ELECTRICAL

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Westinghouse iGen4500 Peak Watt Portable Generator: A Hands-On Review
Generators offer a portable power source that can run everything from appliances to power tools when plug-ins aren’t ...
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The Champion 8,500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator Is a Heavy Unit But It Dominated in Our Tests
Portable generators have incredible utility and bring power to places that are otherwise off-grid. I’ve tested severa...
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Our Hands-On Review of The Craftsman Performance 6,000-Watt Generator
When it comes to midrange power, 6,000-watt portable generators are right in the sweet spot. They have enough power t...
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16 Home Improvements and Repairs That Are Best Not to DIY
There are plenty of projects that handy DIYers can do without the help of a professional including painting, installi...
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How Much Does Electrical Contractor Insurance Cost?
Highlights General liability insurance for electrical contractors costs, on average, $48 per month. The total cost ...
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Can a Handyman Do Electrical Work? When It's Okay—And When It's Absolutely Not
Q: I have a few jobs I need to have done around the house, and some of them are electrical. It would be convenient to...
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How Much Is the Average Electrician Salary?
Highlights The typical annual salary range for an electrician is $37,440 to $102,300, with a national average of $60...
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How to Become an Electrician: What to Know Before Launching a Lucrative Career
A career in the trades can be extremely rewarding. The pay is good, the work is interesting, and there’s a steady dem...
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You're Thinking About Becoming an Electrician...But What Does an Electrician Actually Do?
Q: I’m considering my career options and know I want to work in the trades, so I’m looking into how to become a licen...
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Certified Electrician vs. Licensed Electrician: 9 Differences Pros Should Know About
Certifications and licenses are an important part of an electrician’s career journey. They’re more than just symbols ...
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How Much Does an Electrical Inspection Cost?
Highlights An electrical inspection costs $155 on average, though a typical range is $100 to $400. The total inspec...
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My Dog Chewed Up the Controller—Now What?
We all love our dogs. However, they often do things that baffle our minds and leave pet parents feeling frustrated, s...
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How Much Does Electrician School Cost?
Highlights The average cost for electrician school ranges between $3,000 and $19,000. The main factors that affect ...
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How to Get an Electrician License in 7 Steps: Requirements by State
Getting a license is an important step in an electrician’s career. However, it does take time and dedication to becom...
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Taking the Next Step: How to Become a Journeyman Electrician
Becoming a journeyman electrician is more than a rite of passage. “Journeyman” is a medieval term used to describe a ...
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How to Start an Electrical Business: A Guide for Prospective Entrepreneurs
Electricians are well-compensated tradespeople—the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual pa...
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My Hands-On Test of the Craftsman 3,000-Watt Inverter Generator: Is it as Efficient and Quiet as it Claims?
When it comes to portable power solutions, quiet inverter generators are tough to beat. Even though inverter generato...
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15 Things You Can Do to Prepare for a Winter Power Outage
Power outages can be difficult to weather any time of year, but frigid temperatures without a working heater can be h...
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The Best Solar Inverters to Help Power Your Home
Solar panels and solar inverters work hand in hand. The first generates DC energy, and the second converts it to free...
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Do Christmas Lights Use a Lot of Electricity?
Q: Our neighborhood is doing a holiday light decorating contest this year. My husband thinks we can win by adding eve...
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10 Pro Tips to Navigate Electrical Projects without the Shocking Results
While virtually all DIY work carries some risk of harm, electrical work is in a class of its own. Many homeowners cho...
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How Much Does Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement Cost?
Highlights Knob and tube wiring replacement costs are higher than many other home improvement projects at $24,300 on...
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DuroMax XP12000EH Generator Review: Power at an Affordable Price
I’ve been in the emergency power world for the past few years, somewhat obsessing over it. While most of my journeys ...
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Generac Generators and Frigidaire Cooktops: 30 Recalls You Need to Know for Fall 2023
Staying on top of product recalls is essential for consumers to ensure that our families stay safe. The Consumer Prod...
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Does Unplugging Appliances Save Electricity? Yes—and See the 8 Biggest Energy Hogs
Q: My friend told me that I should start unplugging my appliances when they’re not in use to save electricity. Does u...
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Living Modern in an Old House
Welcome to Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best reasons to own...
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Dual-Fuel Dynamo: A Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator Review
It’s unwise to leave power needs up to chance—especially during an emergency situation or while enjoying off-grid adv...
