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How to Add a Light Fixture

Can I tie into an existing light fixture to add a new one?

Question – Steps to Take to Lower Your Electric Bill

How to Lower Your Electric Bill: Home Appliances and Electrical Consumption. Tracking Down High Energy that leads to Big Electric Bills

Question – Dimmer Switches Can Cause Bulbs to Hum

The humming you hear is actually the bulb filament vibrating.

Question – Troubleshooting a Dryer Plug

What causes a 240 volt outlet to give only 120 volts?

Question – Identifying the Wires

Why do I have two black wires on the fixture?

Question – There is Power Going to the Fixture, But it Still Isn’t Working

Because your old existing fixture stopped working it seems that there is a problem with the fixture circuit.

Question – Converting a Headlight to a Lamp

How do I change the power supply from a battery to standard indoor electric power cord?

Question – Using CFLs Rather Than Incandescent Bulbs

Can I use a higher watt CFL than the fixture recommends?

Question – Identifying the Ground Wire

Which wire is the ground wire?

Question – Shocked with the Circuit Breakers Off?

Why did my electrician get an electrical shock if he turned off all the breakers?

Question – Why There are Different Types of Dryer Plugs

The new electrical code calls for a 4-wire plug for dryers.

Question – Halogen Bulbs

Do halogen bulbs smell when they’re about to go out?

Electrical Tips

To Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester

This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester

This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter

A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.

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I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web.
George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania

I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring.
Bill, from New York City, New York

This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first.
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I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going.
Mike, from Chicago, Illinois

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.