Electrical Wiring » Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting home electrical problems can be frustrating. This section focuses on troubleshooting electrical circuits and the devices attached to them. Learn what tools you’ll need, how to test circuits and how to diagnose home electrical problems.

Using an Electrical Meter to Troubleshoot Wiring Problems

Understanding an Open or Loaded Neutral

What is a loaded neutral, and why did I get a shock from it? Is it just one of those electrical mysteries, or is there a simple explanation for this situation? Continue reading →...

How to Reset a Tripped Breaker

A tripped breaker - is there anything more frustrating? Knowing what causes a tripped breaker and how to reset it is an invaluable skill – especially if you find yourself plunged into dar...

Why You Should Never Staple Cables Too Tight

While apprenticing, I remember being told in no uncertain terms, “Do not hammer in your cable staples too tight!” While it seemed obvious that you don’t want to smash them in hard eno...

Broken Neutrals and Bad Splices

In this article I talk about what it means to have a “broken neutral”, and the problems that this condition can cause. Continue reading →...

Dryer doesn't work post breaker in correct

Why a New Clothes Dryer Won’t Heat Up

Learn the common wiring problem that can cause your electric clothes dryer to not heat up and how to easily resolve it. Article includes diagrams and helpful photos. Continue reading →...

Using an Electrical Meter to Troubleshoot Wiring Problems

This informative video demonstrates how to use an electrical meter to troubleshoot a common wiring problem - identifying which wires to connect to a new fixture. Continue reading →...

Electrical Wiring Problems – Why You Need To Own a Meter

Here is a perfect example of a situation where a meter is an invaluable tool, and tips on how to use it. You removed a ceiling fixture to replace it with a new one, and in the process you t...

Electrical Outlet Doesn’t Work and Breaker isn’t Tripped

Electrical outlet is not working, yet the breaker is not tripped? What is the likely cause, and why this can be a dangerous situation. Continue reading →...

Electrical Wiring » Troubleshooting

Using a Digital Multi Meter E-Book

The Basics of Household Wiring DVD