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Electrical

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.

  • 3-prong 240V dryer plug

    Do Dryers Need Three- or Four-Pronged Cords?

    The electrical code offers two alternatives for wiring these receptacles—here's why.

  • Why Do I Have To Separate Grounds and Neutrals?

    One of these wires is meant to complete a circuit and the other is there just for safety.

  • Designing for Solar Panels

    Incorporating photovoltaic panels into preconstruction planning can maximize energy efficiency and cost savings.

  • Stealth Receptacles

    Custom-matched lighting controls, electrical receptacles, and more keep fixtures hidden in plain sight.

  • Protecting Communication Cable

    Use this trick to avoid accidentally cutting cable when installing drywall.

  • Effective Can-Light Cover

    A bucket and spray foam is all it takes to air-seal ceiling electrical boxes and can lights.

  • Adding LED Lights to Deck Stair Risers

    Install low-voltage stair lights for safety and style.

  • Adaptable Recessed Lighting

    Nora Lighting's versatile Iolite line of recessed lights is a step above average can lights with a wide range of designer trim and color options.

  • Protect Your Outdoor Electrical Outlets

    Get the information you need to select the right weatherproof boxes and covers for your exterior power receptacles.

  • Net-Metering is How Most Solar-Powered Homes “Store” Electricity

    Homeowners who install solar panels can get credit or money from their utility company for the power they send back to the grid if their state has net-metering rules in place.

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