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Electrical: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Electrical Wire Sizes
Learn the appropriate wire size for the amperage of the circuit that you are using. The wire gauge is the size of the wire.
Electrical Wire Color Coding
Find out what the electrical wire color coding is when working on electrical projects. Learn which wires are used as hot, neutral, and ground wires.
Air Conditioner Sizing
If you've ever wondered how to size air conditioners for your home, look at this article on air conditioner sizing.
Dryer Cords and Plugs
Installing a 4-prong electric dryer cord when replacing a 3-prong electric dryer cord is easy when you follow thee directions.
Wire and Install an Outlet
Learn all the steps involved in installing an outlet. These steps include stripping the wire, making proper connections and which wire goes where. Outlet installation is made easy and safe in this tutorial.
Types of Electrical Wiring
A list of common types of electrical wiring used to feed a home.
Breaker Panel Installation
Learn how to wire an electrical panel with these simple step-by-step instructions. Knowing where to make the connections in a breaker panel is explained in detail.
Load Requirements for Homes
Learn how to determine the electrical circuit load capacity for your home.
Conduit Fill Capacity
Metal and PVC conduit both have a maximum number of allowable electrical wire fill. This article will tell you these amounts.
Top Electrical Wiring Tips
Electrical wiring can be as simple as following these tips. This tutorial will make wiring a breeze, whether you're wiring an electrical service, the branch circuits, or the devices connected to them.
Window Air Conditioner Size
If it's time for a new window air conditioner, but you don't know what size you need, this chart will be helpful.
Room-By-Room Electrical Codes
A room by room look at common electrical code requirements in the home.
Hardwired Smoke Detectors
Learn how to install hardwired smoke detectors with battery backup in your home. These detectors are wired so that if any detector goes off, they will all sound.
Top 16 Electrical Tools
Electrical work requires many different tools. Here's a look at the top sixteen electrical tools.
How to Bend Conduit
A tutorial that teaches the easy way to bend conduit with confidence.
Wire Size And Cable Length
When considering the appropriate wire size for a circuit, don't forget to take the circuit length into consideration.
NEC Outdoor Wiring Tips
The National Electrical Code has some very specific rules and regulations about underground wiring methods and points of asttachment. This is a look at the highlights of the outdoor sections of the code.
How To Pigtail Wire Connection
Learn how to properly connect two or more wires by connecting a pigtail connection.
How To Wire an Electric Meter
Learn how to make the electrical connections to an electric meter. Electric meters have two hot connections, and a center neutral/ground connection.
Making The Switch
How to install a 3-prong dryer cord.
Install an Outlet in a Wall
Learn how to add another circuit in an existing wall. These easy steps will allow you to add another outlet without having damaging the portion of the wall that you see.
Direct Burial Cable
Some cables are meant to be run indoors, while others are meant for weathered areas and underground like direct burial cable.
Line And Load Connections
Learn what line and load connections are and what connects to each.
Top Electrical Connections
Learn about the top electrical connections in and around the home. Whether it's the service connections that feed the house, the branch circuits that feed the devices, or the devices themselves, this collection of electrical connections will have power flowing through your home safely.
How To Install a Dryer Cord
Learn how to properly install a dryer cord on an electric dryer.
Electric Water Heater Problems
Electric water heaters often encounter problems and these troubleshooting tips will help you diagnose the problems.
Pools and Spas Codes
Learn proper electrical do's and don'ts in this code requirement tutorial. Electrical safety around pools and spas must be followed to ensure backyard fun.
How To Install Ceiling Fans
Learn how to hang the ceiling fan, make the electrical connections and secure the housing.
Anatomy of a Three-Way Switch
Three-way switch wiring is made easy with this diagram. With this labeled diagram, you'll be able to see where each of the wires connect to the switch terminals.
Prevent Electrical Shock
This is a sensible look at preventing electrical shock. These tips will help keep you safe.
Electrical Circuit Overloads
Learn what electrical circuit overloads are and how that can effect your home's electrical wiring.
Remove and Install a Breaker
Learn how to safely remove and install a circuit breaker in an electrical panel.
Electrical Project Costs
Find out what the average cost is for common electrical projects.
