Q: Several weeks ago, I read your column about installing electrical wiring. I’m curious about circuit breakers. What is the primary purpose of circuit breakers? Are there different types of breakers?

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Anyone who's lived in a home or apartment has probably heard the terms "fuse box" or "circuit breaker" before. If you ever experienced a power ...

Churning with voltage and resembling an explosion at the wire factory, the breaker panel exudes mystique. But it's just a big switch, filled with other smaller ­switches, which lead to the switches ...

Why are people scared of fuses? Many people think that fuses are unsafe, but this couldn't be further from the truth. A properly installed fuse is just as safe as a circuit breaker, but there are many ...

If a motor isn't adequately protected, a short circuit will likely result in premature replacement. Then there's the problem of nuisance tripping upon initial start-up because the magnetic setting of ...

Question: Last night I had way too many electrical things turned on in the bathroom and the power went out for all the plugs and lights in the bathroom, as well as two bedrooms. Your Handyman: It ...

Before you buy the breaker, make sure you check the manufacturer’s name, box model number, and style number of the breaker that is approved for your box. You cannot ...