Do I Need An Electrician to Rewire My Malibu House?

Posted on June 1, 2021 | by K Hopkins

rewire home outlet Staying in a beach city enjoying the awesome weather and thrill of celebrity mansions is a great way to live. However, persistent electrical problems can put a strain on your almost-perfect living.

Rewiring your Malibu house can be the best way to end any persistent electrical problems. To be sure, call an electrician to inspect your home and describe any issues you’ve observed. The electrician will confirm if you need a house rewire.

Now, if you’re past this point and you’re trying to decide if you need an electrician to rewire your Malibu house, keep reading to find the information to help you make the right choice.

Why hire an electrician to rewire your home

Legal reasons
A house rewire is a complex project that often requires a permit from your local authorities. The permit is important to ensure that all local codes and safety protocols are followed in the project. In most cases, the permit can only be pulled by a licensed contractor or electrician. If you choose to do the work yourself, it’s either illegal or restrictions will apply.

These restrictions include:
- You must remain in the residence at least a year after the project
- You could be persecuted if someone gets hurt due to improper work
- The building must not include any commercial or industrial components such as a public meter.
- If the home isn’t yours but that of a close relative, you’re not allowed to complete any additional low voltage work.
- After the project, you must hire an electrical inspector to check that5 the work is up to code and issue you a Certificate of Compliance.
The best option is to save yourself the headache and let a licensed electrician in Malibu complete the work.
To avoid risks and stay safe
DIYing your electrical rewire can put you and your family at risk. Accidents like electrocution, shocks, and fire can occur from improper handling or faulty wiring. Electrical rewiring is a complex and dangerous project which is why only experienced electricians know how to reduce risks and follow proper procedures.
Prevents failed inspections
One of the most common problems with DIY work is failed inspections. When you’ve completed a project that requires a permit without the permit, an electrical inspection will be required.

The inspector checks for compliance with safety protocols and updated codes. Most DIY house rewires often fail this inspection.

If you want to sell your home, a buyer would also use an inspector to check the electrical system of the home. If the inspection fails, the buyer won’t proceed with purchasing the home. You may end up fined for a violation. In situations where faulty electrical wiring is found after the purchase, you may be persecuted.

Hiring a professional electrician for your Malibu house rewire is the better choice. Aside from these reasons, there’s also the scope of work and electrical knowledge you need to complete the rewire. A Malibu electrician is safer and cheaper in the long run.

Rewiring a Santa Monica House Room by Room

Posted on May 25, 2021 | by K Hopkins

wiring from electrical outlet Living in a beautiful city like Santa Monica, you’ll want to make sure your house is efficient as it should be and this starts with your electrical wiring.

You can rewire your home if the current wiring no longer serves your needs or if there are problems with your electrical system.

Either way, you’ll need the help of a professional electrician in Santa Monica to get this done for you. Since rewiring can be disruptive and not everyone has options when it comes to making quick living arrangements, you might want the work done room by room.

It’s possible to rewire your home room by room with an experienced electrician. These are the steps involved –

Find and turn off the breakers to the electricity in the room you will start with. If the breakers are not labeled, then you will need someone to help you check as you turn off the breakers one by one. Be careful while doing this. After finding the correct breaker, double-check by testing the outlets in the room for electrical power.
Unscrew the outlets, switches, and lights in the room to remove the wires. Pull out the disconnected wires by unscrewing them from the terminal screws or using wire snippers. Some wires may be stapled to studs or ceiling rafters. If this is the case and you don’t have access to the studs, cut the wires and leave the rest in the walls.
Draw up your new circuitry and remember to add anything you need now that you didn’t have before.
Cut a hole in the wall for each installation and remember to give room for nailing the electrical boxes you install to a stud.
Run the wires through the holes using fishing methods and access from your attic or basement. This is often a two-man job.
After pulling the wires through the electrical boxes, strip the ends of the wires to connect the device you want to install. Finish your installation and complete the wiring to the breaker.
Switch the breaker back on to test everything. If there are any problems, turn it off again to adjust.
Repeat the process for each room and you will successfully rewire your Santa Monica house room by room.

