Since we use electrical outlets nonstop every day, it’s easy to forget how dangerous they can be. All that separates us from the dangerous, high-voltage electrical currents flowing through our wires is a hard plastic shell. If your outlets ever look loose, it’s very important to fix it right away. Loose outlets could … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe from Electrical Hazards
Electrical dangers aren’t just dangerous to you; they can be very dangerous to your pets. Remember, your pets obviously don’t understand how to avoid electrocution the way you do. If there are potential electrical hazards around your home, your pets won’t know how to avoid them. Worse, pets can sometimes make their … [Read more...]
How to Use a Multimeter
A multimeter is a handheld instrument used to check a variety of electrical information. You would use a multimeter to check whether a fixture uses AC or DC voltage, whether it contained a live current, the status of resistance and continuity in electrical components, and more. It also measures ohms, volts, and amps. A … [Read more...]
What Are the Most Dangerous Electrical Hazards in a Home?
Home electrical hazards are often overlooked or misunderstood. In most cases, they become a problem precisely because homeowners don’t realize they’re a problem! Unfortunately, electrical hazards and the fires they could start can be a very real problem. The best way to avoid disaster is to learn about the common … [Read more...]
How to Improve Your Outdoor Living With a Lighting Upgrade
Outdoor living means something different to everyone. Maybe you’re a big fan of lounging under a tree reading a book. Maybe you stage elaborate garden parties. Or maybe you just like to garden with your kids! Whatever your personal definition may be, there’s one thing that’s always true of outdoor living: upgrades … [Read more...]
Layman’s Guide to Knob and Tube Wiring
There’s a pretty good chance you’ve never heard of “knob-and-tube wiring” before. You probably don’t know what it is, what it’s used for, or why it could be dangerous. You might even have knob-and-tube wiring in your home or building without knowing it. If you do, you’ll probably want to get rid of it ASAP. We’ll … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
First things first: what in tarnation is a circuit breaker? Your home's circuit breaker is its central hub of electricity. Its beating, wired heart. The place where all the electrical current that enters your home flows first. Your circuit breaker safely directs electricity throughout your home while preventing … [Read more...]
5 Signs Your Home Needs to Be Rewired
When things stop working, you can start to feel a lot less “at home” in your own home. This is true of plumbing, HVAC, and especially electricity. When your electricity isn’t working, it’s hard to feel like you’re at home at all. Home electrical problems are more than a mere inconvenience, too. They can be expensive, … [Read more...]
How to Install a Dimmer Switch
A dimmer switch lets you manually adjust how brightly your light bulbs shine. Dimming lights is an easy way to set a mood or make your home feel a little cozier. They’re also surprisingly quick and easy to install as long as you have the right tools and directions. You’ll have to get the tools yourself, but we can … [Read more...]
How Does Power Move Through Your Home? [INFOGRAPHIC]
Last week, we laid out the journey your electricity takes to get to you. We followed your electricity across hundreds of miles, across transmission and distribution lines, from the power plant to your neighborhood. We haven't quite finish the journey yet, however. The most important step is yet to come: how all that … [Read more...]
