The Electric Connection’s Blog

Electrician Los Angeles – Switching to LED Lighting

Posted on | by K Hopkins

In the past several years, the technology behind our lights has grown tremendously. Although incandescent bulbs were the standard for a number of years, more energy efficient alternatives like Compact Fluorescents (CFL) and Light Emitting Diodes (LED) have become more readily available, affordable and very popular. Because people have been looking for ways to reduce their electrical bills, and lower their overall impact on the environment, LED lighting has become a particularly popular alternative as it has become easier to find. This has resulted in LED lighting companies to manufacture and distribute more LED lights than in the past.

Should You Switch?

The reasons to switch to LEDs are numerous for both homeowners and small businesses. One of the biggest draws to LED lights is its lifespan. Most LED lights will burn for somewhere around 100,000 hours. This translates into roughly 11 years. Whenever you are dealing with this type of lifespan, you will probably end up calling an electrician in Los Angeles to come change out the light fixture before you ever have to change the bulb. LEDs not only last longer, but they also use much less electricity than both incandescent and CFL bulbs. They also produce less heat, resulting in a long-lasting, low-energy, low temperature operation.

Are They Expensive?

One of the few negatives that LED bulbs have is that they have a higher up-front cost than many other options. Although they boast the longer life span, reduced energy consumption and low heat, LED lighting is still more expensive than CFL and Incandescent bulbs. For this reason, many people choose other types of bulbs over them.  Those that go with the LEDs typically find out that they will pay for themselves through reduced energy usage. As always, don’t hesitate to contact The Electric Connection with any questions about LEDs, light fixtures or any other electrical topics. We’re always glad to help.

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Santa Monica Electrician – What Are LED Downlights?

Posted on | by K Hopkins | 1 Comment on Santa Monica Electrician – What Are LED Downlights?

Choosing a style of lights for a particular room can be a very thought-provoking process. This is largely because each room typically has its own purpose, and lighting should be selected to best facilitate that purpose. For many more contemporary spaces, one of the favored lighting options is LED downlights. Many homeowners choose to install this type of light fitting into a variety of rooms around their homes, including bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens to provide not only light, but a certain level of style.

Mounting

LED downlights are typically mounted to narrow openings in the ceiling of the chosen room. In most cases, this type of fixture will be completely hidden from view. As a result, it appears as if the light is coming from a hole in the ceiling. When you choose to have an electrician in Santa Monica install LED downlights for you, then you have a wide variety of different sizes, shapes and even colors to choose from. This is often used to accentuate different elements of a room, due to this type of lighting’s ability to focus light downward on a certain area.

Efficiency

LED downlighting is not only an attractive and effective source of light, but also very energy efficient. Because these fixtures use LED lights, they use very little electricity and emit almost no heat. This results in more comfortable spaces, and a functional light source at a very low operating cost.

Regardless of whether you are installing LED downlights or another type of lighting source, choosing an LED bulb to provide your light is always a smart decision. These high quality, long-lasting and energy efficient light bulbs will provide spectacular lighting to any area for many years to come. To learn more about LED lighting, or to talk to someone about installing some new fixtures, call one of our technicians at The Electric Connection. You can also get in touch with us through our website at www.theelectricconnection.com.

Electrician in Pasadena – How to Use Your Electrical Panel

Posted on | by K Hopkins | 2 Comments on Electrician in Pasadena – How to Use Your Electrical Panel

Your electrical panel serves as the entry point for the electricity being provided to your home from your electrical utility. It also functions as an electrical safety device that will turn off an electrical circuit if there is too much current. Excess levels of electricity can lead to fire or electrical shock. Although you can often tell which circuit is malfunctioning by looking at your breaker box, it can make things much easier if you take the time to label all of your circuits or fuses. This way, you know which switch goes to which area of your home, regardless of whether or not that particular breaker has visibly tripped.

