Simple Electrical Fixes

• Tweet
• Share
• Email

• Tweet
• Share
• Email

Many electrical repairs and upgrades are surprisingly easy and can be handled by anyone who understands how to do the job correctly and safely. Whether it’s replacing a broken switch or installing a new light fixture, many simple electrical jobs can be easily done by the average homeowner, saving both money and the inconvenience of waiting to get the job done. But to do it safely, it is important for you to know what precautions to take and how to do the job properly. It’s also important to understand the basics of how electricity works in your home and when it’s prudent to turn to a licensed professional.

Electricity enters your home through an electric meter. From there it goes to a main service panel which has circuit breakers or fuses and distributes the power to the house’s various circuits. A circuit typically covers one part of the house and contains a number of outlets such as receptacles and light fixtures. Each circuit is a closed loop. Current leaves the service panel on the hot wire and returns through the neutral wire. When you flip a switch, the circuit is interrupted, cutting the flow of electricity to the fixture. Electrical systems also have a ground wire to carry excess current harmlessly to the ground in case of a short circuit.

• Tweet
• Share
• Email