How to Install Dishwashers
Learn how to correctly install dishwashers in your home. By following these steps, your dishes will be clean and shiny in no time.
Electrical Wire Size Tips
Here are some great tips for determining the proper wire gauge, ampacity, and the maximum wattage allowed.
Electrical Wiring Hub
If you are in the need to wire your home, want to know how to run the wiring or how to connect it to devices, this is a detailed list of tuorials for you.
What's a Circuit Breaker Panel
Have you heard the term circuit breaker panel and really never knew too much about them and what they do? In this article, I explain what a circuit breaker panel is.
Common Electrical Mistakes
This is a look at some very common electrical mistakes made by do-it-yourself homeowners. These need-to-know items will ensure proper electrical installations without problems.
Light Fixture Problems
Light fixture problems often leave you in the dark. Find out what the problem may be in this insightful article.
Wire Electric Range Receptacle
Learn how to wire electric range receptacles with this easy step-by-step guide.
Wire a 4-Prong Dryer Outlets
Learn how easy it is to install and wire a 4-prong dryer outlet.
How to Wire a Phone Jack
Learn how to wire the telephone jack connections.
Series and Parallel Circuits –
A look at the basics of series and parallel circuits. Find out what the likenesses and differences are.
Summer Cooling Tips
These simple but effect tips can keep you cool in the summer without the expense of running an air conditioner.
Testing Electrical Circuits
Testing electrical circuits is a must when they go on the fritz. Knowing how they work and how to test for power will help you track down the problem.
Testing Continuity
Learn how to test continuity with a multi-tester.
Wire Electrical Disconnects
Learn which wires go where in the how-to article about wiring an electrical disconnect.
Ground Fault Circuit Breaker
Ground fault circuit breakers are used to protect humans from electrical shock hazards. These breakers are connected in the electrical panel and protect branch circuits in and around the home.
How to Install Junction Boxes
Learn how to install a junction box to conceal a wire splice.
How to Connect a Range Cord
These simple step-by-step instructions will guide you through a range cord installation. Just follow the instructions and you'll be cooking with bacon in no time!
Light Bulbs Burning Out
Find out what can cause light bulbs to burn out early in your home.
Wiring Through Receptacles
Wiring through receptacles is a method that many people have used for years, but it is not the preferred method according to electricians and the National Electrical Code.
Electrical Wire Lettering
Ever wonder what the letters on electrical wire mean? Find out in this informative article.
Why Use Conduit ?
Learn the locations that conduit is designed to be used in.
Thermostat Terminal Lettering
Learn what the letters on the terminals of a thermostat mean and what connects to each.
Kitchen Wiring Circuits
Learn how to wire electrical circuits to feed the kitchen area of your home. This list shows you the circuits you may need to power the kitchen effectively
How to Change a Bake Element
Learn how to change an bake element in a electric oven.
GFCIhowtoinstall
Learn the basics of how to install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets.
Electric Water Heater Elements
Diagnosing electric water heater problems can be a snap if you know the shortcuts in finding the problems. Why sometimes, it is as easy as turning on a faucet to find the answer.
Replace a Light Socket
Have you ever walked into a room and turned on a light switch only to hear a pop? You look at the light fixture and one of the bulbs isn't working. Under further investigation, you see that one of the sockets has outlived it's usefulness. The socket is discolored and one of its wires is burnt to a crisp. Learn how to replace the socket here.
NEC Wiring Methods Pools, Spas
Learn what the National Electrical code says about wiring methods for swimming pools and water related items.
Testing Fuses
Learn how to test different types of fuses using a multi-meter. By setting the meter to ohms, a measurement of resistance, you can effectively determine if the fuse is good or blown.
How To Wire Split Outlets
Learn how to make a regular outlet into a split outlet to have it be controlled by a switch. By breaking the center tab out of the hot side of the outlet, the outlet can serve two different purposes.
What Is a Fish Tape?
When pulling wires through pipes, an electrician's tool list wouldn't be complete without a fish tape. This coiled spool of thin wire is a must-have tool to make wire pulling an easy job. A fish tape is nimble enough to go around corners and bends in conduit and is strong enough to pull wires through piping without breaking.
