Keeping Current With Home Wiring Projects

Some people get a charge out of doing their own home electrical work. Others fear getting zapped or creating even bigger repair problems. No matter which category fits you, there's a handy guide that lets you get current with the latest techniques-which could save you a bundle on service calls, as well as increasing the wattage of your smile.

"The Black & Decker Complete Guide to Home Wiring: 3rd Edition" (Creative Publishing International, $24.95) expands on the popular volume that has sold more than half a million copies, with tried-and-true projects and the latest fixtures-and enough information to help do-it-yourselfers meet the requirements of the 2005 National Electrical Code.

For example, one of the biggest challenges facing homeowners today is hooking up the many electronic components they own-computers and printers, home theaters and surround-sound systems, CD and DVD and DVR units, to name a few. Getting electronics to operate together correctly has its own dedicated chapter on how to solve this common source of frustration. You'll learn everything you need to know about home media connections, including how to create a high-definition home theater with surround sound. The book also includes:

• A full range of repair and upgrade wiring projects;

• Special circuit maps that take all the guesswork out of wiring lights, switches, receptacles and appliances;

• A dedicated chapter on connecting and networking home electronics; and

• Descriptions of how to use state-of-the-art wireless technology, such as "Bluetooth" and "wi-fi."

This last item is essential because technology is helping create homes with fewer and fewer wires and greater and greater freedom of movement and communication. The final chapter in the book covers this exciting technology, and will show you how to integrate computers, printers, telephones, audio and video equipment and more-all with no wires attached.