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Electrical
Get current on the aspects of home electricity, with how to's from planning to installation and beyond.
The 4 Best Portable Power Stations (2022 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.
The 5 Best Solar Generators (2022 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.
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 Rough Electricity in New Construction
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner wire her new basement that she’s in the process of turning into finished space
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.
Changing a Two-Prong Outlet to Three
Learn how to replace a two-prong outlet without the expense of rewiring.
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.
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.
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.
TOH Know-How: A Smarter Panel for Easier Electrical Installation
At the TOH 2018 Idea House, electrician Ben Giles shows Kevin O’Connor the innovative and intuitive new load center from Leviton
How to Install Recessed Lighting
Do you have a room that can benefit from recessed lighting? Brighten up your home by installing this simple fixture that can make a huge difference. Watch this DIY Smarts project, as This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman installs recessed lights in a homeowner’s playroom.
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.
How to Install an Antique Light Switch
Ask This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman replaces a standard toggle switch with a reproduction antique push button switch to match the rest of the house
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 Install an AFCI Circuit Breaker
Ask This Old House master electrician, Heath Eastman, wraps up an electrical project he started over a year ago by replacing the circuit breaker at his panel with one that is up to code.
How to Wire a Shed for Electricity
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps Mason Mark McCullough wire his chicken barn for lights and power.
How to Run Electricity to a Shed
Electrician Scott Caron shows us how he powers an outbuilding—which takes wiring knowledge as well as lots of digging.
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.
How to Do Electrical Projects with Two Tools
Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, explains how two tools are all it takes to do many electrical projects
How to Strip Wire
As a DIYer, you know there are plenty of tasks around the house that are too small to justify calling in the pros. Stripping wire may fall into this category. Read on to learn simple and safe ways for stripping electrical wires in your home.
The 5 Best Solar Panels (2022 Review)
Installing solar panels can reduce your environmental impact and save you money on your utility bill. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar panels 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.
How to Install Outdoor Landscape Lighting
Heath Eastman demonstrates how to install landscape lighting along a garden path. Adding landscape lighting to a walkway or path can improve the look and experience of the area.
How to Replace a Lamppost
Master electrician, Heath Eastman helps a homeowner replace his front lamppost with some hilarious code violations with a new post.
What’s New with EV Chargers
Ask This Old House master electrician, Heath Eastman, and home technology expert, Ross Trethewey, discuss the progression of electric vehicle chargers and the role they imagine EV chargers will play in homes in the future.
Open House | Electrical Inspection
Ask This Old House Master Electrician, Heath Eastman, explains what to look for during a home electrical inspection.
How to Ground a Two-Prong Electrical Outlet
Ask This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman explains the purpose of a ground wire and then grounds an outlet for a homeowner.
How to Hang a TV on Brick Wall
Can you mount a TV on a brick wall? Absolutely. But mounting a TV on brick does take more preparation, knowledge, and tools than installing one on drywall. This guide will show you how to hang a TV on a brick wall so you can make the most of your wall space and elevate your entertainment.
How Fuses and Circuit Breakers Work
Ask This Old House electrician Scott Caron demonstrates how fuses and circuit breakers protect a home.
Automatic Backup Power at the Seaside Victorian Cottage
At the This Old House Seaside Victorian Cottage, editor Chris Ermides meets up with electrician Ben Giles of South Shore Electrical to discuss everything you need to know about how to find the right home standby generator for your needs, and why placement matters.