Electrical How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our electrical step-by-step tips & ideas.
How To Add Task Lighting to a Kitchen
Task lighting can transform your kitchen from a gloomy space to one flooded with light. Find out how to install task lighting here.
Dealing With Leaking Stray Voltage
Avoid danger and sky-high electric bills by contacting a pro
How To Install a Front Entry Intercom
Learn how to upgrade to a convenient front door intercom with This Old House host Kevin O'Connor and electrician Scott Matthews.
How Electrical Circuit Breakers and GFCIs Protect a Home
Master electrician Scott Caron discusses electrical circuit breakers, AFCIs and GCIS, and shares tips for preventing shocks and electrocution.
How To Connect a 220-Volt Receptacle to a 20-Amp Breaker
In this guide, electrician Allen Gallant shows you how to connect a 220-volt receptacle for high-powered tools and appliances.
How To Install a Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator
Looking to keep electricity flowing to essential appliances during a power outage? Read our guide on how to install a transfer switch.
A Guide to Track Lighting: Installation and Common Pitfalls
Learn how to install a track lighting system on the ceiling of your kitchen, office, or living room, with master electrician Allen Gallant.
How To Wire Outdoor Speakers
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to snake wires through walls for a pair of outdoor speakers.
How To Mark for Electrical Boxes When Hanging Drywall
Learn how to mark holes for electrical boxes on drywall from This Old House general contractor Tom Silva by following our step-by-step guide.
How To Add an Electrical Outlet
Learn how to add a new electrical outlet to your home from master electrician Allen Gallant in our step-by-step installation guide.
How To Hang a Flat-Screen TV
Tom Silva advises how to hang a flat-screen TV the right way to ensure safety and prevent wall damage. See the steps and get expert tips.
How to Monitor Electricity Use in Your Home
Worried about electricity costs? Learn some simple tips for cutting down your energy usage from energy efficiency expert Paul Scheckel.
How to Rewire a Vintage Entry Lantern
In this guide, we walk you through how to rewire a vintage lantern to add some cozy charm to your entryway.
How To Rewire a Lamp
A few inexpensive supplies and the right connections can make an old lamp new again
How To Replace a Faulty Three-Way Switch in Your Home
Learn insider tips for replacing a faulty three-way light switch in your home with our step-by-step switch replacement guide.
How To Fix a Broken Doorbell On Your Own in 6 Simple Steps
Is your doorbell chiming intermittently or not working at all? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to diagnose and repair your doorbell.
How To Install a Standby Generator for Your Home
Worried about power outages? Learn how to install a standby generator by following our detailed guide so you never risk losing electricity.
How To Hide Speaker Wires
Hiding your speak wires not only makes your entertainment setup look cleaner—it can also extend the lifespan of your wires.
How to Replace an Extension Cord Plug
Does your extension cord plug need replacement? Here are easy steps to help you rewire and fix an old or broken cord.
From the Ground Up: Electrical Wiring
Set up an electrical system for maximum safety and convenience now and in the future.
Backup Power
When the electricity goes out, standby generators can keep your household running. This article explores the main types of backup power.
10 Electrical Wiring Problems Solved
This guide explains 10 of the most common electrical problems in older homes and the best solutions for each issue.
How GFCI Receptacles Keep You Safe
Two-thirds of all electrocutions in U.S. homes could be prevented if people installed GFCI receptacles. Here's how to do it.
Electrical Upgrades, Part 2: Enhancing Your Garage's Power Supply
The second home wiring project in our series can make your workshop projects a lot easier. Add outlets in the garage to get the power where you need it.
DIY Electrical Upgrade: How To Install a Floodlight
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts can capably install their own floodlights. Read our step-by-step guide to learn how to install this outdoor feature that increases your security.
How To Modernize Your Home's Wiring for Comfort and Value
Ensuring your home can handle emerging technologies keeps it comfortable for you and marketable if you decide to sell.
How To Use a Portable Generator
Learn how to choose the right generator for your home and safely operate it during an outage. Get troubleshooting tips for common issues.