Electrical How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our electrical step-by-step tips & ideas.
Generator Buying Guide: What You Need to Know (2023)
Generators provide peace of mind by giving your home a backup power source in the event of a blackout. We’ve compiled this detailed buyer’s guide to give you all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.
How to Install Track Lights and Speakers
Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, installs LED track lights and LED track lights with Bluetooth speaker technology to brighten up a loft bedroom
How to Repair a Three-Way Light Switch
Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor helps a homeowner fix a faulty three-way switch
How to Install an Automatic Standby Generator
This Old House host Kevin O'Connor describes how to combat power outages with a standby generator
How to Select Electrical Testers
Ask This Old House lighting expert Scott Caron gives Kevin a tutorial on electrical testers to make sure you never work on live wires
How to Install Surge Protection
Electrician Scott Caron installs several types of surge protection
How to Hang a Flat-Panel TV with Concealed Wiring
Electrician Scott Caron hangs a flat-screen TV on the wall and conceals all the wiring
How to Run Underground Wiring to a Garage
Electrician Scott Caron shows a homeowner how to bring power to a detached garage
How to Add Task Lighting to a Kitchen
This Old House host Kevin O'Connor works with an electrician to help a couple add task lighting to their dark kitchen
Dealing With Leaking Stray Voltage
Avoid danger and sky-high electric bills by contacting a pro
How to Install a Front Entry Intercom
Upgrading to a convenient front-door intercom with This Old House host Kevin O'Connor and electrician Scott Matthews
How to Install an Outdoor Electrical Outlet
Bringing power to a deck with electrician Keith Diemer
How to Connect a 220-Volt Receptacle to a 20-Amp Breaker
Providing an outlet for high-powered tools and appliances with master electrician Allen Gallant
How to Install a Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator
This Old House host Kevin O'Connor shows how to keep the electricity flowing during power outages
How to Install Track Lighting With Ease
Master electrician Allen Gallant shows how to install a ceiling-mounted track lighting system. We show you the costs involved and offer a step-by-step process.
How to Mark for Electrical Boxes When Hanging Drywall
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares some tricks-of-the-trade for accurately marking drywall cutouts
How to Add an Electrical Outlet
Master electrician Allen Gallant powers up a new outlet
How to Hang a Flat-Screen TV
Hide unsightly electrical cords the right way
How to Monitor Electricity Use
Saving electricity—and loads of money—with energy efficiency expert Paul Scheckel
How to Rewire a Vintage Entry Lantern
Hung in a front entry or a cozy corner indoors, these pendant-style fixtures cast a soft ambient light that's both charming and inviting
How to Rewire a Lamp
A few inexpensive supplies and the right connections can make an old lamp new again
How to Replace a Three-Way Switch
Pro tips for finding—and replacing—a faulty three-way light switch
How to Install a Stand-by Generator
In this how-to video, This Old House host Kevin O'Connor explains how to install a whole house stand-by generator.
Hiding Speaker Wires
How to snake speaker wires through walls
From the Ground Up: Electrical Wiring
Setting up an electrical system for maximum safety and convenience
Backup Power
When the electricity goes out, standby generators keep the household running
How GFCI Receptacles Keep You Safe
Two-thirds of all electrocutions in U.S. homes could be prevented if people installed the receptacles.
Electrical Upgrades, Part 2
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.
Future-proof Wiring
Feeding your home's ever-growing need for information-carrying capacity
Transfer of Power
A portable gas-fired generator and a transfer switch will keep your house up and running while your neighbors remain in the dark.