Electricity powers our lives. Without this essential source of power we would not have air conditioning, heat, ovens, microwaves, television, or computers. Because our lives depend on these conveniences, it is important to keep your electrical system running properly.

The tips in this section can help you understand some basics of electrical equipment and how to work with it. You'll find some information about electrical cables, fixing a doorbell, and replacing a circuit breaker. There are also tips about saving energy, reducing electric bills, and how to install solar panels.

Tips, Tricks, and Answers

The following articles are available for the 'Electrical' topic. Click the article''s title (shown in bold) to see the associated article.

   Adding a Circuit
Are you in need of a little extra power in your home? Instead of using unsafe methods to add more sockets or plugs to an already overcrowded outlet, why not try adding a circuit. Adding an electrical circuit is a home electrical project that will take a beginner a little more than two hours to complete. All you need to do is follow these instructions.

   Adding an Outdoor Receptacle
There are times when you find yourself simply needing another electrical outlet or receptacle more than you currently have. Most often this will happen outside, where it seems like there are never enough outlets for you to use. Well, adding an outdoor receptacle isn't that difficult of a task, and usually only takes a complete novice no more than six hours to complete.

   Choosing Bathroom Light Fixtures
For some reason, the bathroom tends to be one of the most overlooked rooms in the home when it comes to interior decorating. If you are looking for a way to dramatically improve the look of your bathroom, then one of the simplest ways is install new bathroom light fixtures. Here are some great guidelines you can use when choosing those fixtures.

   Choosing Ceiling Fixtures
There is a wide range of ceiling fixtures that you can use to provide light for a room. Make sure that you understand all of your options before making any final decisions. After all, light fixtures can affect the overall look of your room as much as any furniture or decorations that you may use.

   Designer Lighting
Adding a designer look to your home can add style and sophistication to your decor. Use designer lighting to get just the right look and the perfect amount of light.

   Electrical Cables for Beginners
Electrical cables can be confusing. Want to know more about the basics of electrical cables? Then read on.

   Electrical Safety Strategies
Before you begin working on an electrical project, make sure that you are taking care to do it safely. The best way that you can do this is by following a few simple electrical safety strategies. Keep these important safety steps in mind the next time that you work with anything electrical.

   Electrical Tool Kit Necessities
Whether you are going to be simply running a few wires, installing a new electrical outlet, or doing some really major electrical work you are going to need some tools. Here is a list of items that you can use to help make sure that you have all the electrical tool kit necessities to get any and all electrical jobs correctly finished.

   Exterior Lighting
The next time you have a summertime backyard party, consider hanging string lighting to enhance the festivities. Exterior lighting has evolved from the cheesy string lights of the past, you can find a wide range of string lighting from the festive and fun, to the sophisticated and classy.

   Finding a Good Electrician
Whether you are a person who believes in hiring the professionals, or an adequate home electrician who needs help, there is going to come a time when you want to find a good electrician. Here is how you can do that.

   Fixing a Doorbell that Won't Ring
A doorbell is rather useless if it does not ring. Learning to fix your doorbell is easy and extremely useful.

   Home Electrical Safety Inspection
It is always a good idea to periodically inspect your home to make sure that it is safe, this includes checking to make sure that the electrical system in your home is OK as well. While you may not be able to do a complete electrical system check, you can do a home electric safety inspection that will allow you to know if a professional should take a closer look.

   Home Theater Systems
Do you want a home theater system that is going to make you the envy of your friends? How about one that can make your spouse smile in pleasure at the same time? It may sound like a stretch, but it really isn't. Here's how.

   How to Read Your Electric Meter
Have you ever wondered how to read your electric meter? Well, it's not all that difficult, and you can even track your own usage by learning this valuable skill. Just follow these simple directions.

   Installing a Ceiling Fan
Installing a ceiling fan, though it involves electrical work, is something that any homeowner can do. All you really need to do is be a tad careful and make sure you have a rough idea of what to do.

   Installing Cut-In Boxes
There will be times when you simply do not have enough electrical boxes in your home. When faced with such a situation, you may need to install a cut-in box yourself. Installing cut-in boxes isn't that difficult to do, as long as you follow these simple guidelines.

