Electrical

Let there be—well, you know how the saying goes. Electricity is the undercurrent of our home, powering our appliances and lighting our hallways. Most of us are fine left in the dark regarding the inner workings of electrical wiring and circuit breakers…until you’re, quite literally, in the dark. Use our expert guidance to help identify the wires behind your wall, learn how to protect your home’s electrical system, and source a list of professional electricians you can call when you’re frazzled.

man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Biege home exterior with driveway
Jun 5, 2025
Jun 5, 2025
Electrical subpanels allow you to use appliances and electronics safely. This cost guide explains the important factors to consider when installing a subpanel.
An electrician carefully inspects and adjusts circuit breakers in an electrical panel, focused on ensuring a safe and functional setup.
Mar 17, 2025
Mar 17, 2025
Electrical panel replacement costs $530 to $2,100, depending on the location, the type of hardware, and any required building materials.
A living room with hidden lighting in a vaulted ceiling
Jun 4, 2025
Jun 4, 2025
The cost of a whole-house surge protector depends on the materials, size, installation, and more. This guide will help you budget for a new surge protector.
A woman checking the smoke alarm
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
Every homeowner should learn how to replace a hardwired smoke alarm, which you must do at least every decade. This guide will talk you through the process.
Close-up of a technician's hands connecting black and copper wires to a wall socket, with a power drill and other tools in the background.
Mar 14, 2025
Mar 14, 2025
Do you know if the black wire is positive or negative? If not, stop right now and check out our guide on differentiating electrical wires.
shot of woman in gray shirt plugging in power cord of coffee pot to electrical outlet
Mar 10, 2025
Mar 10, 2025
An electrical power surge is a sudden and short increase in voltage in an electrical circuit, which can damage sensitive electronics.
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A house roof with solar panels
Solar panel costs vary based on the system size, panel type, and wattage you need. Learn about solar panel installation costs, so you can budget with ease.
A step stool holds electrical tools, outlet covers, and tape, while a tool bag and drill sit nearby, indicating electrical work in progress.
Looking to size up your electrical system to cover higher usage and improve efficiency? Use this guide to see the cost to upgrade an electrical panel.
Technician smiling while using a multimeter to test wiring on an outdoor wall, enjoying his work on a sunny day with a lush background.
Rewiring a house can be a complex project but don’t let it catch you off guard. Read this to plan ahead and discover the cost to rewire a house.
Mother and daughter loading dishwasher
Knowing how many watts your home uses can give you insight into your energy consumption and help you save money. Learn how to calculate watts in this guide.
Electric box fill
Learning how to calculate box fill correctly will ensure you meet building codes and reduce the risk of electrical fires. Use this calculator to help.
Biege home exterior with driveway
Electrical subpanels allow you to use appliances and electronics safely. This cost guide explains the important factors to consider when installing a subpanel.
A living room with hidden lighting in a vaulted ceiling
The cost of a whole-house surge protector depends on the materials, size, installation, and more. This guide will help you budget for a new surge protector.
Kitchen with light fixture
Learn how much a light costs a year, so you can learn how to calculate the annual price for light fixtures and decide on the right bulbs for your home.
Electrician fixing ceiling lights
If you’re planning to install recessed lighting, one of the first things you’ll do is figure out how many recessed lights you need. Here’s how to do that.
Dad and son in bathroom with hairdryer
Installing a dedicated line in your home or garage is fairly straightforward, but may have a wide range of cost-affecting factors, like materials, labor, and necessary permits.
A portable inverter generator
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
A view of a house at night
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.