Installing Speaker Wire Behind the Walls

When installing your home theater one of the most difficult tasks is keeping the unsightly speaker wires out of your line of sight as well as in an area where they will be disturbed as little as possible. This can be difficult considering that speaker wire must often times run over doorways or through external walls.

  July 7, 2008 | Comments ()

Off-the-grid a popular choice for secondary homes

By now, you know the drill. Fuel and food and energy costs have skyrocketed. Bikes are hot. SUVs are not. Green is, most definitely, the new black. And as you grow more aware of managing energy and other expenses, don't discount what is likely your biggest expense—your home.

Sure, we all know to unplug unused appliances or opt for ceiling fans and closed blinds instead of frigid air conditioner settings. For a true investment, however, consider taking your home off-grid—defined as places or buildings that work without reliance on public utilities, as written in everyone's favorite encyclopedia. And if you're not ready to commit to the large-scale project in your primary residence, this story demonstrates that it's a popular choice for vacation homes or any secondary dwellings.

  June 12, 2008 | Comments ()

Extension Cord Safety

The DIY Maven shares her tips for using extension cords safely.

  April 7, 2008 | Comments ()

Install a GFCI Outlet

GFCI outlets are safety upgrades that every home should have. Houses built after 1993 are required to have these outlets installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and near any sink or washroom.

GFCI outlets are specifically designed to shutoff the moment it detects a leak in the electrical current such as the current traveling through a persons body. It constantly measures the outgoing current on the "hot wire" with the return current on the "neutral wire" and can shut down in as little as 1/30th of a second if the currents don't matchup. Don't wait to install these outlets.

Installing a GFCI oulet tutorial [Easy2DIY]
HowTo Install a GFCI Outlet [Corner Hardware]
Testing Your GFCI Outlet [CPSC]
Install a GFCI [Do It Youself or Not]

  May 15, 2007 | Comments ()

Label Your Circuit Breaker

We all know how important circuit breakers are to keeping your appliances and lighting safe from surges, but with a bit of foresight you can make sure that the next time the power goes and you suspect it's the breaker box you'll know exactly what to do.

  April 25, 2007 | Comments ()

Wiring and Cables Defined

There's a wire or cable that's best suited for any application that you need. The challenge is determining which cable or wire to use and when. You should start with a basic grasp of your home's electrical system and forge a plan of action for what you need to accomplish ensuring all safety standards and codes are followed.

Here's a basic glossary of the different types of wires and cables and how they are used. If in doubt call in an electrician, it could save your life.

  September 1, 2006 | Comments ()

Replace a Damaged Power Tool Cord

Usually when your favorite drill, saw, or other power tool breaks it ends up being cheaper to just buy a new tool but with some manufacturers they just don't make them like they used too. You can now head over to ereplacementparts.com which sell power tool parts for most major brands including Bosch, Skil, Porter Cable, Dewalt, and Makita.

David at ereplacementparts.com has provided a great how-to for replacing a damaged power tool cord. Read on...

  August 14, 2006 | Comments ()

Overloading Electrical Outlets

Mike Cain over at dannylipford.com has written an expert article regarding the dangers of overloading electrical outlets. Along with your cabinets, countertops, and appliances, you should also make sure you consider your power needs during a kitchen remodel and if you will need to upgrade and rewire your new kitchen.

And don't forget those GFCI outlets.

Overloading Electrical Circuits [dannylipford.com]
Installing a GFCI Oulet Tutorial [easy2diy]

  June 16, 2006 | Comments ()

Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are the single most important piece of safety equipment in your home. They are vital in protecting you and your appliances from surges in electricity that can cause electrical fires and destroy electrical appliances. Whenever the circuit senses too much power it cuts the circuit before any damage is done. This allows you or an electrician to troubleshoot the problem.

Before working on any live outlets its advisable to cut that breaker or even cut the main power circuit if you aren't sure exactly which circuit the outlet is on.

How Circuit Breakers Work [How Stuff Works]

  April 24, 2006 | Comments ()

360 Degree Outlets

Last year 360 electrical launched their 360 degree outlets and as amazing as the product is its also stupifying that a product like this hasn't come out sooner. With all of the new technology that require a more solid electrical connection and bulkier plugs and cables, we've been relegated to using power strips throughout the house just to accomodate a cell phone charger or hair dryer. The flexibility of these new outlets allow for the odd shape plugs and we believe these plugs could become standard throughout a home in the not so distant future. We're still waiting for the GFCI-compliant outlet which would really complete this line.

  March 13, 2006 | Comments ()