Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Knowing the amperage of your electrical service is important for ensuring your home’s electrical system can safely handle the power needs of your home’s appliances and equipment. Determining your service amps can prevent you from overloading your electrical system and help you plan for any service upgrades you may need in the future. Here is…

Setting standard heights for electrical outlets and light switches in your home can make your rooms look more uniform and refined. It also makes outlet access easier and improves safety. With some planning and basic tools, you can set attractive, functional heights for outlets and switches throughout your home. Why Standard Heights Matter Having consistent…

Introduction Installing a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) or AFCI/GFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter/ground fault circuit interrupter) circuit breaker is an important safety upgrade for any home. These devices shut off power when they detect dangerous conditions – GFCIs detect ground faults, while AFCIs detect arc faults. Installing them properly ensures they work when needed.…

Converting a ceiling light to a recessed light can seem daunting, but with the right planning and materials, it can be a straightforward DIY project. Recessed lighting creates a clean, integrated look, can make a room feel bigger, and puts the light where you need it most. Follow this guide to learn everything you need…

Installing an old work or retrofit electrical box allows you to add a new electrical outlet into an existing wall without having to cut into the wall and patch it afterwards. This can be a handy way to add additional outlets in your home without major renovation work. With some basic DIY skills and the…

Knowing the electrical load capacity of your home’s electrical system is crucial for safety and proper functionality. Exceeding the load capacity can result in circuit breakers tripping, fuse blowing, overheated wires, and even electrical fires. By calculating the load, you can determine if your existing electrical system can handle additional appliances or if an upgrade…

Installing hardwired smoke detectors is an important safety measure that can help protect your home and family from fires. While battery-operated smoke alarms are common, hardwired smoke detectors provide reliable, long-term fire protection that does not depend on changing batteries. Installing hardwired smoke detectors yourself is a project a homeowner can take on with proper…

Recessed canister lights, also known as can lights or downlights, are a popular lighting option for many homes. As with any lighting choice, there are several pros and cons to consider when deciding whether recessed canister lights are the right fit for your space. Getting familiar with the key benefits and potential drawbacks of can…

Home electrical projects allow you to upgrade and customize your living space to meet your needs. While some electrical work is best left to licensed professionals, many common electrical projects can be safely DIYed by homeowners with basic skills. Learning about frequently performed electrical projects and their typical costs empowers you to budget and plan…

Buying recessed lights for your home can seem daunting, but with a bit of knowledge it can be a smooth and easy process. Recessed lighting, also known as can or high-hat lighting, refers to lights that are installed into the ceiling as opposed to hanging down from it. Recessed lights create an elegant, unobtrusive way…