From the field
How-To Guides
Electrical safety tasks a homeowner can do without opening a panel or touching a wire.
- How to Test a GFCI OutletA one-minute monthly test that confirms a GFCI outlet will still protect you from electric shock.
- How to Reset a Tripped Circuit Breaker SafelyThe correct way to reset a tripped breaker, and how to tell when resetting it is the wrong move.
- How to Test Smoke Alarms and When to Replace ThemTest, date-check and count your smoke alarms, and know when a working alarm still needs replacing.
- How to Identify Your Electrical Panel BrandFind out whether your panel is a Federal Pacific, Zinsco or Challenger without removing the cover.
- How to Map Your Circuit Breaker DirectoryLabel every breaker in your panel in one afternoon so you know what to shut off in an emergency.
- What to Do When You Smell Electrical BurningThe three steps to take when you smell burning plastic or a hot electrical odor in your home.