Electrical
Get current on the aspects of home electricity, with how to's from planning to installation and beyond.
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All About Portable Power Stations
This new alternative to gas generators makes it push-button easy to get the lights back on when the power goes out.
Simple Guide to Installing a Generator Hook-Up
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner install a generator transfer switch in his home.
How to Build a Utility Cover
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner block their gas meter from the road with a simple yet attractive removable utility cover.
Understanding Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about these fire safety devices.
How to Install Outdoor String Lights
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner give her backyard space some charm and coziness with a simple lighting upgrade.
How to Install a New Basement Circuit
Master electrician Heath Eastman solves a homeowner’s breaker problem by installing a new basement circuit.
Understanding Wire Gauges
Master electrician Heath Eastman teaches host Kevin O’Connor about wire gauges and the applications for different size wires.
How to Troubleshoot a Dimmer Switch
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner fix flickering lights controlled by a dimmer switch. Heath shows us the most common issues that homeowners can run into with their dimmer switches.
Why Do Circuit Breakers Trip?
Master electrician Heath Eastman shows host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about why and how breakers trip.
The 5 Best Inverter Generators (2023 Review)
With enhanced fuel efficiency, an inverter generator allows you to power devices and appliances without wasting energy. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best inverter generators on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home.
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.
7 Electrical Safety Tips for Holiday Lights
Master electrician Heath Eastman shows host Kevin O’Connor what he needs to know about holiday light safety.
How to Install a Wall Sconce
Adding a wall-mounted light fixture in the living room, bedroom, or bathroom is a very achievable project. These pro tips and tools will shed light on the simplest way to install a wall sconce.
Everything to Know About GFCI Receptacles
Master electrician Heath Eastman teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about ground fault circuit interrupters.
How to Replace a Doorbell
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner solve an old problem: locating and replacing doorbell components and wiring.
Electrical Vehicle Chargers Explained
Master electrician Heath Eastman teaches This Old House host Kevin O’Connor everything he (or anyone else) needs to know about choosing an electric vehicle charger for their home.
The 4 Best Portable Power Stations (2023 Review)
A portable power station can be a lifesaver in the event of a power outage at home or if you’re on an off-the-grid trip. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the four best portable power stations on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
Tool Lab | Drilling Into Studs for Electrical Wiring
Master electrician Heath Eastman explains how pros drill through studs for running wires through wood-framed walls.
How to Install an Electrical Receptacle on a Kitchen Island
Master electrician Heath Eastman solves a problem for a homeowner by adding an outlet to her new kitchen island.
How Heath Eastman Became an Electrician
This Old House Master Electrician Heath Eastman explains how chance brought him to the electrical trade and the This Old House crew.
How to Move a Light Fixture
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner with an askew light fixture, centering it over their dining room table.
What is a Junction Box & How to Install One
Take an inventory of your home’s electrical system, and you’ll find cables, outlets, switches, circuit breakers, and boxes. An electrical box provides a code-approved place to house cable connections, whether for outlets, switches, or splices. Read on to learn more about junction boxes and how to install one.
Tool Lab | Basic Electrical Tools
Master electrician Heath Eastman walks us through his favorite electrical hand tools that all DIYers should own.
The 10 Best Solar Generators (2023 Review)
A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun if you’re out camping or if you’re experiencing a power outage. We’ve reviewed the top solar generators here.
LED Light Bulbs 101
Master electrician Heath Eastman enlightens host Kevin O’Connor on everything he needs to know about LED bulbs.
Understanding Smart Electrical Panels
Home technology expert Ross Trethewey and master electrician Heath Eastman teach host Kevin O’Connor about this new wave of electrical technology.
Understanding Battery Voltages | Tool Lab
In this Tool Lab video, master electrician Heath Eastman explains everything we’ve wanted to know about today’s power tool batteries.
Understanding Switch Leg Wiring
Master electrician Heath Eastman explains a common issue he finds in many folks’ homes—switch leg wiring—and explains how to fix it.
Why Heath Loves Electrical Finish Work
Master electrician Heath Eastman explains which phase of an electrical project he loves the most.
How To Use an Electric Voltage Tester
Host Kevin O’Connor and master electrician Heath Eastman discuss the different uses for voltage testers and test some of Heath’s favorite models.
How to Wire a Shed for Electricity
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps Mason Mark McCullough wire his chicken barn for lights and power.
Top 7 Tools for Electrical Projects
Master electrician Heath Eastman shows host Kevin O’Connor the tools he uses the most during day-to-day electrical work.