Know-How: DIY Electrical
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| Dry your hands before plugging in or unplugging appliances. Water conducts electricity and increases the possibility of shock. | Remove a broken light bulb, after turning off electricity or unplugging lamp, by inserting a bar of soap, then turning counterclockwise. Discard soap. Or use needlenose pliers to grip filament or metal base of bulb. |
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| Mark the wires with small tabs of masking tape before disconnecting an old receptacle or switch. Attach wires to new receptacle or switch using tape marks as a guide. | A circuit map can simplify repairs. Shut off power to one circuit at a time. For each circuit, check throughout the house and make a list of which outlets, appliances and lights do not carry power. Tape a description of the circuits on the door of the service panel. Write the circuit number on the back of outlet and switch coverplates. |
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| Tie an underwriter's knot as shown when replacing an electrical plug or cord, if there is space in the plug body. This prevents the wires from being pulled from the plug. |
