Identifying Potentially Hazardous Electrical Panels with a Glendale Electrician

Posted on July 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

When you bought your home, one of the things you probably didn’t even look at was the electric panel. If the lights work and the appliances in the home work, there doesn’t really seem to be any point in looking at the panel. Plus, how would you know what you were looking at? If you have recently purchased your home or live in a home that is older than 20 years, you may want to take a peek at your electric panel to determine what brand you have. There are a few brands you do not want in your home because they have been proven to be hazardous. An electrician in Glendale can inspect the panel for you to tell you what you are dealing with and your options. The team at The Electric Connection has a trained staff of electricians that will tell you everything you need to know.

Pushmatic or Bulldog

These systems are older and replacement parts are no longer being produced. This is a problem in itself. Another issue is the panels require regular maintenance. If they are not regularly maintained, the breakers become difficult to use.

Zinsco

This was a popular brand several decades ago, but it has since been discovered the breakers in the panels were just not enough to handle today’s high electric demands. A Glendale electrician can take a look and see if this is what you have. The breakers do not regulate the electricity flowing and can result in burnt wires, which is a fire hazard.

Federal Pacific

This was a brand that was very popular in the 1950s and was used throughout the 1990s. The breakers do not trip when they are supposed to, which is a serious fire hazard.

If you see one of these names on your electric panel, call your electrician. Glendale homeowners may have nothing to worry about, but it is always best to explore your options and know just what it is you are dealing with. Call The Electric Connection today and schedule your electric panel inspection.

Bathroom Lighting Ideas by Electrician in Burbank

Posted on July 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

A problem so many people deal with and assume there is no real solution to is bathroom lighting needs in the dead of night. Turning on the light to take care of business can be too much. It is too bright and ends up blinding you before waking you completely up and making it next to impossible for you to fall back to sleep. You may feel like you are forced to choose between complete darkness or too much light, but an electrician in Burbank has another option. The reliable team at The Electric Connection wants to help you take care of your bathroom lighting woes.

Under the Cabinet Lighting

You can add some light to the bathroom without making it completely by blinding by placing it low to the ground. A rope light placed under the lip of the bathroom counter near the floor adds just the right amount of light in an area where you really need it. This is a quick and easy job for an electrician. Burbank homeowners will appreciate the effect the soft lighting gives the room as well as its usefulness.

Outlet Nightlights

These are very handy and shed just the right amount of light over the sink area. The lights are attached inside the outlet cover and do not require the services of a Burbank electrician. The lights work on a sensor and will automatically turn on when it is dark.

Lighted Toilet Seats

These may not be quite as practical, but they are certainly very neat looking. It isn’t the actual seat that lights up, but the hinge of the toilet seat. The soft glow of light illuminates the bowl and gives a person a little direction.

If you would like an electrician to take care of these small bathroom lighting jobs, give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your appointment.

Importance of Outdoor Outlets by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on July 20, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

The summer time is great for hanging out outside with friends and family. Backyard barbecues, pool parties and chatting into the wee hours of the night are all a part of making memories. Your memories likely include some electricity. Yes, it seems strange and completely off base, but electricity can make your backyard summer days a little more comfortable and convenient. Maybe you need to plug in your docking station or maybe you need to charge your phone or laptop. You don’t want to be cooped up inside or leave your phone behind. You need an outdoor outlet or two. An electrician in Beverly Hills is here to explain the importance of having outdoor outlets places around your yard and patio area. The team at The Electric Connection can answer any more questions you may have about the convenience.

Homes are required to have at least one outdoor outlet in the front of the house and another in the back. This is really not enough to keep up with today’s technological world. If you have electric weed eaters or hedge trimmers, you will be forced to use several extension cords to reach the far corners of the yard. This can be dangerous as well as frustrating. A Beverly Hills electrician can make your landscaping duties a little easier and safer by installing a few more outdoor outlets to cut down on your need for so many extension cords.

Outdoor outlets also make it much easier to light up your yard for the holidays. Overloading a circuit is a common issue when you try and connect several strands of lights or decorative yard items on one outlet. This is actually a fire hazard that can be avoided with one call to your electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will appreciate the freedom and flexibility several well-placed outdoor outlets gives them. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your installation.

Electrical Considerations for Remodels Explained by Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on June 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

With summer weather driving you indoors where it is much cooler, you may be looking around the house and thinking you could change this or that to make it all a little better. Home remodels range from very minimal renovations to big changes that may include adding a room or completely removing walls. All of this will make your home a little more perfect for you and your family, but home remodels can be a lot of work. While small renovations are typically something the average homeowner will attempt to do on their own, an electrician in Santa Monica points out that even the smallest changes should be evaluated by an electrician. You can count on the team at The Electric Connection to send out an experienced electrician to handle the inspection for you.