Most newer homes use circuit breakers in order to protect the different areas of the house. Some older homes, however, may still have fuses. If your home still has a fusebox, consider calling a local Pasadena electrician to inspect your electrical system. This is often the sign of an undersized electrical service. If you have a breaker panel, just follow the below steps to restore power to the area of your home that has been affected.

Excess electrical current passing through a circuit will cause your circuit breaker to trip, effectively stopping the current from flowing anymore. When this happens, the switch will move to a neutral position, which is between the ON and the OFF position. To return power to this circuit, all that you have to do is flip the switch all the way to the OFF position and then back to the ON position. Before doing this, it is good practice to turn off or unplug all appliances in the circuit.

Now that the power is back on, you can continue to use your circuit as usual. If you have continuous issues, however, you should call our technicians at The Electric Connection for assistance. We are always more than happy to lend a helping hand. You can also get more information through our website at www.theelectricconnection.com.

Glendale Electrician Explains – What Exactly Is a Standby Generator?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

The majority of all homes and businesses get their electricity from the local electric grid. Although this is very convenient, it can be a burden whenever there are issues that cause either a short-term or long-term outage. Extreme weather, for example, can leave your home without power for days or even weeks. While this is annoying for everyone, it can be dangerous under extreme temperatures or for anyone who needs to keep medical or other vital equipment running at all times. You also run the risk of spoiled food as a result of your refrigerator no longer running.

A standby generator is a device that was developed to make sure that you still have electrical power at your home or business whenever the electricity from the utility company has failed. Rather than placing all of your faith on the traditional electric grid, these generators allow you to get electricity by burning a fuel such as natural gas, diesel or propane. Depending on the size of your standby generator, you can expect your generator to work for several hours, or even days at a time. Your only real limit is the source of your fuel. If you have to stop and refuel your generator constantly, you must keep in mind that you only have a finite fuel source that may be difficult to replenish. If your generator hooks directly into your natural gas utility, you can likely run the generator continuously.

In most cases, an electrician in Glendale will connect your standby generator directly up to your electrical panel. A transfer panel is used to detect whenever there is a power outage. Whenever this occurs, your generator is designed to turned on automatically so that you have very little loss of power. To learn more about standby generators, or to talk about having one installed, call one of our technicians at The Electric Connection. You can also learn more at our website www.theelectricconnection.com/.

Electrician Los Angeles Can Light up the Spaces in Your Home

Posted on | by K Hopkins

If you need to add more light to the dark corners of your home—whether they are inside or outside—an electrician who specializes in custom lighting projects might be exactly what you need. The projects done by a licensed electrician can be customized to include all types of home lighting, including interior lighting, recessed lighting, landscape lighting as well as security lighting.

Your first step is deciding what style of lighting fixtures you’ll want to add to the interior or exterior of your home. Along with functionality, remember to choose lighting fixtures that complement the style of your home decor.

Once you’ve made the decision on what style of lighting fixtures you want, there’s one more step before finding the right electrician in Los Angeles.  That step is to purchase the lighting fixtures that you want to have installed. Now that you’ve made all of the decisions, it’s time to find the right electrician. Los Angeles residents and business know that they can count on The Electric Connection as a reliable and professional electrical contracting company that’s been in business for over 30 years.

We’ll be able to quickly install your new interior lighting or outdoor lights for you.  We’ll even rewire your entire home for you if necessary and bring your old wiring up to the current code requirements. We have years of experience when it comes to wiring installations as well as any other types of electrical services you might need such as new outlets, ceiling or bath fans, panel upgrades and more.

We’re fully licensed, bonded and insured electricians, and we’ll do it right the first time. Come visit us at: www.theelectricconnection.com today and see what we can do for you!

