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
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Beautiful exterior home lit up at dusk
Feb 21, 2025
Feb 21, 2025
If your outside electrical meter box has sustained wear and tear, it might be time for a replacement. How much it costs to replace an electrical meter box depends on labor, model, and box type.
Mint green toaster plugged into outlet on kitchen countertop
Feb 21, 2025
Feb 21, 2025
The average cost to install an electrical outlet is $133 to $296 each. This guide explains what factors impact the total cost of installing an outlet.
Power lines running in front of houses
Mar 3, 2025
Mar 3, 2025
Downed power lines are very dangerous. Stay safe by following these instructions if you ever encounter a downed power line.
Woman turning lights off
Mar 3, 2025
Mar 3, 2025
Understand the standard outlet and light switch height in America and how Electricians and ADA guidelines vary in this regard.
Ground fault interrupter electricity receptacle and wall plate.
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
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.
Need help finding the right pro?
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
View all articles
man testing fuse box in house
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.