What Are The Alternatives to Rewiring a House

Posted on February 19, 2019 | by K Hopkins

los angeles house rewire House rewiring is something most homeowners don’t want to hear. It involves replacing and upgrading the home’s current wiring for several reasons. House rewiring can be pricey and messy for a lived-in home. The electricians have to access what is in place and change them.

Although it is not every homeowner’s favorite project, it is sometimes inevitable. Before we discuss further, it is important to know why rewiring is necessary.

If you are taking on a remodeling project. This can include extending or converting rooms in a home. This will alter the existing structure and require electrical rewiring to conform to electrical safety rules. If new appliances are fitted in the rooms, the house rewiring will be carried out to accommodate them.
If the home has not been rewired in the last 20 to 30 years. This is common in old homes. Many people choose old homes for a reason. Some want to feel connected to history or enjoy the homeliness that just oozes from such old houses. The downside to all of this is old electrical wiring. A professional electrician should inspect the electrical system of an old home to determine if it needs to be replaced.
If you want to improve convenience. Rewiring is usually required when the current house wiring seems unsafe. However, you can also do this for convenience. Adding new switches, outlets, appliances, and installations may require a house rewiring to accommodate them.

Are there any alternatives?

House rewiring is a big project. It costs money and creates a mess. Of course, there would be less to fix and clean up after if you haven’t moved into the house. The complexity of the project discourages some homeowners.

You might wonder if there are any alternatives to a complete house rewiring. The best option is to call for a survey. An electrical technician can survey your electrical system and tell you the status. If there are faulty outlets in your home, they would equally inform you if fixing them would cut down cost and solve the problem.

This remedial work should not be carried out without the opinion of a licensed electrician. The survey might cost a small fee but what is important is finding a good and honest electrician.

Ensure that after the survey, the remedial work is carried out by a professional electrician. Take personal measures such as creating dedicated sockets for larger appliances. You can also install fire alarms for increased safety.

Remember, that the ideal option for a faulty system is a full rewiring. You can only use a remedial process if the system is salvageable with a few fixes. This is meant to save cost and stress but make sure you weigh all options before making a choice.

The Electric Connection
You need trusted electricians to provide electrical services. At The Electric Connection we provide surveys, consultation, installation, and other services you may need. We can inform you of affordable ways to have a safe electrical system.

How to Choose an Electrician

Posted on February 15, 2019 | by K Hopkins

licensed insured electrician Electricity is a necessary part of our daily lives. It is important for day-to-day activities in the home and commercial buildings. To ensure that electrical systems in a building are safe and reliable, you would need a trustworthy, professional electrician.

An electrician provides installation, repairs, maintenance, and any other electrical service. There are numerous electrical contractors in your community or state. This is a good thing, but it makes it slightly difficult to find a good electrician. It is not ideal to hire an electrician near you without considering some factors. Here are a few effective ways to choose an electrician.

License and Insurance
The most important factor to look out for is if the electrician is licensed. A licensed electrician has both practical and theoretical experience in a wide range of electrical services. This will give you the assurance of their skills. Ask for a copy of the license and check to see that it is recent. It may also specify the type of service the electrician offers. Make sure what you need is included.

Insurance is equally important to protect both the electrical contractor and yourself from anything that goes wrong in your home.
Recommendations
Choosing an electrician near you without a recommendation from someone is unwise. Ask trusted friends and neighbors for a recommendation to a good electrician. If you find one yourself, request references to past clients. You can call them to be certain they are genuine and the electrician is capable. You can also read their online reviews if the contractor has an online presence.
Check teams
Sometimes, the electrical service may require a team. If you hire from a company, the chances are they would send you more than one electrical contractor to get the job done faster. Make the effort to confirm how many electricians would be coming and if they are all insured and licensed.
Value for money
The cost of the service is a vital factor because you have to know what you can afford. Some electrical contractors can be expensive while others are affordable. Ask for a quote or an estimate before any work begins. Do not be quick to choose the electrician near you with the lowest cost because that does not guarantee quality.

