The Electric Connection’s Blog

Why You Need Solar Panels Explains Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If you have been debating whether or not to make the move to solar power, you probably have a few questions and concerns. There has been a lot of attention given to alternative energy as the world becomes more aware of the lack of natural resources. Governments are also promoting solar energy with some perks like tax breaks for those who decide to have solar panels installed. An electrician in Beverly Hills will need to install the solar panels. The electricians at The Electric Connection have experience in this field and can help you rely on the sun for electricity.

Energy costs are going to keep going up. That is a fact we have all accepted, but what if you could keep your hard-earned money in your pocket while doing something good for the environment? Solar panels that harness the sun’s energy are the perfect way to do just that. One of the many points of resistance for those who are considering solar power is the idea they will run out of electricity. You don’t have to worry about that if you are still connected to the power grid. The electric company’s power will be your backup plan for those times when your solar powered system can’t keep up with your home’s demands.

A Beverly Hills electrician will install the panels and the necessary conversion system to transform the sun’s rays into the electricity you need to watch television, take a hot shower or charge your cell phone. You will have the flexibility to choose just how much you want to rely on solar energy. You can have just a couple of panels installed to start out with. Once you get used to solar power, you can upgrade your system to include more panels. If you want to learn more about having solar panels installed, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Gorgeous Outdoor Kitchens with Burbank Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

With summer just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about those weekend barbecues and all the outdoor entertaining you will want to do. Outdoor cooking is a tradition we love and cherish. It is something we will remember fondly for years to come. There is just something exciting and relaxing about eating a meal outdoors with friends and family. What if you could enjoy an outdoor meal all year? Or, what if you, the host, could join in the conversation while preparing a delicious meal for your guests? You can do both with the help of an electrician in Burbank. The Electric Connection can help you achieve your dreams of cooking outdoors in your own outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor kitchens give you the chance to take the party outside while you are cooking a meal. The kitchens can be a barbecue with a single countertop or a full kitchen complete with center islands, a sink and grill suitable for making an entire meal. A roof over the kitchen area protects your equipment. The walls are left open to allow the fresh air to circulate through the room. Some homeowners choose to have screening material installed to reduce the amount of bugs coming to check out the food.

An outdoor fan is also an ideal fixture for your outdoor kitchen. On hot days, a cool breeze will go a long way to keeping you comfortable while you enjoy your outdoor kitchen. The fan also helps cut down on the bug population. A Burbank electrician will work with you to set up your dream kitchen outside. Electrical outlets are a common addition to the kitchens so you can use some of your favorite appliances outdoors as well. If you are ready to take advantage of the beautiful weather, give The Electric Connection a call today and get started on your outdoor kitchen plans.

Home Maintenance Safety Tips

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Safety should ALWAYS be the foremost concern for anyone who is working on or around electricity. It is critical to recognize and distinguish between repairs, which you are qualified to undertake and repairs that only a professional electrician should handle.

We recommend that you always contact a qualified, licensed electrician to perform any electrical work in your home.

If you do decide to undertake a basic home electrical project, consider the following important safety tips:

  • Always turn off the power to the circuit that you plan to work on by switching off the circuit breaker in the main service panel.

  • Be sure to test wires before you touch them to make sure that the power has been turned off.

  • Test from the black wires to both the grounded box and the white wires. Test from the white wires to the grounded box.

  • Never touch plumbing or gas pipes when performing a do-it-yourself electrical project.

  • Make sure that you are not standing on a damp floor.

  • Be sure to unplug any lamp or appliance before working on it.

  • Take an active role in understanding the condition of your current electrical system, its capacity, limitations, and potential hazards.

Is a permit or inspection required? Many state and local laws require that a permit be obtained prior to the installation of electrical wiring or devices. In addition, an inspection must be performed to ensure the work is safely completed meeting all applicable code requirements.

Projects that require a permit include:

  • Adding or extending a new circuit and/or wiring for central air conditioning, a swimming pool, or a hot tub

  • Installing a receptacle or light fixture where one did not already exist

  • Installation of new electrical panels in the house would require a permit

  • Wiring or re-wiring any new structure such as a house, garage, or shed. Permits are generally not mandated for minor repairs, but work must comply with the version of the National Electrical Code that is recognized by the state or city in which you live.

Projects that do not require a permit may include:

  • Replacing a receptacle where one already exists

  • Replacing a faulty circuit breaker that is the same size/type does not require a permit

  • Replacing or changing a light fixture within the home

  • Installing a phone or coax cable for cable television

If you hire an electrician or contractor to perform work at your home, be sure to confirm that he/she has obtained the appropriate permits, and request an inspection once the work is complete. This protects your family against risk of electrocution and electrical fires—and it is the law!

