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ELECTRICAL BASICS

Empower yourself with the knowledge and confidence to understand—and safely work around—your home’s electrical system.

Duration: 3 hours

Age Requirement: Must be 15+

Dress Code: Closed-toe shoes required. Comfortable, well-fitted clothing that you won't mind getting dirty.  No loose jewelry.  Longer hair should be pulled back in a ponytail or ball cap.

What's Included:  Materials + Take Home Multimeter ($30 value)

$225

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

  • LEARN HOW TO USE A MULTIMETER

  • VOLTAGE & AMPERAGE

  • HOW TO WIRE AND INSTALL A LIGHT SWITCH

  • HOW TO WIRE AND INSTALL AN OUTLET

  • HOW WIRE AND INSTALL A GFCI/AFCI

  • HOW TO WIRE FOR 220V FOR APPLIANCES LIKE DRYERS OR STOVES

  • HOW TO REMOVE AND INSTALL BREAKERS

  • PULL CABLES THROUGH WALLS AND ATTACH

  • FIRE & SAFETY CODE

  • WIRE TYPES & COLOR CODES

DO-IT-YOURSELF
AND SAVE!

Hiring a licensed electrician to replace a single outlet or light switch typically costs $150–$250, often with a minimum service fee even for small jobs.


If you need a few outlets or light fixtures updated, that cost can quickly climb to $500 or more.

Learn how to safely handle these simple tasks yourself — and understand when it’s time to call in a pro.

Workshop Description

This hands-on workshop takes the mystery out of household electricity. You’ll learn what’s really happening behind your switches and outlets, how to stay safe, and how to complete basic wiring tasks correctly.

 

No prior experience is required — this workshop includes live demonstrations and supervised hands-on practice using professional equipment.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand the basics of how electricity works — voltage, current, resistance, and power — and how they apply in your home.

  • Identify common household electrical issues such as phantom loads, shared neutrals, and loose connections (and know when to call a pro).

  • Apply essential code concepts every homeowner should know, including GFCI and AFCI protection, box fill, grounding, bonding, and spacing requirements.

  • Recognize and correctly name the most common household electrical devices like switches, outlets, GFCIs, dimmers, and LEDs.

  • Wire a single-pole switch, a standard receptacle, and a GFCI correctly—with confidence.

  • Safely use a digital multimeter to verify de-energized circuits, check continuity, and confirm correct polarity.

  • Begin mapping your home’s electrical circuits so you can label key outlets and breakers.

Hands-On Learning

Each participant will have their own practice bay to wire devices under instructor supervision.

 

You’ll learn to:

  • Pull and prepare electrical cable

  • Wire outlets and switches properly

  • Bond grounds and secure connections

  • Label your circuits and test your work safely

Safety First

Safety is our top priority. You’ll learn the correct safety procedures professionals use, including:

  • PPE and safe work habits

  • Lockout/tagout demonstrations

  • How to “verify de-energized” before working on any circuit

Take-Home Tools & Resources

 

Each student receives:

  • A digital multimeter (included with class fee)

  • A pocket reference guide covering wire colors, GFCI/AFCI rules, device ratings, and a “When to Call an Electrician” checklist

  • A circuit mapping worksheet with stickers to label your home’s panel

Why Take This Class

Electricity powers your home — but understanding it helps you protect it. This workshop builds real confidence, helps prevent costly mistakes, and teaches you how to talk knowledgeably with electricians and inspectors. Leave with the skills, tools, and know-how to make your home safer and smarter.

Want a full day of fun?  Register for back-to-back workshops for BOTH Level One and Level Two Electrical.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

My name is Alex Walsh

Hey, I’m Alex! I’m a lifelong Northern Virginia local who grew up in the electrical trade.  I was wiring things with my family at Walsh Electric by the time I was ten, and it’s been a part of my life ever since. I’m a licensed electrician and have worked on projects that range from classified military installations all the way down to simple outlets and light switches. One of the biggest jobs I’ve tackled was a full renovation of 412 apartment units in Alexandria, which meant new services and brand-new electrical systems throughout.

These days, I’ve transitioned into doing more estimating and project planning. I spend a lot of time face-to-face with homeowners and business owners, and that daily interaction has taught me what the average person really needs to know about electricity to feel safe and confident in their own space.

When I’m not working, I’m usually hanging out with my wife, our three-year-old, our newborn, and 3 cats in Annandale — or sneaking in a movie or two (recent favorites have been A Touch of Zen and Sonatine). And when hockey season hits, you’ll probably find me watching the Washington Capitals like it’s a full-blown religion.

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