Home Electrical

A GFCI electrical outlet, or GFI receptacle, is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It's an outlet with a built-in circuit breaker for wet areas like kitchens and baths.

Oct 27, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Remove cooking odors, smoke, and air-borne grease from the kitchen via siding or roof with an exhaust range or stove hood vent. Install following local building codes.

Sep 18, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Home electrical wiring is one of the most used and misunderstood of all residential resources. Plumbing and wood framing are logical; electric components are confusing.

Aug 24, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Bathroom exhaust fans not only remove odor, they remove moisture produced by the shower, minimizing mold, mildew, and wallpaper separating from the drywall.

Apr 16, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Third generation solar panel technology has arrived in the form of Nanosolar's solar cells printed with nanoparticle paint on a metal foil substrate, saving money.

Apr 7, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Avoid home break-ins, even in gated communities. In a slow economy, protect property by installing home security systems: sound-attenuation monitors and motion sensors.

Jan 12, 2009 - Kelly Smith

Recessed can lights are installed with a few simple tools, like a stud finder. Unlike surface mounts and other lighting fixtures, they don't invade the living space.

Dec 13, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Doorbells, or door chimes, make it easy for visitors to get the home owner's attention. They're simple devices; just a button, transformer, and a buzzer or bell unit.

Nov 26, 2008 - Kelly Smith

The home's circuit breaker box, or service panel, should have labeling that identifies which electrical circuits correspond to which electrical fuse or circuit breaker.

Sep 19, 2008 - Kelly Smith

When disaster strikes, a backup generator can save the day. Power blackouts, hurricanes, and ice storms! Prepare with a power supply and an automatic transfer switch.

Aug 14, 2008 - Kelly Smith

With energy bills increasing, many homeowners are installing residential solar panels. This is a green, renewable energy source and each solar array produces 10 Watts.

Jul 2, 2008 - Kelly Smith

For circuit board testing or electronic testing, a multimeter is the test equipment of choice. Also called a volt ohm meter, the analog model needs a meter calibration.

Mar 21, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles are required during home wiring installation by licensed electrical contractors by standard building codes.

Mar 18, 2008 - Kelly Smith

How to troubleshoot your electric range and oven. Essential steps to take before buying kitchen appliance parts. A Fluke digital multimeter will help find malfunctions.

Mar 13, 2008 - Kelly Smith

When it's time for fridge repair, it's time for refrigerator troubleshooting. Whether it's a Samsung with a bad compressor, or an LG, diagnose and fix the appliance

Mar 4, 2008 - Kelly Smith

The energy efficiency of a central air conditioner: SEER rating, Condenser and Evaporator maintenance, and cleaning and calibrating an analog or digital thermostat.

Mar 1, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Installing a pendant light fixture - an easy DIY project that adds to home equity. When it's too cold to build a deck or install new siding, remodel the home's interior!

Feb 15, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Fluorescent lighting is much more energy efficient that incandescent bulbs (6X more light) or line voltage halogens. The energy bill sets a phase in for this lighting.

Feb 1, 2008 - Kelly Smith

A faulty, uncalibrated, or dirty thermostat will skyrocket energy costs. It's easy to troubleshoot and repair a thermostat, so why call an AC and heating service person?

Jan 4, 2008 - Kelly Smith

Residential electrical conduits; use armored cable conduit, rigid metal conduit, or PVC conduit. Local building codes may mandate requirements or the homeowner upgrades.

Dec 27, 2007 - Kelly Smith

Local electrical building codes must be followed during new construction or when remodeling a home. Code requirements vary by room. Building permits must be obtained.

Dec 20, 2007 - Kelly Smith

Utility rooms are all about home functionality. Plan electrical supply with this in mind and consult local building codes. Wood workshops, laundry rooms, and man caves!

Dec 20, 2007 - Kelly Smith

Providing electric circuits to bathrooms is different from kitchens or bedrooms. Bathrooms are damp so wiring must be GFCI-protected and exhaust fans must be provided.

Dec 18, 2007 - Kelly Smith

The modern kitchen is a high-demand energy consumption area. It's full of kitchen appliances, GFCI receptacles, and dedicated light fixtures. Obey the building code!

Dec 17, 2007 - Kelly Smith

Need more working light under kitchen cabinets, at the desk or in the workshop? Harness the power of low voltage halogen bulbs in easy to install undercabinet lights.

Dec 14, 2007 - Kelly Smith