Most homeowners only have a vague idea of what their electrical panel is and where it is located. It is the large box that is mounted where all the electrical service enters your house. And hopefully, yours has many circuit breakers in it rather than fuses. If you still have a fuse box in your home, it is well past time for an electrical panel upgrade to a breaker panel. Fuses are far less safe and effective. However, just because you have breakers does not mean that you do not need an electrical panel upgrade. Understanding what that electrical panel does will help you understand why it needs to be in top condition and a current model.

Most homeowners love power strips for their added function when outlets are maxed out. You might love everything about your quaint 1960s home, except the lack of outlets on the kitchen counter. As a result, there is no place to plug in a coffee maker, toaster oven, and that cool blender that makes the perfect smoothie. But one power strip can solve all those outlet issues. And one in each room makes your humble abode perfect in every way. Or does it?

If you are thinking about a remodel or even house shopping, knowing a bit about GFCI outlets can help you with your task at hand. In the case of a remodel, you will need to include GFCIs in areas that could potentially be moist. In most cases, that consists of the bathrooms, kitchen, laundry area, and places with a sink or access to water. But you should understand that these outlets deliver a great deal of safety to you and anyone in your home, so never cut a corner and try to eliminate the use of these only slightly more expensive outlets.