Category: Electrical

Gather Materials You will need the following materials: Make sure to turn off the power at the breaker before starting any electrical work. Strip the Wires Use the wire strippers to remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire end you will be connecting. Take care not to nick or cut into the copper…

Determining the electrical load capacity for a home is an important process when building or renovating. Having sufficient power to run all your home’s electrical devices and appliances requires an accurate load calculation and proper wiring. This ensures the electrical system can handle peak demand without overloading. What is Electrical Load? Electrical load refers to…

Adding an electrical outlet in the middle of an existing circuit run can provide much-needed access to power in inconvenient locations. With proper planning and adherence to electrical codes, this project can be accomplished safely by a knowledgeable DIYer. Reasons for Adding an Outlet Mid-Run There are several scenarios where installing an outlet mid-run is…

Pulling electrical wire and cable through conduit is a common task for electricians and DIYers. Properly running wires through conduit ensures the safety and longevity of electrical systems. This guide will walk through the entire process step-by-step. Gather the Necessary Materials Pulling wire and cable through conduit requires: Make sure all materials are approved for…

Planning Your Wiring Project Before cutting into any walls, take time to plan your wiring project. Here are some important steps: Determine Your Electrical Needs Decide what rooms need additional outlets or lighting and where you want switches located. Consider any large appliances or high-wattage items that will need their own dedicated circuits. This will…

Replacing a standard 120-volt outlet receptacle is an easy DIY project that can provide multiple benefits. Upgrading to a fresh receptacle can restore loose, faulty connections, giving you confidence in safely using your electrical outlets. Replacing receptacles is also an opportunity to upgrade to tamper-resistant or GFCI outlets for added safety. With proper precautions, this…

A 3-way switch is a type of electrical switch that makes it possible to control a light fixture or electrical outlet from two separate locations. 3-way switches are one of the most common and useful wiring devices found in homes and buildings. How a 3-Way Switch Works A 3-way switch circuit employs two individual 3-way…

Selecting the right wire gauge for an electrical project is critical to ensure safety and proper functioning. The gauge of a wire relates to its size – the larger the gauge number, the smaller the wire. Smaller wires have higher resistance, which can lead to voltage drops and overheating. Bigger wires can handle more current…

Electrical wall switches are an essential part of any home or building’s lighting system, allowing control over lighting fixtures from convenient locations. With many types of switches available, it’s important to understand the different options to choose the right switch for your needs. This guide covers the most common types of electrical wall switches and…

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) devices are an important part of home electrical safety. A GFCI monitors electricity flowing through a circuit and trips if there is an imbalance, indicating a ground fault. There are two main types of GFCIs – receptacles and circuit breakers. Understanding the differences between GFCI receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers…