Electrical
Get current on the aspects of home electricity, with how to's from planning to installation and beyond.
How to Install Recessed Lighting in a Kitchen
Ask This Old House electrician Scott Caron demonstrates how to install recessed light fixtures in a finished ceiling
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 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
Power-Outage Essentials
Expert picks for what you should have on hand in case the lights go out during stormy weather season
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 Upgrade an Electric Meter to 200-Amp Service
Master electrician Scott Caron shows the first phase of replacing an antiquated electrical system
How to Upgrade an Electrical Panel to 200-Amp Service
Master electrician Scott Caron installs a new panel to complete a service upgrade
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.
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.
Inside an Electrical Outlet
A cracked, loose, or (ouch!) shocking electrical receptacle is a candidate for replacement. But before you head out shopping for a new one, know what to ask for and how to connect everything safely.
Power to the Pumps
How to safely get electricity to outdoor water features
Protecting Old Wires
Preventative steps to help you avoid bigger problems in the future
Power on Demand: How It Works
In the wake of storms and blackouts, standby generators keep your house in business
Changing a Two-Prong Outlet to Three
Learn how to replace a two-prong outlet without the expense of rewiring.
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.