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Electrical Planning

Prepare for your next electrical project by discovering our planning ideas & tips.

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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.
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All About Multimeters

Don’t let the wires, knobs, buttons, and attachments intimidate you. A multimeter is an essential tool for just about any DIYer. Here’s what you need to know about using one.
S22 E13: Heath Eastman teaches Kevin O'Connor about labeling a circuit breaker panel
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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.
S22 E9; Heath Eastman discusses backup generators
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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.
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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.
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Everything to Know About GFCI Receptacles

Master electrician Heath Eastman teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about ground fault circuit interrupters.
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Powering the Essentials | 2019 Idea House

The TOH 2019 Idea House is a whole lot of house, clocking in at 5,450 square feet of living space. In the event of a power outage, it would be cost-prohibitive to generate power throughout the home.
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Inside Your Home’s Electrical Service Panel

Get essential knowledge about your home’s power distribution center.
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How to Install a Dimmer Switch

Installing a dimmer switch is one of the easiest DIY electrical projects you can do. Read these steps on how to install one in your home.
S40 E8: Jeff Sweenor gives a lesson in framing to accomodate hinges, valves, and fixtures
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How to Prep Framing Studs for Hinges, Valves and Fixtures | Generation NEXT

Jeff Sweenor shows apprentice Kevin Barker the extra steps he takes to clearly label locations of hinges, valves, fixtures, and studs for his subcontractors
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How to Block Behind Walls | Generation NEXT

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Best Uses for an Electric Tankless Water Heater

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey discusses which houses are the best fit for an electric tankless water heater
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The Importance of Surge Protection

Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron demonstrates how surge protection safeguards a home’s appliances and electronics.
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How to Choose a USB Outlet

Electrician Scott Caron walks through the best options when it comes to USB wall outlets in your home
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From the Ground Up: Electrical Wiring

Set up an electrical system for maximum safety and convenience now and in the future.
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Backup Power

When the electricity goes out, standby generators keep the household running
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How to Find and Hire an Electrician

Here’s how to find an electrician who can handle your next project and what you can expect to pay for their services.
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Future-proof Wiring

Feeding your home's ever-growing need for information-carrying capacity