Electrical How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our electrical step-by-step tips & ideas.
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Generator Buying Guide: What You Need to Know (2024)
Generators provide peace of mind by giving your home a backup power source in the event of a blackout. We’ve compiled this detailed buyer’s guide to give you all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.
How to Install a Wall Sconce
Adding a wall-mounted light fixture in the living room, bedroom, or bathroom is a very achievable project. These pro tips and tools will shed light on the simplest way to install a wall sconce.
How to Replace a Doorbell
Doorbell not working? Learn how to replace a doorbell—including the chime, wiring, and transformer—with our step-by-step guide.
How To Install an AFCI Circuit Breaker
Ask This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman replaces the circuit breaker at his panel with one that's up to code.
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 to Strip Electrical Wire Safely and Effectively
Stripping wire may tricky at first, but read on to learn simple and safe ways for stripping electrical wires in your home.
How To Install Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting for Your Home
Read this guide and watch electrician Heath Eastman demonstrate how to install low-voltage landscape lighting for your yard.
How to Safely Hang Outdoor Christmas Lights
In this DIY Smarts, This Old House Master Electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner safely install a variety of Christmas lights.
Updating a Push-Button Light Switch
Our guide shows you how to replace an antique push-button light switch without loosing your home's vintage charm.
How To Install a USB Outlet | This Old House: Live
Watch as Ask This Old House Master Electrician Heath Eastman updates a standard receptacle in his own kitchen to one that has USB inputs.
Running Electricity to Your Kitchen Island
Running electricity to your island shouldn’t be too difficult, especially if you’re taking out the existing cabinets.
How To Choose an Electrical Box
Ask This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman explains the uses and purposes of different types of electrical boxes.
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
Home Safety: Why You Should Conduct an Electrical Audit
Conducting an electrical audit can help prevent potential issues before they arise. In this guide, we show you how to conduct a home audit.
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 Fuses and Circuit Breakers Work
Ask This Old House electrician Scott Caron provides a deep dive into how fuses and circuit breakers protect a home.
How To Upgrade an Electric Meter and Panel to 200-Amp Service
What's involved in upgrading to a 200 amp service? Master electrician Scott Caron shows the two parts of replacing an old electrical system.
How To Turn an Outlet in Your Home Into a USB Charger
Want to Level up your outlets? Adapt your wall socket to a USB charging station for all of your devices in just a few easy steps.
How To Add an Outlet to a Room
In this guide, electrician Scott Carson walks you through how to add an outlet to a room, plus important things to keep in mind along the way.
How To Install a Manual Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron visits Alaska to install a portable generator with a manual transfer switch.
How To Choose Wire Nuts for Your Projects
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron explains the differences between wire nuts of various sizes and colors.
How to Install a Wireless Light Switch
Add a wireless light switch to an existing circuit by following the steps in this how-to video.
How to Diagnose and Repair Three-Way Switch Problems
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron diagnoses a three-way switch issue and fixes the problem.
23 Things You Didn't Know You Could Fix Yourself
Expand your DIY repertoire and save money by making bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor repairs yourself. Here are 20+ easy fixes you can make.
How to Conceal Electrical Wires with Crown Molding
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron uses crown molding to conceal wiring and bring more electrical outlets to a bedroom.
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 Repair a Three-Way Light Switch for Your Fixtures
Take a crash course in DIY home electrical work with our easy to follow step-by-step guide on how to repair a three-way light switch.
How To Install an Automatic Standby Generator
Looking for a way to keep your power on during outages? Our guide contains everything you need to know to install an automatic standby generator
How To Select Electrical Testers
Worried about electrical safety? Read our guide on electrical testers to make sure you don't risk touching a live wire.
How to Install Surge Protection To Keep Safe form Electricity
Electrician Scott Caron demonstrates how to install several types of surge protection to keep a home safe from electrical shocks and fires.
How To Hang a Flat-Panel TV with Concealed Wiring
Electrician Scott Caron explains how to hang a flat-screen TV on the wall and conceal all the wiring in this helpful video and guide.
How to Run Underground Wiring to a Garage
Electrician Scott Caron shows a homeowner how to bring power to a detached garage
How To Add Task Lighting to a Kitchen
Task lighting can transform your kitchen from a gloomy space to one flooded with light. Find out how to install task lighting here.