Electrical History & Basics

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GFCI outlet with light
How to Read GFCI Status Lights

They're only useful if you know what they mean.

Copper wire with the insulation clipped back.
How to Remove Corrosion from Copper Wiring

Oxidization of wires can impair their conductivity.

electrician measuring currents in a circuit breaker panel with a multimiter
How Do I Become an Electrician?

Is it a good fit for your electric personality?

receptacle tester with diagram of light meanings
What Does a Hot Ground Reverse Reading Mean?

Receptacle testers tell you what's going on with an outlet.

What's Going On With Your Electrical Panel?

You know where it is, and maybe sort of what it does.

wire cable with rubber sleeve open to reveal colored sub wires
NM Cable vs Armored Cable

They're two of the most popular, and they're very different.

double light switch mounted to a wall frame
How to Wire a 2-Conductor Switch Leg

Send power in two directions with the same switch.

A ceiling fan with the wiring shown.
Red, Black, White, Blue: What Each Ceiling Fan Wire Means

Understanding your wiring color codes is critical.

Many different colored rolls of electrical tape sit against a white background.
6 Tips for Using Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is a handy tool, but only when it’s used correctly. Have you been using the right way all this time?

electric wires with different colors
Electric Wire Color Code

The hues define specific circuitry.

DIY Logo
Electrical Circuits: What Happens in a Short Circuit?

A short circuit can occur for a variety of reasons. When one happens, it should be attended quickly,

a hand unplugging a cord from an outlet
How Does a Polarized Plug Work?

Polarized plugs work as a safety mechanism to prevent shock.

electrical boxes mounted to a brick wall
How to Install Electrical Junction Boxes

An essential component of your home's wiring.

A motion sensor light mounted to a brick wall
How to Install an Automatic Light Sensor

Light sensors are a valuable safety and convenience feature.

A dual wall outlet set into a wood paneled wall.
How to Wire a Double Outlet

Get twice as much out of an outlet by installing a double.

Cables on a grey background.
Working with Armored Cable: Dos and Don'ts

Armored cable is an electrical wiring solution.

armored cable with wires exposed
How to Cut Armored Cable

Armored cables are well protected, but hard to cut.

surge arrester
How Does a Surge Arrester Work?

A surge arrester protects electrical power systems.