Upgrading the Home’s Electrical with Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on April 25, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

When you are a homeowner, there seems like there is always something you can or want to do around the house to make it a little better. It is part of owning a home. Home improvement projects are fun and rewarding whether you are tackling them yourself or hiring a professional team to take care of the heavy lifting so to speak. There doesn’t ever seem to be an end to the things you can do to make your home a little better, safer and more valuable. One of the things that people tend to overlook because it isn’t always obvious is the electrical system in the home. An electrician in Santa Monica will tell you that despite it’s relative anonymity, it is probably one of the most important elements of your home. The team at The Electric Connection has been making homes a little safer for decades and they can help you as well.

You may not have any obvious problems, but unless you have an inspection, you truly don’t know what hidden dangers may be lurking behind the walls. Once you have an inspection by a Santa Monica electrician, you will be given a list of minor or potentially major fixes you can make to make your home a little safer.

Your upgraded electrical doesn’t have to be all about safety standards if your home is already in good electrical shape. It can be something as simple as adding a couple of outlets to a room so you can make it into a home office or gaming area. Maybe you want to change up the lights or add ceiling fans. This can all be handled by your electrician. Santa Monica homeowners will appreciate the promptness and professionalism they will receive when they call The Electric Connection to upgrade their home’s electrical.

When the Lights Won’t Turn On, Pasadena Electrician Can Help

Posted on April 25, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

Sometimes, life is funny and throws you a little curve ball now and again. One of the things we have come to rely on in life is electricity. When it doesn’t work as expected or it doesn’t work at all, it can be extremely frustrating. You want electricity when you want it and not after you have had to flip breakers, unplug things and wiggle wires. It is actually very dangerous to mess with switches, outlets and appliances that are not working as they should. It is best to leave it up to a professional electrician in Pasadena to handle any kind of electrical problems. The crew at The Electric Connection can get your home’s electrical fixed and working properly again.

It is important you recognize the signs of an electrical problem that can lead to something as dangerous as an electrical fire that threatens the safety of the home’s residents. Your Pasadena electrician wants you to watch out for the following;

*A popping or snapping sound coming from an outlet or light switch
*A smell of burning wires
*A small shock when you flip a switch or attempt to plug something in
*Black streaks shooting up the wall above a switch or outlet
*The outlet or switch doesn’t always work or doesn’t work at all
*The breaker feeding the switch or outlet trips often
*The switchplate, outlet or wall around the area feels warm or hot to the touch

These are all signs you have a problem that needs some attention from an electrician. Pasadena homeowners should call at the first sign of any of these problems and avoid using the outlet or switch until it can be looked at. If you can shut off the breaker that feeds the problematic switches and outlets, it would be safer. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your electrical repair.

Is Your Electric Meter Spinning? Glendale Electrician Provides Energy Savings Tips

Posted on April 25, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

You know that little meter outside your home that is fairly unattractive and unnoticeable until you hear it making a scary sound. The sound is the little dial spinning around and around. That dial spinning represents your money flying out the door. The dial is measuring the amount of electricity you are using in your house. A spinning meter can be a little scary and you will be dreading the next electric bill. When you think about this summer, it is easy to really get concerned about how much it will cost you to keep your home cool. An electrician in Glendale can help you manage your spinning meter and help keep some of that money in your pocket. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help.

These are 5 ways you can help limit your electricity usage and keep your electric bill down.

1-Make a commitment to set your thermostat at about 74 this summer. That is a comfortable temperature and you can maximize it by using a ceiling fan installed by a Glendale electrician to help stir up a breeze and circulate the cool air.

2-Buy a laundry rack and dry a few things outside on the patio to cut down on how often you use the dryer.

3-Be more conscientious about the amount of hot water you use. Don’t leave the faucet running while you wipe down cupboards or rinse dishes. Shave a few minutes off your shower time as well.

4-Switch out your old bulbs for the much more energy friendly LEDs. These tiny little bulbs use a fraction of the electricity of the standard bulb. You can also use CFLs. In some cases, you will need to have your light fixtures upgraded by an electrician. Glendale homeowners will appreciate the new look an updated fixture brings to a room.

5-Buy new curtains and blinds to use as sun shields this summer. It will help keep your home warmer and save on cooling costs.

Give The Electric Connection a call today to install that new light fixture or ceiling fan so you can start saving money on your electric bill.

Revamping the Outdoors with an Electrician in Burbank

Posted on April 25, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

With the spring weather upon us, it is time to get outside and really enjoy the outdoors. Although it stays lighter longer, the evenings are still warm and beckoning, even though it is a bit dark. For early birds, getting up with the sun is exciting and invigorating. This is the time they like to go out and get the paper, water the blooming flowers or just sit outside and enjoy the sounds of nature when they are not masked by the hustle and bustle of life. If you have been out and about in the early mornings or late at night, you have probably noticed your outdoor lighting. Is it looking a little boring or maybe just a little too dark? An electrician in Burbank, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you revamp the outdoor lighting and make your yard much more inviting and safe.