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The Fastest-Growing Home Improvement Project Actually Has Nothing to Do With the Home
Methodology: To determine the popularity of EV charger installation, we reviewed how our readers have engaged with ou...
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25 Easy Home Repairs You Should Never Pay Someone Else to Do
Making small repairs from time to time is part and parcel of owning a home. While you can spend hundreds, or even tho...
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Solved! What Is a Power Surge?
Q: I’m always reading scary stories about how sudden power surges can be strong enough to fry all the electrical devi...
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10 Ways to Illuminate Your Home's Interior When There's a Power Outage
It's a stormy night, the wind howling outside, and suddenly, your home plunges into darkness. You find yourself fumbl...
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Plan B: 10 Home Safety Devices That Don't Run on Electricity Alone
You're a cautious, conscientious homeowner. You have carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, motion-detecting camera...
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How Electrical Fires Start and How to Prevent Them
Home electrical fires account for over 50,000 fires each year, causing about 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and $1. 3 bi...
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10 Unique Applications for Strip Lights at Home
Convenient, versatile LED strip lights have a handful of well-known uses that make everyday life a bit easier, but th...
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How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charger at Home?
Highlights The typical cost range to install an EV charger in a home is from $528 to $1,317, while the national aver...
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Adaptability: The Best Thing About the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Solar Generator
When the power goes out, we have options. Prior generations weren't just inconvenienced; they also had to deal with t...
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Jackery’s Largest Solar Generator May Be Your Next Emergency Essential
As the maker of the world’s first outdoor portable power station, Jackery recently introduced its most flexible and h...
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The Best Cheap Home Generators of 2023
Buying a cheap home generator doesn’t have to require making compromises. In fact, there are surprisingly powerful mo...
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How to Clean TV Screens the Right Way
Learning how to clean TV screens properly is important. Not only will it help keep your home tidy, but it will also e...
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How to Choose a Generator for Your Home
This content has been brought to you by Kohler. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Investing in a gene...
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Renters: How to Improve Energy Efficiency and Ask Your Landlord for Improvements
While renters may not have the same options for improving energy efficiency as those who own their homes, there are m...
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15 Things You Should Never Do When the Power Goes Out
Between 2012 and 2022, power outages across the U. S. have increased 64 percent, and they're continuing to trend upwa...
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How Much Does an Electrician Cost to Hire?
Highlights The typical cost to hire an electrician is between $162 and $535, with homeowners paying an average of $3...
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The Best Prime Day Power Station Deals Include 37% Off DeWalt
Roadside emergencies can quickly turn into stressful situations, but with the DeWalt DXAEJ14 Portable Power Station, ...
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10 OSHA-Approved Safety Tips to Practice at Home
Workplace health and safety standards are essential to protecting workers from hazards and preventing job-related ill...
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Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Electrician’s Tool Belt Review: Electrifying or a Short Circuit?
While small electrical jobs rarely require more than a tool or two, big jobs are different. Whether it's wiring an en...
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Preparing Your Home for Natural Disasters Can Pay Off—Here’s How
This is the fourth installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2023, a month-long series featuring high-ROI h...
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Surge Protector vs. Power Strip: What’s the Difference?
People are often confused about the difference between surge protectors and power strips, and it’s perfectly understa...
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Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Rooftop Solar—and Where to Start
This is the third installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2023, a month-long series featuring high-ROI ho...
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Home Generator Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Backup Power Shipshape
Home generators come in several sizes with a range of power outputs. Having one when the power goes out can ensure fa...
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14 Things You Should Never Clean With a Pressure Washer
Pressure washers are invaluable tools for removing graffiti, dirt, and other stuck-on debris from surfaces, but there...
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Take Charge: The Bluetti EP900 Home Power System Protects You From Outages and Rising Energy Costs
Summertime is fun time, but it also comes with bouts of extreme heat in many areas. That often leads to increased dem...
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15 Things You Should Never Plug Into a Power Strip
When the two plugs in a wall outlet simply aren’t enough to power the lights and gadgets we need to run our lives, mo...
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Klein ET310 Circuit Breaker Finder Review: Does it Work?
Any circuit-breaker finder worth its salt should be able to accurately match the circuit breakers on an electrical pa...
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Iwiss Crimping Tool Review: Does it Work?
