Panel Upgrades Archives

What’s that Electrical Buzzing Sound in the Wall?

Posted on September 29, 2020 | by K Hopkins

humming Your house is not the scene of a horror movie. So, in most cases when you have heard a certain buzzing sound more than once, it’s probably real and not your mind playing tricks.

What’s normal about electrical buzzing sounds?

Electrical appliances do make sounds caused by the electricity itself. This is thanks to the alternating current in electric wires which cause fluctuations or irregularity in magnetic fields. The fluctuations, in turn, produce vibrations which play out as harmless, quiet sounds.

The twist to this, however, is that not everyone can hear the sounds of their electrical appliances. Only very few people who are attuned to the sound of electricity can. For audible sounds to be created, there has to be an increase in voltage.

When is an electrical buzzing sound no longer normal?

When the noise, hum, or buzz becomes louder than it should be, then it’s time to worry. An electrician can help you point out the source of the buzz and its cause.

An electrical buzzing sound can also be referred to as a mains hum. You can often hear a mains hum which is above 60 hertz around your refrigerator or other large units in the home that operate on a motor.

Beyond this, a mains hum can indicate a problem in your breakers or wiring. If the loud sound seems to come from a breaker, shutting it off may be a bad idea. Hence, contacting an electrical technician is the best thing to do.

If the noise comes from an appliance or fixture, you can shut it off immediately before calling a professional electrician. An electrical buzzing sound from a lighting fixture might only require you to change the bulb to fix the problem.

Buzzing sounds from the wall usually indicate old or damaged wires. You can shut off the power to the circuits in that area to stop the noise and call an electrician.

Wall outlets can be another source of an electrical buzz and the culprit is often improperly grounded wiring or increase in voltage that overwhelms the wiring.

It’s important to attend to electrical humming sounds as soon as possible. If the humming sounds do indicate a problem, then there is a risk of electrical fires and the issue getting worse than it is. Getting professional help on-time serves to protect life and property. Do not attempt to DIY the issue as it can only make things worse and put everyone around you in danger.

Can a Homeowner Replace Electrical Panel?

Posted on July 28, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Your home’s electrical panel is the source of electricity to your home. It is where the power from your utility company is distributed across circuits, outlets, and all areas where they are needed in the home.

All too often, homeowners try to DIY some electrical services and the short answer to the topic question is yes. The long and safer answer, however, is no.

An electrical panel should only be replaced for reasons such as the following;

The panel is faulty
The panel is old/ you live in an old home
It’s not up to code
You need to add a new appliance, renovate your home, or need more power.

Why an electrician should replace an electrical panel?

Replacing the electrical panel can involve rewiring the home as well. It also means having to deal with permits, a dangerous amount of electricity, and so on.

An electrician should be one to replace or repair an electrical panel because they are trained, experienced, and knowledgeable on the project. An electrician knows the safety measures to put in place to protect himself and your home while working on such a demanding project. Electricians are updated on the latest National Electrical Code information. They are insured to cover any injury or damage gotten from the project – which is unlikely for a homeowner.

Taking directions or advice on the process from online sources still means you are unsure or uninformed about what you’re doing and this could lead to fatal injuries and fire.

What you need to know before replacing your electrical panel?

You will need a permit. A panel replacement is a serious electrical project that often requires the technician performing it to pull a permit.

In some states, it’s illegal for a homeowner to do electrical works themselves. You would be unable to pull a permit in this situation. You would also need to get the final work inspected.

It goes further to when or if you intend to sell your home. Some states require that homeowners provide a list of all modifications or repairs done to the home without a permit.

Before you take on replacing the panel yourself, it’s important to first check with your local laws and know what’s legal or required.

Learn the safety measures involved and understand the steps well before starting the project.

While many homeowners can replace their electrical panel, most choose to leave it to the professionals. The cost and hassle of hiring an electrical technician for the project are worth it when your safety is on the line. A professional replacement guarantees a reliable system and no conflicts with the law. You can get an inspection, sell your home smoothly, and enjoy your upgraded electrical system as you want.

With experienced electricians such as The Electric Connection, a panel replacement can be affordable and stress-free. We do our best to make this less worrisome or intrusive on your part. Start by scheduling an inspection to confirm if your panel should be replaced or repaired.

Do I Need A Panel Upgrade When Purchasing a New Refrigerator?

Posted on July 24, 2020 | by K Hopkins

A refrigerator is almost a must-have in modern homes and as such various models hit the market every day trying to meet up with homeowners’ needs. When you purchase a new refrigerator, it’s fine to wonder if there will be any complications with your home’s electrical system.