When you step out your front door, you want to be able to see around the yard and if your car is in the driveway, being able to get a good clear view. This can be achieved with new lighting installed by your electrician. Burbank homeowners will appreciate the safety that comes with adequate and attractive lighting around these areas.

In the backyard or on your porch or patio, you will want enough light to read the morning paper, do a crossword or to talk with someone while looking at their face. It also allows you to see where you are going and whether or not the chairs are wet with dew. A little lighting installed by a Burbank electrician can completely change the way a space looks and feels. You will be inclined to spend more time outdoors when you know you can see clearly. Give The Electric Connection a call today and see what changes and upgrades you can make to your outdoor lighting.

Bringing Beverly Hills Homes into the 21st Century: Why It’s Time to Upgrade Your Electric Panel

Posted on April 25, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

At The Electric Connection, we’ve spent over 40 years helping Los Angeles homeowners navigate the complexities of their electrical systems. Lately, we’ve been spending a lot of time in Beverly Hills, where the charm of older, historic architecture often hides a common problem: an electrical system that simply wasn’t built for the modern world.

If you’re finding it difficult to charge your laptop, run the microwave while the coffee maker is on, or if you’re constantly hunting for an extension cord just to use your favorite chair, you aren’t alone. Our lives have been streamlined by incredible technological advances, but many of our homes are still stuck in the 20th century.

Is Your Electric Panel the Culprit?
Most people aren’t electrical experts, and that’s okay! But when a light switch stops working or a breaker pops frequently, it’s easy to dismiss it as a fluke. In reality, these are symptoms of a larger issue with your electric panel.

The panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It takes power from the utility company and distributes it through various breakers to different rooms. If your home was built 30 or 40 years ago, it was likely designed to handle a fraction of the electronics we use today. Back then, builders didn’t have to account for high-powered appliances, smart home systems, and the dozens of gadgets we plug in daily.

The Warning Signs
How do you know if it’s time to call a Beverly Hills electrician for an upgrade? Look out for these red flags:

Frequent Tripping Breakers: This is the most common sign that your panel is overloaded or the breakers have become weak over time.
Flickering Lights: If your lights dim when the AC kicks on or when you use a hair dryer, your panel is struggling to keep up with the demand.
Fuses Instead of Breakers: If your home still uses a fuse box, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Modern circuit breakers are much safer and more efficient.
A Lack of Outlets: If you’re relying on power strips and extension cords to get through the day, your current system isn’t meeting your needs.

Why Upgrade?
Upgrading your electrical panel isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety and freedom. When we perform a panel upgrade, we’re doing more than just swapping out a box; we’re giving you the ability to live in the 21st century without worry.

A new, higher-capacity panel allows you to:

Add New Circuits: Install that new EV charger, a high-end kitchen appliance, or a dedicated home theater system.
Increase Safety: Modern panels include advanced safety features that older systems lack, significantly reducing the risk of electrical fires.
Enhance Home Value: In a market like Beverly Hills, an updated electrical system is a major selling point for any property.

Trust the Experts
At The Electric Connection, our team of certified electricians can inspect your current setup and determine if a full upgrade is necessary or if we can simply add a few outlets to meet your needs. We believe in providing prompt, dependable service to ensure your home remains a safe haven for you and your family.

Don’t let an outdated panel hold you back. If you’re tired of “unplugging this to plug in that,” give us a call today at (818) 446-0888 to schedule an inspection. Let’s bring your Beverly Hills home up to speed!

Electrical Repairs Require Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on March 24, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

When your car isn’t running right or you have a leaky faucet, you may try and diagnose and repair the problem yourself. These are fairly innocent symptoms and a number of people can safely take care of the problem just by using Google or talking to somebody at the auto parts store or their local hardware store. Unfortunately, electrical problems in the home, even those that seem relatively simple, can be extremely dangerous for the average person to fix. It is absolutely imperative you call an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners who suspect they have something going on with the electrical in their home can call The Electric Connection.

Sometimes, the obvious problem is just a symptom of something much bigger. A light switch that doesn’t seem to work or an outlet that is loose or makes a popping noise may seem like no big deal, but it is. It is hard to say what is happening without an inspection from a trained and certified electrician in Santa Monica. It could really be a quick fix that requires a little tightening of the wires or a replace of the switch or outlet. It could also be an indication of faulty wiring or wiring that is old and brittle.

There are plenty of other scenarios that would require you to call a Santa Monica electrician. If you want new outlets, additional outlets or new light fixtures, you will want to leave the job to the professionals. This ensures the job will be done right and you can sleep better at night knowing it was handled by someone who has been through extensive training and been certified. It is too risky to ignore the problem or attempt to diagnose it if you don’t have the knowledge. Give The Electric Connection a call today if you suspect your electrical wiring may need a little help.

Lighting Concepts by an Electrician in Pasadena

Posted on March 24, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

The standard light fixture is average. It is expected. You walk into a room and you flip the switch, the light comes on and your room looks like a million other rooms in houses all across the world. What if you wanted something a little different? Maybe something that speaks to your style and reflects your personality. An electrician in Pasadena can help you come up with a unique lighting scheme that will improve the way your room looks and make you feel more comfortable with the style. The team at The Electric Connection has a team of electricians who know how to transform an ordinary room into one that pops.

