Troubleshooting Archives

Common Electrical Issues In Old Homes And How To Fix Them

Posted on July 12, 2023 | by K Hopkins

Old homes are charming and filled with character, but they often come with electrical issues that need to be addressed. If you live in an older home in the Los Angeles area, you may have experienced some of these common electrical issues. In this article, we’ll discuss these issues and how to fix them.

Outdated Wiring: Many older homes in Los Angeles still have knob-and-tube wiring, which is not only outdated but also a potential fire hazard. Over time, this type of wiring can become brittle and fail to provide adequate power to modern appliances and electronics. To fix this issue, The Electric Connection can upgrade your home’s wiring to a safer and more efficient system.
Faulty Electrical Panels: The electrical panel is the hub of your home’s electrical system, and if it’s outdated or faulty, it can cause a variety of issues. Common signs of a faulty electrical panel include flickering lights, tripping breakers, and frequent power outages. The Electric Connection can inspect your electrical panel and determine if a panel upgrade is necessary to prevent potential safety hazards.
Overloaded Circuits: Overloading circuits is a common issue in older homes, especially if you’re using too many electronics or appliances at once. This can cause your circuit breaker to trip frequently or your lights to flicker. The Electric Connection can install additional circuits to prevent overloading and ensure your electrical system is working efficiently.
Outdated Outlets: Old homes often have outdated electrical outlets that are not grounded or have a two-prong configuration. This can cause safety hazards and prevent you from using modern electronics and appliances. The Electric Connection can upgrade your outlets to ensure they are up to code and provide a safe and reliable source of power.
Faulty Switches: If your light switches are faulty or not functioning properly, it can be frustrating and potentially hazardous. Faulty switches can also be a sign of a larger electrical issue. The Electric Connection can inspect your switches and replace them if necessary to ensure your home is safe and functioning properly.

In conclusion, if you’re experiencing any of these common electrical issues in your old home, it’s important to take action to address them. The Electric Connection has the experience and expertise to handle any electrical issue in your home, from a simple outlet upgrade to a complete rewiring. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system.

In addition to addressing these common issues, The Electric Connection can also perform regular electrical maintenance to ensure your system is running efficiently and to identify potential safety hazards before they become bigger problems. By having a trusted electrician on call, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is safe and functioning properly.

In conclusion, if you’re experiencing any electrical issues in your old home in the Los Angeles area, don’t hesitate to contact The Electric Connection for help. With their expertise and experience, they can address any issue and ensure the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical system.

The Importance Of Regular Electrical Maintenance

Posted on June 14, 2023 | by K Hopkins

As a homeowner or business owner in the Los Angeles area, you rely on your electrical system to power your daily activities. From lighting and appliances to computers and entertainment systems, your electrical system plays a critical role in your daily life. However, like any other system in your home or business, your electrical system requires regular maintenance to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently. At The Electric Connection, we specialize in providing electrical maintenance services for homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area.

Here are some of the reasons why regular electrical maintenance is so important:

Safety

One of the primary reasons to invest in regular electrical maintenance is safety. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and outdated electrical systems can all pose serious safety risks to your home or business. By investing in regular electrical maintenance, you can identify and address potential safety issues before they become major problems. This can help to protect your property, as well as the people who live or work in your space.

Efficiency

Another reason to invest in regular electrical maintenance is efficiency. Over time, electrical systems can become less efficient due to factors such as wear and tear and outdated technology. This can result in higher energy bills, as well as reduced performance of your electrical appliances and devices. Regular maintenance can help to ensure that your electrical system is functioning at peak efficiency, which can help to lower your energy bills and improve the performance of your appliances and devices.

Cost Savings

Investing in regular electrical maintenance can also help you save money over the long term. By identifying and addressing potential problems early on, you can avoid more expensive repairs down the line. Additionally, by improving the efficiency of your electrical system, you can lower your energy bills and reduce the costs associated with running your home or business.