When it comes to making secure electrical connections on stranded wire, there’s no tool more valuable than a ratcheti...
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How Much Does a GFCI Outlet Cost to Install?
Highlights The typical cost range for a GFCI outlet installation is $130 to $300, with customers paying a national a...
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We Tested the Generac GB2000 Power Station: Is it Worth It?
Grid instability and erratic weather patterns leave many wondering how they will power their appliances and digital d...
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How Much Does a Whole-House Surge Protector Cost to Install?
Highlights The typical cost to install a whole-house surge protector ranges from $70 to $700, with the national aver...
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The 12 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make With Your Smart Home Devices
Many of the everyday tasks of life—locking the door, adjusting the thermostat, dimming the lights, and capturing porc...
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9 Reasons Every Household Should Have a Portable Generator
Power outages are usually the result of extreme weather events such as high winds, lightning strikes, or ice buildup ...
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How to Read a Power Meter to Monitor Your Home’s Energy Usage
There’s a growing focus on electric meters lately. With energy prices rising, many folks may have developed trust iss...
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How to Roll Up an Extension Cord: 4 Tangle-Free Methods
Keeping a workspace organized and free of clutter, regardless of the project, improves the overall safety conditions ...
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How to Replace a Circuit Breaker
A home’s entire electrical system runs through one distribution hub: the electrical panel. The electrical panel, or b...
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The Best Outdoor TVs
Whether you have a partially covered outside space like a veranda or poolside cabana or not, there is an outdoor TV t...
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The Best Solar Lanterns
 Solar-powered lanterns are similar to traditional lanterns, but instead of relying on batteries or electricity to wo...
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10 Ways to Prepare for a Summer Power Outage
Hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and excessive demands on the electrical grid can lead to power outages in the s...
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50 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do
While certain home repairs require a professional, many maintenance tasks can be handled on your own. Learning these basic skills will help you become a more self...
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The Best Basement Lighting
Shining some light on below-grade spaces can do a lot for your home. Proper lighting increases the usability of your ...
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The Best Propane Generators for Emergencies and Home Use, Tested
Power outages can spoil perishable food, render appliances worthless, and even lead to life-threatening situations in...
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The Best Flush Mount Lights of 2023
In most homes, flush mount lights illuminate the rooms. While nothing is wrong with standard dome lighting, trading o...
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electrical Panel?
Highlights The typical range for electrical panel replacement cost is $522 to $2,082, with a national average of $1,...
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The Best Online Electrician Schools
Electrical work can be an extremely rewarding career choice. It’s an industry that is constantly evolving, and there ...
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Extension Cord Safety: How to Properly Power Items Away From Outlets 
Extension cords are very handy when powering small appliances, yard tools, and electronics that otherwise wouldn’t be...
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Can You Run a Generator in the Rain?
Q: Recent power outages prompted me to buy a portable generator, but it operates on gas, so I need to set it up outsi...
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Whose Responsibility Is It: Homeowner, Town, or Utility Company?
First-time homeowners might be surprised at some of the things that they are responsible for maintaining, such as hav...
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The Best Chandeliers of 2023
Chandeliers have come a long way from elaborate lighting exclusively reserved for mansions, castles, and palaces of t...
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The Best Track Lighting
Track lighting kits are a great option for lighting medium- to large-size rooms in which other forms of lights are ei...
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9 Types of Batteries Every Homeowner Should Know
Electronics are so pervasive in our modern world that you can find devices for an incredible range of functions, from...
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11 Cable Types Every Homeowner Should Know
Cables are used to connect one device to another, whether the device is a television, router, or computer. However, n...
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10 Bathroom Lighting Ideas for an Instant Update
Bathroom lighting can help style the space and add the functionality you desire. Whether you want an automated experi...
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Buying an Old House? Be Prepared to Live With These 12 Quirks
Newly built houses must comply with strict design and construction codes, but most of those rules didn't exist decade...
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Solved! My GFCI Won't Reset. What Happened?
Q: I went to use my hairdryer in the bathroom, but I discovered some of the outlets have stopped working. My GFCI tes...
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How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
Highlights Homeowners can expect to pay between $561 and $2,308 to rewire a house, with the national average cost co...
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The 13 Best Generator Brands for Backup Power
When a storm strikes and the power goes out, a generator from one of the best generator brands can prevent hours in t...
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The Best Generator Covers of 2023
Generators are invaluable in the event of a power outage, generating electricity that provides light and heat. But a ...