We live in a time where ordinary lighting is becoming out of style. People want to have their space tailored to them. Adding new lighting that may have bold colors or a unique design will make you feel like you have put your own special touch on your home, which you have. A Pasadena electrician can install as many or as few light fixtures as you want—where you want. You don’t have to settle for the single light in the center of the ceiling. There are some standards, like track lighting or recessed lighting, but you can find some very unique shields and shades.

Pendants and hanging lights are also a fun way to add some color to the kitchen. You can choose to have the pendants at varying lengths. You can discuss the various hanging options with your electrician. Pasadena homeowners will appreciate the flexibility that technology has brought to the lighting world. Bold and bright or subtle and soft, You are sure to find a combination that makes your room feel more comfortable and homey. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your new lighting concept.

Home Safety Additions by Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on March 24, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

When you walk in the door of your home at night, you expect to be relatively safe. You expect the home to be constructed well and to protect you from the elements. Your home keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is where you spend time with your family and feel the most comfortable. That is the idea at least. Unfortunately, there are often hidden dangers in the home that need to be addressed. It only takes a few changes to make your home a little safer. These are things your Los Angeles electrician can help you with. The team at The Electric Connection has a trained staff of electricians ready to help you make your home a little safer for you and your family.

Installing GFCI Outlets

These are standard features in recent construction, but older homes were not equipped with GFCI outlets explains an electrician in Los Angeles. These outlets are specially designed to be used around areas where water is at, like the bathroom and kitchen areas. The outlets will trip the breaker the second the flow of electricity is interrupted by water. This will prevent an electric shock.

Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors

These are an ideal option to the standard battery-powered smoke detectors. A hard-wired smoke detector will need to be installed by an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners will love the fact that the smoke alarms are wired directly into the home’s power and do not rely on batteries. If a fire breaks out and the smoke detector alerts, it will trigger the rest of the smoke detectors that have been hard-wired into the main power system.

These are two fairly simple, basic upgrades that can make your home a little safer for you and your family. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your outlet upgrades and smoke detector installation.

When You Need to Call an Electrician

Posted on March 24, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

If you are sick, you call a doctor. If you air conditioner stops working, you call an HVAC repairman. We are fortunate to live in a world where we are only a phone call away from help. We are not expected to fix things ourselves. In fact, the economy relies on us calling in professionals who have went to school and made a living repairing things and making our lives a little easier. What about an electrician? When should you call an electrician, like those at The Electric Connection.

Here are a list of jobs that would require you to give your electrician a call.

When you have a flickering light or a light that doesn’t always turn on when you flipped the switch.
When you need electrical upgrades around the house, like adding additional outlets or replacing old outlets with GFCI outlets.
When you want to add a new light fixture.
When you know you have old wiring that could be potentially dangerous.
If you are doing any kind of remodeling or adding an addition to your home.
When you are having a new home built from the ground up.
When you buy a new house or are thinking about selling and want to know the condition of the electrical wiring in the home. This is especially important if the home was built before 1950 and there is no proof of electrical upgrades.
Upgrading the breaker panel to accommodate your needs.
Installing a home office.

This is not a comprehensive list, but it does include some of the more common reasons you would need to hire an electrician. If you have a job that is listed here or have any questions about what kind of electrical work you may need, give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your consultation.

Hidden Dangers Behind Your Outlets by Glendale Electrician

Posted on March 24, 2016 | by Kim Hopkins

Your home is the place where you feel safest. It has all your creature comforts. Things like your favorite chair where you sit and watch television or play on your laptop. While you are sitting there, feeling comfortable, you may be in danger. If your laptop charger is plugged in, you are at risk of electrocution if the outlet is hiding a dangerous situation. Your television and all electronic devices that are plugged into a bad outlet are at risk of being short-circuited and possibly ruined. An electrician in Glendale is here to tell you that a single faulty can be extremely dangerous. The team at The Electric Connection has trained professionals that can identify problems and then take care of them.

It takes very little for an outlet to become unsafe for regular use. Outlets in older homes are at a higher risk of being faulty, especially if they were wired with cloth insulated wiring. Over time, the cloth frays and falls away and the wires are bare. Plugging things into the outlet and unplugging mildly disturbs the outlet, which can result in the wires touching. This can create a spark that can start a fire or cause an electrical shock when another device is plugged in explains an electrician. Glendale homeowners who have felt a mild or major shock when using an appliance plugged into an outlet, need to have it investigated immediately.

Another problem that may cause an outlet to become dangerous are rodents. Rodents have a strange desire to chew electrical wires. They can chew through the wires, leaving them exposed and arcing. Again, this leaves you prone to an electrical fire or electrocution. Your Glendale electrician can do a fairly quick inspection to identify any hazards. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule a home inspection to determine whether or not your outlets are hiding a dangerous secret.