 

About the Author

David M Specht is the Director of Field Services for Cirtcele Electric, an electrical contracting firm located in Mesa, Arizona, just outside of Phoenix that provides residential, industrial, and commercial electrical services. As a second-generation electrician, he is committed to carrying his family’s legacy of professional service to individuals, families, and businesses in and around Phoenix and the Southwest United States. Mr. Specht is also a pilot and frequently travels to client locations, which puts him in a class few competitors can match. To learn more about David and the services his company offers, visit: http://www.CirtceleElectric.com

What to Look for When Hiring an Electrician–Pasadena Residents Need to Know

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

When you need an electrician it can be difficult to scan through the listings online and pick just the right one. You just never know what you are getting. It’s not like there is an app for that. You need to have an idea of the qualifications you should look for before you hire somebody to come into your home and do work. Before you hire an electrician in Pasadena, follow these guidelines. You can always count on the team at The Electric Connection to meet each of these qualifications.

A licensed electrician is an absolute must. The company the electrician works for should also be licensed. A person who has gone through the licensing process gives means they have met certain knowledge requirements.

The company you hire should be bonded and insured. This protects you in case of an accident that damages your home or an accident the electrician suffers while on your property.

Reputation is very important when it comes to hiring an electrician. Pasadena homeowners will want to talk with others who have used the company’s services to find out if they were pleased with the work that was done. Electricians work hard to build up a solid reputation because they know how important it is to getting more work.

You will want a company that hires electricians who are reliable and will show up when they are scheduled. You have a busy life and need to be able to count on an electrician to be there on time and to complete the work in a reasonable amount of time.

A company that is trustworthy is also essential. Often times the work will be performed when you are not there. You need to know the electrician will finish the job without you looking over his or her shoulder.

If you are ready to hire an electrician, you can count on The Electric Connection to meet and exceed all these expectations.

GFCI Outlets–Why You Need Them Explains Electrician in Glendale

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If you have never heard of or seen the outlets that are in new homes or office buildings, you are missing out on something that could potentially save you or a family member’s life. A GFCI outlet is an added layer of safety when it comes to dealing with two things that never mix well—water and electricity. No matter how cautious you are, there is always the chance of an accident happening that will mix the two and create a life-threatening situation. Your electrician in Glendale, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you protect your family by installing GFCI outlets.

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. The outlets are designed to trip the breaker the instant the flow of electricity is interrupted. If you were to accidentally drop the mixer in the sink or spill a cup of water on it while you were using it, the outlet would trip the breaker and cut the flow of electricity. This prevents you from getting an electric shock. This would be the case if you were in the bathroom using a hairdryer or any other appliance. The outlets also work on cords that may be damaged and at risk of causing an electric shock.

The outlets will replace any current outlets you have in the kitchen or bathroom. You may have seen these before. They have small reset buttons usually in the middle between the top and bottom outlets. Because the outlets will need to be wired, the job will need to be completed by an electrician. Glendale homeowners will feel better about using their electric appliances in areas that are prone to accidents that involve electricity and water mixing. If you would like to learn more about GFCI outlets or are ready to make an appointment to have an electrician upgrade your current outlets, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Lighting Options Explained by Electrician in Burbank

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If you are thinking about updating the existing lighting scheme in your home you may not realize there are a lot of different options to choose form. Nowadays, the standard single light fixture in the center of a room is outdated. There are so many new and exciting ways to light up your house. You will be amazed at what an electrician in Burbank can do with your current boring lighting scheme. The staff at The Electric Connection is here to help you transform your home into one that is bright and inviting.

Track Lighting

This is a great option for a kitchen or living room. Several lights are mounted along a track that runs straight or in a U-shape. The lights can be directed at different angles allowing you the freedom to light up a whole space with just one switch. You will have the freedom to choose the wattage of each bulb. This is like having 4 lights without the extra fixtures.

Recessed Lighting

These lights are great for areas where you don’t want anything hanging and getting in the way. It also has a very clean look that many people find desirable. The lights are mounted into the ceiling making them flush with ceiling. You can choose to have several lights installed that will light up an entire room without ever getting in the way of hanging pots and pans or hanging plants.

Undercounter LEDs

These are excellent options for bringing light into the dark areas of your home. Under the counter LEDs can be installed by an electrician. Burbank homeowners will be able to use their countertops freely without worrying about blocking the overhead light and risking an injury.
If you would like to learn more about the different lighting options or would like to schedule your appointment to have your lighting updated, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Don’t Delay–Call an Electrician in Beverly Hills for Minor Electrical Problems

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

It is natural for you to want to take care of some of the small things around your house. Sometimes it seems silly to call out a professional to fix a leaky faucet or to look at a light that doesn’t seem to want to work all the time. You may decide to wait until there are several problems that need attention before making the call to a professional. This isn’t always a good idea. Sometimes, the most innocent looking problems are actually much more serious than you may have thought. An electrician in Beverly Hills wants you to understand that even the smallest thing could mean big trouble for you and your home. At The Electric Connection you will find a team of professionals who are ready to answer any question you may have about your electrical system, even if you think it is silly.