Peace of Mind

Finally, investing in regular electrical maintenance can provide you with peace of mind. Knowing that your electrical system is functioning safely and efficiently can help you feel more secure in your home or business. Additionally, regular maintenance can help to prevent unexpected electrical outages, which can be disruptive to your daily activities.

At The Electric Connection, we understand the importance of regular electrical maintenance. Our team of experienced electricians can provide a wide range of maintenance services, including electrical inspections, testing and tagging, and preventive maintenance. We use the latest tools and technology to ensure that your electrical system is functioning at peak efficiency, and we can provide expert recommendations for upgrades or repairs as needed.

By investing in regular electrical maintenance with The Electric Connection, you can ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your electrical system. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, our team can provide customized maintenance solutions that are tailored to your specific needs.

In addition to providing maintenance services, The Electric Connection also offers a variety of other electrical services, including installations, repairs, and upgrades. Our team has the skills and expertise to handle any electrical project, big or small.

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced electrical maintenance provider in the Los Angeles area, contact The Electric Connection today. With our commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, you can trust us to keep your electrical system running smoothly for years to come.

Why Do Your Lights Flicker When You Turn On The AC?

Posted on September 27, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Electrical problems are too much of a risk to leave unattended. If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering why your lights flicker when you turn on the AC. It’s important to know that your AC needs a high amount of electricity to power up initially. Turning it up will eventually lead to it draining energy from other appliances already turned on, like your lights. This is what causes them to flicker. Subsequently, your lights would also dim and lose about 5% of their initial brightness. This is a normal occurrence if you have a modern AC unit or you live in an older home, then you may have nothing to worry about.

However, it’s not always like that in most cases, and you have to be on the lookout for when flickering lights mean something a bit more frightening. If you’ve noticed that your lights are starting to flicker, you would need to do a routine check. Go around the house and be on the lookout for any other lights in any other place that’s flickering as well. Check out if it’s in a particular area or has a wide coverage. Try out other appliances to know what else could be causing them to flicker.

If you’ve noticed a more consistent flickering in other places as well, the first step would be to call a professional electrician to have it properly checked and the problem fixed. Here are some common problems that are causing your lights to dim or flicker.

Damaged or Loose Wires: if you have damaged or loose wires, your lights probably turn off and on rapidly and consistently when you turn on your AC. You’d notice discoloration or charred wiring leading to a loss of electrical current flowing to the light bulbs, as well as temporary voltage drops causing the lights to flicker and dim.

Your AC Has A Weak Capacitor: it’s okay for your lights to go a little dim when you turn on your AC. It happens in a split second and not many people notice it because it’s not as noticeable as you’d think. If your lights lose a significant amount of their brightness at once when the AC comes on, you most likely have a faulty capacitor. A capacitor is meant to store energy to give the compressor an extra boost when it starts. When it loses its ability to store and therefore provide energy, your AC draws on that energy from the other appliances in your home, like your lightbulbs.

Your Circuit is Overloaded: a buzzing or crackling sound followed by the consistent dimming of lights are telltale signs that your circuit is overloaded. If your lights go off as soon as your AC comes on, that’s a sign as well. Your AC needs its own circuit to function properly. Adding any other appliance could cause the circuit to overload. These could start sparks or even fires. All sorts of electrical problems should be considered very critical and treated as such.

How Much Electricity Is My Stove Using?

Posted on August 17, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Are you bothered about how much electricity your stove is using? Do you wonder what appliances use the most electricity as your electric bill comes in? Are you looking for the advantages and benefits of using an electric stove instead of a gas cooker?

In this article, we would exemplify how your stove uses electricity, how to reduce your electric stove electricity usage, the advantages and benefits of using an electric stove, the options available for cooking, and their pros and cons.

If you need to add a new circuit for your stove, give The Electric Connection a call!

How To Determine How much Electricity your Electric Stove is Using

According to research, an electric stove uses on average about 2,000 to 5,000 watts during use depending on so many factors, including:

Number of burners

How many burners do you use? How often do you use more than one burner while cooking? All these will depend on how much electricity you use while cooking.

