Electrical

Let there be—well, you know how the saying goes. Electricity is the undercurrent of our home, powering our appliances and lighting our hallways. Most of us are fine left in the dark regarding the inner workings of electrical wiring and circuit breakers…until you’re, quite literally, in the dark. Use our expert guidance to help identify the wires behind your wall, learn how to protect your home’s electrical system, and source a list of professional electricians you can call when you’re frazzled.

man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A woman rings a doorbell
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 19, 2024
Jul 19, 2024
Ring a bell? From replacing a wired doorbell to setting up a smart home system, learn about typical doorbell installation costs, including materials and labor.
Knob and tube wiring in a house
Lawrence Bonk
•
Jul 19, 2024
Jul 19, 2024
Considering replacing your home’s knob and tube wiring with a contemporary electrical system? Find out what costs and considerations may be involved.
Electrician fixing wires of an outlet
Allie Ogletree
•
Aug 21, 2024
Aug 21, 2024
Rewiring a house can be a complex project but don’t let it catch you off guard. Read this to plan ahead and discover the cost to rewire a house.
man plugging electrical cord in gfci outlet in kitchen
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Jul 17, 2024
Jul 17, 2024
Your GFCI outlets should trip when there’s a potential electrical hazard. If you’re unsure why your GFCI keeps tripping, this guide can help you find the cause.
woman making a smoothie with an electric blende
Breyden Kellam
•
Aug 21, 2024
Aug 21, 2024
The cost to ground outlets depends on several factors. This guide will help you prepare for all of the costs involved with this project.
Man using computer in the living room
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Aug 20, 2024
Aug 20, 2024
What is a ground circuit? Grounding is a vital failsafe for your home and vehicle electric systems. Let’s look at how it works and why it’s so important.
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roof with solar panels on sunny day
Audrey Bruno  •  Sep 6, 2024
Who Can Remove Solar Panels From Your Roof?
Who can remove solar panels from roofs? The good news is that there are two types of pros that can handle a job like this—it’s up to you who you hire.
solar panels installed on green roof
Jacqueline DeMarco  •  Sep 5, 2024
Do Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?
Do solar panels damage roofs? We’re breaking down the different ways that damage can occur post-installation and how to avoid issues.
Worker removing roof tile near solar panels
René Bennett  •  Sep 3, 2024
Solar Panels ROI: Are Solar Panels Worth It?
Installing solar panels helps you save on energy bills while adding some value to your home. Here’s a look at what makes solar panels attractive to buyers.
blue wall with white plug in outlet
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Aug 26, 2024
How to Wire an Outlet From Another Outlet in 9 Steps
Adding an outlet to your home can be as straightforward as connecting to an existing circuit. Learn how to wire an outlet from another outlet in this advanced-level DIY guide.
A house roof with solar panels
Gillian Beckett  •  Aug 23, 2024
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
Solar panel costs vary based on the system size, panel type, and wattage you need. Learn about solar panel installation costs, so you can budget with ease.
A person installing a new wall switch
Chris Middleton  •  Aug 22, 2024
A Guide to Wire Nut Sizes
Wire nuts are used to connect two or more electrical wires. Our guide explains what the different wire nut sizes and colors mean, and when to use each.
Mint green toaster plugged into outlet on kitchen countertop
Breyden Kellam  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Outlet? [2024 Data]
The average cost to install an electrical outlet is $133 to $296 each. This guide explains what factors impact the total cost of installing an outlet.
Steel pipe electric outlet on cement wall
Mariel Loveland  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Outlet in an Unfinished Basement?
Most homeowners only pay a couple of hundred dollars to install an outlet in an unfinished basement, but some factors drive up the price. Plan your project with this cost estimate.
A woman doing her laundry
Breyden Kellam  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Run Electric from the Road to Your House? [2024 Data]
Before you hire a licensed electrical contractor, you should learn the cost to run electric from the road to your house so you can budget for the project.
A woman turning on the light
Lisa Gauthier Mitchison  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install Light Switches? [2024 Data]
Updating broken and outdated light switches isn't as tricky as you might think. We'll cover the considerations and cost to install a light switch in this guide.
Electric Meter
Alison Kasch  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel? [2024 Data]
Looking to size up your electrical system to cover higher usage and improve efficiency? Use this guide to see the cost to upgrade an electrical panel.
A family watching TV in living room
Katy Willis  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Coaxial Cable Outlet?
Find out how much it costs to install a cable outlet for TV or internet. Our expert guide breaks down the costs involved in installing a new coaxial outlet and explores how you can save and if you can do this project yourself.