Michael McAlister

Michael McAlister is a licensed electrician, electrical contractor, and general building contractor in California. He is currently the Vice President of Construction for McMillan Electric, a commercial design/build electrical construction firm based in San Francisco.

Installing a Motion-Sensor Light

Learn how to mount and wire an outdoor security light.
Installing Low-Voltage Path Lights

Illuminate your way outside with these easy-to-install lo-vo lights.
Choosing Outdoor Lights

Select from line-voltage lights and low-voltage lights.
Tapping Into an Existing Outlet

Follow these guidelines to tap into an interior outlet when adding an outdoor receptacle.
Tools and Materials for Outdoor Wiring

Aside from something to dig with, most of the electrical tools you'll need for outdoor work are the same as those you'd use inside, but outdoor receptacles and circuits have some specific requirements.
Running Power to an Outbuilding

The hardest part may be digging the trench for the cable.
Planning Your Outdoor System

It pays to anticipate future needs as you plan for exterior outlets and light fixtures.
Installing an AFCI Breaker

Here's how (and why) to install protective AFCI breakers, which are wired somewhat differently from conventional breakers.
Wiring One-and Two-Pole Breakers

Follow the guidelines for installing breakers for general-use, lighting, and small-appliance circuits as well as for larger-appliance circuits.
Adding a Circuit

Understand the process of adding a circuit to an existing panel.

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In every issue you'll find...

Michael McAlister

Installing a Motion-Sensor Light

Installing Low-Voltage Path Lights

Choosing Outdoor Lights

Tapping Into an Existing Outlet

Tools and Materials for Outdoor Wiring

Running Power to an Outbuilding

Planning Your Outdoor System

Installing an AFCI Breaker

Wiring One-and Two-Pole Breakers

Adding a Circuit

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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Issue 302 - October 2021

Issue 301 - Aug/Sept 2021

Issue 300 - July 2021

Issue 299 - June 2021

Issue 298 - April/May 2021