How To Turn Off a Circuit Brea
Electrical projects often involve taking devices out of boxes and opening up existing circuits. For these reasons, it is imperative to know how to turn a circuit breaker off in order to safely work on a project. Shutting off the circuit that you're working on and then testing the circuit will ensure that you won't be electrocuted. Electrical safety should be your number one concern for the welfare of yourself and your family.
Electrical Safety
Electrical safety should be observed every time you even think about touching something connected to an electrical circuit. With the invention of electrical testers, circuits are easy to test and with circuit breakers and fuses, circuits can be shut off to avoid contact with electricity all together. In this informative piece, you'll find some tips to keep you safe when working with electricity.
Overhead Power Lines
Overhead power lines have some strict guidelines for height clearances over streets, sidewalks, alleys, roads, and driveways.
Double-pole Circuit Breakers
Double-pole breakers use two spaces in your electric panel versus one space by a single-pole breaker.
Circuits Needed Remodeling
If you are remodeling your kitchen, you will need to be sure these ciruits are in place.
Electric Meter Measurements
Have you ever wondered how the utility company knows how much power you used each month? This basic article explains how it all works with an electric meter.
Why Do Fuses Blow?
You've heard the term blown fuses, but what is this exactly?
How To Wire A Dryer Outlet
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions in order to wire a dryer outlet. They take you from stripping the wire to making the electrical connections.
Are Breakers Interchangeable?
When you need to change a breaker, learn why brands are not interchangeable.
Plug Fuses
Learn what plug fuses, tamper-proof fuses, and fuse adapters are and what they look like.
Thermal Motor Protection
Electric motors incorporate thermal protection to protect the motor from burning up, find out why.
Is My Old House Wiring Safe?
If you ever wondered about whether your wiring in your house was safe, here's a few things to consider.
Breaker Panel Breakdown
Take a look at what can be installed in a circuit breaker panel and how each of these things has a specific role to play.
How an Electrical System Works
We all use electricity in our homes every day, but how does it get there and how is it distributed throughout the home? The electrical system is comprised of many different devices from the power lines to your switches and outlets. See how the power flows in your electrical system with this informative step-by-step article.
What is a Main Breaker?
Learn what the phrase main breaker means in this article.
How to Install F-Connectors
Learn how to install an F-Connector on coaxial cable.
What Are Branch Circuits?
A home's electrical system has feeder wires that supply power to the panel and branch circuits that leave the panel to power devices. Find out what these branch circuits are used for.
What are Wire Connectors?
Learn what the the term wire connectors means and what they are also known as.
Wire a Baseboard Thermostat
Learn how to wire a baseboard heater thermostat.
How to Reset a Circuit Breaker
Learn how to reset a circuit breaker that has tripped.
Electrical Basics 101
A basic look at a disconnect switch. Learn where the disconnect is to be mounted and why it is a good idea to have one.
Electric Heater Size
Learn what the recommended wattage is for the living area of a room of your home for electric heating.
Larger Junction Boxes
Junction boxes come in many shapes and sizes. Depending on what sized wire, how many wires are in a given box and the number of wire splices in that box, you may need a little more room than a standard box can give you.
Why Your Oven Won't Heat Up
If you turn the oven on and it doesn't heat up, it could be your oven ignitor has gone bad.
Line or Load…A GFCI Connection Choice
When it comes to ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, commonly known as GFCI outlets, there is always a question as to how to connect the wires to them. In this article, I'll give you the information you need to connect them properly.
Common Household Switches
These common household switches can turn your lights on and off, dim them, and even control them from more than one location in your home.
Camping and Electrical Safety
An electrical power tutorial about camper electrical connections and camping electrical safety.
Electrical Wire Insulation
Individual electrical wires come wrapped in different types of insulation, different colors, and are rated for different amperages. Find out what they all mean.
Why Window Air Conditioners Fr
A look at why window air conditioners often freeze up.
NM Cable Color
Just as color codes mean something on individual electrical wires, so too is color-coding for nonmetallic cable.
Smoke Detectors in Your Home
Learn where to place smoke detectors in your home.
What are Sub-panels?
Learn what sub-panels are and what role they play in the scheme of electrical systems in your home.
Push-in Terminals
Learn why the push-in connections are not the best choice for connecting switches and receptacles.