Oven Usage

Do you power your oven with electricity? Ovens are known to use more electricity than stoves. Your oven usage and frequency can greatly affect your electricity consumption.

Cooking Duration

How often do you cook? How long do you cook? Do you make multiple foods and make meals for large people? All these can adversely affect how low or high the amount of electricity you use.

How To Reduce Your Stove Electricity Usage

You can reduce your electricity use with some tips no matter how much cooking you do. Sometimes, you can save up some watts of electricity by being organized, careful, and following the tips below:

Use the same burner-to-pot ratio

It is advisable to use the same circumference of the burner for your pot. When you use a larger burner for a smaller pot, you are wasting electricity you could have ordinarily saved.

Meal Preps

To save electricity, you need to learn how to make meal preparations and do all the washing and cutting before turning on your electric stove. This will save you the electricity while prepping your meals while your electric stove is on. You would be amazed at the amount of energy you save when you begin to do this.

4 Advantages of Using Electric Stove

Let’s highlight a few benefits of using an electric stove.

It is safer and easier to turn off and turn on an electric stove.
It is noticeable that the kitchen is cooler while cooking with an electric stove than with a gas stove.
It has a more stable surface for pots and pans and is easier to clean with a cooktop.
It is less expensive and easier to install unlike a gas stove with the hike in gas prices.

4 Disadvantages of Using an Electric Stove

Also, there are a few disadvantages to using an electric stove: They are:

It is dependent on electricity. When there is a power outage then you can’t cook either.
Some electric stoves, especially the modern ones, cost more than gas stoves. Which is generally not cost-effective.
They cook food slower than gas stoves. The cooking time is slower which may not be helpful when you are hungry.
The cooktops can be easily damaged if handled carelessly which may not be cost-effective.

Electrical Troubleshooting In Los Angeles

Posted on January 25, 2021 | by K Hopkins

Troubleshooting your electrical problems can be tough or easy depending on the nature of the problem or how much of an expert you are.

Electrical troubleshooting involves finding the source of a system malfunction and knowing how to repair it. Its electrical problem-solving that qualified electricians can perform.

Signs you need electrical repairs and a troubleshooting expert in Los Angeles

Regardless of if electrical problems come up in your commercial/industrial building or residential building, you will need a qualified electrician to find the cause and offer solutions. Some signs you need electrical repairs and a troubleshooting expert include;

Fuses blowing continuously
Lighting issues such as lights flickering, dimming, and so on
Loose power outlets
Buzzing noises
Sparks or arcs
Electric shocks
Burning smells
Equipment fails
Power system fails

Knowing an expert electrical troubleshooter in Los Angeles

An expert troubleshooter can find all kinds of fault regardless of if they are easy or complicated.
They can repair and replace only the defective components in the system
Expert electrical troubleshooters in Los Angeles can understand both circuits they are familiar with and those they are not.
They use the right tools to refine their skills and identify defective components in an electrical system
They are experienced and constant practice makes them more proficient.

What happens during electrical troubleshooting in Los Angeles?

Electrical troubleshooting in Los Angeles can be a smooth and easy process with the right professional. The electrician will gather as much information as he can about the problem you’re experiencing by asking questions. With this knowledge, he can get prepared with the right tools and approach. He will go through your electrical system to find the cause or source of the electrical issue. Once found, he will fix the problem and run tests to make sure everything works properly.

Can you troubleshoot electrical repairs on your own?

Yes, and no. It’s important to always leave electrical work to licensed electricians. This ensures safety in your home from electrical hazards and efficiency. With a professional at work to solve your electrical problem, you are likely to avoid any headaches on the same or other issues anytime soon.

On the other hand, for residential buildings, there are some common electrical problems that you can fix yourself. These include issues that require little to no troubleshooting experience. Some examples are;

Fixing a loose outlet plug
Fixing cut or damaged extension cords
Reassembling a broken light switch
Resetting the electrical breaker.