Weigh the prices carefully and support your choice with other factors. Some pricey electricians may be worth the extra cost.
Professional attitude and communication
Business is all about effective communication. A professional electrician should be able to display discipline and a professional attitude. They should dress properly, attend to your work with good workmanship and maintain effective communication. No one wants a sloppy contractor with a bad attitude in their home.
Time
Time is a relevant factor for commercial buildings and homes. How long will it take the electrician to complete your work? Confirm from the electrician before the work begins. Some electricians work faster than others, especially with a team. If you are confused on a few options of contractors, this can help you break the tie.

Can I Upgrade Electrical Panel Without Permit?

Posted on February 10, 2019 | by K Hopkins

hiring electricians The electrical panel is the center of electricity supply in a home or building. It is called several other names such as the distribution board and breaker panel. You can identify the electrical panel as a metal electrical service board, located outside the home, in the garage, or the utility room. It is a network of wires and switches.

Most people are a bit familiar with the electrical panel of their home. They recognize it as where you go to switch the power on after tripping the breaker. Others may know nothing about the electrical panel and are quick to call on a professional electrician for help.
Breaker panels usually last for as much as 25 to 40 years before needing any replacements or upgrades. However, the manner of use and appliances in the home can wear out the electrical panel faster.

You may need an upgrade when:

You stay in an old house
A home between 20 to 30 years old might require an upgrade. The electrical panel may still top out 60 to 100 amps which are low compared to newer homes. 200 amps installs are now more in use.
You observe electrical problems
These can range from several things like tripping lights, warm panel, burning outlets, and so on. Such electrical problems are signs of a fault in the breaker panel. They require the attention of a professional electrician as soon as possible.

Upgrading the electrical panel with or without a permit.
An electrical permit is important for any electrical work. This guarantees both customers and their insurance companies that the installations are safe and professionally done. You can install light fixtures and other minor electrical needs without a permit.

In some States, a permit allows homeowners to take on the project of upgrading the electrical panel themselves. This is dangerous and inadvisable.

As a homeowner, you may not understand the complexity of the electrical panel. It is not similar to other electrical installations, hence should only be handled by a licensed electrician. Unlike outlets, electrical panels always carry live electricity even when the breaker is shut off. Improper handling can lead to electric shocks, fire outbreak, loss of lives, and damage to appliances.

An electrical technician knows of all these dangers and has knowledge and experience to work on the electrical panel. They guarantee you safe wiring that lasts for a long time.

If you successfully upgrade the panel on your own, you would still miss out on installing new cables and an electrical meter. The licensed electrician will give you suggestions to save money on energy. They will also ensure that you know more about the local codes and the upgrade complies with current electrical regulations.

A licensed electrician’s work will take less time’ precisely about 8 – 10 hours to complete. It will also pass electrical inspections.

Final Thoughts on Permits

You should not perform any electrical wiring without a permit. Ensure that you have the experience and skill to do the job. If not, it is always wise to hire a professional electrician.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has trained electricians to perform panel upgrades. Please contact us today for more information on our services.

Recessed Lighting Installation

Posted on February 5, 2019 | by K Hopkins

pot lighting Recessed lighting are also known as downlights. They differ from regular lighting that drops from the ceiling. Recessed lighting is installed within the ceiling and only the shining light can be seen. They appear as a light shining from a hole in the ceiling.

These lights vary in size and shape like regular lights. They comprise of two visible parts called the trim and baffles. Trim refers to the metal or plastic circle that fits on the ceiling helping to secure it. The baffles are the inner insert that helps to reflect the light. The shape and form of the baffle would determine how the light is reflected.

A lot of buildings use recessed lighting instead of other types of lighting. Their installation requires an electrical technician to avoid problems. You can hire an electrician that offers recessed lighting installation near you. These lights are unique and suitable for movie theatres, stores, kitchens in homes, shower stalls, even schools.

The benefits of recessed lighting installations

Waterproof
Unlike other light fixtures, recessed lighting are waterproof. This makes them suitable for a water-intensive environment like shower stalls. When they come in contact with water, they do not go bad or pose a threat.
Always in style
As more houses are built, manufacturers continuously come up with new products or designs. Some light fixtures are recognized as relics of the past because later models replaced them. Recessed lights are different because they are unusual and trend-proof. They do not go out of style and this makes them a good option for commercial buildings.
No visible fixtures
This is a valuable benefit of recessed lights. They make ceilings look neat and organized as the fixtures lay hidden within the ceiling. Other types of lights such as lamps and dropping ceiling lights have exposed fixtures which can be dangerous and give the ceiling a busy appearance.
Full room illumination
Lights sometimes can reach only a limited space when installed, but with the proper recessed lighting installation near you, the room can become fully illuminated. This is highly beneficial.
Suitable for low ceilings
There are some parts of the home such as basements, with a low ceiling. Regular light will not be suitable for such rooms. Recessed lighting is an ideal option for low ceilings because they occupy less space but illuminate the room as needed.