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I Tried The New Cutting-Edge Stud Finder―Did It Work?
The idea that a DIYer could see what's within a wall cavity using a smartphone screen is the stuff of science fiction...
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Solved! How Long Do LED Lights Last?
Q: Lighting experts tout the longevity and potential money savings of LEDs, but is all that true? Are there ways to e...
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Solved! Why is My Flashlight Not Working?
Q: Help! My flashlight won’t light up. I’ve only had it for a few months, so age isn’t the issue. Why is my flashligh...
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Lux vs. Lumens: Learn the Lingo to Choose Your Next Lighting
Watts have been used to indicate the strength of light bulbs for more than 150 years, but they are actually a measure...
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Here's Why There's a Generator Shortage This Summer—and Here's What to Do
Severe weather conditions around the U. S. in early 2021 have triggered a surge in demand for generators, and the tre...
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Keep the Power Going: 8 Types of Generators All Homeowners Should Know
Generators use fuel sources like gasoline, natural gas, or solar energy to produce electricity, so that you can power...
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The Best Outdoor Speakers of 2023
Take the fun outdoors on a sunny day—enjoy the warm weather while listening to your favorite tunes or podcast. Music ...
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3-Way Switch Wiring: A Step-by-Step Guide
In a standard, single-pole switch, one light switch controls one light fixture—on/off. Things get a bit trickier with...
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The Dos and Don'ts of Using Expanding Foam Insulation Around the House
Insulating expanding foam sealant makes quick work of reducing sound transfer, stabilizing a wobbly showerhead, or ev...
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Solved! What's Causing the Fish Smell in My House?
Q: Help! I haven’t cooked fish for several days, but my house smells like I invited the neighborhood over for a huge ...
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The Best Whole-House Surge Protectors of 2023
Extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and thunderstorms pose obvious power-outage threats...
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10 Mistakes Not to Make with a Home Generator
Following the right steps for home generator use and maintenance helps make sure there is safe, reliable, and consistent power for the long haul.
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The Best Spark Plugs for Your Riding Mower
A spark plug works by taking a small electrical charge from the ignition coil and passing it through two electrodes. ...
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The Best Lineman Pliers for Electrical Work in Your Home
Every home electrician’s tool belt should carry at least one pair of lineman pliers. Used by people in the electrical...
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The Best Electric Fence Chargers
Your yard or property may be your sanctuary, but unfortunately, not every creature always agrees. Animals that like t...
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The Best Electric Wall Heaters for Added Warmth
Despite its size, an electric wall heater is a great way to provide your home with extra heat—whether you’re in a mul...
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The Best Coaxial Cables of 2023
Even with a 4K TV, a coaxial cable is necessary to get the best performance. A coaxial cable carries the signal from ...
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The Best Circuit-Breaker Finders Tested in 2023
While a circuit-breaker finder isn’t one of the most common tools in a DIYer’s arsenal, it can be essential for home ...
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The Best Smart Switches for Your Smart Home
Smart light switches are a way of configuring a home's lighting to respond to verbal commands, program light timers, ...
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The Best Lightning Cables
Lightning cables are proprietary eight-pin charging cables that are compatible with iPhones and other Apple products....
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The Best Home Generators For a Power Outage, Tested
During a power outage, a home generator can keep the lights on, the HVAC running, and the appliances powered, but the...
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The Best Crimping Tools Tested in 2023
The best crimping tools can help a variety of wiring projects go smoothly. That's why we performed hours of hands-on ...
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The Best Electrician Near Me: How to Hire the Best Electrician Near Me Based on Cost and Other Considerations
Hiring the Best Electrician Near MeFrom faulty breaker boxes to an outdated electrical system, there can be any numbe...
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The Best Voltage Testers for Your Tool Kit, According to Experts
Those undertaking electrical projects around the home need certain tool box essentials at the ready, including a volt...
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The Best Hard Hat Lights Tested in 2023
Working with limited lighting isn’t safe, and sometimes holding a flashlight isn’t a viable option. A high-quality ha...
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The Best Solar Generators of 2023
Harnessing the sun to create backup power is an alternative to fuel-guzzling gas generators or dual fuel generators. ...
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The Best Wire Cutters
Whether you’re an electrician, mechanic, or DIYer, a quality pair of wire cutters can make an indispensable addition ...