If you are in a commercial or industrial building and don’t have an electrical expert available, don’t attempt to DIY any problems that arise. The electrical system in a commercial or industrial building can differ significantly from that of homes, and a DIY gone wrong can have terrible consequences.

Some electrical problems you shouldn’t DIY include;

Lighting issues
Dead outlets
Warm outlets
Breakers tripping more than normal
Equipment fails
Power system fails

At the Electric Connection, all our electrical technicians are expert troubleshooters in Los Angeles first. They are trained in solving your electrical issues.

Free Electrical Advice

Posted on February 2, 2020 | by K Hopkins

We are only able to provide advice to residents and business owners in the Los Angeles area. Please call us at (818) 446-0888 for more information.

The electrical system of a building is important to its function and efficiency. But with so much use to bear and the factors involved with getting a solid electrical system, electrical issues and questions often occur. Not every electrical issue or question comes at a financial cost. You can get free electrical advice that directly answers your immediate minor need.

At the Electric Connection, our professional electricians are always available to receive your calls and provide consultation free of charge during office hours. These are experts with great troubleshooting experience who can answer all questions.

For further insight to help you solve your electrical needs without any charge please look to our informative posts here.

For over the phone quotes on your electrical services, also reach out to us with this contact information (818-446-0888).

What electrical jobs are safe for you to perform?

Electricians are trained to assess risks and prioritize safety. In all situations, it is always better to call an electrician but at the same time, there are a few simple electrical jobs you can perform. These include:

Replacing a fuse
Changing an electric bulb, tube, or starter in a fluorescent light fitting
Resetting a circuit breaker or safety switch

It is important to be well informed before undertaking any of these tasks. Also, take precautions such as turning off the electricity supply and avoiding injury.

What electrical jobs are not safe for you to perform?

If you get tempted to DIY any electrical tasks, it should be none of the following:

Changing pre-existing electrical wiring
Changing the plug on a lead
Repairing any of your electrical appliances
Electrical wiring installation
Replacing light switches or powerpoint
Why use a licensed electrician?

Several people die yearly from electrical accidents that could have been prevented if handled by a professional and licensed electrician. A license helps you rest easy with the assurance that the electrical technician knows what he is doing.

Free Electrical Over the Phone Help in Los Angeles

Posted on December 23, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Electrical problems are sometimes difficult to avoid in a home and they can be caused by a lot of factors. For example, some electrical components may develop a certain fault, some parts may get old, or be installed incorrectly in the first place. Home accidents can also cause electrical problems. It goes on and on.

When an electrical problem occurs, homeowners are often advised to reach out to an electrician. If you are usually worried that hiring an electrician will attract a significant cost, then it’s good to know that you might just get the service you need for free with over the phone help.

The numbers say that about 25% of service calls can be avoided with over the phone assistance. Many common home electrical problems are easy to solve without the experts coming all the way to your home.

These electrical problems can be on your wiring, repairs, installations, and so on. Whatever it is, it might just be solved with a free electrical over the phone help.

At the Electric Connection, our in-office electrician is available during call hours to attend to your over the phone needs. Our in-office electrician has years of practical experience, is licensed and qualified to answer any questions and provide the complete assistance you need.

We take troubleshooting seriously and offer you the best help.

Aside from the free electrical over the phone help, we also have a ton of resources and electrical tips you would find useful. Just look around for more blog articles like this and you might find the information you need.

If our in-office electrical observes that your electrical issue might need a service call, you would be informed as well. We assure you of the best customer service, professional and excellent service with your electrical issue, and pocket-friendly prices.

Troubleshooting Electrical Problems by Burbank Electrician

Posted on May 24, 2017 | by Kim Hopkins

Techician looking over a gas furnace with a flashlight before cleaning it.

