Articles about Electrical Questions and Answers

Question – Halogen Bulbs

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

Question – Attic Insulation and Wiring

Attic electrical wiring covered with insulation poses a concern about over-heating.

Question – Battery Charger Safety

Can I keep my battery charger plugged in all summer?

Question – Electrical Troubleshooting Practices

Electrical troubleshooting requires testing procedures to find the problem.

Question – Cabin Wiring Methods

Is it safe to just lay wiring on top of the rafters?

Question – Ceiling Fan Light Kit Wiring

Can a dimmer switch be installed on a ceiling fan light?

Question – Ceiling Fan Installation and Dimmer Switches

Installing ceiling fans where fixtures are now on dimmer switches.

Question – Ceiling Fan Replacement

What are the right wiring connections for my ceiling fan?

Question – Troubleshooting a Ceiling Fan Light Fixture

Here is the correct wiring of a ceiling fan light fixture.

Question – Does a 240 Volt Light Fixture Require a 2-Pole Circuit Breaker?

See why installing a 240 volt circuit without a 2-pole circuit breaker poses a hazard.

Question – Home with Electrical Overload – Part 1

This 100 year old home is having some electrical issues.

Question – Home with Electrical Overload – Part 2

This 100 year old home continues to have power outages. Now we discover a moisture problem.

Question – 220 Volt Circuit – Part 1

Some exercise equipment will require a dedicated 220 volt circuit.

Question – 220 Volt Circuit – Part 2

Some exercise equipment will require a dedicated 220 volt circuit.

Question – Cords and How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 3

I think a hardware store employee gave me wrong advice about cords. One side is smooth, one is ridged; which is which?

Question – Cords and How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 2

Smooth side, ridged side: Which is which?

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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.