Electrical How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our electrical step-by-step tips & ideas.
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 Electrical Circuit Breakers and GFCIs Protect a Home
Master electrician Scott Caron shares tips for preventing shocks and electrocution
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 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
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 Fix a Doorbell
Doorbell not working? Here’s a step-by-step guide showing you how to repair it.
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
How to Replace an Extension Cord Plug
Read these 4 easy steps to help you rewire and replace your extension cord.
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
10 Electrical Wiring Problems Solved
Do you have an electrical issue you’re looking to fix? Read our guide to learn some common electrical problems you might face, and the best solutions for each.
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.
Installing a Floodlight: An Electrical Upgrade for DIYers
Wiring projects are not for everyone, but there are some basic upgrades most homeowners can handle. First up: installing a floodlight.
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.