Every day we deal with little problems around the house that are relatively simple fixes. Squeaky hinges, loose stair boards or maybe a leaking faucet. These are all common problems that are a part of home ownership. Most home owners keep a small tool chest on hand to take care of these things on their own. Quick fixes that can be taken care of with very little money out of pocket. It is kind of exciting to be able to fix something on your own. It can leave you feeling very accomplished. However, there are some perceived small problems, like flickering lights or electrical outlets that aren’t working correctly that should never be taken care on your own. These are big, dangerous problems in disguise. They should only be addressed by a trained electrician in Burbank. The Electric Connection has a group of individuals ready to inspect your home and determine exactly what the cause of your electrical problem is.

This is the key when it comes to diagnosing electrical issues. A Burbank electrician needs to inspect it and find the true problem instead of simply addressing the symptoms. Electrical wiring is no joke. It can be incredibly dangerous if not handled correctly. Even a relatively minor problem can turn into a serious situation. It only takes one spark to bring down your entire home.

If you are experiencing some odd symptoms with your home’s electrical system call an electrician. Burbank homeowners will want to have anything out of the ordinary checked out immediately. A flickering light or outlet that doesn’t work can be a sign of loose or damaged wiring that can create a serious fire hazard. The smell of burning wires is never to be ignored and is typically your first clue to a problem. Give The Electric Connection a call today if you have any electrical concerns.

Electrical Troubleshooting by a Burbank Electrician

Posted on May 25, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

For many people, electrical work in the home is a bit of mystery. If you are not an electrician and have no desire to learn about all things electrical, there is really no need to worry too much about how the lights in your home work or what it takes to make the refrigerator run. Unfortunately, electrical work in the house isn’t full proof. It can fail and if you have no idea why, you will need the services of an electrician. Burbank homeowners can count on the team at The Electric Connection to take care of any electrical repairs.

One of the biggest mysteries surrounding electrical problems is determining exactly what the problem is. A light doesn’t work or an outlet sparks can mean many different things. It takes a trained professional electrician in Burbank to properly diagnose the problem. Faulty electrical work is not something you want to simply but a band-aid on so to speak and ignore. It is imperative there is troubleshooting completed to correctly diagnose the problem. You need to get to the root cause of the electrical issues to ensure it is taken care of the first time.

Faulty wiring or deteriorating wiring may cause one problem today and three months down the road you are dealing with another safety issue. What if you don’t catch it in time? It is crucial you have any electrical issues promptly diagnosed by a Burbank electrician. It is better to be safe than sorry. Don’t take chances with your family’s safety by having them sleep in a home that could be a dangerous electrical hazard. If you are unsure, you can have an electrical inspection completed to give you a god idea of what is going on as well as diagnose any problems that could be quietly lurking behind the walls. Give The Electric Connection a call today to troubleshoot any electrical issues you are having in your home.

Troubleshooting Electrical Problems with a Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on December 11, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

This is not the time of year to be dealing with electrical problems in the home. It can be a huge issue to have an outlet fail or a breaker constantly trip when you are trying to deck your halls. The problem can be a number of different things, but you won’t know for sure until you have an electrician in Santa Monica come out to take a look. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to any kind of electrical concerns. The team at The Electric Connection is ready to help you discover what the problem is and get it taken care of before it becomes a serious safety hazard.

If you are not a trained electrician, you are going to have to guess what the problem is. That is a risk you don’t want to take. What if that outlet that only works on occasion is actually not just a fluke and is the sign of a much bigger problem. It is a good idea to have a Santa Monica electrician inspect your home. During the inspection, the outlet will be tested and the cover removed to check for any loose wires. While it may be an easy fix, ignoring those loose wires could create a tiny spark that ignites the insulation packed around the outlet.

You are not expected to know all of the hazards or to know why your breaker is tripping. That is a job for an electrician. Santa Monica residents will feel better knowing their house has been given an electrical checkup. Problems will be identified and you will be given the option to take care of right away or wait until it is a little more convenient. Your electrician will let you know just how serious the problem is or whether it is something relatively minor. If you are concerned about an electrical problem in your home, give The Electric Connection a call and let one of their experienced electricians diagnose the problem for you.