Tips for a successful house rewire in Santa Monica

Identify all the materials you will need before the project starts.
Speak to more than one licensed and experienced electrician and choose based on expertise and ability to perform the rewire perfectly.
Note all the changes or special requirements you have beforehand.
Have extra cash for unexpected costs.
Test everything before signing the job as complete and paying the balance.
Get a permit if required and an inspection after.
Don’t try to go cheap on important parts of the project. A rewire might seem costly at the moment, but remember it will serve for years if done properly.

Pasadena House Rewire Tips

Posted on May 13, 2021 | by K Hopkins

electrician pulling wires through wall If you stay in your Pasadena house long enough – especially an old home – you will have to rewire sooner than later.

A house rewire comes with benefits that outweigh the complexity of the project.

It helps to reduce the risk of life or property in your Pasadena home, renew your electrical connections, and bring your home up to today’s electrical codes. Rewiring your home can even help you save on things like your home insurance premium, the electrical bill, and future electrical spending.

Here are some quick things to note about a Pasadena house rewire-

This project differs greatly from your usual electrical needs in that a house rewire usually takes a few days.
House rewiring is not a suitable DIY project because it’s complex and dangerous for inexperienced hands.
Within the time of your house rewire, different parts of the house will be without electricity.

Tips for rewiring your Pasadena home-

Upgrade the electrical panel

This might already be part of your house rewiring project, but if not, you should consider it. Upgrade your electrical panel to one with a larger capacity. This can save you money and the stress of actually doing it all over again in the long run. If your home is an old house, it might run on a 60amps panel which is dangerous and insufficient for a modern house needs. ‘

Upgrade to at least 100 amps but up to 200 amps is much better as a way of future-proofing your wiring.

Think months to years ahead.

House rewiring in Pasadena isn’t something you do often. Rewiring a home is only necessary under certain conditions that often take a long time. So it’s best to get it right now. Consider future-proofing your home by thinking ahead to appliances you might install with time. Homes are growing smarter if anything so, wiring for WI-FI, sound, lighting, pool, gadgets, and so on can be included. Discuss this with your electrician before the project starts.

Don’t hire just anyone

The electrician in Pasadena you hire will determine the success of the house rewire. For your safety and to get value for your money – because house rewires do cost significant sums – make sure you don’t hire just anyone.

Hire a licensed electrician who is recommended by others. Ensure that the electrical contractor is familiar with your case. If you live in an old home, hire someone who has rewired old homes. Get a detailed contract and proof of certifications like insurance before signing and paying the deposit.

Get the installations right

The electrician must include some basic installations during a house rewire. They include three-pronged outlets, GFCIs, and dedicated circuits. Don’t cut corners on these as they are relevant for your safety.

Figure out clean up

You will probably have a messy home on your hands after the house rewire. You can avoid this by planning ahead. Discuss with your electrician about clean-up as some contractors can make arrangements for that. If not, plan to either DIY or hire a cleaning team.

Can Your Rewire Part of a Glendale House?

Posted on May 3, 2021 | by K Hopkins

cloth cover wiring There is such a thing as a partial rewire, and sometimes it’s all you need to get your Glendale house back to normal with an efficient electrical system. Let’s take a closer look at what’s involved in rewiring part of a house.

Reasons for rewiring only part of your Glendale house.

Electrical overload

Your electrical installation should be able to manage the electrical demand in your home. However, if the installation was wrongly selected with incorrect cables and switch gears then it may be unable to bear the electrical demand. This can lead to electrical overload over time. The weakest parts of the installation can then become brittle and hot. With such a dangerous system you will need a partial rewire in your house to replace the affected parts.

Contact with water

Water and electricity simply don’t mix and this is why your electric installations must be placed in dry areas. But if for some reason your electrical components were installed in a damp wall or have somehow come in contact with water, you might need to rewire part of your house to fix this quickly.

Damp environments can cause electrical parts to rust and deteriorate.

Age or loose connections

Your electrical system grows weaker with age. Sometimes, you may need partial rewiring because the parts need changing due to age, wear, and tear.

Loose connections also play a part by deteriorating quickly.

