John Grabowski Archives

Close-up photo of the electrical wiring connections on a ceiling hung light fixture.

Why Are My Lights Flickering

Dear Mr. Electrician: Why are my lights flickering? The lights in my house seem to flicker at random times day and night and I...

The interior of an active outdoor electrical panel with a white wire being used as one of the LINE conductors feeding the panel. The equipment grounding conductor is being used as a neutral which can cause phantom voltage.

Phantom Voltage

Dear Mr. Electrician: I got some phantom voltage readings between neutral and ground with my digital volt-ohm meter while I was changing an outlet...

The image depicts three electrical outlet boxes exposed, along with the easy-to-find wood wall studs, two plastic pipes and two copper pipes during the demolition phase of a kitchen remodel.

How I Find A Wall Stud

Dear Mr. Electrician, How do I find a wall stud? Answer: The methods I use to find a wall stud were learned before the invention...

A main electric disconnect switch connected to nine electric meters attached to the side of a residential building. The disconnect switch is labeled Emergency Disconnect, Service Disconnect, Meter Disconnect.

Emergency Disconnect Sticker

Dear Mr. Electrician: Do I need to label my outside electrical service disconnect switch with an "Emergency Disconnect" sticker? Answer: Yes! Labeling your outside electrical...

Two old basement electrical sub-panels, one of which is fed from the other

Replace a Sub-Panel

Dear Mr. Electrician: How do I replace a sub-panel? Answer: To replace a sub-panel requires a certain amount of knowledge, experience, skill, and tools. There...

A Tesla electric vehicle charger mounted on a garage wall with factory protective wrapping still on.

To Install A Tesla Wall Charger

Dear Mr. Electrician: Tell me how to install a Tesla wall charger. Answer: Telling you how to install a Tesla wall charger is not so...

Electrician Tools

Dear Mr. Electrician: What are the best electrician tools? NOTE: links below go to applicable products on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from...

The spines of a few National Electrical Code books

Free National Electrical Code

Dear Mr. Electrician: Where can I find a free National Electrical Code version online? Answer: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a free online...

A rough-in wired wall switch electrical box

Install An Electrical Box

Dear Mr. Electrician: How do I install an electrical box in a narrow space? Answer: One method I have used to install an electrical box...

The package from a Westinghouse side mount ceiling fan box

Side Mount Fan Box

Dear Mr. Electrician: How do I install a side-mount ceiling fan box to replace a plastic side-mount electrical box? Answer: A side-mount ceiling fan box...

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When you get to the construction phase of your home renovation project, you must be mindful of your personal safety as well as the safety of people and property that may be in proximity to your work. I wash my hands frequently while working because I come in contact with all kinds of things. I always have hand wipes available. Hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses offer the very basic personal protection. For certain tasks additional safety precautions need to be taken. For instance when working around live electricity, an electrician would need insulated tools and gloves rated for the voltages that he or she works on. Additionally it is important to conduct yourself in a safe manner during construction. Be mindful of heavy lifting or reaching in awkward positions. Use a ladder when working on the ceiling, or anything high for that matter. Chairs, buckets, milk crates, and anything else not made to be stood on, should not be stood on. One bad fall can change your life forever.

Tag: John Grabowski