 

Burbank Electrician – Signs You May Need an Electrician

Posted on | by K Hopkins | 3 Comments on Burbank Electrician – Signs You May Need an Electrician

If you are a fairly handy person, then there may be a handful of small home electrical repairs that you want to take care of yourself. If you are not a skilled electrical professional, however, you should not put your life at risk. Always place your trust in an experienced electrician in Burbank. Although some tasks may seem safe enough to handle on your own, you should not even think about it unless you have been properly trained to do it. Regardless of how old your home is, you will encounter electrical problems every now and then. If you know what to look for, then you will know when it’s time to give The Electric Connection a call.

If your plug sockets feel hot to the touch, do not use them. Electrical shocks can be life threatening, and you do not want to expose yourself or your family to the possibility of them. If you find yourself experiencing this, call your electrician right away. Hot wires can overheat, leading to electrical fires that can be very hard to control.

If your breakers are tripping frequently or you blow fuses often, then you may want to have an electrician come take a look. Although it is normal for this to happen every now and then, it can signal a much more serious problem if it happens to frequently. If you have to pick and choose which appliances to run at any given time, then you need to have an electrician come and check things out.

As a rule, you should never hesitate in contacting a Burbank electrician whenever you suspect that you may have electrical issues that need attention. Although the cost may deter some, it will cost much less than if it is left unchecked. For more information about electrical issues, or to get in touch with us, visit our website at www.theelectricconnection.com.

Los Angeles Electrician – Options for Under Cabinet Lighting

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Under cabinet lighting has become very popular recently, especially in kitchen remodels. There are many benefits to having this type of task lighting. In addition to adding functionality to your counters, it can also add depth and highlight your backsplash, giving your kitchen a great look throughout the day. There are a variety of different lights that can be installed by an electrician in Los Angeles, each with its own benefits.

One of the top choices for under cabinet lighting is LED lighting. LED lights do not use as much electricity as standard light bulbs. This means that the bulbs will use less electricity and generate less heat. You don’t want very much heat to build up under your wooden cabinets, so this is a very important feature. LED bulbs are also very durable, and not filled with a glass like fluorescent bulbs, or a thin fragile filament like incandescent. LED lightings can withstand the beating that they may get in your kitchen. One of the greatest things about LED lights is that they are long-lasting. LED lights have a much longer lifespan than any of the other alternatives.

Xenon bulbs are another popular option for under cabinet lighting. They are great when compared with halogen. They create less heat than halogen bulbs, last longer and you can handle them without gloves (unlike their halogen counterparts). Xenon bulbs are also dimmable, which makes them great for kitchen lightings. If your kitchen currently has halogen light bulbs, it is recommended that you switch them with xenon as soon as they start to burn out.

These two options are two of the most popular types of under cabinet lighting installed by your local Los Angeles electrician. To talk about installing under cabinet lighting or any other electrical issue, give The Electric Connection a call. You can find all of our contact information and further resources (Click Here).

Install Solar Panels – 3 Affordable Options

Posted on | by K Hopkins

When considering solar power, most people picture complete independence from traditional electrical utilities by harvesting enough solar energy to provide their home with the amount of electricity it needs to function each day. Many homeowners look into this, only to discover that this large of an undertaking and the cost of solar panels is beyond their means. Rather than looking further, this is the point that most people give up and move on to something else. Fortunately, there are a variety of affordable solar options that can get you started without the need of a large solar array.

  1. Solar Swimming Pool Heater
    It is estimated that solar pool heaters are one of the most cost-effective forms of solar power. They are more durable than their gas and electric counterparts, and cost about the same. Studies have shown that most heaters cost roughly $4,000, which will earned back between two and seven years.
  2. Solar Water Heaters
    Another option for harnessing solar power in mild climates is a solar water heater. These tubes utilize a very simple system of black tube in order to heat water before it flows into your conventional water heater. This reduces your need to use gas or electric to heat the water. One thing to keep in mind is that these systems could freeze under very cold temperatures.
  3. Solar Lease or Solar Loans
    In addition to the two options above, there are many solar panel installers who offer solar lease or solar loan programs. Under these programs, you have a couple of options that involve paying a monthly fee to either lease the solar panels or purchase them over time.

