Home Improvement Skills & Specialties Electrical

Shockingly Simple Electrical Projects

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Updated on 11/28/20

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Wiring a Plastic Old-Work Electrical Box — DonNichols / Getty Images

When you get to the heart of your home's electrical system and discover how many wires, devices, and boxes are used in your home, it's simply shocking. There are many hundreds of feet of electrical wiring, not to mention the vast number of switches, outlets, and appliances connected to them. Learn what each component is and how easy it is to do some electrical projects yourself.

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Switches

Once the electrical wiring leaves your electrical panel via circuit breakers or fuses, it flows to lighting via switches. They control the lighting, turning it either on or off and even dimming it. It can be from one or many locations. these articles will guide you through installations, choosing the right fixtures and light bulbs, and choosing the right switch for the job:
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Outlets and Receptacles in Your Home

If light switches weren't enough to leave you bedazzled, you're in for another shocking discovery, outlets. Outlets, also known as receptacles, are strung across your home in many areas. They are an attachment point for many appliances like vacuums, toasters, blenders, crock pots, coffee pots, pizza ovens, washers, dryers, electric ranges, and the list goes on and on. These appliances are plugged in via a cord plug of some sort. Each kind of outlet is designed for certain uses and voltages:
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Appliance Connection Projects

Whether you are installing a new appliance or just repairing an aging one, there are plenty of easy to use articles here to get your appliances working in tip-top shape:

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