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Electrical - Page 3 of 42

Most of us will think of the electrical system in our home as what’s easily visible: outlets, lights switches, overhead lights, and, for the more adventurous, the main panel in the basement. But, like plumbing, wiring is mostly a system that is hidden from view. It consists mainly of a few hundred yards of wires of various gauges buried in the walls and tucked into the ceiling.

Installing an electrical system is a job best left to a licensed professional, mainly because of the inherent dangers of working with electricity. Unlike a botched plumbing job or poorly installed tile, an improper electrical connection can kill, or reduce a house to ashes. Yet there are many situations where some intervention by an unlicensed homeowner or builder is necessary, and learning the basics can lower the risks for those who exercise some caution.

What about installing an arc-fault breaker, or replacing a faulty light switch? If you’ve just renovated a bathroom or built a new utility room, maybe you’d like to consider wiring it as well. Not planning to jump in and wire up your new outdoor lights? That’s OK. There are still advantages to having the basics under your belt — to know when 12-gauge wire is fine but 14-gauge wire is not, to know whether that funky ground-fault circuit interrupter in the bathroom should be swapped out for a new one.

Whatever your comfort level, look for good advice from Fine Homebuilding’s team of experienced professionals. They’ll be able to walk you through just about any thing you may find yourself up against.

  • Practical Ways to Electrify an Old House

    A heat-pump and solar-PV system transformed this 100-plus-year-old home into an energy-efficient all-electric house on its way to net-zero.

  • Understanding Electricity Terms and Billing

    Learn the difference between terms like voltage and power and how your energy bill is determined at the end of the month.

  • Can You Paint Electrical Panels?

    Wallpaper or paint is OK on the panel cover, as long as it does not hinder functionality or hide required markings.

  • Avoid Sound Transfer by Isolating Electrical Gang Boxes

    Isolating electrical gang boxes can make a difference when it comes to sound transfer between rooms that share a wall.

  • Why You Should Label Circuit Panels

    Mark new electrical junction boxes on the metal cover to avoid making several trips back and forth from the box to the panel.

  • Locate Top and Bottom Plates for Wiring

    Use this trick to find into which stud bay you need to drill a hole to run a wire for a new switch or outlet.

  • Improve Home Efficiency with Inflation Reduction Act Rebates

    The new legislation would provide $9 billion for efficiency upgrades, including heating, cooling and cooking appliances, photovoltaics, and electric vehicles.

  • Podcast 483: Recalled Electrical Panels, Drainage Behind Brick, and Lazy Additions

    Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about HVAC myths and mapping electrical systems, before taking questions about recalled electrical panels, finishing basement ceilings, and water management behind brick.

  • Podcast 478: PRO TALK With Home-Technology Expert Mike Bennett

    In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Mike Bennett, a home-technology expert from Weston, Conn.

  • Podcast 445: Wire Splices, Sauna Details, and Air-Sealing a Room on Piers

    Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about zoning and photovoltaic windows, before taking listener questions about push-on wire connectors, insulating a sauna, and warming a cold floor.

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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

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  • Issue 327 - November 2024
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