Electrical Tools & Supplies

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double pole circuit breaker switch
How to Install a Double Pole Circuit Breaker

They can handle two 120-volt circuits or one 240-volt.

Electrical outlet, cover, screwdriver and wires
How to Fix an Electrical Ground Wire

A faulty ground is a serious risk.

string lights with large bulbs in an outdoor space
3 Advantages of a Series Circuit

They're best for simple, low-power devices.

paint roller painting ceiling glossy white
Installing Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors

They're more reliable than their battery counterparts.

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4 Types of Electrical Receptacles Explained

There are many different types of electrical receptacles, and it's important to know the difference.

A ground wire attached to a grounding rod sunk into the dirt.
How to Install a Ground Rod

Prevent the risk of electrical fires in your home.

gloved hand connecting electrical wires with plastic caps
How to Use Electrical Wire Connectors

How to properly choose and use twist-on connectors.

power relay device
How to Clean and Repair Power Relays

A great way to get cheap relays is to restore used models.

Rolls of copper wire.
3 Types of Copper Grounding Wire Explained

Ground copper wire is commonly found in electrical components.

A circuit breaker with all circuits, save for one, switched on.
How to Replace a Circuit Breaker Fuse

A broken fuse can be a safety hazard.

The black and red probes of an ordinary multimeter.
How to Use a Voltage Tester

A voltage tester is a handy tool if you know how to use it.

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Compression Lugs vs Mechanical Lugs

There are a few differences between compression lugs and mechanical lugs.

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Troubleshooting Common Ground Fault Receptacle Problems

A ground fault receptacle is a special type of electrical outlet which has a built in circuit breaker.

Multiple plugs in a surge protector
4 Types of Surge Protectors Explained

A power surge can wreak havoc on your electronics.

A multimeter.
Multimeter Basics

Multimeters can be used to test a number of different items.

AC capacitor
Where to Buy a Capacitor

They can be key in AC repair.

parallel heat shrink tubes in five different colors
Heating Your Heat Shrink Tubing

Find a heat source and start shrinking things.

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How to Use a Wire Tracer

A wire tracer is used to identify wires and cables especially when these are set up in a group.

Probes from a continuity tester touching a fuse in the fuse panel.
Continuity Tester vs Voltage Tester

Should you be using a continuity tester or a voltage tester?

white surge protector
Line Conditioners vs. Surge Protectors

The electronics in your home are a significant investment so protect them from power surges.

Fuses on a tan background.
How to Clean a Fuse Holder

A fuse holder is for mounting fuses of all sizes and types.

clamp meter and wires
How to Use a Clamp Meter

They only seem more complex than regular multimeters.

three part insulated wire
12-2 Wire vs 12-3 Wire

Choosing the right materials can be confusing.

How to Test a Thermal Fuse

Start by disconnecting appliances.

timer relay combination device
Relays and Timers

These devices can be very useful for electrical projects.

A handful of different cables, all with different functions.
Understanding Different Types of Wires and Cables

Don't just use your electricity—understand it.

cogenerator
How to Use a Tone Generator

A tone generator is an extremely versatile device.

An electrical conduit.
How to Bend a Plastic Electrical Conduit

Plastic electrical conduit is piping that covers wires.

a variety of cartridge fuses on a counter
Testing and Replacing a Cartridge Fuse

A cartridge fuse is a key part of an electrical system.

wires showing out of conduit laying in the ground
4 Different Types of Flexible Conduits Explained

There are some advantages and disadvantages to consider.

A man holds a psychrometer outside
How to Use a Sling Psychrometer

The sling psychrometer is used to measure relative humidity.

A woman holds a sound level meter.
How to Calibrate a Sound Level Meter

Before measuring, calibrate your sound level meter.

Flexible Electrical Conduit
4 Types of Flexible Electrical Conduit Explained

Flexible electrical conduit is easier to use than metal.

A ground rod.
How to Test Ground Rod Resistance

Ground rods dissipate current.

Ceramic fuses.
Ceramic Fuse vs Glass Fuse

Glass and ceramic fuses have different pros and cons.

Two magnetic contactors on a white background.
Troubleshooting Magnetic Contactor Problems

Electricity travels in circuits, and in the heart of those circuits are magnetic contactors.

a pile of flexible conduit
How to Cut Flexible Metal Conduit

If your vice has a slot in the center, align your cut mark on the conduit with the slot.

A pile of electrical conduit.
Installing Wires: Is Conduit Necessary?

Electrical conduit protects and routes electrical wiring.

A magnetic contractor on a white background.
How to Test a Magnetic Contactor

A magnetic contactor produces power to electric motors.

a flame held up to heat shrink tubing
7 Sizes of Heat Shrink Tubing

The tubing size should be larger than the wire and a shrink size less than the wire.

boat in ocean
How to Install an Hour Meter

While you don't need an hour meter in your boat, one of these devices is a helpful addition that can be installed in just a few steps.

Coils of flexible metal conduits.
When to Use Flexible Metal Conduits

Electrical conduit protects and routes electrical wiring.

adjusting fuse
Slow-Blow Fuse vs Fast-Blow Fuse

Knowing the difference between slow-blow and fast-blow fuses not only can prevent electric shortages in your home, but also can prevent serious injury from electrocution. This guide will help you understand the difference between the two types, when to use them, and what to do if you're still unsure (i.e. ask a professional).