When you hire a Santa Monica electrician to inspect the area you plan to remodel, you will get a good idea of the electrical work that is involved in the remodel. Often times, homeowners forget all about the electrical wiring that is needed with any renovation. During the inspection, you will be told what all is hiding behind the walls and what would need to happen to move the wiring. Things to consider are light fixtures, outlets and data lines. If you are planning on adding more outlets, your electrician will need to evaluate whether or not you have enough room in the breaker panel to do so.

Another important part of the inspection will be to determine the condition and age of your existing wiring. This is always a job for an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners who live in homes that are more than 30 years old will appreciate the information. Outdated wiring could be a fire hazard. Upgrading the wiring will make your home safer while potentially saving you money on your homeowner’s insurance. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your home inspection before you move forward with any remodeling plans.

Wireless Lighting Benefits with Pasadena Electrician

Posted on June 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

No matter how hard you try, it is a huge task to try and remember to shut off lights whenever they are not in use. If you have a busy household with several family members, your task is next to impossible. It is frustrating to have to constantly remind kids and other adults to turn off the lights. It is a full time job that nobody has the time or patience for. Did you know that lighting accounts from anywhere between 20 and 40 percent of your total electrical bill? An electrician in Pasadena has a viable solution for you that does not require you to be on full time light duty. The team at The Electric Connection can provide you with more information or you can read on.

Lighting timers or wireless lighting systems are the answer to your lighting police needs. A wireless system can be quickly installed on any light that you find to be a problem getting shut off. Hallways, stairways and bathrooms are common areas of installation. If you choose to go with a system that is wired into the home’s electrical system, the installation is best completed by a qualified electrician. Pasadena homeowners will feel better knowing the system has been installed by a professional and the risk of bad wiring is avoided.

A wireless system is the best option because it leaves no holes in the walls or ceilings. It does cost a little more up front, but the savings on your electric bill will certainly make up for it. You can save up to 50 percent on your electric bill with the installation of light timers. You can certainly install the wireless system on your own and you can avoid hiring a Pasadena electrician. The choice is yours. If you would like to learn more about wireless lighting systems or the installation of light timers, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Quick Facts about Smoke Alarms by Glendale Electrician

Posted on June 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

You have probably become so used to smoke alarms you rarely even notice they are in a room. That means you don’t notice when they are not around either. Or if they are working properly or placed in an appropriate place. Smoke alarms are one of those things that we ignore until we burn toast and remember we have them. Then they become an annoyance and the batteries are popped out with the intention of replacing them once the smoke has cleared out. Unfortunately, because they are so easily forgotten, they are often not replaced. An electrician in Glendale, like those at The Electric Connection, has a few facts to tell you about smoke alarms. These facts remind us why those little white discs in the corner are so important.

1-Smoke alarms need to be replaced every ten years. Most people assume they are good forever.

2-30 percent of home fires are in homes that have expired smoke alarms or no smoke alarms at all.

3-It is imperative you test your smoke alarm every month. A Glendale electrician points out it takes less than a minute to complete this potentially life-saving task.

4-Batteries should be replaced in each smoke alarm every 6 months, regardless if they are working. Fresh batteries are best.

5-Opting to go with at least one hard-wired smoke alarm on each floor is a good option. These will be installed by an electrician. Glendale homeowners can rest assured they will always have protection whether the batteries are fresh or not.

6-Every bedroom in the house should have a smoke alarm. A smoke alarm should be on each floor as well. 66 percent of homes do not have the minimum number of smoke alarms recommended.

If you would like to add another layer of protection and have hard-wired smoke alarms installed, give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your installation.

10 Easy Electrical Safety Tips by Burbank Electrician

Posted on June 19, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

You have probably heard about electrical safety since the time you can remember. However, because we are so used to using electricity and having it around us all the time, we rarely stop to really think about it. Complacency can be dangerous. It is important to take a step back and really look at your home and surroundings. Are there any electrical hazards looming? Are you practicing safe electrical habits? An electrician in Burbank has some quick tips for you to practice. You can always call The Electric Connection to learn more and ask more in depth questions about electrical safety.

1-Only have electrical work in your home completed by a qualified Burbank electrician.

2-Plug large appliances like refrigerator, oven and microwave directly into an outlet.

3-Use GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bathroom area. These should be installed by an electrician. Burbank residents can protect themselves from electric shock in areas where water is present with this type of outlet.

4-Don’t make extension cords a permanent solution. If you need more outlets, have some installed by an electrician.

5-Don’t plug more than one heat producing appliance i.e. toaster, space heater, coffee maker, into an outlet at the same time.

6-Have all remodel work completed by an electrician.

7-If you are buying a new home, have it inspected by an electrician first.