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The Best Portable Power Stations Tested in 2023
A portable power station stores an electrical charge in an internal battery to charge various devices, such as a tabl...
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The Best TV Antennas for Improved Reception
Broadcast television channels, like local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates, public television stations, and many oth...
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The Best Smart Dimmer Switches
Smart dimmer switches can help set the mood with appropriate lighting for a variety of occasions, from entertaining f...
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The Best Quiet Generators for a Peaceful Power Supply, Tested
Generators provide portable electricity for emergencies, on jobsites, or even camping trips, but finding a quiet gene...
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The Best USB Wall Outlets
Today, nearly every personal device—whether it’s a smartphone, laptop, or tablet—can be charged via USB. One of the m...
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The Best Electrical Tape for Your Projects
Electrical tape comes in many colors, though it is seen most often as a narrow, black roll of tape with smooth rubber...
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The Best Cable-Management Solutions
Electronics and gadgets are an essential part of our home and office settings. However, cables for TVs, laptops, prin...
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The Best Wire Strippers, Tested and Reviewed
A wire stripper boosts productivity for professional electricians, budding apprentices, and DIYers, but with a variet...
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The Best Electrician Tool Belts Tested in 2023
Electricians wear belts and shoulder harnesses that frequently have 10 or more pockets for optimal customization and ...
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The Best Closet Lighting to Brighten A Wardrobe
Exceptional closet organization and storage is all well and good, but without proper lighting, the simple task of fin...
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20 Cheap Home Repairs That Could Save You Thousands
If your house could talk, it would tell you that spending a little money now on small repairs could save you big bucks down the road. We’ve put together 20 of the...
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The Best Power Strips for Overcrowded Outlets
A power strip is an adapter you plug in to extend the electricity from a single wall outlet to a series of outlets. W...
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15 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home
Want to do your part to help slow the impact of climate change? Check out these small and simple changes you and your family can make in your home and everyday ac...
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The Best Dual-Fuel Generators for Home and Outdoor Use, Tested
Like gasoline-only generators, dual-fuel models convert fuel into electricity, but since they run on either gas or pr...
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The Power Outage Survival Guide
When you're struck by a blackout, brownout, or sudden power surge, follow these tips to safeguard your home's electronics and appliances—and your family—until the...
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The Best Outdoor Projectors of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
An outdoor projector offers a wonderful way to enjoy an entertaining evening with family and friends. Before hosting ...
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The Best Smart Plugs, Tested and Reviewed
Home automation has taken huge leaps in recent years. Through apps and voice commands, smart devices help people make...
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The Best Outdoor TV Antennas to Watch Local TV Channels for Free
Instead of subscribing to streaming services, you could be pulling in free TV channels from the airwaves around your ...
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The Best Headlamps for Hands-Free Lighting
There are plenty of good reasons to own a quality headlamp—for taking an early morning jog, pitching a tent under the...
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The Best Garage Lighting Tested in 2023
Whatever the project may be, working in the garage demands sufficient lighting. Dismal, poorly lit garages are not on...
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9 Types of Electrical Outlets You Can Have in the Home
If not all electrical outlets in your home look the same, it’s because there are many different types of electrical o...
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The Best Needle-Nose Pliers, Tested and Reviewed
Needle-nose pliers have long, pointy jaws for reaching into narrow or tight spots, such as the backs of electrical ou...
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Slash Your Electric Bill with 11 Savvy Hacks
How much do you pay for electricity each month? Whatever the answer, you probably wouldn't mind having a lower electric bill. The good news is, there are many sim...
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The Best Soldering Stations
Fixing electronics—such as a television, computer board, or even a drone—can be intimidating. But a reliable solderin...
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The Best Inverter Generators for Backup Power Almost Anywhere, Tested
Portable generators are crucial during power outages and helpful for remote locations, and inverter generators are th...
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15 Little Signs Your House Has a Big Problem
Small home annoyances are sometimes indicators of a bigger structural problem. Learn to recognize the signs of these maintenance issues that need to get addressed...
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The Best Extension Cords of 2023
A length of insulated wire with a plug at one end and a socket at the other, an extension cord comes in handy to conn...
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The Best Portable Generators of 2023
Portable generators supply power to a home, appliances, small electronics, and even an RV in the event of a power out...
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The Best Multimeters Tested in 2023
From testing batteries to determining the amount of voltage in an electrical circuit, the multimeter is a standard di...
