In today’s project you can get your hands dirty and learn about circuits at the same time! Follow our step-by-step instructions to create your own dirt battery using just dirt, copper wire, galvanized steel screws, an ice tray, LED diodes, and….a lemon?
We’d love to see your completed projects! Email us ( admin@dunmanelectric.com) a photo of your dirt battery with your name and age to enter our monthly raffle for a Snap Circuits Explorer kit!
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by Craig Dunman, Master Electrician
Swapping out your outlet and light switch covers is one of the simplest ways to clean up a space. If the old ones are cracked, stained, or painted over from a rushed remodel or “landlord special,” replacing them makes an immediate difference. It’s a quick project — no special tools, no license required. Just grab a screwdriver, press play on your favorite podcast, and set aside a few minutes per room. You’ll be surprised how much fresher everything looks once those old plates are gone.
Yes! As long as you’re working with just the cover plate, not the outlet or switch itself, this is entirely safe for you to do on your own! That plastic faceplate is just a shield. You’re not dealing with wires, terminals, or anything live unless you go poking around underneath, which you should not be doing.
1. Start smart.
Go ahead and unplug anything that’s plugged into the outlet that you’re working on. From there, it’s smart to flip the breaker for that part of the house to ‘off’ just as an added precaution.
If you have a voltage tester, now is the time to use it to double-check that there’s no power at the outlet before you get started. This part is optional, but helpful if you want that extra layer of reassurance.
Even though you’re just changing the cover and not messing with any wiring, cutting the power takes about ten seconds and keeps things simple.
2. Unscrew the old plate.
Use a flathead screwdriver. Most plates have a single screw in the center. Keep the screw if you’re reusing it, or swap it out with the one from the new plate.
3. Check the area around the outlet or switch.
You should see a snug box in the wall with no loose wires. If anything looks burnt, cracked, or melted, pause here. That’s not a cosmetic fix anymore. You will need to give a licensed electrician a call. If everything looks good, move on to the next step!
4. Attach the new cover.
Line it up and screw it in gently. Don’t over tighten. Snug is enough. Overdoing it can crack the plate or twist the switch behind it.
5. Test it.
Flip your breaker back on if you flipped it off in step 1. Turn the light back on or plug something in. If everything works as expected, you’re good to go!
If the outlet is loose, if anything sparks or smells off, or if you see exposed wires moving when the cover comes off — STOP That’s the point where a licensed electrician should take over. Otherwise? This one’s all you. Simple, fast, and surprisingly satisfying.
If you are running into exposed wires, sparks, and odd smells OR you simply don’t want to bother with all of the fuss, give us a call and we’ll get it taken care of for you!
Texas storms don’t play. One minute it’s sunny, next minute you’ve got tumultuous rain, lightning strikes, and the power’s out. Wind, water, blown transformers—your electrical system takes the hit. Here’s how to prep without overthinking it:
1. Charge the Essentials — Now, Not Later
Storm’s not here yet? Good. Plug in your phone, backup chargers, power banks, tablets…If you want it to work later, plug it in now! Make sure to unplug your electronics and countertop appliances when lightning starts.
* Use power-saving mode on your phone just in case.
* Keep battery-powered flashlights in your most-used rooms.
* Stock fresh batteries in a known, dry place.
2. Unplug What You Don’t Need
Lightning surges can fry your electronics in seconds. If it doesn’t need to be running, unplug it.
* Focus on TVs, computers, gaming consoles, routers, and countertop appliances.
* Leave essentials like the fridge plugged in.
* Don’t wait for the flicker—do it before the storm rolls in.
3. Surge Protect Like You Mean It
Not all power strips are surge protectors. Check your gear.
* Look for the UL 1449 rating and a joule rating of at least 800.
* Move critical devices (routers, modems, entertainment setups, office equipment) to real surge protectors—not $5 strips from the junk drawer.
* If your surge protector’s older than five years or has taken a hit before, replace it!
At Dunman Electric, we install whole-house surge protectors, so if you don’t want to worry about this step in the future, give us a call! (512)280-8847
4. Know Your Breaker Panel
Power cuts and lightning strikes can trip breakers. You need to know how to reset them safely. We have a guide to resetting your breakers here!
* Never touch the panel with wet hands or while standing in water.
* Keep a flashlight or battery lantern near the breaker at all times.
* Reset breakers one at a time.
