StepByStep Index
Tips for Wiring Electrical Outlets and Switches
This tutorial gives you some great tips for successful connecting and wiring of electrical switches and outlets in your home including 3-way switches and GFCI outlets.
Recycling a CFL – Do Not Throw Compact Fluorescent Lamps Away!
A CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) cannot be thrown away by law in some states. It contains mercury which pollutes our landfills and watersheds. A spent CFL must be carefully packaged and transported to a recycling center for recycling. This tutorial explains the little known fact that a CFL cannot be simply thrown away and describes how to safely send them down the waste stream.
2007 Energy Bill - Are They Phasing Out or Making Incandescent Bulbs Illegal?
The 2007 The Energy Independence and Security Act contains controversial provisions such as new lighting efficiency standards. This tutorial covers what the new law means for the incandescent light bulb and why CFL lighting is not the long term answer.
How to Clean Up a Broken CFL - Compact Fluorescent Lamp
Compact Fluorescent Lamps contain mercury, a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause kidney and brain damage. This article outlines the cleanup procedures recommended by the EPA for a broken CFL.
Anatomy of an Electrical Service Panel
Ever wondered what lurked under the cover of that electrical service panel? Now you can find out what makes up the electrical "nerve center" in your house. It's not as mysterious as you think and you need to know how circuit breakers, ground wires, hot wires and neutral wires all fit together to add any circuits to your home.
Types of Electrical Switches in the Home
Tutorial describes the different types of switches found in the home including single-pole, double-pole, three-way and four-way switches.
Installing a 240 Volt Circuit Breaker
This detailed tutorial will show you how to easily install a 240 volt circuit breaker. Complete with detailed photos.
Electrical Switch Boxes (Metal) for New Construction
Describes the typical metal switch box types including gangable, welded or tabbed and cold drawn steel.
Electrical Boxes: Old Work or Renovation Metal Switch Boxes
Describes metal switch boxes used in old work or renovation construction.
Electrical Boxes 101 - Lighting, Ceiling Fan, Junction Boxes
Tutorial describes the many types of wall and ceiling electrical boxes used for lighting, ceiling fan and junction box applications.
Why Circuit Breakers Trip (and Fuses Blow)
It is important to understand the possible reasons for a circuit breaker tripping (turning off). Fixing the cause of the electrical problem is essential before resetting the breaker a third time.
Poke Through Electrical Floor Outlet
Product for providing electrical power in the middle of a floor
How to Replace a Light Switch
Learn how to replace a light switch. Switches control power to light fixtures and power outlets or receptacles. This tutorial covers replacement of a single-pole switch.
Your Home Fuse Box and Fuses 101
This tutorial describes various types of fuses used in the home
Upgrade a 2 Prong Outlet With a New GFI
This tutorial will guide you through a simple way to upgrade the safety of almost any 2 prong outlet to become a GFCI outlet.
Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker
How to reset a tripped circuit breaker is a common home repair that is easy when done right.