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13 Decisions Homeowners Never Regret
These home improvement projects will make you happier at home and will increase the value of your house when you’re ready to put it on the market.
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The Best LED Light Bulbs of 2023
Nowadays, many renters and homeowners choose light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) over the classic incandescent, fluores...
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Solved! Why Is My Electric Bill So High?
Q: I just opened my electric bill, and my jaw dropped. It’s way higher than ever! I called the electric company to se...
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Solved! What Causes Power Outages
Q: Last night, the power went out and, luckily, came back on only an hour later—soon enough for the food in the fridg...
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A "Charged" Debate: Portable vs. Standby Generators
Major storms in recent years have spurred many homeowners to consider whether it might be wise to purchase a generato...
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The Best Surge Protectors for the Home or Office
If you’ve spotted flickering lights, tripped circuits, or prolonged overheating of any of the electronic devices in y...
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14 Mistakes Homeowners Make Every Fall
As the days grow shorter and your thoughts turn to tailgating and football games, it’s easy to forget that your home needs a little TLC before Old Man Winter come...
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All You Need to Know About GFCI Outlets
When it comes to electricity, safety has always been a major concern, but thanks to the development of ground fault c...
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8 Things to Know Before Installing Recessed Lighting in Your Home
Unobtrusive illumination installed flush with the ceiling, recessed lighting can be found in virtually all types of h...
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Why Is My Circuit Breaker Tripping? 4 Potential Problems and Solutions
Q: Every few hours—sometimes minutes!—my living room and one side of my kitchen lose electrical power. I’ll check the...
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18 Ways You're Accidentally Wasting Energy
You turn off lights when you leave a room, combine errands to stretch a tank of gas, and run only full loads in your dishwasher. Yet even if you're following the ...
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How to Use a Generator When the Power Goes Out
This content has been brought to you by Kohler. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Home generators are...
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These Electrical Safety Tips Could Save Your Life
Most of us take electricity for granted, fully expecting that the outlets, wiring, extension cords, and power strips in our homes will operate safely and reliably...
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The 8 Most Common Reasons for an Electrical Outlet Not Working (and When to Call a Pro)
Q: When I plugged my cell phone charger into a kitchen outlet, my phone didn’t start charging as it normally does—rat...
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The Worst Money Mistakes Homeowners Ever Make
While homeownership undeniably comes with plenty of expenses, there’s no reason to spend more than you have to. If your home seems more like a money pit than an a...
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Solved! How High to Install a Light Switch
Q: Our screened-in porch is undergoing some updates, including the installation of overhead lights and addition of a ...
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Solved! What 12 Different Electrical Wire Colors Actually Mean
Q: I’m replacing the heating element in my electric water heater. The wires running to the element are black and whit...
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How to Install a Doorbell
Ever since we’ve had doors, we’ve been reinventing ways to be alerted to a visitor’s arrival. Hefty iron knockers gav...
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How to Splice Wires for Home Electrical Projects
If your around-the-house to-do list includes an ambitious DIY electrical project, be it installing a light fixture, r...
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9 Energy-Saving Home Upgrades That Pay for Themselves
You want to save money on utility costs and do your part to conserve energy, but some energy upgrades are so expensive that you may never see a payback in this li...
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How To: Strip Wire
Whether you’re rewiring an old lamp, installing a new doorbell, or adding another outlet to a wall, the first step to...
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15 Signs That Fixer-Upper Might Be a Money Pit
While a fixer-upper can be a lot cheaper than a home that's move-in ready, some fixer-uppers just aren't worth the headache. If the home you have your eye is plag...
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Is Your AC Safe from Brownouts and Power Surges?
It's almost impossible to overstate the importance of electronics and appliances in our lives today. We are sounded b...
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Solved! How to Fix Flickering Lights in Your Home
Q: Help! We have multiple lights flickering in our house. As far as I know my house isn’t haunted, but I can’t help w...
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How To: Use a Multimeter
Once reserved for engineers and electronic technicians, multimeters—sometimes called “multitesters”—have come down in...
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How To: Replace a Light Switch
Thanks to the simplicity of their design and function, light switches seem to last pretty much forever despite daily ...
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What to Do When Your Doorbell Stops Working
Ding, dong! Your guests have arrived for dinner and drinks. But if your doorbell stops working, you could leave your ...
