About the Journeyman

AskTheJourneyman.com is built and written by a journeyman electrician with 30 years in the trade — the kind of experience that comes from decades of service calls, troubleshooting, new construction, remodels, and training the apprentices who came up behind me.

Why this site exists

Over the years I noticed the same thing again and again: homeowners couldn't find straight, trustworthy answers to their electrical questions, and the people coming into the trade didn't have one good place to learn how it all really works. The internet is full of electrical "advice" — some of it flat wrong, some of it dangerous. I wanted a place that gives it to you straight, with safety first, from someone who has actually done the work.

Who this is for

• Homeowners— understand what's going on in your home's electrical system, fix what's safe to fix, and know exactly when to call a licensed pro.
• People joining the trade — the honest path into apprenticeship, schooling, pay, and what the work is really like.
• Working electricians and apprentices — code updates, field calculators, reference material, and resources to stay sharp.

The one rule: safety first

Electricity doesn't give second chances. Every guide on this site is written with that respect. I'll always tell you when a job is a reasonable do-it-yourself task — and just as importantly, when it isn't, and it's time to bring in a licensed electrician. This site is here to inform you, not to replace a professional who can put eyes and a meter on your specific situation.

A note on accuracy

Electrical codes and best practices change, and they vary by location. Everything here reflects decades of hands-on experience and current references, but your local code and permitting requirements always come first. When in doubt, ask your local inspector or a licensed electrician in your area.