The Electric Connection’s Blog

GFI Outlets Explained by Electrician in Pasadena

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

As technology moves forward, our knowledge of electricity and our ability to make it safer for us to use has also advanced. One of the latest and greatest things we have at our fingertips is GFI outlets. You have probably seen these in some buildings and maybe even a few new homes. The National Electric Code has made these outlets a standard. Kitchens, bathrooms and other areas that are near water like pools and spas are all required to have GFI outlets in place instead of the standard outlets. If you are not sure if you have one of these, call The Electric Connection and we would be happy to explain. You can also read on and learn a little more about what they are.

Your electrician in Pasadena will explain exactly what GFI outlets are. These outlets look different than the standard ones you have seen for decades. There are 2 buttons in the center of the outlet. 1 red and 1 black. These are to test whether the outlet is working and the other is to reset it.

GFI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters can prevent against electrocution in the event a person is standing or touching water while using an electrical appliance. The GFI detects the very millisecond the electricity is no longer flowing along its proper second. As soon as it detects the break, it cuts power to the appliance, thus preventing a terrible accident. This is where the reset button comes into play. Simply reset the outlet after the situation has been made safe.

This is a fairly simple precaution you can take today to prevent a serious, life-threatening accident in the future. If you would like to learn more about replacing your existing outlets with GFIs, call an electrician. Pasadena residents can rely on The Electric Connection. We have a knowledgeable staff ready to help make your home a safer place. Give us a call today.

Troubleshooting Tripping Breakers with Your Electrician in Glendale

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If you have a breaker or several breakers that are tripping, there are some things you can do to keep it from happening. If you are not comfortable with trying to diagnose the problem, you can call The Electric Connection. We have skilled electricians who can certainly take care of the troubleshooting process for you.

Follow these troubleshooting guidelines from your electrician in Glendale to see if you can identify the problem.

1-Note what is plugged in when the breaker trips. It is possible the breaker is being overloaded. You will need to reduce the number of appliances running off of one breaker. Microwaves should be on their own outlet when possible. Do not resort to using several powerstrips that are completely loaded. This is another major draw and can overburden a breaker. If you need additional outlets or another breaker, give your electrician a call.

2-Your large appliances like the air conditioning unit, hot tub or dryer should all be on their own dedicated circuits. If this is not the case, call an electrician. Glendale homeowners will need the expertise of a certified electrician to take care of this situation.

3-Carefully check each appliance that is plugged in when the breaker trips. There may be an issue with the appliance or the wiring. Don’t use it anymore.

A breaker that trips often for no apparent reason should always be inspected by an electrician. It could be an indication of a bigger problem. Sometimes, the breaker will need to be replaced. In other cases, the electrical wiring to the outlet/s may be the issue. In any event, it is always a good idea to have an electrical inspection completed to check for any serious problems that could be a fire hazard. If you are interested in learning more about this, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Brighten Closets and Hallways with the Help of Electrician in Beverly Hills

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Your home is constantly evolving as you upgrade this, tweak that to suit your style and add little touches that make your home more compatible with you and your needs. Because your home is a major investment, you want to make sure all those upgrades are completed the right way and are safe. When you are thinking of the little things you want done, keep your electrician in Beverly Hills in mind. The Electric Connection has been taking care of customers for years and would love to help you improve your home.

When you think about some of the little things you can do around your house to make it better, you will probably discover a lot of it has something to do with electricity. Adding new lights to dim hallways, bathrooms and even closets is one common upgrade many homeowners aspire to do. A closet that is well-lit is practical as well as convenient. Those battery powered lights that are commonly marketed as a way to light up the small spaces are not always bright enough and they tend to go through batteries rather quickly.

Instead of the quick-fix, talk to your electrician about a long-term fix, like a new light fixture in the closet. This is the same for those hallways that tend to have only one light in the middle. The ends are always a little shady. Adding lights is one way to enhance the overall look of your home as well as the safety. Wouldn’t you feel better navigating a brightly lit hallway or digging through a closet where you can actually see the colors of the garments?

If you would like to brighten up the dark spots in your home, call your electrician. Beverly Hills home owners can give The Electric Connection a call to find out more about the options available.

Outdoor Ceiling Fans—Electrician in Los Angeles Explains the Benefits

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Stagnant air can be rather miserable. When you are sitting outside, you are typically hoping for that refreshing breeze to keep you cool and comfortable and to break up the hot air that tends to become thick and heavy. Of course you have heard about ceiling fans inside your home to take care of this problem, but did you know you can actually have a fan outside as well?

Outdoor ceiling fans can be placed in any outdoor living space to make it more comfortable and enjoyable for you. Evenings out on the patio or lunches in the middle of the day can still be enjoyed without the heat becoming too much when you have an electrician in Los Angeles install an outdoor ceiling fan.

These fans are specially designed to withstand the elements. Rain, wind and salty sea air are kept out of the electrical components with a specially designed housing. Although, there are different levels of protection. You will need to consider where the fan will be placed and your proximity to the ocean and the corrosive salty air. This is something you can talk more about with your electrician. Los Angeles residents can rely on The Electric Connection to help explain the ins and out of outdoor ceiling fans.