* If one keeps tripping after reset, something’s wrong. Call a licensed electrician.
5. Using a Generator? Know the Rules.
If you’re running a generator, follow safety protocol.
* Set it up outside— never in a garage or near vents.
* Plug devices directly into the generator unless you have a transfer switch installed.
* Let it cool fully before refueling. Hot engine +gas = explosion risk.
6. After the Storm: Walk the House
Once the storm has passed and lightning has not struck within 10 miles of your home for 30 minutes, do a walkthrough.
* Sniff for weird smells.
* Check for melted outlets, scorch marks, or anything that looks off.
* Check your breaker panel again.
* If something doesn’t look or smell right, or breakers keep tripping, stop and call a licensed electrician ASAP.
You don’t have to be an expert. Just take simple steps, in the right order, before the storm hits. Taking these steps will save you time, money, and a potential electrical fire.
Learn more about our Power & Protect Promo bundle to protect your home’s electrical system and gain peace of mind today!
Did you know that electricity flowing through a wire can create an invisible magnetic field? Well, it can! Try this project to create your own, low voltage electromagnet! To get started, open our How To Sand Enameled Wire page for reference and follow the instructions below! Be careful to never touch exposed wire and be sure to disconnect your electromagnet when you’re finished playing with it to avoid overheating the wire and battery. Always ask for help from your adults when handling electricity!
We’d love to see your completed projects! Email us ( admin@dunmanelectric.com) a photo of your electromagnet in action with your name and age to enter our monthly raffle for a Snap Circuits Explorer kit!
There are many different situations where you may need to sand enameled wire for use in our project series in the Kids’ Corner of our site. We’ve included these instructions for your convenience along with a purchase link for our recommended wire here.
Today, we will be exploring the Lorentz Force and how you can use it to create your very own simple motor using electricity and magnetism! All you need to get started is 18 gauge copper wire, 1 AA battery, 1-2 disc magnets, wire cutters, and some pliers! Remember to ask an adult for help with cutting your wire!
We’d love to see your completed projects! Email us ( admin@dunmanelectric.com )a photo of your homopolar motor with your name and age to enter our monthly raffle for a Snap Circuits Explorer kit!
In today’s project you can get your hands dirty and learn about circuits at the same time! Follow our step-by-step instructions to create your own dirt battery using just dirt, copper wire, galvanized steel screws, an ice tray, LED diodes, and….a lemon?
We’d love to see your completed projects! Email us ( admin@dunmanelectric.com) a photo of your dirt battery with your name and age to enter our monthly raffle for a Snap Circuits Explorer kit!
by Craig Dunman, Master Electrician
What Is a Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is a safety device in your electrical panel that automatically shuts off power to a specific circuit when it detects an overload or fault. Think of it as a guardian of your home’s wiring. If a breaker trips, it’s doing its job—stopping electricity before it can cause overheating, damage, or even a fire.
Circuit breakers replace older fuse systems and are now standard in modern homes. Each breaker is connected to specific areas or appliances in your home: kitchen outlets, air conditioners, lighting circuits, etc.
How Does a Breaker Work?
Breakers are designed with thermal and magnetic mechanisms that sense unsafe conditions:
Each breaker is rated for a certain amperage—commonly 15, 20, or 30 amps. Exceeding that number, even momentarily, will trip it.
Why Do Breakers Trip?
Some common reasons include:
If a breaker trips once, it may just be a fluke. But if it happens again, there’s likely a deeper issue.
How to Safely Reset a Tripped Breaker
If your power goes out in one part of the house, follow these steps:
⚠️ IMPORTANT: If the breaker trips again immediately, do not keep resetting it. You’re likely dealing with a more serious issue. ⚠️
When to Call a Licensed Electrician
Here’s when it’s best to leave it to the pros:
Remember: Breakers trip for a reason. Continuously flipping them back on without fixing the root issue can be dangerous.
Bonus Tip: Label Your Breakers
Many homeowners don’t know which breaker controls what. Take time to label them clearly—this saves time during an outage and helps electricians work more efficiently when needed. This is also a service we offer here at Dunman Electric. Or you can read our article on how to label your panels on your own.
Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn breaker, need panel upgrades, or just want a professional inspection, Dunman Electric has you covered. Our licensed electricians bring decades of experience, and we’re happy to help you learn how to keep your home safe and efficient.
📞 Call us today or book online for prompt, reliable service.