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.

over the phone electrical help 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.

How Can I Find a Good Local Electrician in Los Angeles

Posted on January 28, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Finding an electrician is easy but finding a good electrician can be tough if you don’t know where to start.

Los Angeles is a booming city and like other cities similar to it, you get a good dose of the good, the bad, and the ugly on a regular basis. However, the right information can save you all the trouble especially when it comes to your electrical system.

The benefits of not hiring just any electrician but a good local electrician in Los Angeles include:

Better assurance of your electrical safety
Professional service
Proper pricing and value for your money

Here are some top tips on how to find a good local electrician in the bustling City of Los Angeles.

Do a search through Angie’s List and other similar platforms
When you are looking for a good electrician, you have to look towards someone or a company that is reputable. Gaining information on the reputation of a contractor or company can involve a lot of factors but a search through Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, Better Business Bureau and more can give you some insight on the company or contractor you are looking to hire. Learn more about them from these platforms.
A recommendation is not all you need
Have you ever hired someone your relative or friend claimed was a nice guy only to receive poor quality work? Yes, it happens and it only goes to show that hiring a good electrician has to do with more than your relatives’ recommendation or the fact that the contractor ‘seems like a nice guy’. Always weigh the appropriate factors first.
Can the electrician explain his task in plain English?
We have all met those contractors that can’t or won’t explain what they are doing. They might say you wouldn’t understand or speak gibberish till you give up trying to understand. When you meet such electricians avoid them because chances are they don’t really know what they are doing. A good electrician will be able to explain his task in plain English.
Don’t hire based on price
Going with the cheapest price is often the worst mistake you can make when deciding on an electrical technician to hire. The best way to identify and avoid a ridiculously cheaply priced service is to shop around. Find out what two or three contractors will charge for your electrical needs. If you get quotes such as $50, $100, $150, and $100 from four technicians then you should be suspicious of the $50 one. Getting value for your money is more important than been scrooge. It hardly ends well.
License
An electrician must have a license, but there are different types of license. A journeyman license is one and there is also a master electrician license. A good company should have both electricians and licenses. Peruse the license thoroughly to ensure it wasn’t rented and that both electricians and mostly the master electrician actually works for the company.

You can also skip all of this and contact us at The Electric Connection where you get only the best electricians with professional service.

Why Hire a Professional Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on January 23, 2020 | by K Hopkins

hire los angeles electrician The right question should be, why not hire a professional Los Angeles electrician? L.A is a beautiful city with lots of action, celebrities, and so on to take up your time and energy. Why include DIY electrical projects to the mix?

Just in case you are wondering what’s so special about hiring a professional electrician in the most populous California city, here are several reasons.

Save on cost

Have you ever tried to do something on your own and ended up buying a part that wasn’t needed or didn’t fit? That was money you could have saved or used for another purpose. Hiring a professional electrician who knows what he’s doing when he sees your electrical system can help you avoid wasteful spending like that.

It’s comforting

When you go to the hospital to see the doctor, don’t you feel safe knowing that he is experienced and trained for his job? How would you feel giving yourself treatment or prescription? You could have a headache just thinking of how unsure you are with what you are doing. It’s the same with hiring a professional electrician. You feel safe and comfortable knowing you hired someone with all the training and knowledge. You won’t fret at night wondering if something would go wrong with what you did.

Prevent accidents and house fires

Taking on an electrical project without training or proper knowledge can lead to mistakes. Electricity may seem friendly because it’s such a huge addition to our lives, but it is dangerous when not handled properly. A mistake can cause electrocution (mild or life-threatening). It can also cause a fire.

Efficient work

A professional electrician’s work will be smooth, neat, effective, and satisfactory. You can get exactly what you want or need. The right professional makes sure your work lasts as long as it should to save you cost in the long run.

Protect your appliances.

A professional electrician knows what you need to protect your home. They can upgrade your wiring, install surge protection, identify an electrical fault, and so on.

When you need to choose a professional electrician in Los Angeles

Now that these benefits have you convinced, you must wonder what to do when you need to choose a professional electrician in Los Angeles.

Start by getting proof of their certification and license. Check past clients for their experience and long-term results. Check reviews. Check customer service, costs, and more. There are several electricians in Los Angeles, but finding quality and superior service for pocket-friendly prices is vital.

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

Posted on January 7, 2020 | by K Hopkins

panel upgrade cost 2020 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.

How to Get Reviews as an Electrician

Posted on January 2, 2020 | by K Hopkins

get more reviews as electrician Perhaps the reason your potential customers always choose the competition over you is nothing more than online reviews. Research says that a whopping 86% of customers read reviews for local businesses before making a decision. In recent times an equally large number of customers decide based on good reviews.