Your home’s electrical system and panel precisely might seem like superheroes who never tire but make no mistake, it has a limit to what it can take.

There are several reasons you might need a panel upgrade with or without your purchase of a new refrigerator. They include:

More power

An old home yet to be rewired likely has a 60-100 amp electrical panel. Modern homes typically have a 150-200 amp service and larger homes can even invest in a 400 amp service. As you would observe the capacity for home panels seems to increase over time. It’s only natural following the constant introduction of various home appliances on the market. Hence, when adding any home appliance it’s important to ensure you have sufficient power.

An upgrade gives you more power and the flexibility to do this without the worry of putting stress on your electrical system. If your amperage is insufficient for new additions, the breaker will trip frequently and be at risk of electrical issues. Power-hungry appliances in any home often include air conditioner, electric clothes dryer, electric range, hot tub, and refrigerators. An upgrade becomes necessary for you to enjoy a safe system with the freedom to add new appliances.

Faulty wiring

Flickering or dimming lights, sparking or discolored power outlets, burning smells, and more are warning signs that indicate faulty wiring. Your home electrical wiring was built to last, but not forever. As the wiring deteriorates with use, the need for rewiring and upgrade can come up.

Old-fashioned fuse box

Circuit breakers and fuses perform the same function, but fuses are outdated because of their limitation to one-time use. While circuit breakers have to be reset after tripping to prevent a short circuit, fuses melt and disrupt the flow of power. Fuse boxes are often found in old homes and you will need an upgrade to change them.

Despite these reasons, only an electrician, like those at The Electric Connection, can determine if an upgrade is what you need. Upgrading from a lower amp to up to 200 amps can cost up to $3000. The project usually requires a permit and will be inspected after completion.

Refrigerators and your electrical panel

Refrigerators come in different design, styles, and sizes, but they all typically require a dedicated 115 or 120 volts with a properly grounded branch circuit. This should also use a 3 prong grounding type receptacle, protected by a 15 or 20-amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse. If you are plugging your refrigerator in with a generator as the power source, you will need to know the wattage. You can find the exact figures written on the refrigerator’s rating plate. Make your calculations using volts x amps = wattage.

A fact to note is that the amps or wattage needed to start the refrigerator is 3 times its running amps or wattage.

Electrical Panel Questions & Answers

Posted on May 9, 2020 | by K Hopkins

The electrical panel can be a confusing subject for many homeowners. That grey metal box determines how electricity flows in your home and the capacity of your electrical system. Here are some questions and answers to help you know your panel more and explore the mystery around it.

Can I install an electrical panel in the bathroom?

The short answer to this is no. When installing electrical conductors or equipment, you must consider the environment they will be used in. For example, electrical conductors to be used in a damp environment must be marked for that. And to install a panel in a bathroom, all the electrical components have to be marked for indoor wet location. This is neither feasible nor economical. Hence, an electrical panel is always installed in a place it can be kept dry, protected, and minimize the quantity of electrical wiring needed to reach other locations in the home.

Should home surge protectors be installed in the main electrical panel?

Yes! Whole house surge protectors protect your appliances during power surges and help you avoid the hassle of having to replace them. In the upcoming 2020 NEC, there is a proposal that whole home surge protectors be installed with every new electrical panel installation; including replacements.

Is it mandatory for electrical panel circuit breakers to be labeled?

Yes, the electrical code requires that electric panel breakers circuits be labelled. This labeling is vital for the safe operation of the panel, especially when there is an emergency. The circuit breakers should be labeled in such a way that it is easy for anyone to tell what circuit serves where. There should also be a circuit directory on the inside of the panel door capable of enduring much wear and tear. The initial labeling of the circuit breakers takes only minutes.

What are the spacing rules for receptacle outlets on kitchen countertops?

For this to come into play, recall that you would often need to use an appliance on the countertop. Most appliances come with cords up to 24-inches or more. So, receptacle outlets are installed in a work space 12-inches or wider. They are installed in such a way that you can’t go over 24-inches along the wall line without reaching an outlet.

Can I use nonmetallic cable ties in an electrical panel?

Yes, this is a solid way to keep the electrical conductors neatly grouped and the installation looking professional.

Do I install a GFCI device in the panel or a receptacle?

When it comes to GFCI devices, the most common options today are GFCI receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers. Using a GFCI circuit breaker means everything connected to that branch circuit is protected and this would be an ideal option. However, for existing systems, using a GFCI circuit breaker might not work correctly. GFCI receptacles are preferable in such situations.

To know more about your panel or get an inspection for any electrical issues, connect with the Service Team at The Electric Connection.

