Laypeople don’t interact with this wire size because 3AWG is incredibly thick. The wires behind your sockets and lights are 12 to 14AWG, depending on the circuit size. You can run everything in...

12/2 wires have a thickness of 2.053mm (0.0808 inches), a cross-section of 3.31 mm2, 12.4 turns per inch (4.87 turns per cm), and a resistance of 5.211 milliohms per meter. ‘12/2’ is 12-gauge...

Electricians discourage overlamping. However, that hasn’t stopped consumers from using higher-wattage bulbs in lower-wattage fixtures. The reasons vary. Some people think higher-wattage bulbs are...

Manufacturers do not publish amperage and gauge charts for their extension cords. They usually ignore the concept because they expect contractors and laypeople to use conventional wire-size charts to...

You’re looking at lengths ranging from two feet to three hundred feet. Extension cords are supposed to extend an outlet’s reach. Therefore, the length is a vital consideration. You don’t want...

GFCIs trip when they encounter a ground fault. They cut the power, which makes the outlet useless. Fortunately, these receptacles have a RESET button that restores the power. The question is, why...