Updated Articles and Resources

By Timothy Thiele, About.com Guide

Power loads - Balancing Electrical Loads - Unbalanced Loads Created: Sunday, May 20, 2012 Updated: Monday, May 21, 2012
There are many benefits to balancing the loads of the two legs of power in your electrical panel and here's why.
Ceiling Fans - The Great Ceiling Fan Debate...Summer Cooling, Winter Heating - Fans Created: Friday, May 18, 2012 Updated: Monday, May 21, 2012
Since the 1800's, the great debate has been on about which way a ceiling fan should turn to either cool in the summer or warm in the winter. I've heard many people argue until they are blue in the...
Smoking Heaters - The Burning Question...Electric Elements Smoking - Electric Elements Created: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Updated: Monday, May 21, 2012
If you've ever started up an electric heater, toaster, or electric range for the first time or the first time of the year, you may notice smoke rolling out of them. Could this mean trouble? Is th...
Hot Tubs - Hydromassage Bathtub Electrical Codes - Bathtubs Created: Saturday, May 12, 2012 Updated: Saturday, May 12, 2012
Here's a look at safety and code requirements for hydromassage tubs.
Safety Glasses - Safety Equipment is a Must - Safety Shoes Created: Monday, April 30, 2012 Updated: Monday, April 30, 2012
When you're working on the job at work or at home, there are some safety related items that you will need to protect your eyes, hands, and feet.
NEC - National Electrical Code Phone Application - Apps Created: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 Updated: Monday, April 30, 2012
Instead of carrying an outdated National Electrical Code book around, why not try this new software that gives your smart phone the capability to access the National Electrical Codes and changes in...
What is Grounding and How Does it Work? Created: Monday, September 05, 2011 Updated: Monday, April 30, 2012
Grounding and electricity go hand in hand. In fact, to safely use electrical devices, equipment, appliances, and tools, make sure that your connection is grounded properly. Here's why grounding i...
Overhead Service Feeders - Underground or Overhead Service Feeders…Which is Better? - Underground Service Feeders Created: Friday, September 02, 2011 Updated: Monday, April 30, 2012
Overhead or underground? The question is often asked and now I'm answering it for you. Find out which is best for you when installing your electrical service feed.
Receptacles - Polarized Receptacles...What Are They? - Outlets Created: Friday, September 02, 2011 Updated: Monday, April 30, 2012
If you have an older home, you may still have polarized receptacles in it. Find out what they are and why you may want to change them for safety reasons.
Outlets - Outdoor Lighting and Receptacle Codes - Lighting Created: Sunday, April 29, 2012 Updated: Sunday, April 29, 2012
Here are a few outdoor lighting and receptacle codes that you will need to know before wiring your home or making room additions.
GFCI Receptacles - Should I Install a GFCI Receptacle or a GFCI Breaker? - GFCI Outlets Created: Saturday, April 28, 2012 Updated: Saturday, April 28, 2012
The question is often asked, whether it is better to install a GFCI receptacle or a GFCI breaker.
Outlets - Receptacle Boxes and Cable Installation Codes - Electrical Codes Created: Sunday, April 22, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Installing electrical boxes and electrical cables are made easy by following these recommended electrical installation codes.
Motors - Electric Motors and Maintenance Created: Sunday, April 15, 2012 Updated: Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Here's a look at ways to protect and maintain electric motors.
Electrical Connections - Wire Connection Problems and Solutions - Electrical Wiring Created: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 Updated: Friday, April 13, 2012
Electrical connection problems may be prevalent around your home and here are some of the most common and how to fix them.
National Electrical Code - National Electrical Codes For Bathrooms - Bathroom Electrical Wiring Created: Monday, September 19, 2011 Updated: Friday, April 13, 2012
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 ...
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters - Line or Load…A GFCI Connection Choice - Outlets and Receptacles Created: Friday, January 07, 2011 Updated: Friday, April 13, 2012
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 inf...