Why you need a professional for recessed lighting installation near you
There are DIY methods available for homeowners or property owners to attempt installing recessed lights themselves. However, it is always better to call an experienced electrician from The Electric Connection for your electrical services.

Recessed lighting has to be properly installed to ensure they are secured to the ceiling. There is also the matter of insulation. Some recessed lights need to be covered with insulation to prevent the heat given off from starting a fire or other problems. An electrical technician will professionally complete the installation within stipulated electrical codes. This guarantees durability and allows you to seek the opinion of the electrician for the appropriate recessed lights to install.

What is the Importance of House Rewiring?

Posted on January 28, 2019 | by K Hopkins

rewire older home House rewiring or electrical rewiring is the process of replacing old, inefficient, hazardous, or unreliable electrical system. House rewiring provides an improvement to the performance of the electrical system and ensures electrical safety. There are several factors that determine when you need a house rewire. Ideally, a properly installed electrical system can last as long as 20 years but the use if the electrical system and type of wiring can affect its lifespan.

Old homes usually require electrical rewiring because most installations have been worn out or are outdated. House rewiring is a major task in many ways. It is costly and requires time and expertise of a professional electrician.

The importance of undertaking a house rewiring project is much more than electrical safety and reliability. Here are some of the major benefits and importance.

Increase in value of the home
Having a home rewired increases its value in the event of a sale. It is a big plus to know that the home’s electrical system is fully modified and safe. A house should be seen as an investment especially when you are a property manager. Electrical rewiring makes the home appealing to buyers, tenants, investors, and so on.
Change what you want
An electrical rewiring project gives you the best opportunity to make your home technology friendly. You can change old and worn out parts to be replaced with modern, up to standard parts. You can also determine the ideal spots you want sockets or outlets to be placed.
An electrically optimized home
An electrically optimized home offers maximum comfort, convenience, and safety. It provides dedicated circuits to most appliances, more control, and energy saving options for the home.
Safety
Safety is the primary reason for a house rewire. Old or faulty wiring can develop to larger problems that put life and property at risk. Electrical safety is crucial in every home. Hence it is advisable to call an electrician from The Electric Connection to inspect or provide rewiring services.
To accommodate new appliances
Some appliances can demand more power than your house is wired to offer. If you have one or more of such new appliances, then it is important to hire an electrical technician for a rewiring service. This will prevent any strain or damage to the present system.
Electrical codes and standard
An old house wiring may not be updated with the latest electrical codes and standard. Rewiring the home presents the opportunity to install systems that keep these standards. An experienced electrician will be able to rewire your home with knowledge on the current codes and standards.

A lot of people take the electrical system for granted despite its importance. To avoid accidents or dysfunction in the home, it is best to take the necessary precautions. A house rewire is a worthy investment but it can only maintain its value when provided by a licensed electrician. At The Electric Connection we are professional, licensed, and experienced electrical technicians. Contact us for your home’s electrical rewiring. We ensure that everything is optimized and organized the first time.

Where to Find Lighting Installations in My Area

Posted on January 25, 2019 | by K Hopkins

lighting installation Lighting is the use of light for aesthetic or practical effects. There’s the need for adequate lighting all around us. Lighting can be from natural or artificial light sources. However, during most hours of the day, daylight is used to illuminate buildings.

Lighting installation primary refers to the use of artificial light such as lamps, light fixtures, and so on. It requires the expertise of an electrician to be placed or installed properly in the home. Lighting installation can most times require an established process. This consists of:

Auditing
The electrical technician would carry out an inspection or survey on the home or property to determine its complete lighting needs. This includes the exterior and interior lighting requirements, energy saving needs, aesthetic needs, practical lighting requirements, security lighting, and much more.

Consultation
After carrying out a survey on the property, the electrician would inform you on what is best for your lighting installations. From the audit, the electrical technician can determine what works best for your home and give you enough details to make informed decisions.

