Electrical

Let there be—well, you know how the saying goes. Electricity is the undercurrent of our home, powering our appliances and lighting our hallways. Most of us are fine left in the dark regarding the inner workings of electrical wiring and circuit breakers…until you’re, quite literally, in the dark. Use our expert guidance to help identify the wires behind your wall, learn how to protect your home’s electrical system, and source a list of professional electricians you can call when you’re frazzled.

man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
man replaces light bulb in pendant light fixture
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Electric Meter
Alison Kasch
•
Aug 21, 2024
Aug 21, 2024
Looking to size up your electrical system to cover higher usage and improve efficiency? Use this guide to see the cost to upgrade an electrical panel.
Beautiful exterior home lit up at dusk
Tyler Lacoma
•
Jul 22, 2024
Jul 22, 2024
If your outside electrical meter box has sustained wear and tear, it might be time for a replacement. How much it costs to replace an electrical meter box depends on labor, model, and box type.
A couple using a laptop in their living room
Allie Ogletree
•
Jul 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024
The average cost to replace an electrical mast is around $750, depending on the size and extent of the replacement. Read on to budget for a meter riser.
Technician turning power off
Kyle Schurman
•
Jul 9, 2024
Jul 9, 2024
When you need to choose between a 100-amp versus 200-amp electrical panel, check out our easy-to-understand explanation of your home’s power options.
A beautiful suburban house with a lush garden
Lauren Bongard
•
Aug 21, 2024
Aug 21, 2024
Lightning protection systems can keep your home and your family safer during storms. Read about different methods of lightning protection to stay safe.
A young woman adjusting the temperature via a smart thermostat
Emma Diehl
•
Jul 16, 2024
Jul 16, 2024
What is the C-wire? This important wire can connect a smart thermostat to your HVAC system for power and WiFi. Learn all you need to know here.
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A house roof with solar panels
Gillian Beckett  •  Aug 23, 2024
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost? [2024 Data]
Solar panel costs vary based on the system size, panel type, and wattage you need. Learn about solar panel installation costs, so you can budget with ease.
A person installing a new wall switch
Chris Middleton  •  Aug 22, 2024
A Guide to Wire Nut Sizes
Wire nuts are used to connect two or more electrical wires. Our guide explains what the different wire nut sizes and colors mean, and when to use each.
Mint green toaster plugged into outlet on kitchen countertop
Breyden Kellam  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Outlet? [2024 Data]
The average cost to install an electrical outlet is $133 to $296 each. This guide explains what factors impact the total cost of installing an outlet.
Steel pipe electric outlet on cement wall
Mariel Loveland  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Outlet in an Unfinished Basement?
Most homeowners only pay a couple of hundred dollars to install an outlet in an unfinished basement, but some factors drive up the price. Plan your project with this cost estimate.
Electric Meter
Alison Kasch  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel? [2024 Data]
Looking to size up your electrical system to cover higher usage and improve efficiency? Use this guide to see the cost to upgrade an electrical panel.
Close up of hands with screwdriver fixing socket
Alison Kasch  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install a 220v Outlet? [2024 Data]
The cost to install a 220v outlet will depend on factors such as what type of 220v outlet you need and other key factors you can learn about in this cost guide.
A family watching TV in living room
Katy Willis  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Coaxial Cable Outlet?
Find out how much it costs to install a cable outlet for TV or internet. Our expert guide breaks down the costs involved in installing a new coaxial outlet and explores how you can save and if you can do this project yourself.
Male electrician turning off power
Elisa Greenberg  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electrical Panel? [2024 Data]
Electrical panel replacement costs $530 to $2,100, depending on the location, the type of hardware, and any required building materials.
A woman doing her laundry
Breyden Kellam  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Run Electric from the Road to Your House? [2024 Data]
Before you hire a licensed electrical contractor, you should learn the cost to run electric from the road to your house so you can budget for the project.
Woman fixing light switch
Becca Lewis  •  Aug 21, 2024
How to Wire an Outlet Switch Combo Like a Pro
Learn how to wire an outlet switch combo receptacle in various ways to adapt an existing wired location for several applications.
A woman turning on the light
Lisa Gauthier Mitchison  •  Aug 21, 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Install Light Switches? [2024 Data]
Updating broken and outdated light switches isn't as tricky as you might think. We'll cover the considerations and cost to install a light switch in this guide.
A woman working from her home office
Deane Biermeier  •  Aug 21, 2024
Electrical Outlet Repair Cost [2024 Cost Data]
Discover the electrical outlet repair cost of different outlet types depending on the problem, location, amperage, and other factors.