Electrician in Los Angele Explains: Amps and Volts – What’s The Difference?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Whenever looking at electrical devices or equipment, many people are confused by the difference between amps and volts, making it difficult for them to understand the purpose of each. By learning what each of these important electrical terms means, you can better use your electrical devices in a safe manner, which will help you avoid any electrical shocks, tripped breakers or other electrical mishaps.

Amps

One of the easiest ways to understand the difference between these electrical terms is to look at them from a more physical viewpoint. In order to do this, we will compare each with its plumbing equivalent. Imagine water running through a hose. Simply put, amps are just like the water that is flowing through the hose.

Volts

The amount of water running through a hose depends largely on the pressure that is forcing the water through the hose. In electrical terms, the amount of pressure forcing electricity through the wire is referred to as Volts. Whenever you combine the two, and multiply Amps x Volts, you get Watts. Watts would be the equivalent of the amount of electricity that is coming out of the wire at any given moment (Amps) and the amount of pressure pushing the electricity through the wire (Volts).

One of the most important reasons to understand these terms is to keep them in mind when using several different devices and appliances on a single circuit in your home. Each circuit in your home is protected by a circuit breaker that is designed to shut off the flow of power if the circuit becomes overloaded. By understanding how much electricity each appliance is designed to draw, you can more safely and effectively spread your appliances across your circuits.

If you notice that you have a circuit that is frequently tripping, or showing other signs of power drain, call an electrician right away. This could be a sign of deeper issues. If you are interested in more information about this or other electrical topics, our team at The Electric Connection has put together a solid list of related tips and articles in our website.

Los Angeles Electrician Explains About Chemicals Families are Potentially Exposed to During Home Renovations

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Brian Turner asked me if I would post this article and I said yes, so here it is:

Renovations present a two fold risk to exposing families to potentially dangerous chemicals. First, the demolition of what is being replaced during renovations can release dust, mold and other allergy causing particulates in the air. It can also release asbestos fibers. Asbestos can be found in older tile flooring, ceiling and roof materials, exterior siding, covering pipes and pretty much anywhere else since it used to be widely used. It is associated with mesothelioma cancer.

The new materials being installed will put off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to one degree or another in the form of gases. New furnishings, cabinets, flooring and other renovation products and materials can release gases such as formaldehyde and benzene. The EPA warns of VOC side effects that include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, burning throats and eyes and skin reactions. Exposure is also associated with long-term systemic effects such as liver and kidney disease.

There are different ways to control exposure. One is to choose a contractor with experience in reducing the amount of particulates that get into the air during the demolition phase. If asbestos is known to be present or discovered, a professional asbestos remediation team should remove the materials. There are also contractors who are aware of ways to control exposure to VOCs released by new furnishings and construction materials.

Most people associate that odor of newness that new products have as being a good thing. However, the very presence of the odor is an indication that the product is off-gassing something. The odor may be something that triggers a severe asthma attack in a susceptible person. It may end up causing harm in the long run. The way to know is to become an informed consumer.

Contact each and every manufacturer of every product and material being used in the renovation of the home. Ask questions about risks of having or using the product in the home. It may be a real eye-opener to some people when they find out the answers. Ask the contractor to save every scrap of paper included with the packaging of the new items being installed. Products do come with warnings about VOCs, yet many homeowners never see the warnings.

The state of California is rigid when it comes to warnings about consumer products. However, it is just a warning. People can still choose to install products that put off more VOCs or worse yet, release lead and other toxic and even cancer causing substances. Though no option in new renovations is perfect, there are choices that can be made between product types to reduce the amount of dangerous chemicals and substances released in a home during renovations.

It takes time to do some research before buying that new set of kitchen cabinets or picking that new carpeting for the living room, but it is worth it. With indoor air being the air most families breathe the most of, it makes sense to take precautions to make it as clean and pure as possible for your entire family.

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