Lighting Installation
Following the consultation and your decisions, the lighting installation project will begin. A professional electrician would acquire the needed tools and materials to complete the installation process in a suitable time. Regardless of if your home is small or large, the procedure remains the same from auditing to installation. However, every home or buildings has its unique and specific lighting needs. Which is why an initial audit is necessary.

Importance of good lighting

Lighting is valuable to buildings, homes, workplaces, and so on. Its benefits can only be experienced when lighting installation is carried out by a licensed electrician.

Here are some benefits and the importance of good lighting.

Enhances productivity
Studies have shown that light can affect people in several ways. The most common effect is an increase in productivity. Workers can be greatly inspired, motivated, and encouraged by a well-designed lighting system in the workplace.

Adds value
A properly installed lighting system adds value to a home or building. It makes it appealing to potential investors and even regular home visitors. Lighting facilitates organization and beauty in any space. Well-lighted businesses experience more traffic than others because light increases desirability.

Security
Lighting plays a major role in the security and safety of any building. A well-lighted environment helps to deter intruders and give you a clear view of your surroundings. It can also contribute to alarm systems and other safety mechanisms in the home.

Energy Saving
With the right electrical technician, lighting installation can help to save energy cost rather than increase it. Lighting can be customized or installed to increase efficiency in the home or workplace while saving you from more bills.

You can get a complete and proper lighting installation service from a reputable electrical company or professional electrician. At The Electric Connection we can provide lighting installation services for any building. Contact us to get started and give you satisfaction.

Local Electrician for Electrical Services

Posted on January 18, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Electrical services are needed every day by homeowners and commercial buildings. It involves services for electrical wiring, panel upgrades, lighting installations, repairs, replacements, and so on. Electrical problems can be tricky and develop into hazards when handled by an inexperienced or uninformed person.

Some homeowners try to fix electrical problems themselves or call a handyman to fix the situation. None of this is ideal if you hope to have a reliable, safe, electric system in the home or a commercial building.

Local electricians are becoming more popular each day as the solution to most electrical problems or services. A local electrician can be a general electrician with the necessary skills to provide a broad range of electrical services. They are a flexible and beneficial option. When choosing a local electrician near you there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best services. These include license, experience, cost, availability and so on. When you are able to make the right choice, you get to enjoy the benefits. Here are a few advantages of hiring a reliable local electrician.

Experience
Local electricians are usually more experienced than those with large corporations. This is so because the use of local electrician increases every day. Homeowners and property managers are able to hire or contact a local electrician easily to respond to their electrical needs. An experienced general electrician can offer you more services and also work faster with authentic information on your needs. This equally saves you cost and time.
Affordability
Large corporations can be quite expensive. They have set cost most times and this can limit the services you receive. A local electrician has flexible cost options. Hence, you can get more electrical services at less cost.
Quality of service
A licensed local electrician guarantees you quality service. They do not leave you with bigger problems in your electrical system. They ensure that everything is organized and you are satisfied with the service.
Save Energy
Saving energy and reducing its cost is required now more than ever in homes and commercial buildings. General electricians with experience and the right tools can give you good options for saving energy. They can also help with installation or replacements on the electrical wiring to be sure you pay less on energy.
Knowledge of electrical codes
Electrical systems must maintain the stipulated standards and codes for them to function properly. A local electrician is well informed on the electrical codes and standard required.
They get it right the first time
Electrical problems can be frustrating if they occur frequently, especially after hiring an electrician. A professional and licensed local electrician gets it right the first time. They can identify the faults or needs of your electrical system and provide quality service to solve them. This saves you time, money and gives peace of mind.

The Electric Connection — Winner of the 2018 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Posted on January 16, 2019 | by K Hopkins

The Electric Connection Earns 2018 Angie’s List Super Service Award
Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Los Angeles, CA, 1/6/2019 – The Electric Connection is proud to announce that it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List in 2018.

“Service pros that receive our Angie’s List Super Service Award represent the best in our network, who are consistently making great customer service their mission,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “These pros have provided exceptional service to our members and absolutely deserve recognition for the exemplary customer service they exhibited in the past year.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2018 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include maintaining an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade and review period grade. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angie’s List and undergo additional screening.

The Electric Connection has been listed on Angie’s List since 2006. This is the 13th year The Electric Connection has received this honor.

