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The common, marked as COM or C, is one of the terminals found in your light switch. It houses the live wire that supplies the input voltage. The other terminals, marked as L1 or L2, are the outputs to the light fixtures. Depending on if you have a one-way or two-way switch, you’ll either have just an L1 terminal or both an L1 and L2 terminal.

You should always turn off a breaker whenever electrical work is being done. This step can prevent electrical shock and injury. Also, if a breaker is repeatedly tripping, it can mean there is an electrical overload, and it should be shut off. You should contact an electrician to figure out the cause. Make sure to review how to turn off your circuit breaker safely if you do it yourself, and follow safety precautions to avoid severe injuries.

They can vary—a lot. For example, while the EU continues to move toward broader standardization, many different types of outlets still exist from country to country. Some local standards cared about polarization, and some didn’t. It’s similar to other countries around the world.

Generally, you’re less likely to find polarized outlets outside North America. However, alternative plugs and outlets often incorporate precautions so that accidentally touching live prongs on a plug is hard or impossible. You may also find interesting regulations overseas that limit the use of outlets in bathrooms or near sinks to decrease the chance of shock.

Aluminum wiring can pose a significant fire risk because it tends to expand, contract, and overheat, leading to failing connections and splices. If your home has aluminum wiring, it doesn't always require a complete replacement, but you must take safety precautions. The first step is to hire a licensed electrician to conduct a thorough inspection. Based on their findings, you have several options:

• Full Replacement: The safest but most expensive solution is to replace all aluminum wiring with copper.

• Copper Pigtailing: A more budget-friendly option, suitable for certain homes, involves adding a short section of copper wire to the end of each aluminum wire at connection points.

• Other Safety Upgrades: Your electrician may also recommend installing aluminum-compatible outlets and applying an anti-oxidant paste to connections to prevent corrosion.

Consulting a professional will help you determine the best course of action to ensure your home's wiring meets current safety standards.