James Hornof
Master Electrician
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Co-authored Articles (30)
How to
Install Electrical Conduits
Electrical conduit fittings form the outer covering for most electrical wiring from one point to the next. They shield the wires from the external environment so as to make the wire last longer and also to keep humans an...
Quick and Easy Ways to Repair a Blown Fuse
''Get your home and car running with these simple tips'' Fuses are electrical safety devices that offer overcurrent protection to your home or vehicle’s wiring. Without them, you’re risking potential wire damage—o...
Brownouts & Blackouts: What Are They and How Should You Prepare for Them?
Learn how to protect yourself—and your electronic devices—from blackouts and brownoutsPicture this. It’s a hot summer day and you’re on the couch, watching something on your phone. Suddenly, the lights start to d...
How to
Tell if Water Heater Is 120 or 240
Not sure what type of water heater you have at home? That’s totally fair—while a lot of electric water heaters are 240-volt, some are only 120-volt. We’re here to help you figure out exactly what kind of electric w...
11 Easy Ways to Light a Stairway without an Electrical Outlet
Is your stairway feeling a little dark and gloomy? Even if you don’t have an electrical outlet nearby, there are tons of wireless lighting options that can work for you. Plus, finding one you like is actually easier t...
How to
Fix a Cut Fiber Optic Cable
While a cut or damaged fiber optic cable can temporarily take your network down, it is possible to quickly fix the cable with the right tools. This wikiHow article will teach you how to splice a cut fiber optic cable bac...
How to Identify the Different Types of Coaxial Cables
Learn whether your coaxial cable is for your TV, internet, or radioA coaxial cable, also known as a coax cable, is a specialized cable used to send data and radio frequencies without extra electrical interference, known ...
How to
Replace the Plug on a Lamp
Over time, the electrical cord around the lamp plug may get damaged and stop working. If you have a damaged lamp plug, try to replace it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of shock or electrical fire. Luckily repairi...
How to
Test a Generator
A generator is a portable power source or an emergency backup power source that provides electricity when regular electrical supplies fail. In order to ensure your generator will function as it should when you need it, t...
How to
Extend a Cable Cord
A cable cord is a type of coaxial cord used to hook up internet and cable lines inside of a home. You may need to extend this cord if you move into a new home and want to set your modem, cable box, or receiver up in an a...
How to
Repair an Electric Fan
Whether the blades aren’t spinning or the fan is making tons of noise, most issues with an electric fan are caused by poor lubrication or blockages in the vents. To solve most problems with an electric fan, disassemble...
How to Add LED Light Strips to the Back of a Mirror
Plus, tips for choosing the right mirror & lightsBacklit mirrors add a decorative ambiance to any room’s décor. You can backlight a mirror for your home by finding a mirror and LED light strips, attaching the lights w...
How to
Hang Pergola Lights
As night falls, you may still want to enjoy the outdoors or entertain in your yard. Putting lights on your pergola will help create a comfortable and cozy space into the evening. Whether you want to create an exciting ce...
How to
Connect Ceiling Fan Wires
You don't have to hire a handyman to install a ceiling fan. To connect your ceiling fan to existing wires, make sure that you have the right fan hardware and cut off the electricity leading to those wires. Mount your bra...
How to
Install a Hampton Bay Ceiling Fan
Many of the Hampton Bay ceiling fans use a Quick-Install System and use Aero-Breeze™ Technology which can move up to 25% More Air. Here are the steps of how to install one.
Fluorescent Light Ballast Replacement: A Complete Guide
All fluorescent light fixtures consist of at least lamp(s), lamp holders, ballast and internal wiring. Some older types have "starters", too. The ballast is used to create the voltage and current necessary to ''start'...
How to Use a Generator to Power Your Home Safely
A step-by-step guide to using a portable generator Having a generator on hand can make life a whole lot easier in the event of a power outage caused by a natural disaster or system problem. For those who require electric...
How to Test a Resistor with a Multimeter
Check if a resistor is bad with these simple stepsResistors regulate the amount of current flowing in an electronic circuit. Resistors present a resistance, or impedance, to the electrical circuit and reduce the amount o...
How to Install a New Ceiling Light Fixture
Safely and efficiently hang a new ceiling light or fan Ceiling fixture installation is generally very easy, especially if you’re working with up-to-code wiring where everything is color-coded. Even if you have never a...
How to
Wire a Light
Trying to wire a light in your home can be intimidating. After all, wiring involves electricity, and electricity can be dangerous. However, by taking basic precautions and understanding the basic working of a circuit and...
