James Hornof
Master Electrician
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Co-authored Articles (30)
How to
Make a Simple Electric Generator
Electric generators are devices that use alternating magnetic fields to create a current through a wire circuit. While full scale models can be complex and expensive to build, you can create a simple electric generator e...
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
Put up Christmas Lights Outside
Time to deck the halls, walls, mantles, and trees, and best of all, hang up the Christmas lights! Decorating the outside of your house will show your Christmas cheer to your neighbors and passersby. It's also a chance to...
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...
How to Install a Pendant Light
A DIY guide to replacing an old fixture with a stylish hanging light Adding a pendant light in your home instantly transforms your space by adding warmth, style, and personality. If you’re not sure where to begin with ...
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
Unscrew a Coaxial Cable From Audiovisual Equipment
Coaxial cable connections are often stuck in hard-to-reach places on your audiovisual equipment. Even worse, the connections can literally get stuck due to the heat produced by the equipment. To unstick the connection, g...
How to Replace Single-Pole, 3-Way, and Dimmer Light Switches
Does your light switch feel loose when you flip it on and off, or has it stopped working entirely? Then it may be time to replace it with a new light switch. The good news is replacing a light switch is an easy DIY proje...
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
Terminate Coaxial Cable
In-depth guide to terminate coaxial cables by yourselfCoaxial cable can be used to transmit a variety of signals, including cable television, internet and low quality audio. If you’re working on a project that falls in...
How to
Identify Coaxial Cable Type
A coaxial cable, also known as a coax cable, is a specialized cable used to send data and radio frequencies without extra electrical interference, known as static. They’re commonly used for devices like TVs, the intern...
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
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
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
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 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
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 Change a Bulb Socket: Step-By-Step Instructions
Expert-approved advice on swapping out ceiling light sockets Replacing an old or worn-out light socket is an important way of keeping your home up to code. Old sockets can be fire hazards, making this a good skill for am...
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...
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...
