Summary: Complete listing of articles about Home Wiring which leads to full featured pages with photos and wiring diagrams to help you with your home wiring projects.
Home Wiring
Home Wiring Articles include:
Kitchen wiring, Bathroom wiring, Bedroom wiring, Home Office wiring, Laundry room wiring, Garage and Workshop wiring, and Basement wiring.
Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Wiring
Recent Articles about Home Wiring
Follow the Links below to the Complete Resource Page
Static From Electronic Light Fixture Ballast
I installed a new electronic ballast in fluorescent fixture. My radio now has static on it. How can I stop it?
I am about to start wiring my steel frame shop building for my 240 V air compressor, welders, and auto lift, plus assorted lights and outlets for power tools. Do I need to run all of the wiring through conduit or can I use Romex? more at: Installing Workshop Wiring
Appreciation for Help From Ask-The-Electrician.com
Big thank to you-Dave Rongey-for sharing technical knowledge with others. You know I must humbly admit, I have a lot to learn from you being a beginner in the world of electrical installation. more at: APPRECIATION for Help From Ask-The-Electrician.com
Wiring Outlets Controlled by a Switch
Mark, from Leawood, Kansas asks:
I want to wire a switch to control two outlets. Can you explain the process for me? more at: Wiring Outlets Controlled by a Switch
Replacing Multi-Wire Kitchen Outlets
Chris, from Winnipeg, Canada asks:
Dave,
I have 4 standard 120V 15A outlet plugs in my kitchen that I recently wanted to replace. So I went to Home Depot and bought some new plugs and installed them. When I turned on the breaker switch, I saw a spark behind the breaker and it flipped back to the off position.
I consulted with an electrician and he asked me if I had broken off the tabs on the hot side of the outlets. I didn't. So I went back and sure enough the old plugs were missing the tabs. I removed the tabs on the new outlets and now everything works fine.
My question is why did this happen and have I done any damage to the breaker or new outlets that I should be concerned about?
Thank You.
Chris more at: Replacing Multi-Wire Kitchen Outlets
Electrical Terminal Block for a Kitchen Cook top
My electric 4 burner kitchen cook top just fried due to careless installation causing stripped wiring and has melted the terminal block. The existing terminal block is 40 amp. After 3 days I still cant locate a 40 amp replacement connector. Can I use a 30 amp connector in its place?
Michael, from Polson, Montana asks:
I have a Cutler Hammer main electrical panel. I want to add another 100A breaker for my garage panel. There doesn't seem to be a space in the panel to plug in another breaker. Am I going to have to replace the panel, or am I missing something?
Converting Bedroom Switched Outlets to Ceiling Fixtures or Fans
Jon, from Hull, Iowa asks:
I would like to change my switched outlets in my bedrooms to switched ceiling lights, or possible ceiling fans. I have the main power with 14-2 wire coming into my master bedroom single pole switch; it proceeds to an outlet nearby. The same master bedroom switch proceeds to another bedroom switch where it also feeds a nearby outlet. The second bedroom single pole switch then goes to the 3rd bedroom where it also feeds one switched outlet. All the whites in line were tied together. I have already run a 14-2 wire to the center of each room down to the switch area. This is where I have a question; How do I wire the switch for possible ceiling fans, or ceiling lights; Do I need a double gang box; and can the outlet still be used without turning a switch on?
Walt from New York asks:
So I'm changing all the outlets in my house. I'm stuck on the kitchen. I copied the wire configuration from old to new, but when I turn the power back on it keeps tripping the circuit breaker. I didn't use GFCI's, but I will purchase some since reading some posts on this site saying that it is the electrical code, even so I don't understand why the breaker keeps tripping. I live in a old house and the previous outlets weren't GFCI's either but they worked fine. What is it that i'm missing?
What has caused several outlets to stop working? How to Identify Potential Outlet Wiring Problems where Space Heaters are Used, Fix Electric Outlet Problems Caused by Portable Space Heaters.
How can I have two power sources connected to a single pump and control each separate power source? Control Options for a Wiring a Pump with Two Sources of Power.
Upgrading an Electrical System and Circuit Wiring for Older Homes to Prevent Electrical Problems: Inspect the Home Electrical Wiring, Lighting Circuits and Wiring, Home Remodeling and Upgrading.
How to Work with Home Electrical Wiring Problems: To solve home electrical wiring problems attention must be directed at the symptom, in this case the tripping GFCI where the wiring should be checked.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It 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 the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester 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
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use 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..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
Fluorescent Lighting Problems and How To Fix Them How to Fix Fluorescent Lighting Problems: Here are the Most Common Problems with Fluorescent Lighting and How to Fix Them, Troubleshooting Problems with Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures.
Wire a Thermostat How to connect the wiring to a new Thermostat Terminals: Typical Thermostat Wiring for HVAC Furnace Heating and Air Conditioning, Thermostat Wire Connections.
Why Is My Bathroom Light Fixture Not Working? How to Fix a Bathroom Light Fixture and a Bath Exhaust Fan that has Stopped Working. The Most Common Problems with Bathroom Light Fixtures and How You Can Fix Them.
How to Fix a Dusk to Dawn Lighting Problem How to Fix a Dusk to Dawn Lighting Problem with a new lamp: The Most Common Problems with a CFL Dusk to Dawn Fluorescent Light and How to Fix Them.
Causes of Electric Circuit Buzz Crackle or Sizzle How to find out what is causing a buzz and crackle sound in the electric box. How to Locate the Cause of Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle, The Most Common Problems that Cause Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle and What Should Be Done.
Ask The Electrician – Electrical Questions and Answers Database Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Wiring Problems: Licensed Electrician shares the Methods of Electrical Wiring that are used to solve the majority of home electrical wiring problems, and shows how home wiring projects are performed.
How to Wire a 220 Volt Electric Furnace How Do I Wire an Electric Furnace? Wiring Connections for 220 Volt Electric Heater and How to Connect the Electrical Circuit Wiring for a Furnace.
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the panel circuits found in the project area, turn them OFF and Tag them with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for home wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
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.
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.
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.
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU! Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts
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. Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thank you for answering my question.
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
