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Glossary: Electrical

A homeowner's guide to electrical terms including ground-fault circuit interrupter, current and fuse.

Household electricity

Power lines bring electricity to your home and neighborhood. (Photo by Katie Jacewicz)
When you flip on the light switch, you're tapping into a massive and complex power grid that constantly brings electricity to your home. Transformers reduce high voltage current to the 110-220-volt lines used in homes. An electric meter records the amount of power drawn into the home.

Hiring an electrician

Electrician Claudio Sanchez checks a customer's electrical outlet.
Since the days of Thomas Edison, the practical applications of electricity have become exponentially more complex. Becoming an electrician requires extensive training and continuing education to keep up with technology that changes constantly.

Common electrical problems

Although the potential dangers of electrocution and fire should make most homeowners wary of do-it-yourself electrical projects, there are some basic troubleshooting tips that can help.

Lighting Company

Glossary: Lighting

A collection of definitions and terms relating to household lighting.

How to choose lighting

Lighting in a room can add more than light. It can become a design element on its own. (Photo courtesy of Becky Micciche)
Interior lighting can do more than simply brighten a room. Learn about how lighting affects home décor and color schemes, and get tips for lighting different rooms throughout the home.

Security and outdoor lighting

Outdoor lighting can brighten up any landscape and provide security to those safely inside. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Huffstetler)
The installation and proper placement of outdoor lighting can enhance the beauty, security and safety of a home. Learn about lighting options, sensors, placement and other strategies.

How lighting works

Lighting comes in the form of many bulbs and fixtures. (Photo courtesy of Ted Lowe)
Household lighting has come a long way from candles and kerosene lamps. Homes today use many types of lighting for a variety of different functions. Read on for information on lamps, wattage, fixtures and lighting control options.

See More About Lighting Company

Solar Companies

Solar panels

Angie's List member Sue Leone of New York submitted this 2008 photo of solar panels being installed on her family's barn.
Solar panels have been available for decades, but until recently few homes actually had them. In recent years, prices have dropped and federal tax incentives have made them more of an option.

5 tips for going solar

(Photo courtesy of Solar Energy World

A highly rated Baltimore-based solar energy panel installer offers five tips to consider before installing solar panels.

Worst San Diego Contractors of 2012

Angie's List names the Worst San Diego Contractors of 2012.

Do solar panels work in winter?

As long as the sun is shining - even in cold winter months - solar panels continue to produce energy. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Mary B. of Baltimore)

Learn about how solar panels work in cold weather months and how they can offset increased energy use during the winter.

See More About Solar Companies

Eco-friendly Home

How can my family save water?

The Average US family uses 127,000 gallons of water per year. That's hard on your wallet and the world. Using low-flow fixtures and appliances can save you up to 40,000 gallons a year and 30% on your water bill.

See More About Eco-friendly Home


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