Electrical Repairs

Wall switches sometimes break or wear out over time, necessitating replacements. The most common type of light or wall switch is referred to as a "toggle switch." These switches can be found at...

A three-way lightling circuit makes it possible to control lights from two different three-way wall switches. A three-way switch has two different terminals that receive electricity from the power...

Electrical dimmer switches can be added to most any lighting circuit. The switch must be rated for the lighting load and be capable of controlling that particular lighting fixture. Dimmer switches...

Occupancy-sensing light switches have recently been incorporated into some homes as a convenience device that offers savings on electricity. They are meant to ameliorate the problem of occupants...

You'll learn how to get started with Home Automation, including controlling lights, fireplaces and anything you can imagine.

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an existing home, an electrical plan is essential. If you are not familiar with the principles of electricity, you will need to learn this skill,...

Moisture and constant use may damage your bathroom switch to the point it needs replacing. Many bathroom switches are dual switches, where one switch operates the exhaust fan and the other...

Ceiling fans circulate the air in a home to improve comfort. Over the patio, a ceiling fan will keep flies away while you eat. In the bedroom, a ceiling fan feels cool and comforting after a day...

Limit switches are used as both an electrical safety stop and as a machine control indicator. These small and compact switches typically turn a control voltage on and off. There are three...

In the field of electricity, switches are components of simple circuits designed to either complete a normally open circuit or interrupt a normally closed circuit. In a normally open circuit, the...

Micro switches are typically used for safety circuits in an electrical control situation. These small switches have three connection points identified as N.O., N.C. and Common. The N.O. point is...

"Rocker switch" is generally the term used in electronics to describe the small, lighted switches that control low-voltage electronic components. The wide variety of home light switches today also...

Incorrectly wired three-way light switches have aggravated many a homeowner: You've got a light over the stairwell, supposedly controlled by switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs, but...

The function of a light switch comes with a problem: How do you find the switch in the dark in order to turn on the lights? That problem is solved by replacing your standard light switch with an...

Part 1 was aimed at the power and the switches as the problem. Here we go a little deeper in search of the solution to your homes 3-Way switching problem.

Three-Way switches are simple to wire but if they are not wired correctly, they can be tricky to troubleshoot. If you have two or more switches that controls a set of lights but they do not work...

A faulty ceiling fan switch can cause a variety of problems depending on the type of fan and switch. A bad switch will sometimes fail to turn the fan on, off or switch between settings. Although...

A toggle switch is a mechanism that does one of only two things: "On" and "Off." The familiar bat-handle switch might provide power to a piece of farm equipment, or nestle among many switches and...

So you're in a new house and it has three-way switches. You're excited because honestly, three-way switches are pretty much the coolest electrical setup since the toaster oven. You turn one on,...

The simplest meaning of a toggle switch is that it's a mechanism to do two things, one at a time. The first example is a simple light switch. It's either "on" or "off." Digging more deeply, toggle...

A two-way light switch requires a three-way cable (three wires plus ground--four conductors in all) to be run in order for the light to be switched from any station. This means that at any time,...

An electrical transfer switch is a device that switches the source of power from one power supply to another. The transfer is typically from a primary power supply, such as the local utility...

A dimmer switch gives you much more control over your lights than you'll get with a flip switch. They also save energy and extend the life of your light bulbs. Dimmer switches are only for use...

If your light switch has worn out and is not operating your fan or light properly, it is time to change it. Changing your light switch is a very simple process. You will be saving money and adding...

A two-way light switch is the most basic type of light switch used in residential and commercial applications. These switches turn one or more lights on from a single location. Generally installed...

If you have a pair of three-way switches controlling a light fixture, you can increase your level of control over that light by adding a four-way switch to the circuit. While the four-way switch...

Three-way switches are regularly found in homes and businesses. It is a very useful light switch that differs from the standard two-way switch. It is specifically manufactured to allow you to...

A light fixture operated by switches at three or more locations requires four-way switches. The installer will need two three-way switches for either end of the switch series with as many...

Electrical circuitry, while the basis for many applications and conveniences in our lives, is susceptible to any number of problems. These include power spikes, sags, overages and other anomalies...

Part 3 - Learn tips on how to draw a basic home electrical map in this free diy home improvement & maintenance video.

Learn how switches open and close circuits in electronics - free video.

Believe it or not, your switches and outlets; especially those on outside walls; can be sources of drafty infiltration to your home. Of course, such infiltration adds cost to your energy bill. ...

This type of electrical connection is referred to as a 3 way switch. It's purpose is to control one or more lights or outlets from two different switches.

When you convert to wireless home lighting, conventional “on/off” switches have to be prepared for the change, too.

You installed wireless home lighting switches so that you could control when the lights were turned on or off, and from a convenient location. When these switches do not work properly, you want...

Sometimes it is necessary to control a light from two different places; for example, the top and bottom of a stairway. When wired correctly, the light can be turned on or off from either switch. ...

I have been wiring electrical circuits for over twenty years, and have learned most all I know through hands-on experience. One of the problems that pops up often for a lot of DIY electricians is...

It's important to maintain electrical switches and outlets in good condition, because a fire hazard can develop if problems occur. Go through the checklist below to reveal whether you have...

Three-way switches are used to connect one light source to two switches, typically in a room with multiple entrances. Determining whether a three-way electrical switch is needed in your home is...