspects and adjusts circuit breakers in an electrical panel, focused on ensuring a safe and functional setup.
Ginny Bartolone  •  Mar 17, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electrical Panel? [2025 Data]
Electrical panel replacement costs $530 to $2,100, depending on the location, the type of hardware, and any required building materials.
Couple at the kitchen counter reading documents
Mitchell Grant  •  Mar 15, 2025
Why Is My Power Bill So High? 5 Reasons and How to Fix It
If you’ve been wondering “why is my power bill so high,” consider these common reasons for hefty electric bills.
Emergency backup electric generator
Breyden Kellam  •  Mar 14, 2025
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator: What’s the Difference?
Struggling to choose the best generator for your electricity needs? Compare propane vs. natural gas generators to help you make the right choice.
A home with pendant lights
Chris Middleton  •  Mar 14, 2025
How to Extend Electrical Wires in Your Home
Expand the power of your DIY skills. Learn how to extend electrical wires and add a new fixture or install a new outlet.
Close-up of a technician's hands connecting black and copper wires to a wall socket, with a power drill and other tools in the background.
Kyle Schurman  •  Mar 14, 2025
Is the Black Wire Positive or Negative? How to Tell Electrical Wires Apart
Do you know if the black wire is positive or negative? If not, stop right now and check out our guide on differentiating electrical wires.