Don't wait hours for the next available electrician — changing out a light switch is fairly easy. Most modern switches have screw terminals on each side with holes in the back to accept the end of the wire. How to wire a light switch Loosen the screws on the side of the device with a standard screwdriver (turning counterclockwise).

Knowing how to reset a circuit breaker will make you seem awesome to the clueless. Resetting a tripped circuit breaker is a simple matter of flipping the circuit switch back into the On position.Newer homes have circuit breakers, which simply switch off (trip) when they become overloaded. The circuit breaker shuts off power to the room without shutting off power to the whole house.

If an outlet (commonly called a receptacle) no longer holds a plug snugly, it should be replaced. The procedure for replacing a duplex (two-outlet) wall receptacle is similar to that of replacing a switch. The only difference is that, depending on where the receptacle is located in the wiring scheme of your house, it may have more wires attached to it than you find attached to a light switch.

Installing track lighting allows you to direct lighting exactly where you want it. If you know how to install track lighting, you have the flexibility of attaching individual lights anywhere along a long line that can run down a wall or ceiling. The flexibility of track lighting makes it a good choice for highlighting a specific area, like a wall of artwork or down a long hallway.

Installing a dimmer switch in a standard outlet is a DIY home-improvement project. Safely wire a dimmer switch with help from this video tutorial, which also takes some of the mystery out of electrical wiring.

Audio Transcript Ceiling fixtures come in lots of different shapes and there are many different ways to attach them. But no matter how a fixture is hung, the wiring is simple. To replace a ceiling fixture, the first thing you do is turn off the power. Next remove the light bulb cover and bulbs from the fixture.

Most homeowners will need to replace a ceiling fixture at some point. Knowing how to properly replace a ceiling fixture can save on electrician’s fees. Residential ceiling fixtures come in many different shapes, and there are many ways to attach them to the ceiling. Ceiling fixtures hang by two screws that attach the fixture base to the outlet box or to a mounting strap in the outlet box.

A ceiling fan is a stylish and functional addition to any room. If you are planning to install a ceiling fan in a room that already has a ceiling outlet, wiring a ceiling fan is the same as wiring any ceiling fixture. If the room doesn't have an overhead box, hire an electrician to install the box and fish the wires through the walls and across the ceiling.

A three-way switch is a handy convenience to control a light from two locations, such as at the top and bottom of a staircase. If the words On and Off aren't embossed on the switch and it's one of two switches that control a single light or receptacle, you have a three-way switch. Seems like it should be called a two-way switch, right?