How do you think this plays out for your company who probably don’t keep tabs on their online listings? Or ask for reviews? Or respond to the reviews they get?

Not a good picture is it. Reviews are a part of all businesses now and apparently, they are here to stay. The question is how you can get in on this business trend and get reviews as an electrician.

Read on to know.

It starts with establishing your online presence

Reviews end up on your website or review sites like Yelp and Google my Business. Claiming your listings on any of these sites helps you control your review game. Have a social media presence as well where customers can easily reach out with comments. Social media makes it easy for you to see the signs of a fire before it starts – if you know what I mean. By being in control of your online presence you can direct customers to leave reviews on these sites or minimize the damage of a negative review.

Provide excellent service and customer experience

It’s easier to get reviews and positive ones when you provide excellent service and customer experience. Go the extra mile to ensure you are certified, experienced, and insured. Arrive promptly, well dressed, and perform a neat job. Customers value and enjoy services that are smooth, stress-free and courteous. Strive to create a wow impression from the first touchpoint you have with the customer. Electrical services that turn out efficient and hassle-free are great initiators for positive reviews. When this is covered then you can have the confidence to move on.

Ask! Just Ask!

Several review platforms are against soliciting for reviews from clients, but mostly they are against using incentives or forcing clients to leave reviews. After a job well done, you can use emails, cards, letters, or face-to-face contact to remind the client to leave you a review. Infuse humor, politeness, and make it easy by sharing a quick link to your review page.

Many customers who have a good experience often forget or are reluctant to leave reviews. But the troublesome ones or those who feel they have had a bad experience won’t skip a beat. They will find you anywhere and review you. So you see asking is of the essence to reel in as much good as you can.

To make things easier, use a program like The Review Generator to automate review requests and follow ups.

Reviews attract reviews

There is something called the herd mentality and for humans, it’s just sheer nature. People like to follow the crowd. If everyone is buying groceries from the store down the street, then others assume there must be something good going on there so they join the crowd too. The more reviews you have the more you can actually get because people get the impression that your services are so good all your clients leave reviews. They literally can’t wait to leave theirs too.

When the reviews do come, be sure to respond consistently and promptly. Showing your presence and connection encourages other clients to leave reviews too.

Free Electrical Over the Phone Help in Los Angeles

Posted on December 23, 2019 | by K Hopkins

over the phone electrical help 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.

Glendale EV Charger Installation

Posted on December 20, 2019 | by K Hopkins

glendale electric vehicle The city of Glendale in California, U.S is a bustling city known perhaps for its Brand Boulevard. It is one of the best places to live in California and own a thriving retail business of course. Like most places in recent times, Glendale has its share of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles become more popular by the day and it is to be expected given the benefits of driving such a vehicle. EVs are a plus to the environment helping us live green and healthy. They also benefit the economy by reducing carbon footprint and the need for producing gasoline.

There are over 2000 public charging ports in Glendale which are either a level 2 or level 3 charge. They can be found within every 15km. Up to 21% of the public charging stations offer free charging for your electric vehicle. Another 94% of the public charging station offers a level 2 charge. The main charging networks in operation in Glendale are ChargePoint and Volta.

Driving an electric car in Glendale can also be favorable to your pockets because of the rebates offered by Glendale Water and Power (GWP). GWP offers up to $500 rebates for residential EV drivers/consumers and up to $2000 rebates for commercial customers. The cost for the city owned level 3 charging stations is 0.3359 per kWh. The cost for the city owned level 2 charging stations is $0.2033 per kWh.

Installing EV Charging Types

Level 1

The voltage for the Level 1 charger type is 120V. The average charging time is 10 to 20 hours. No equipment is required to install a level 1 charging type. You simply plug into the 120V in your home to use this charging type.

Level 2

The voltage for the Level 2 charger type is 240V and the average charging time is 4 to 8 hours. It can be installed in your home or building by a qualified electrician. You would need an electric vehicle charging station and a dedicated circuit from your panel.

Level 3

A level 3 charger uses 480V. It has the fastest charging time of 20 to 30 minutes. It usually requires a separate plug and is available mostly in retail settings. It is perfectly suited for public charging.

To install an electric vehicle charger in Glendale, the installer would need a permit.

It’s important to note that charging time may differ slightly from the figures above depend on the make of your car and its battery size. When installing the charger types, your circuit breaker should have the capacity to handle their power needs to avoid tripping. Home installations are necessary for convenience and achieving a full charge most of the time.

Electric vehicles come in different models, make, and design. Some might help you save better than others. The factors that influence how much you would spend on your electric vehicle include the cost of electricity, make and model of the car, driving conditions, and more.