Lubricating Fan Motor Centair
Leran how lubricating the central air conditioner's fan can add to its life.
Telephone Problems
Many people still have land-based telephones in their homes and they have their share of problems. This guide will walk you through ways to troubleshoot your telephone system for problems before you call the telephone company or their technition.
Three-way Switches
You've heard the term three-way switches, but what are they and what do they do? Find out in this article.
Indoor and Outdoor Codes
Outdoor electrical wiring has specific building codes that should be followed to ensure
Subpanels For Additional Space
We all are aware that our home is powered via an electrical service panel, the electrical distribution point. This panel could be located in the basement, garage or an interior utility room in your home. Sometimes homes are large and strung out and require addition electrical panels to supply power to different areas of the home. This is where a subpanel comes in handy. Subpanels are smaller in amperage size than the main electrical service panel.
Ceiling Fan Noise
If your ceiling fan is making a lot of noise lately, this article is for you.
What is a Weatherhead?
Do you know what a weatherhead is and what it is used for on your electrical service?
Whirlpool Duet Washer
Front-load washers, like the Whirlpool Duet washers, have some advantages over the top load washers. They are commercial grade washers and are much larger than a standard top-load washer. Because of their size and because they have no agitator in the middle of the drum, they can hold more clothes. Can you guess how many pairs of jeans this unit can wash?
Arc Fault
Learn what an arc fault is and what causes it. Find out why it's important to protect against it.
Calculating Subpanel Loads
The subpanel wiring sizes can be determined after finding the appropriate sized circuit breaker.
Intermediate Metal Conduit
Intermediate metal conduit, or IMC for short, is a rigid steel electrical conduit that is lighter in weight than another conduit, but in some cases much stronger.
Why Not To Use Plug Adapters
Plug adapters make it possible to plug a grounded plug into two-pronged polarized outlets. Find out why they should not be used.
Fishing Electrical Wires
If you've ever had to add a new wire, for an outlet or switch, in an existing wall, this tip will surely help.
Change Gas Oven Ignitors
Learn how to replace and install an oven ignitor with this electrical how-to, complete with photos.
Spa and Hot Tub Outdoor Wiring
Spas and hot tubs require some special electrical connections. Given spas and hot tubs come in different shapes and sizes, they may have more than one pump, requiring more power. These units should be connected properly to insure electrical safety guidelines.
Portable Generator Do's/Don'ts
To ensure safe operation of a portable generator, here is a list of do's and don'ts.
Size Your Extension Cords
Electrical extension cords are great way to extend circuits to areas that you are working, away from available outlets. Many times, the user doesn't heed the extension cord size compared to th elength of the run.
Safe Circuit Loads
Learn how to calculate safe circuit loads on home wiring circuits.
ServicePanelChecklist
Service panels should be inspected periodically for signs of wear, defects, and trouble spots. This service panel checklist will aid your examination.
Reasons To Install A Subpanel In Your Home
There are many reasons to add a subpanel to your home. when you main panel is short of adaquate space or many things are powered from another location in your home or garage, a subpanel may be for you. learn how to size the subpanel before you install it.
3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Receptacles
If you need to know how to wire a dryer outlet, or convert the wiring from a three-wire system to a four wire system, or just the opposite, here's a great source for information.
Isolated-ground Receptacles
Electromagnetic noise can be a problem with audio and home theater equipment alike. One sure-fire way of making sure this noise isn't present is to use an isolated-ground receptacle to power this type of equipment. Although the basic shape of the receptacle is jsut like any other receptacle, there are some differences that make this recptacle different. The ground plug holes are isolated from the case ground, making it an isolated ground system. If the sound has a buzzing sound, you need this.
Install a Ceiling Fixture
Learn how to install and wire a ceiling light.
How to Update a Room's Electrical Appearance For Under \$15
Here are some inexpensive ways to update your home's appearance with some simple electrical improvements for under $15.
Cable, Wire And Conduit Installation Dates
Wiring methods have changed over the years from knob and tube to flexible armored cable (Greenfield) to nonmetallic cable (NM), conduit (EMT), and underground feeder (UF) cable. From about 1890 to the present, wiring methods have become much safer due to the installation types of wiring and the addition of ground wires.