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Bob Vila Radio: Is It a Three-Way Lamp Socket?
How can you distinguish between a standard lamp socket and a three-way? It’s simple! Standard sockets have only two e...
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Bob Vila Radio: Removing the Knockouts in Electrical Boxes
Knockouts are partially stamped, quarter-size openings in the electrical boxes that service such things as outlets an...
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How to Wire an Outlet
Simply put, electrical work is dangerous. If you're contemplating a project that requires any complexity or sophistic...
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8 Warning Signs of Dangerously Outdated Electrical Wiring
Most people don’t give too much thought to what’s behind their walls. Yet every time you flip a light switch or use your toaster, you are drawing on your home’s i...
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Electrical Panels 101
In your home—in everyone's homes, in fact—the seat of electrical power takes an unassuming form. Concealed by a nonde...
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How to Wire a Light Switch: Easy Steps for Single-Pole and 3-Way Switches
Although it's easy to wire a light switch, you need a basic understanding of how electricity works in the home in ord...
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Solved! Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters vs. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters
A home's electrical system is prone to wear and tear. Regular testing and evaluation of receptacles, switches, and br...
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Creative Outlets: 5 "Energy Smart" Options
There are 10 billion electrical outlets in North America, and over the last few years, inventors have been hard at wo...
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How To: Replace an Outdoor Wall Sconce
Updating the entrance to your home is a relatively easy thing to do. Add a pop of color by painting the front door in...
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How to Install a Ceiling Fan in 7 Simple Steps
A ceiling fan can cut energy costs all year round. It helps circulate cool air in the warm summer months, but it can ...
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All You Need to Know About Emergency Generators
A power outage that lasts a few hours is often nothing more than an inconvenience, requiring some flashlights and a l...
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How To: Install a Dimmer Switch
I like mood lighting as much as anyone, particularly first thing in the morning when the full blast of light from a 1...
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How to Install a Light Fixture
While any projects having to do with electricity are not to be taken lightly, installing a light fixture is a task ma...
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Installing Galvalume Metal Roof and Solar Panels
Work is being done on the roof—laying Deck-Armor and installing metal roofing and photovoltaic panels. Bob talks with Jeff Wolf from GroSolar about the photovolta...
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Retrofitting a Gas Light
Bob meets electrician Barry Driscoll, who is retrofitting an old gas light fixture to make a modern electrical one. Then Bob meets with lighting consultant Penny ...
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Wiring an Electrical Box to Support a Backup Generator
Bob meets with Electrician Harry Cunningham to install a backup generator.
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Installing an Impact-Resistant Front Door, Electric Wiring with Metal Studs, Plumbing with Metal Studs and a Concrete Slab
Bob meets with Jesse Gonzales to install an impact-resistant front door, electrician Jose Rodriguez to install wiring and plumber Dan Gerry to learn how to work w...
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Residential Electrical Wiring
Bob meets Eddie Fisher, the master electrician on the Brooklyn project's infrastructure team. A team of five electricians from AC/DC Electric is rewiring the buil...
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Brooklyn Navy Yard Tour
Eric Deutsch, former president of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, gives Bob a tour of the nation's first federal boat-building facility.
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Preparing the Site for Modular Home Delivery
Bob reviews the site preparation process with the on-site contractor, Michael Sheils.
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Structured Wiring Explained
Bob watches the installation of a Leviton structured wire system. The system is designed to seamlessly allow the transmission of data, phone, and cable signals wi...
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Installing a Home Back-Up Generator
Ron Ford from Kohler Power Systems joins Bob to talk about the 22-kilowatt backup generator that has been installed.
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Installing Hardwood Flooring with Screws and Plugs
Wood floor expert Howard Brickman is on the job site installing White Oak hardwood floors from Carlisle Restoration Lumber.
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Structured Wiring Options
Bob and Tim Woods (of Internet Home Alliance) discuss the basics of structured wiring and connectivity in the basement of the Vermont farmhouse.
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Convection Oven Installation
Bob joins electrician Larry Dana in the Vermont farmhouse kitchen, as he installs the Kenmore Elite 30 self-cleaning convection oven.
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Feng Shui for the Home
Bob visits Emma and Jacob Josselyn in their Cape Cod-style home to see the new Vermont Castings Addison cast-iron electric stove that will warm the corner of thei...