Some of the most common things that are ignored are those intermittent lights or outlets. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. You may assume it is just one of those things and do without the light or find another outlet, but you shouldn’t. Outlets and lights that don’t work all the time are a sign of trouble and it needs to be investigated by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners should know that these problems could be an indicator of faulty or loose wiring. If the wires touch or they could create a spark which will ignite the insulation in the wall thus setting off a chain of events that puts your life at risk and ultimately destroys your home.

Never assume an electrical problem is not a big deal. It is worth a call to an electrician. You can rely on The Electric Connection to answer any questions you may have and to provide you with a knowledgeable electrician should you need it.

Telecommute with Help of an Electrician in Los Angeles

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If your job involves you working in an office every day, have you considered working from home either on a full time or part time basis? With gas prices rising, more people are choosing to work from home and telecommute rather than pay the money for gas and deal with the frustration of sitting in traffic. There are plenty of other benefits from working out of your own home along with a few tax breaks. You will need an electrician in Los Angeles to help you make the transition from driving to work every day to walking across the hall to your office. The team at The Electric Connection is ready to help you make that happen.

If you already have a spare room you can transfer into your workspace, you are already halfway there. Your initial investment will be fairly low. If you need to add on an additional room to your home or build a separate structure, your initial investment will be a little higher, but in the end you can rest easy knowing you have made an investment in your home.

Part of the renovation process will include adding additional outlets, phone lines and installing a light fixture that is suitable for office work. This will all need to be handled by an electrician. Los Angeles residents will have the ability to decide where the outlets will be placed. Sometimes, it is convenient to have outlets placed higher up on the wall rather than common placement near the floor. You will also have the ability to decide where the data lines will be located. Your electrician will complete the install and leave your new work space looking like a professional office that you will feel comfortable working out of. Give The Electric Connection a call today and get started on your home office.

LED Light Strips Transform Your Home by Electrician in Santa Monica

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

As you explore different lighting options for your kitchen, you may want to check out LED light strips. You can have the strips installed virtually anywhere. If you have ever seen LED lighting, you know it is very bright. Amazingly, the bulbs are super small and extremely energy efficient. If you are looking for a solution to your lighting troubles under the counters in your kitchen, around the vanity in the bathroom or even an adequate reading light in your bedroom, consider having an electrician in Santa Monica help you with the installation of one of these affordable LED light strips. At The Electric Connection, you will find knowledgeable staff who are willing to help you take care of the little electrical jobs around the house.

The light strips can be bought at your local home improvement store in various sizes. They are sold in strips that allow you to cut the strips into the desired length for placement under your kitchen counters or over your headboard. Because there is some electrical work involved, you will want to have the installation completed by an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners will be amazed to discover how bright just a single light can be. They can transform a dark area, like your closet, into a bright, inviting space with just the flick of a switch.

Now, you are probably thinking LED lights are great for some things, but it can be a little overwhelming at times. There is an answer to that. Your electrician can equip the light strip with a dimmer switch. This allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. The best part about LEDs is the energy savings. They use just a mere 36 watts. If you are ready to transform your dark closet or under counter space, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Old Kitchens Made Modern with Electrician in Pasadena

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Have you ever walked into your kitchen and tried to use the toaster only to discover it had been unplugged. Then you remember you unplugged it because you needed to use the can opener and didn’t want to unplug the Crockpot, interrupting your dinner. If you have ever experienced anything like this, then you probably need the help of an electrician in Pasadena, like those at The Electric Connection. Stop the frustration by having an electrician install additional outlets in your kitchen.

Older homes that have been renovated and made more modern tend to overlook the outlet situation in the kitchen. Fifty years ago, kitchen appliances were very minimal or considered a major luxury. In today’s world, we can’t make coffee or open a can of beans without an electrical outlet. With all the lovely appliances available today that make our lives easier, it is only normal we would want the power to use them.

You can remedy the situation with the help of an electrician. Pasadena residents can transform their kitchen into a space that works for them by having additional outlets installed. Before this can happen, the electrician will need to check out the existing electric panel to determine whether or not the current breaker can support more outlets. In most cases, an additional breaker may be needed to support the outlets. This is something an electrician can take care of for you. When it is time to install the new outlets, it is a good idea to have the electrician replace the old outlets in the kitchen with GFCI outlets. These are the standard in new home construction in the kitchen and bathroom areas. They prevent electric shock if water is splashed on an appliance. If you are ready to make your kitchen start working for you, give The Electric Connection a call today.