Be sure to reach out to us at The Electric Connection for more information or services for your EV.

Your Reviews Matter for Electricians

Posted on November 29, 2019 | by K Hopkins

online reviews for electricians We are in the 21st century and as generations pass, things change repeatedly. Things like how customers make choices, the number of electricians in the electrical industry, the need for a solid online presence, and more. The reputation of an electrical company is vital now more than ever and reviews also play a strategic and critical role. People want proof of an electrician’s capability and affordable pricing before hiring. This proof usually comes only in the form of reviews. Hence, every customer’s review matters for an electrician.

What clients look for

As mentioned earlier, a lot of things change every day including customer behavior. New customers want to know if the electrician is experienced. They want to know if they are prompt and known for quality service. Of course, the electrician will have their good qualities pasted all over their website or page. They will try their hardest to convince you of how great their electrical service is. While new customers may take this into consideration, they are hardly spurred to make a favorable decision this way. Statistics show that 84% of customers trust online reviews to give them the insight they need. Also, 74% of customers say online reviews help them trust a business more.

The bottom line is customers want to see reviews. They want to hear what others like them have to say and many times, customers who leave reviews talk about the very details that a new client may be looking out for.

Reviews boost ranking on search results

The search results in question here include queries like “highest-rated,” or “most reviewed.” Many people use similar queries on review platforms to help them narrow down their choices to the best options available. Without a wealth of reviews, some electrical companies will not be included in such search results. If the customer can’t see the company, then they can’t be converted.

Reviews reveal special qualities

Many businesses have unique qualities or service they provide to their clients. Such companies may not be so concerned about telling everyone about this quality but leave it to their customers. Reviews often let you see what is different or unique about a specific electrical company. For example, if an electrical company is always prompt and perhaps offers some extra service, customers who appreciated or enjoyed this would mention it in their review.

Your reviews matter for electricians

Talking about reviews is easy but getting them in the first place can be daunting. Not all customers – satisfied or not – have the patience to leave a review. Some electricians send mails, cards, and try other strategies to get their customers to leave reviews. Some of these methods are successful, others are not. As a customer, your review matters for electricians. Aside from contributing to company growth and expansion, leaving reviews help to solidify a friendly business relationship which comes with its perks depending on how the company operates.

The Review Generator has helped The Electric Connection reach out to their customers and grow their online rating.

How to Find a Local Electrician with Wide Service Area

Posted on November 12, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Finding a local electrician can prove daunting if you don’t know how or where to look. A local electrician is an electrician you can easily find in your area, state, or region. Several electricians have a wide service area that allows them to serve many areas at once as local technicians.

You should never be in a hurry to choose the first local electrician that comes your way. Doing this can lead to loss of funds, unfinished or worse off projects, and stress. Read on to learn tips to find a local electrician with a wide service area and the expertise for quality service.

Don’t hire based on niceness
It might surprise to learn how many homeowners hire an electrician because he is ‘nice’. Experience has taught such homeowners that ‘niceness’ does not guarantee competence. The ideal thing to do is to find ways to vet the electrician’s skills and experience in completing your service.

Word of mouth recommendations – with proof
A reputable local electrician should be well known within the area he serves and even the other service areas. Ask friends, relatives, builders, local contractors, developers, colleagues, or any resident for a recommendation. When you receive this word-of-mouth recommendation, don’t stop there; run the company through online listings to find out more and check out some reviews.

Search online platforms that represent your area
A simple targeted Google search can give you a good list of electricians to choose from. Put this with your former list and sift through to find someone who fits your needs.

Use your service as a factor
Not all electricians possess the skill and certification for specialized tasks. You can search for electricians who can complete your service needs. You can ask the electrician or make the deduction yourself. An example of how this point is important is – hiring a commercial electrician for your home electrical repairs. That won’t end too well.

Find those with same day or next day services
Most local electricians offer this flexibility. You can get your electrical service completed the same day as the service call or the next day. It is a great benefit when you are in an emergency situation.

Ensure the electrician has licenses valid in your location
Certain electrical standards, codes, and rules vary from area to area. When you finally find a bonded, licensed, or insured electrician ask to see the documents to confirm that they are valid and they can operate in your area. It is possible for an unlicensed electrician to be much cheaper but such a way of saving cost can prove risky and ineffective.

When you narrow your choice down to one or two names, take a look at their websites to see other areas they serve, get a sense of their method of operation and experience. Avoid finding local technicians based on the cheapest one. It does not guarantee quality service.

The Electric Connection is a well-known electrical company serving Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. Contact us for your electrical service needs.

Can I Upgrade to a 200 Amp Service?

Posted on November 2, 2019 | by K Hopkins

panel upgrade 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.