Basically, there are 3 different main types of fans. The first is designed to withstand minimal exposure to the elements. This is the type of fan you would put in a covered outdoor area. The second fan is designed to withstand direct exposure to the elements. If you are considering putting your fan in an area that is not covered, you will need this type. The last fan type is one that is made to hold up against the erosion from the salty air.

Of course, each type of fan is available in an assortment of styles and colors. Have fun choosing a fan that is right for your needs. Once you have picked the perfect fan, give The Electric Connection a call and we will be happy to schedule an installation appointment.

5 Energy Efficiency Tips from Electrician Santa Monica Residents Trust

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins | 1 Comment on 5 Energy Efficiency Tips from Electrician Santa Monica Residents Trust

We all want to save a little money and these days, it is more prudent than ever to do whatever we can to save a few dollars in the family budget. As you look at your budget and think of ways to cut costs, you have probably laid your eye on that electric bill a time or two wondering how you could make it just a little less. If this is you, then try these tips from your electrician Santa Monica home and business owners can save a few dollars by following these simple things.

1-Replace your halogen lightbulbs with CFL bulbs. The bulbs cost a bit more initially, but they are more energy efficient and they will last 13x longer than the cheaper bulbs, which actually makes them cheaper in the long run.

2-Stop phantom energy draws by unplugging appliances, cellphone chargers, and electronics when they are not in use. These draw very little energy, but when you add up the 10 to 20 things that are probably plugged in right now, it certainly adds up quick.

3-Replace appliances with energy efficient appliances. This is a big investment at first, but overtime it will save you money. Look for those with the Energy Star sticker.

4-Install a ceiling fan to cut down on the heating and cooling needs. This is a job for your electrician. Santa Monica residents can turn up or down the thermostat a couple of degrees and rely on the ceiling fan to circulate the air.

5-Only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine. This cuts down on the frequency in which you run the appliance and therefore, can save you a few dollars.

If you would like more tips on how you can save money on your electric bill, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Rely on Electrician Pasadena Residents Trust for Your Home Remodel

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Home remodels are a part of owning a home. You buy a home with dreams of putting your stamp on it and molding it to suit you and your family’s needs. Maybe you need that home office transformed into a nursery or that extra bedroom into a home office. The kitchen maybe a little outdated for your tastes as well. That is part of the joy of actually owning your own home—you get to tweak it to match your needs. If you are considering doing some remodeling, you will need to call an electrician. Pasadena residents should call The Electric Connection to talk about the services we can provide for a home remodel.

Transforming a room into another purpose is usually a fairly easy task. However, it is always nice to have new light fixtures installed that are more suitable to the new purpose. A bedroom being turned into an office could definitely use brighter lights and more outlets as well as an additional phone line. These are all fairly simple tasks your electrician can handle for you.

In some cases, large remodels, like a bathroom or kitchen, will require the services of several different professionals. Lighting and moving of appliances and fixtures is definitely a job for a qualified electrician. Pasadena homeowners will want somebody who is reliable and knows the job. Outlets will need to be moved or more added.

If you are planning a project on a much larger scale, like a full addition or maybe you are building a home from the ground up, you can certainly call The Electric Connection for help. Our electricians have the experience you need and want to tackle those big, important jobs. Give us a call today and we can talk more about the job you have in mind.

The Electric Connection Arrived on Time as Promised

Posted on | by K Hopkins | 1 Comment on The Electric Connection Arrived on Time as Promised

The Electric Connection arrived on time as promised. They were pleasant and efficient, and they took care with our room furnishings by covering the furniture and our flooring as needed. They cleaned up completely when the job was done. We will definitely use them again for future electrical projects.

Spruce Up the Kitchen with an Electrician Burbank Homeowners Rely On

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Kitchens play such an important role in your home. They are essentially the hub of your home’s operation. Because of this, you want it to be somewhere you love to be. You may already have the kitchen of your dreams or you may still be saving up for that big remodel. While you are waiting to get those granite countertops and new appliances, you can help pass the time with some modern lighting upgrades that are very affordable. And, they can actually help you save a little money on your electric bill, which you can put towards the big remodel.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can spruce up your kitchen, contact your electrician. Burbank residents can rely on The Electric Connection to provide superior service that will exceed their expectations. A new light in your kitchen, especially if it is extremely outdated, can be more energy efficient. Electrical jobs should always be left to a professional due to the hazards of working with electricity.

Track lighting is a popular option and one track can be used to provide plenty of light for the whole kitchen. The lights can be directed at various areas on countertops, over the kitchen sink or over a center island. Recessed lighting is another option and is extremely handy for kitchens with hanging pot racks. If you are planning on one of these fixtures, talk about installing recessed lighting with your electrician. Burbank homeowners have a ton of possibilities. Take a trip to the hardware store and check out all of the beautiful light fixtures and find the ones that appeal to you. Look for the Energy Star sticker for fixtures that are energy efficient.

Once you have made your decision, give The Electric Connection a call. We would be happy to schedule an appointment to give your kitchen a mini-makeover.