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Structured Wiring Installation
Bob joins Tim Woods (from Internet Home Alliance) in the basement to look over the network connection center, the area responsible for the homeowners' internet, t...
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Reviewing the Home's High-Velocity Mini-Duct HVAC System
Electrician Barry Driscoll installs a state-of-the-art surge protector, as well as an arc fault detector. In addition, the new John Wood water heater and RBI gas-...
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Photovoltaic Roofing Shingles Installed
Bob talks with Deane Evans (from the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing) and Ren Anderson (from the National Renewable Engergy Laboratory) about phot...
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Networking, Entertainment, and Security Wiring for the Home
Bob Ryley meets with Ken Frankel (from Lucent Technologies) to discuss the new HomeStar wiring system.
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Discussing the Home Automation System
Bob meets with Tom Morgan (from Home Automation) to view and discuss the "brain" of the home automation system. Next, Bob checks in with the wiring contractor to ...
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Technology Systems in the Governor's Mansion
Bob inspects the remote device, controlling the PA system, HVAC, lighting, and entertainment systems. In the basement, Bob Ryley is exploring the wires and cables...
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Discussing Different Types of Light
Bob meets with lighting designer Markus Earley, who explains the differences between various types of lights. Then, Bob also meets with Tony Zwain, who explains h...
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Reviewing the Lighting Plan
Bob goes over the lighting plan with designer Markus Earley, then meets with electrician Tony Zwain to learn how electricity is distributed throughout the building.
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Electrical Wiring in the Accessible Home
Bob joins a three-man team from Cliff Electric, the firm performing all the 'rough-in' wiring.
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Installing Recessed Lighting
Ed House (from Cliff Electrical Contractors) is installing recessed lighting.
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Home Elevator Installation
Bob meets Mike Vogt (from Access Industries) and carpenters (from the Whitaker Company), who are installing a residential elevator.
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Block Wall Demolition
Bob and contractor Ed Weller meet to demolish a block wall in order to open up the room for remodeling.
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Plumbing in the Bathroom and Wiring in the Kitchen
Plumber Kevin Hanley reviews the installation process for a pedestal sink and antique toilet in the new half-bath. And electrical wiring is pulled through the wal...
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Plumbing and Electrical Work in the Home Addition
Bob joins Jack O'Leary to review the rough-in plumbing and electrical work, and, together, they install a roof vent.
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Installing an Oil-Fired Boiler for the New Home Addition
Bob meets Jack O'Leary, the plumbing and heating contractor for the Newton, MA project. Since the house has doubled in size with the neaddition, the old heating u...
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Wiring the Cabin
Bob and the electrician look over the plastic-sheathed electrical wiring and discuss how to protect the installation, while still making it look good.
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Smart-House Wiring and Waterproofing the Stairway Planter
Bob talks about the "Smart House" system that will be installed in the house with the electrician, Pete Tim. Meanwhile, hot-mopped tar is used to waterproof the s...
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Installing a Lightning Rod
J & G Lightning Protection, Inc. installs a lightning rod system that will draw lightning toward the two copper rods, which perch on the garage roof. The copper p...
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Wiring the Victorian Home
Bob joins electrician Greg Roulette as he works on the rough wiring. The circuit breaker panel, Greg explains, is a receptacle for ground, neutral, and hot wires...
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Wiring the Home Addition
Electrician Steve Bradley is on hand to install the electrical wires and boxes for the addition. Bob discusses the codes regarding receptacle placement and Steve ...
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Recessed Lighting Installation
Bob lays out the lighting design for the kitchen. Electrician Steven Bradley shows Bob how to install a high-hat light fixture, from the mounting to the wiring to...
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Wiring a Thermostat
Bob observes as electrician Steve Bradley snakes a thermostat wire along a wall in service of the new air conditioning system.
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Wiring the Colonial Lantern Fixture
After taking stock of progress that's been made, Bob begins wiring a hanging light fixture for a special colonial lantern in the front hall.
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Hooking Up the Refrigerator Ice Maker
Bob has finished wiring the Colonial-style light fixture in the entryway and, back in the kitchen, the refrigerator ice maker is hooked up.
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Electric Layout
Bob discusses the electrical layout of the first floor with electrician Slav Witowski.
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Reviewing the Electrical Wiring
Bob goes over the electrical wiring with John Hickey. Also, cedar clapboards are put up on the exterior.
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