8-Only use lightbulbs that are appropriate for a light fixture.

9-Ensure electrical cords are not damaged or at risk of being damaged from being run across walkways or smashed in doors.

10-If you experience a tingling feeling or small jolt when plugging in an appliance, stop! Don’t use the appliance until you can have the outlet inspected.

These are quick, basic tips that can actually prevent serious injury. If you have any questions or need an electrician to complete some work or an electrical inspection, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Identifying Fire and Health Hazards in Your Home with a Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on June 19, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

You walk into your home and see the same things every day. You may see some dirty dishes in the sink or maybe notice you could use a little dusting in the living room. You look at the things that are right in front of you. You probably don’t actively look for things in the home that are hidden, but dangerous. It is important you spend a few minutes looking for and identifying any potential fire hazards in your home that may have gone unnoticed in the past. Having the help of an experienced electrician in Beverly Hills is a good idea. You can rely on the team at The Electric Connection to help you identify and repair any potential danger.

This is a list of 3 of the most common hazards that are lurking in your home.

1-Asbestos use was popular in home construction up until the mid 1970s. There are homes that still have this dangerous substance working in the insulation of attics, basements and in the walls. If you don’t know what asbestos looks like, it is always best to hire a professional to complete an inspection.

2-Faulty smoke detectors are another common issue. Many people adopt an out of sight, out of mind habit and forget the smoke detectors are even there. A Beverly Hills electrician can help eliminate that issue by installing hard-wired smoke detectors that rely on your home’s main electric panel.

3-Electric panels are another area of concern that should be inspected by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners may not even be aware their existing electric panel is on a list of recalls. There were numerous panels produced and installed throughout the 1980s and 1990s that have been proven to be dangerous and should be replaced.

If you suspect your home may have one of these hazards, it is a good idea to have an inspection completed by an electrician or an asbestos abatement company. Give The Electric Connection a call today and make sure your home isn’t hiding an electrical hazard.

Save Money and Save the Planet with an Electrician in Los Angeles

Posted on June 19, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

Every month we hear more about our failing earth. Whether you buy into all of the theories or not, it isn’t hard to deny the abuse we impose on Mother Earth. We know things are reaching a breaking point. It is time to make some changes before things get so bad, there is no going back. Although it may seem like a daunting task to save the world, you don’t have to look at the big picture. Focus on your little corner. Focus on making a few changes around your house and you can save the planet that way. Every little bit helps. An electrician in Los Angeles has some tips to help you do just that. The team at The Electric Connection wants to help you do what you can by providing electrical services.

Check out some of the ways you can save money while saving the planet.

1-Switch to CFLs. Don’t put it off. Using less electricity will save you money while reducing the demand on natural resources.

2-Look into having your home switched to solar power. There are numerous tax breaks and incentives for homeowners who are willing to make the change. A Los Angeles electrician will hook up the system and you will start saving money on your electric bill in the first month.

3-Make your home heating and air conditioning more efficient by sealing up cracks around your windows and doors. Have a ceiling fan installed by an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners can reduce the demand on their furnaces and air conditioning units with ceiling fan installation.

4-Be conscientious when showering, brushing your teeth or running the washer or dishwasher. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, turning off the water while brushing and only running the washer when it is full.

Be kind to the planet and your wallet. Follow these quick and easy tips. If you need a ceiling fan installed or have questions about solar energy, call The Electric Connection today.

Staying Safe in a Power Outage by Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on May 25, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

The summer weather is notorious for spurning some wild thunderstorms. Those storms can result in widespread power outages that leave you and your neighbors sitting in the dark for hours. The power outage may not be the result of a thunderstorm. It could come down to scheduled blackouts if the summer heats up as is predicted. You need to know how to stay safe during a power outage. An electrician in Santa Monica has some valuable tips for you. If you have any more questions, you can always count on the team at The Electric Connection to help you.

1-Call the electric company from your cell phone to determine what the situation is and how long you can expect to be without power.

2-Unplug all appliances and turn off things like the air conditioner, stove and so on. You don’t want to create a power surge when the electricity does come back on. You can have a surge protector installed by an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners who don’t want to risk their electrical equipment being burned out will appreciate the protection a surge protector offers.

3-Use flashlights whenever possible instead of candles. Candles increase the risk of a fire getting started.

4-Put together a small emergency kit and leave it in the pantry. The kit should include things like a radio for listening to weather reports, extra batteries for the flashlight and some extra cash or a credit card for emergencies.

You can avoid the side effects of a power outage by having a generator installed by a Santa Monica electrician. This will serve as your backup electricity source to ensure you always have power. You won’t have to worry about wasting the food in your fridge or worrying about how you will take a hot shower. Give The Electric Connection a call today to learn more about surge protection or a standby generator.