Do I Need a Permit to Add a Subpanel in Los Angeles?

Posted on April 22, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Your home’s electrical panel provides power to all electrical components of the home. But sometimes the electrical panel may need assistance and this is where a subpanel comes in.

A subpanel can be described as a mini electrical panel. It has the same structure and functions as the main electrical panel and is only present as a sub. A subpanel is connected to the main panel via three thick wires. It has separate bus bars for ground and neutral wires and may be labeled ‘lugs only’. In most cases, the subpanel isn’t the same brand with the main electrical panel.

Why do I need a subpanel?

Choosing to add a subpanel can be for different reasons because subpanels are not mandatory. A subpanel provides ample space when you need to install more appliances in the home, renovate, or simply lessen the load on the main electrical panel. They also provide convenience by reducing circuit wiring runs when you centrally locate the subpanel. This also helps to reduce a drop in voltage.

How does it work?

To add or install a subpanel, you must first determine the right sizing. It involves considering the power you need alongside what the main electrical panel has to offer. For example, you can easily add a subpanel of 100 amps if the main electrical panel is 200 amps or more. Bur when you have a 100 amp main electrical panel adding a subpanel of the same 100 amps in contradictory. The only solution will be to upgrade your main electrical panel first.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has specific rules when it comes to installing subpanels or main electrical panels. The electrical panels must have a minimum of 36 inches of clearance in front, 30 inches of clearance across the face, and 78 inches minimum above the floor.

In addition, you must mount the panel in a safe, dry, and easily accessible area.

Do I need a permit for this?

Most electrical work requires a permit, but for installing a subpanel the situation differs across jurisdictions. You would have to contact your city’s building and code department, Los Angeles Building and Safety, to determine if you require a permit before starting the installation.

Also, be sure to inquire about inspection schedules to know when you can call for an inspection of the work. Bear in mind that if you require a permit for this electrical work, it should only be acquired by the person who will be performing the work.

Tips for installing a subpanel.

Shut off electrical power to avoid accidents before you begin any electrical work. Determine where you will mount the panel. Seek professional help from a local electrician.

When to Contact a Los Angeles Electrician

If you think you may need to install or replace a subpanel in Los Angeles, give The Electric Connection a call today. Our team of dispatchers are standing by waiting to take you call. They’ll go over your project with you and get you on schedule with one of our expert electricians. Don’t delay!

Avoiding Electrical Overload In Your Home

Posted on February 28, 2020 | by K Hopkins

What is an electrical overload?

When too much current passes through your electrical wires, you may experience an electrical overload. When this happens, the wires may heat up and melt which may result in a fire starting.

Appliances like televisions, microwaves, hairdryers are the highest power-consuming devices in the average home. The power consumption can go higher once you start thinking of lighting and other smaller devices. A high number of devices will lead to many electrical circuits on your electrical panel.

You run the risk of having an electrical overload once you begin to draw too much power from an electrical source or circuit. While different buildings have different designs, circuit breakers or fuses are often employed to prevent electrical overload. A fuse will burn itself out to perform its job and will need a replacement once it has done so. With circuit breakers, they only trip off if a lot of electrical current is drawn.

Steps to Take to Avoid Electrical Overload

There are a few steps that you can take yourself to avoid the occurrence of an overload.

Know what circuit powers what device. Identifying what circuit your highest power consuming devices are is the first step. A single circuit is usually dedicated to most of these devices. Such devices include furnaces, toasters, hairdryers, refrigerators, and microwaves. Once you have identified these circuits, it is necessary to pay particular attention to them and avoid connecting other devices to them.

Avoid having too many connections to one circuit. Having a lot of devices drawing power from a circuit can cause an electrical overload. In most situations, you do not know how dangerous it is until the fuse burns out or the breaker trips off.
To find out what device is connected to a particular circuit, you could turn off one breaker after the other while turning on each device. This will help you determine where each connection goes on your board.

Note how much power a circuit can supply. You should only connect the appropriately rated device to an equally rated circuit. With a rated voltage of 120 volts, a 15-amp circuit can only supply power of 1800 watts, anything more is an overload of the circuit. Put this in mind when connecting devices to a circuit. It is recommended that you do not load up a circuit to its maximum rating, this will allow for the connection of other irregularly used devices.

Add more receptacles. At the Electric Connection, we find that most people do not consider getting new receptacles until the old ones burn out. This is wrong. You should get more or better receptacles once you realize that the present ones cannot supply all the electrical power you need. Getting a new outlet will offer you more options in terms of circuit connections and will help reduce downtime in case there is a damaged outlet.