Ceiling Lights and Fixures - How To Install a Ceiling Fixture - Ceiling Lights and Fixtures Installations Created: Sunday, September 07, 2008 Updated: Friday, April 13, 2012
Learn how to install and wire a ceiling light.
Wiring A Kitchen - Electrical Circuits Needed When Remodeling A Kitchen - Kitchen Circuit Wiring Created: Monday, November 23, 2009 Updated: Saturday, April 07, 2012
If you are remodeling your kitchen, you will need to be sure these ciruits are in place.
Air Conditioners - Spring Cleanup For Summer Cooling...Maintaining Air Conditioners - Maintaining Air Conditioners Created: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 Updated: Wednesday, March 28, 2012
As we head into spring and look forward to the summer months ahead, we should all remember our good friend the air conditioner. To keep these units functioning properly, one has to take care and m..
Electrical Wire - Wire Size - Wiring Created: Monday, March 26, 2012 Updated: Monday, March 26, 2012
My readers often ask what the proper sized wire is for installations in a home. Here's a look at the common sizes.
Weather - Weather-related Preparedness Plan... Are You Prepared for Bad Weather? - Severe storms Created: Friday, March 16, 2012 Updated: Tuesday, March 20, 2012
As spring approches, the threat of severe storms does too. This is a great time to get your weather-related preparedness plan together, before the storm hits! Every year many people are injured o..
How to Install a Ground Fault Circuit Breaker Video Created: Monday, March 19, 2012 Updated: Monday, March 19, 2012
Learn how to install a ground fault circuit breaker so that you don't have to rely on the electrician for this work. Watch this how-to video from About.com to install a ground fault circuit breaker..
Three-way Switches - What are Three-way Switches Created: Friday, September 19, 2008 Updated: Friday, March 16, 2012
You've heard the term three-way switches, but what are they and what do they do? Find out in this article.
Knockout Punches - How Do You Make the Holes in Electrical Boxes Bigger - Electrical Boxes Created: Saturday, March 03, 2012 Updated: Friday, March 16, 2012
A common problem with standard boxes is that they commonly use knockout holes of the same size. But what if you need a larger sized hole to accommodate cabling?
Hole Saws - What Are Large Hole Saws Used For? - Drywall Saws Created: Monday, March 05, 2012 Updated: Friday, March 16, 2012
An easy and accurate way of cutting just the right sized hole for can light installation is by using a large hole saw. Learn why it's beneficial in this article.
Ceiling Fans - Blade-balancing Kits - Ceiling Fan Blades Created: Sunday, March 04, 2012 Updated: Friday, March 16, 2012
Ceiling fan blades often need some adjustments to eliminate wobble. Blade-balancing kits supply you with the tools to balance the blades and do just that.
Receptacles - Receptacle Wire Connections - Outlets Created: Saturday, February 25, 2012 Updated: Saturday, February 25, 2012
If you've ever wondered why one connection method to a receptacle, often called an outlet, is better than another, this is the article for you.
Switches - Do Your Switches Make the Grade Created: Monday, November 17, 2008 Updated: Saturday, February 18, 2012
Learn what the difference is between standard and commercial grade switches. Learn why one type is much better than the other.
Surface-Mounted Wiring - What Is Surface-Mounted Wiring Created: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 Updated: Saturday, February 18, 2012
When you need to extend a circuit and cutting in boxes just isn't an option, surface-mounted wiring may be the answer.
Electrical Circuits - Dedicated Circuits For Appliances - Appliance Circuits Created: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 Updated: Saturday, February 18, 2012
Dedicated circuits are required by the National Electrical Code, but what are they?
Thermostats - What Is a Remote Thermostat - Remote Control Created: Saturday, April 09, 2011 Updated: Saturday, February 18, 2012
Temperature control via a thermostat can be convenient with the use of a remote thermostat control.
Switches - What Is a Wireless Switch - Wireless Switches Created: Friday, July 23, 2010 Updated: Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sometimes you can't run wires to an area where you really need a light switch. By adding a wireless switch, you can control lighting in these difficult areas.

Electrical

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