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For over two decades Angie’s List has been a trusted name for connecting consumers to top-rated service professionals. Angie’s List provides unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

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The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing homeowners and businesses alike with expert electrical services for over 35 Years. We’ve built a company of highly experienced, certified electricians to serve your electrical needs. There’s plenty of competition throughout Los Angeles, but we make it our policy to treat our customers the way we would want to be treated. That has gained us a great reputation. We’ll provide you with quality work at honest prices.

Should I Ask My Customers to Leave Reviews?

Posted on January 14, 2019 | by K Hopkins

electrician reviews The survival of most businesses depends on building trust and loyalty with clients. When a potential customer finds your service attractive, they wouldn’t be in a hurry to hire you because they still require some assurance that you are worth the investment of time and money.

Unfortunately, in an online business or website, you cannot be physically present to apply your skills of persuasion. This means that you must put a system in place to convert visitors to leads.

Business reviews are part of the most vital ways to convince a client that they can trust you, especially when you offer electrical services. Statistics show that about 85% of customers view online reviews from strangers and make their decisions based on them. Hence, electrical service reviews from satisfied clients help to grow your business and establish your brand authority.

Although customer reviews are important, they are not so easy to get. As an electrical contractor, you may wonder if it is okay to ask your customers for reviews. The answer is yes. Some clients are reluctant to leave reviews while others may forget all about it. When you have a client that doesn’t leave a review, you have to develop a way to encourage them or ask subtly.

If you have been in an online business long enough, you would discover that asking customers for reviews may be beneficial but it is also daunting. Here are some tips on how to ask customers for reviews.

Engage your Clients
Customers are more likely to leave reviews- and positive ones – if you engage them on a personal level. Try to connect with clients fully and ask questions that show your concern for their satisfaction. This rapport makes it easier to encourage clients to leave reviews.
Review Emails
Asking for electrical service reviews via email requires a direct approach. You can put together a message body that says how glad you are to work with the client. Include something about the importance of reviews and subtly ask for one.
Ask when you receive customer praise
Some satisfied clients may find it difficult to dismiss their joy. They can offer praises after the job is completed. Take this opportunity to ask them for feedback or review. Ensure that you respond politely and with equal gladness to hear of their satisfaction. When this conversation is established, request that they take a few seconds to show this satisfaction in a written review.
Provide links
To make clients feel comfortable with leaving reviews, you can provide direct links in an email or message to them. This lessens the chances of reluctance and allows the client to leave a review without hassle or wasting precious time.
Never Push
Despite your efforts to create a seamless system where customers can leave electrical service reviews, there would be those that are quite determined not to leave one. When you encounter such clients, there’s no need to push or force them. Simply let it go and encourage them towards return patronage.

There’s is a fine line between asking for an electrical service review and demanding one. While it is fine to develop ways to ask your clients to give reviews, it is wrong to use pressure. Employ suitable tips and be sure to learn what works best for you.

Are Extension Cords Safe For Permanent Use

Posted on November 1, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

permanent use extension cord The short answer here is: no. But when it comes to convenience, we want more than just a short answer.

Extension cords are built for convenience but also built for temporary use. The problem with extension cords is that they are not listed, labeled, or rated for long-term use. The Uniform Fire Code states that these types of cords are intended for the temporary and immediate use of an appliance and are not to be permanently “installed”.

If you are constantly finding yourself relying on the use of extension cords, your best bet it to have an additional outlet installed where you need it the most.

There may be another option for you if installing new outlets is out of the picture. Power strips with circuit breakers or breaker switches are approved for long-term use. Since these strips have built-in surge protectors, they are safe to use for longer periods of time.

Again, there may be issues when it comes to using power strips — as with all devices. Even though the power strips intended for long-term use have built-in circuit breakers, overloading these devices can cause problems. If you plug in too many devices, especially device varying in power needs, you can find yourself facing a real problem. Overloading the wiring can cause fires. Be sure to inspect your power strips thoroughly to ensure you have the right one for your devices and keep multiple on hand to not overload one.

It’s best to have a professional electrician come to your place to assess your situation. If you find yourself relying more and more on extension cords and power strips, it may be time to add some more outlets in your home or office. An electrician will be able to look at your set up and recommend the best course of action for you.