If you are adding new receptacles, you will likely need the help of an electrician. All electrical safety procedures should be implemented before this is done. Contact The Electric Connection for the installation and to ensure you have enough space inside your panel to handle the load. If a panel upgrade is necessary, we will be able to assist as well!

What is the Cost to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel in 2020?

Posted on January 7, 2020 | by K Hopkins

It’s just annoying to live in a home that does not have enough power. The voltage will drop frequently, and this can be damaging to your electronics. Situations like this indicate that you need to upgrade your electrical panel. Other reasons why you might need to upgrade your panel include:

Living in an old home
Adding new appliances
Expanding the home
Experiencing frequent breaker tripping, buzzing or crackling, flickering lights and more
Your insurance provider wants it done.
To meet up to current electrical codes and standards

The benefits of an upgrade include:

Improved electrical safety and efficiency
More power in the home
Use of any appliances you need.
Satisfy electrical codes and requirements and your insurance provider.

The disadvantages of an electrical panel upgrade include:

Costly to carry out
The process can be messy and intrusive to your comfort and home structure.

What an upgrade will cost:

Upgrading an electrical panel is first a serious project both financial and in the service itself. Upgrading to either a 100 amp or 200 amp panel can cost anywhere from between $800 – $3000. The exact amount depends on several factors which we will discuss below.

What influences the cost for an electrical panel upgrade?

Materials– The materials for the upgrade always contribute to the cost. The process will need materials like wires, fittings, and so on. Your electrician will give you a clear view of what is needed depending on other factors with your upgrade.
Labor– An upgrade is a tedious work and some electricians charge by the hour or per the job. Sometimes, other components of your electrical system will need to be fixed or replaced. These could be the circuits, grounding, wiring, fixtures, outlets, and more. This will increase labor costs. If the walls need to be taken down completely, that will matter too.
Amperage of the new panel– Is it a 100 amp or a 200 amp? This also influences cost.

Other factors might be if the panel has to be moved.

Who should upgrade an electrical panel?

A licensed and experienced electrician should be the one you call for an electrical panel upgrade. The electrician will first confirm that an upgrade is what you need and then proceed to consider all the necessary factors. He will give you the total cost, get a permit, and the project can begin.

How about DIY?

Changing a light bulb can be a DIY project. Installing a ceiling fan can also be a DIY project, but upgrading an electrical panel is NOT a DIY project. It requires knowledge of electrical codes and standards. It requires training, a license, permits, and experience. If you skip getting a permit, you can be fined for this. It is equally dangerous for someone who is unsure of what they are doing, as mistakes could cause fires and electrical shocks. It also requires the right tools and equipment.

Reach out to us at The Electric Connection for inquiries on upgrades.

Can I Upgrade to a 200 Amp Service?

Posted on November 2, 2019 | by K Hopkins

In the past, many homes could get away with using at most a 60 – 100 Amp service. But as technology evolves every day and homeowners are exposed to more and more appliances, 100 Amps can no longer cut it for most homes.

Knowing if you can upgrade to a 200 Amp service panel involves considering a few key points. Stick with these lines to learn more.

You can upgrade to a 200 Amp service under the following conditions:

You need more electrical power
Have you added or do you plan to add any new appliance in your home? If so, don’t be in a hurry to upgrade your panel. Check the amount of power needed by this new appliance. Several appliances require a moderate amount of power that do not need you to make drastic changes to your panel. While power-hungry appliances like an Air conditioner will need much power to operate.

Hence, if you are adding appliances such as cell phones, LED TV, and an incandescent light bulb, there’s no need to worry. Appliances like an air conditioner, electric clothes dryer, electric range, or hot tub can be a reason to upgrade your amp service.

Your home is old
Older homes usually have a lower amp panel and the electrical wiring can be worn out from years of use. This limits the efficiency of your home and certainly calls for an upgrade. You will need a professional electrician to inspect your electrical system and inform you about the status of your wiring.

You want a safer electrical system
100 Amp may not trip breakers now but it is cutting it too close for electrical safety. When you have a larger amperage like 200 Amps, the unused extra serves as a buffer that is safe and flexible for your system. With a 100 Amp panel in a modern home, half of your safe capacity is taken up from simply switching on one appliance. If there’s an issue and you are lucky, the breaker will trip. In older homes, any unlucky situation involving a 100 Amp panel can trigger an electrical fire.

You want efficiency and room to grow
A 200 Amp service guarantees greater efficiency of your home. It gives you room to grow at any time you choose. You might not need it now, but who says you won’t want a backyard pool in the future? Or perhaps a basement bar or one of these power-hungry devices you do not have now?