   Installing Motion-Sensor Lights
Safety is always an important issue to homeowners, and there is almost always something that can be done to improve it around the home. One way that you can improve the look, and safety, of your home is by installing some motion-sensor lights. Who knows, you might just be able to get a bit of a discount on your home insurance by completing this project.

   Installing Solar Panels
If you're thinking about installing solar panels to help cut down on your electricity usage, contact a solar panel contractor. They can come inspect your home, track sun patterns, supply you a free estimate with the various options available to you. A reputable contractor will even work in conjunction with your electric company to help secure the best incentives and rebates available to defray the cost of solar panel installation.

   Lighting Accessories
Do the lights in your home need a new look? Adding lighting accessories can help give them a fresh appearance.

   Outdoor Lights
Outdoor lights are a necessity around the home for many different reasons. Some of these reasons include being able to entertain friends and family outside even at night, as well as increasing the overall security of your home. Here is everything you need to know to pick the best possible outdoor lights for your home, and to get them installed properly.

   Replacing a Circuit Breaker
If you have ever been nervous to replace a bad circuit breaker, have no fear. This is one of the easier electrical jobs that anyone can do. Here is how you can do it.

   Replacing a Dimmer Switch
Dimmer switches can be very helpful in creating a soothing atmosphere or an alert atmosphere, all at the twist of a knob. Learning how to replace your dimmer switch can be extremely important in maintaining control over the lighting in your home.

   Replacing a Doorbell
Doorbells say a lot about your home, and when yours doesn't work this also says something. Replacing a door bell is a surprisingly easy task that any homeowner can do if they have an hour or two of free time. Learn how to do this minor electrical work today.

   Replacing a Light Switch with a Dimmer
If you are looking to increase the warmth and attractiveness of a room, why not try replacing an existing light switch with a dimmer switch? It is an easy job that anyone can do. Here's how.

   Replacing a Thermostat
Although replacing a thermostat is a relatively simple task, it can be quite dangerous since you're dealing with electricity. Always turn the power supply of your heating and air conditioning system off before attempting to replace your thermostat, and follow the manufacturer's directions that come with the new thermostat.

   Replacing a Three-Way Switch
Chances are you may have a three-way switch in your home without even realizing it. Three-way switches are those light switches that have no fixed position for OFF or ON. Replacing a three-way switch is a relatively easy electrical project that can take up to thirty minutes of your time, if you follow these instructions.

   Replacing an Electrical Outlet
Replacing an outlet is one of the easier tasks that an amateur electrician can undertake. Here is how you can do this simple task on your own.

   Resetting a Circuit Breaker
One of the first steps to any home electrical project should be to check to see if your circuit breaker has been tripped. If it is, then resetting it could be the end of your electrical problems, and save you a bundle of money.

   Selecting a Low Voltage Lighting System
Just because you want some lighting outside doesn't mean that you have to be using a whole lot of energy to do it. One of the best ways that you can do this is by selecting a low voltage lighting system. Here are some helpful guidelines that you can use to ensure you get the best possible system for your needs.

   Solar Lights for Exterior Accents
If you've been contemplating accenting your yard with lighting, you may want to consider using solar lighting. Easy to install, environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and inexpensive, solar lights for exterior accents are the best choice for your outdoor accent lighting needs.

   Troubleshooting a Door Bell
Troubleshooting a door bell is a great way to help determine exactly where a problem lies in your door bell. Not only can this save you the headache of a problematic door bell, but it can also save you money from having to replace the entire door bell.

   Troubleshooting a Garage Door
Troubleshooting a garage door is the first step in fixing a problematic garage door. Since this is something that is not particularly difficult to do, it is a great project that you can accomplish on a free weekend. Keep reading to see how you do it the right way.

   Using Electrical Testers
Electrical testers are a great tool to have when you do any type of electrical work. Unfortunately, if you don't know how to use them the right way, then they will do you absolutely no good whatsoever. Before you pull one out, take the time to learn the right way of using electrical testers.