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Basic electricity

Includes electrical definitions, ohm's law, and electrical circuit information including direct and alternating current.

Low voltage is defined as 50 volts (V) or less. Common low voltages are 12V, 24V, and 48V.

Electrical 101 Homepage

Wire Connectors

are used to connect two or more wires together. There are many types of wire connectors, the most common are twist-on .

3-way switches are used to control lights with two switches.

Light Switch Wiring

With conventional light switch wiring using NM cable, the NM supplies line voltage from the electrical panel to a light switch outlet box.

4-Way Switch Wiring

4-way switches have four terminals each with two pairs of travelers (one pair usually black and and the other pair brass color).

Diagrams showing how outlets are wired using NM cable (Romex). Diagrams also include a dryer outlet and typical ground connections.

GFCI and AFCI Wiring

Power is connected to the line side. Protected outlet(s) will be connected to the load side.

Ohm’s Law

Voltage, current, resistance, and power can be calculated using ohm’s law.

3-Way Switch Variation

3-way wiring is not very complex. However there is a variant wiring configuration that could cause confusion.

Switched Outlets

A duplex outlet has removable metal tabs that electrically connect line and neutral together on each outlet. A switched outlet is a duplex with one or both tabs removed to isolate each outlet from the other.

NM is a type of cable that contains insulated conductors enclosed within an overall nonmetallic jacket.

3-Way Switch Wiring

How to wire 3-way switches using NM (Romex) cable with wiring diagrams included.

Replace Ballasts

How to replace a fluorescent ballast, including 2, 3, and 4 lamp rapid and instant start ballasts. Includes a how to replace a ballast video.

4-way switch configurations are used to control lights with three or more switches.

Convert 3-Way Switches to Single Pole

To convert a 3-way switch to single pole, one of the traveler wires is removed from the switch.

Ceiling Fan Switch Wiring

3-wire cable travels from the switch box and connects to the fan, lights, neutral, and ground wires.

Multiple Switch Wiring

Multiple light switch wiring using NM cable. Includes wiring diagrams.

Electrical Outlets

An outlet (electrical outlet) is a device that supplies power to an electrical load through a cord and plug.

Fluorescent Ballasts

Fluorescent lamps use a ballast which transforms line voltage to a type of power to start up and operate the lamp(s).

Convert Fluorescent Tubes to LED

There is much to consider when choosing LED replacement tubes for fluorescent fixtures. Here is what you need to know before choosing the right LED tubes.

A fluorescent tube circuit includes a ballast, wires, lampholders, and the tubes.

Different Voltages

110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 220, 230, 240, 250 volts, what are all these different voltages?

Provide extra safety protections to your household

Troubleshoot 3-Way Switches

Usually when a 3-way switch fails, lights can be toggled on and off at one switch, but not the other.

Troubleshoot 4-Way Switches

Usually when a 3-way or 4-way switch fails, lights can be toggled on and off on all but one switch.

RACO Leveling Plates

*New RACO leveling plates can be used when device tabs do not properly rest on the wall because the device cutout is too large.

RACO Leveling Plates

Unishim

Unishim Fasteners

*New Unishim fasteners can be used to remedy and prevent sunken switches and outlets. A UniShim can be attached to a 6-32 screw.

Sunken Receptacle

Loose and Sunken Outlets

*Updated Sometimes an electrical device (switch or outlet) is either loose or sunken into the wall.