The electrician says so
The most dependable way to know if you can upgrade to a 200 Amp panel is to ask an electrician. A professional electrician will check your current electrical system and give accurate advice on what is needed. If you do need an upgrade the electrician can provide that as well.

A panel upgrade is a serious project so be sure to hire only a licensed, qualified, and insured electrician. Reach out to us here for this service and more.

How Much Power Do Window AC Units Use?

Posted on October 26, 2019 | by K Hopkins

When you are not up for the huge investment on a central AC, a window AC may be your next best option. A window AC is typically installed at the window but unlike a central AC, they only service the rooms they are installed in. Only a central AC can cool all or many rooms at once. Read on as we explore what a window AC could mean for your energy bills.

A window AC unit consumes less than 1/3 of the energy used by a central AC. It is a cost-effective option when you have just one or a few window ACs. It is vital to know that the power demands can increase drastically if you install many of these units.

Before installing an AC, it is important to confirm that your electrical system can accommodate the new addition. This is because regardless of the energy-saving capacity of a window AC, it is still more powerful than almost all other units in the home.

A professional electrician can advise you on the installation and equally help to upgrade your panel, create dedicated outlets, and all other electrical components required for the unit. A window AC comes in various sizes and capacity, which also influences the power it consumes. Typically, a standard outlet is suitable for a 115-volt window unit with a 15-amp requirement. However, a larger window unit with between 125 to 220 volts and higher amperage will require a dedicated outlet.

A window unit is cheaper to obtain than other options like a central AC unit and a Ductless unit. But it lacks in the kind of power other air conditioners have.

If you are wondering about other options for AC and cooling, a ductless air conditioner might be a good choice. It costs more than the window unit initially, but it also packs more power. Also, in the long run, a ductless air conditioner saves you more money on the energy bill.

Central AC units are a great option, but they contribute a large chunk to the electric bill. If you must use them, employ energy-saving tips to cut down on energy costs.

Who should install a window AC unit?

Only a professional and licensed technician should install your window AC unit or any other unit. At the Electric Connection, we are experts in installing units like the AC to enhance comfort in your home. You can reach out to us to help you decide on the best energy-saving methods and install your AC unit.

How to Fix a Tripped Breaker

Posted on September 15, 2019 | by K Hopkins

When a part of your home or fixture suddenly goes dark, it is usually because of an individual circuit breaker tripping. The best way to find out if this is the case is to check your main electrical panel. The main electrical panel is located in the basement or utility room. A tripped breaker is always represented by a breaker switch facing a different direction from all others. For example, others may seem ON and just this one switch seems OFF or in-between.

Since no one switched off this breaker, you can safely assume it tripped. Now, a breaker tripping is not a strange thing. The circuit breakers are designed to act as safety devices in the home to prevent electrical problems or hazards from occurring. When there is a sudden surge of energy due to lightning or overload the electric breaker will trip. If an outlet suddenly draws too much current, the electric breaker will also trip.

How to reset a tripped breaker

The first thing to do has been explained above, and it is finding the tripped breaker.
Next, turn off all the lights, outlets, or electric devices controlled by that breaker. To guide you the breaker should be labeled for the area it serves.
Reset the breaker by making sure it is in the OFF position. Then, turn the switch back ON. Turn on your appliances or the outlets connected to that circuit.

This simple procedure should fix the problem, but if the breaker trips again it means there is another issue. In this case, it’s time to call an expert electrician at The Electric Connection.

Here are some possible causes of a breaker tripping

Ground fault
A ground fault occurs in the grounded junction box. It is when a hot wire and a bare ground wire both touch the metal box housing them. This sets off a reaction that pushes an unusual and large amount of electricity through the circuit. This will repeatedly trip the breaker and eventually burn an outlet.

Faulty appliance
A faulty appliance can have both short circuits and ground faults that overheat the circuits and cause the breaker to trip.

Short circuit
A short circuit occurs when a neutral wire and hot wire touch. This can happen within the home’s wiring system, an outlet, or a fixture. A short circuit leads to overheating, which trips the breaker.

Most circuit breaker tripping is caused by overloading. Usually, when you can identify what you were doing before the breaker tripped, you can stop or unplug the electrical device to restore order. Resetting the breaker with the steps above will work fine.

However, a short circuit or ground fault are more serious problems that require an electrical technician. Some signs you might observe in either situation are burning smell or scorch marks around an outlet. A faulty appliance will also need to be replaced or repaired to avoid electrical problems. An electrician can confirm the true cause of the tripping breaker and fix it.