Articles about

Causes of Lost Power to Outlets

Patrick in Iowa. asks: I have no power in half my outlets, what could be the problem? Troubleshooting the Problem of Lost Power to Outlets, How to Locate and Repair Lost Power to Electric Outlets.

How to Repair a Kitchen Outlet Circuit

How to Fix a Damaged Outlet Circuit: Whenever I power up the circuit on the panel the breaker trips automatically.

How to Ground a Home Generator

How to Ground a Generator and the Home Electrical System: Bonding the Generator to the Grounded Electrical System of the Home.

UK 220 Volt Electrical System

UK Wiring System and Canadian Circuit Wiring Standards: I will be moving from the UK to Canada and want to bring with me some garage tools 220 volt.

Identifying the Causes of Electrical Noise and Interference

How to Identify the Causes of Electrical Noise and Interference with your Telephone, Stereo and Computer System: Location of the Microwave Oven and Electronic Devices.

How to Install Exterior Lighting Fixtures

How to Install Outdoor Light Fixtures: Light fixture box and new light fixture wiring. I want to replace an old outdoor light fixture with a new one. Does an exterior light fixture need to have a support box?

Bathroom Light Not Working Then Check This

I have a light switch that has no power to turn on the ceiling light in the bathroom: Electrical Troubleshooting for a Bathroom Light Problem.

Wiring a Light Switch for a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Light

How to Wire an Exhaust Fan and Switches: Wiring an Exhaust Fan with a Light Fixture Using a Combo Switch.

How To Adjust Outdoor Flood Light Settings

How to Change the Settings for a Motion Detector Light: The Flood Light Time Duration Switch Settings.

Installing a Combination Switch Outlet

How Can I install a Combo Switch and Outlet? Wiring a Combination Switch, Combo 3Way Switch Wiring, Switches and White Wires.

Wiring a Switch that Controls an Outlet

Wiring a Switch Controlled Outlet: Wiring Configurations for a Half-Hot Switched Outlet.

Garage Electrical Wiring Upgrades

How to Upgrade Garage Electrical Wiring for Outlets and Switches: Electrical Question: When we replaced a 2 pole switch in the garage from very old wiring, the white wires are now hot. Also the outlet boxes and lights register that they have power in them but they do not work.

Replacing Old Smoke Detectors

How do connect the wires for a new smoke detector? Identifying Smoke Detectors and Wiring to ensure proper compatibility.

Wiring Under Cabinet Lights

What type of wire should I use for under cabinet lights? Electrical Wire for Under Cabinet Lights

Possible Causes for an Outlet Circuit not to Function

How to Repair a Faulty Outlet Circuit: An Outlet Circuit that Tests OK but still Does Not Work, Here are some reasons why an outlet may not work properly and what should be checked.

Installing a Garage Electrical Circuit

Installing Garage Electrical Wiring: Sizing Electrical Wire for a Garage Panel, What size wire should I run from my house to my garage?

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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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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.