
Electrical
Keep your electrical system running smoothly with troubleshooting tips, installation guides, and safety advice.
How to Upgrade to a 3-Way Smart Switch
Single-pole switches are typically a breeze. However, a lot of folks struggle with three-way switches, especially smart models. Master electrician Heath Eastman shows us exactly how to handle it, installing a smart new three-way switch to help control lighting in a stairway.
How to Prevent an Electrical Fire at Home
Although cooking fires may be the number-one cause of house fires, you also should be aware of another hidden danger that could put your home at risk for a fire. Here are ways to minimize the chances of an electrical fire in your home.
How to Upgrade to Smart Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can be tricky. Often, outdoor lights are controlled by inconvenient light switches. Other times, neighbors might complain that your outdoor lighting could be disrupting their peace. When a homeowner faced similar issues, she called the team at Ask This Old House for help, and master electrician Heath Eastman showed up with some perfect options for solving her lighting challenges.
How to Reduce Radon
Radon is a slow, silent killer. In fact, it’s the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. When a homeowner suspected his home might have a radon issue, he called the experts at Ask This Old House. Building engineer Ross Trethewey knew how to keep the homeowner and his dog safe despite high levels of radon in the basement, calling on the help of radon mitigation technician Chris Lebreton.
How to Install an Electric Lantern
New Orleans is popular for a lot of reasons, but some of master electrician Heath Eastman’s favorites are the architecture and lighting fixtures. After visiting a local shop to see how local lanterns are made, Heath grabs a pair of lanterns to solve a homeowner’s lighting issues. With the help of a local electrician, the three install the perfect lights for the home.
Troubleshooting a High Electric Bill
Homeowners often do their best to control their energy and utility bills as best as possible. So when there’s a huge jump, it tends to cause a bit of panic. When a homeowner reached out to master electrician Heath Eastman about his bill doubling in the winter, Heath wanted to troubleshoot the issue in person.
How to Install Wall Sconces
After noticing his neighbors’ living rooms were brighter than his own, a homeowner decided to install a set of sconces over his fireplace mantle. With the help of master electrician Heath Eastman, the two were able to install a new light switch and a set of new sconces to brighten things up.
History of Household Light Bulbs
What’s old? How’d it start? What’s new and where’s it going? If you’ve ever wondered about the history of household light bulbs, join host Kevin O’Connor as master electrician Heath Eastman explains.
How to Install an EV Charger
For most EV owners, the basic charger that their car comes with just doesn’t keep up with their needs. In many cases, charging speeds of 5 miles per hour is all they can expect. A homeowner experiencing this issue called master electrician Heath Eastman for help installing a Level 2 charger in her garage.
Installing Architectural Speakers
Glen Ridge, NJ homeowner Jason takes on the job of the home audio system and breaks down the components and the purpose of the new architectural speakers he plans to install with Kevin O’Connor.
How to Replace a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans are significantly heavier than the average light fixture. This is due to their motors and controls as well as different wiring, fan blades, and other parts. They can’t hang from a simple light fixture bracket, as they’re too heavy and vibrate during use. When a homeowner faced this issue during a ceiling fan upgrade project, master electrician Heath Eastman knew just what to do.
Whole House Surge Protectors: How Effective Are They?
While no surge protection system is 100% effective, a whole-house surge protector can significantly reduce your risk.
All About Multimeters: How To Use, Monitor, and Calibrate
A multimeter is a useful tool that can measure voltage for basic electrical work. Read our guide to learn how to use a multimeter as part of your next do-it-yourself project.
How To Label a Circuit Breaker
Master electrician Heath Eastman shows host Kevin O’Connor how to identify breakers using his favorite tools and techniques, and some helpful tips for labeling the individual circuits.
Simple Guide for Selecting a Home Generator
Master electrician Heath Eastman teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about choosing a generator for a home.
Filed under:
All About Portable Power Stations
This new alternative to gas generators makes it push-button easy to get the lights back on when the power goes out.
How To Safely Hook Up a Generator to Your House
Learn how to safely connect a portable generator to your home's electrical system with a transfer switch and power inlet box.
How To Build, Customize, and Maintain a Utility Cover
Gas meters can be eyesores on your property, but there's an easy way to stylishly sheath them. Read about how to build, customize, and maintain a utility cover in our guide.
Understanding Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about these fire safety devices.
How to Install Outdoor String Lights With Easy to Follow Steps
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner make her backyard space charming and cozy with a simple lighting upgrade.
How to Install a Basement Circuit With Simple to Follow Steps
Master electrician Heath Eastman demonstrates how to safely install a new circuit to connect a new space to a home's wiring.
Understanding Wire Gauges: A Guide to the AWG System
Learn about American Wire Gauge (AWG) sizes, why they matter, and how to choose the right wire gauge for your electrical projects.
How to Troubleshoot a Dimmer Switch
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner fix flickering lights controlled by a dimmer switch. Heath shows us the most common issues that homeowners can run into with their dimmer switches.
Why Circuit Breakers Trip and How You can Prevent it
Master electrician Heath Eastman shows host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about why and how circuit breakers trip.
Must-Know Christmas Light Safety Tips for the Holiday Season
Master electrician Heath Eastman shows host Kevin O’Connor what he needs to know about holiday light safety, so he can be festive and safe.
How to Install a Wall Sconce
Adding a wall-mounted light fixture in the living room, bedroom, or bathroom is a very achievable project. These pro tips and tools will shed light on the simplest way to install a wall sconce.
All About GFCI Receptacles: Types and Installation
Master electrician Heath Eastman teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about ground fault circuit interrupters.
How to Replace a Doorbell
Doorbell not working? Learn how to replace a doorbell—including the chime, wiring, and transformer—with our step-by-step guide.
How to Drill Into Studs for Electrical Wiring
Master electrician Heath Eastman explains how pros drill through studs for running wires through wood-framed walls.
How to Install an Electrical Receptacle on a Kitchen Island
Master electrician Heath Eastman solves a problem for a homeowner by adding an outlet to her new kitchen island.
How Heath Eastman Became an Electrician
This Old House Master Electrician Heath Eastman explains how chance brought him to the electrical trade and the This Old House crew.
How to Move a Light Fixture
Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner with an askew light fixture, centering it over their dining room table.
