250-Volt AC Outlets
Learn what 250-volt air conditioner outlets are and what makes them different from a standard 125-volt receptacle.
Single-pole Circuit Breakers
Single-pole breakers are an important part of electrical distribution as a safe way to manage branch circuits from a circuit breaker panel.
Change a Single Pole Switch
Electrical tips on how to replace a single pole switch.
Service Size Of My Home
If you're thinking about updating your electrical service size but don't know what size you have now, this article will help you locate the answer.
NEC GFCI Protection
Find out what the national electrical Code states about ground-fault circuit-interrupters in dwellings.
Connecting Wires To Terminals
When connecting electrical wires to switches and outlets, the way you strip, bend, and tighten the wire on the terminal will determine how good the connection really is.
Plastic Electrical Boxes
Discover why plastic electrical boxes may be a great choice when installing new devices in your home.
Tandem Breakers
Learn what a tandem breaker is and what the advantage of using one is.
Switch Installation Height
If you've ever wondered what the typical height of a switch is, this article gives you some insight to installing switches in your home.
Making Drop Cords Safe Again
Learn how to connect the wires to the cord plug so that the wires cannot be pulled out easily.
Cleaning The Condenser Coil
Find out how to clean a central air conditoner's condensing coil to keep it functioning properly.
What is a Split Outlet?
Find out what split outlets are and what electrical installation that they are used for.
Bathroom Electrical Wiring
Bathrooms are damp and have special needs when wiring them. This article will help you install appropriate electrical wiring to cover lighting, air flow, and safety devices in your bathroom.
Strain Relief That Holds
Underwriter's knots take the strain off of cord plug connections if someone pulls a cord from the outlet by grabbing the cord instead of the cord plug. Plugs and cords that have no built-in strain relief need something to keep them from being pulled out of the connection easily.
How to Size a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
In order to keep bathrooms free from mold and mildew, bathroom exhaust fans remove moisture and odor quickly and easily. The real secret is getting the right sized exhaust fan for the proper room size.
outletsandreceptacleshub
Outlets, also known as receptacles, become weak and the tension of the inner contact points won't hold the cord plugs securely after years of use. Installing and replacing outlets can be easy with these top outlet and receptacle articles.
Warning Signs of Bad Switches
Learn some of the warning signs of defective switches so that you can identify them before they cause problems.
Turn On a Circuit Breaker
Learn how simple it s to turn on a circuit breaker.
Electrical Box Installations
There are many different types of electrical boxes. Some are designed to house switches and outlets, while others are used for hanging light fixtures. Still others are designed for outdoor and weatherproof installations, not to mention low-voltage installations.
Amperage Not Voltage Kills
There are many dangers associated with electricity. The real danger with electrical shock is amperage, not voltage.
How Does Electricity Work?
Electricity, how does electricity work anyway? Household electricity and its current flow can be easy to understand if you compare it to the plumbing in your home.
Testing Receptacles For Ground
It is important in this day and age to have a ground on the receptacles in your home. You likely have on of two types of receptacle, a polarized or a three-slot receptacle. In order to perform this test, you’ll need some type of electrical tester. This could be a neon tester, a receptacle tester, a voltage tester, a receptacle tester, or a multi-meter.
How To Strip Electrical Wire
Learn the proper way to strip electrical wire and the appropriate tools to make the job easy.
What is a Box Extender?
If you have a box that is too far in the wall, a quick fix is a box extender.
Cartridge Fuses
If you have a fuse panel, it's likely that sooner or later you'll be needing a cartridge fuse.
National Electrical Codes For Bathrooms
The National Electrical Code was written to provide a set of rules and regulations to keep the use of electricity in your home safe. Here are the top bathrooms codes you need to live by to remain safe and keep your electrical devices working properly.
Seven Ways to Save
Find out how these seven tips can save you energy and save on your utility bill.
Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?
So the old electrical system, wiring and devices are not what they used to be? Cords fall out of outlets, the switches only work some of the time and it seems as if everything is on one circuit when a breaker trips. You know that the dreaded time has come to rehab the electrical system and components. The question arises that you may have pondered for a few years now, should I do it myself or call a professional?

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