Not up to code

Electrical codes guide on how electrical installations should be done and what is considered safe or sufficient for a home. It’s not uncommon to find that many installations are not up to code either due to getting outdated or when you DIY your installations. A professional electrician can ensure your electrical system is compliant because they have the knowledge and experience to do so. DIYing your electrical system means not having this. Insight to guide you

Rodent problem

Rodents in the home can be annoying, and it gets worse when they chew on cables and other electric installations. The damaged wiring will have to be replaced.

Confirming you need to rewire part of a Glendale house

Only a licensed electrician can confirm if you need a partial rewire from your home. Regardless of if you observe these signs or not, let an electrician inspect your home to determine this.

What is involved with a partial rewire in a Glendale home?

A part rewire is just like a whole house rewire. The project is complex and usually involves the following-

The electrical power in the part of the house to be rewired will be turned off.
There will be deafening noises of grinding, chiseling, and so on.
It gets messy with dust that can stay in the air for days.
A partial rewire can cost less than a whole house rewire depending on your home needs.

If you need a house rewire in Glendale or an inspection to confirm, you can always count on us to help.

Do I Need To Charge My Tesla Every Night

Posted on April 1, 2021 | by K Hopkins

telsa charger installed at home This question is more common than you think and often asked by new Tesla owners. You’d want to know if there is any risk involved with charging your electric vehicle daily or not charging as much. In this article, we have gathered all the facts to help you decide on what’s best for your EV.

What Tesla says

You may have heard the funny phrase ‘A plugged-in Tesla is a happy Tesla’. This phrase comes from what Tesla says in the owner’s manual about battery charging –

“The most important way to preserve the Battery is to leave your vehicle plugged in when you are not using it. This is particularly important if you are not planning to drive Model S for several weeks. Model S wakes up when needed to automatically maintain a charge level that maximizes the lifetime of the Battery. There is no advantage to waiting until the Battery’s level is low before charging. In fact, the Battery performs better when charged regularly,”

From this, you can see it’s safe to charge your Tesla not just every night, but every time it’s not being used.

The manual also gives more suggestions on charging your vehicle the right way.

tesla charging

Setting a charging limit

Tesla owner’s manual also recommends setting a charging limit for your vehicle to 80-90%. Besides, your Tesla is already set to a default charging limit of 90%. If you’re wondering about the minimum low battery limit for your EV, the manual equally states to stay above 20% if possible.

Everything Tesla says about battery charging boils down to driving between 90% and 20% of total battery capacity. For many drivers, that’s more than enough for their daily miles.

Benefits of charging every night and using Tesla’s recommendations

The benefits include:

Charging every day increases the range available to you for driving.
Using only between 90 and 20% of your battery capacity helps to extend battery life. This is because Lithium-ion batteries are prone to damage when in the very high and very low ends of the charge spectrum.
Also, when you charge your Tesla every night, you make up for the amount of battery life drained by Tesla’s auxiliary system each time your car is idle.

Drawbacks to charging your Tesla every night.

tesla mobile connector — Tesla Mobile Connector Bundle, Photo courtesy of Tesla

While all we have explained so far says it’s okay and even necessary to charge your Tesla every night, there are still drawbacks to consider before deciding for yourself.

Charging daily increases energy loss used in preconditioning or heating the battery for charging. There is also the cost of electricity and an increase in your battery cycle count.

Conclusion:

If you’re like most Americans who drive an average of 37 miles per day, you could easily skip charging for a few days and still have enough battery capacity for your use.

Charging fewer days a week at night or in off-peak electricity pricing periods will help you deal with the drawbacks listed above and increase the battery life of your Tesla.

Looking for a way to charge your Tesla at home? Contact us, your Los Angeles Tesla Certified electricians.

Installing Tesla Charger in Los Angeles Condo

Posted on March 1, 2021 | by K Hopkins

tesla charger installed on outside wall When you are an electric vehicle owner, dealing with charging becomes the next thing to do. For some, it’s easy to stick to public charging options. For others, home charging options are the best, but the same rules do not apply to every home.

If you are living in a condo or apartment, the power to your home comes from a house panel that serves all occupants. This means it won’t be so easy to just install a Tesla charger without approaching your building manager.

Since many occupants share the power from a panel, the building manager can’t allow occupants to install individual charging units. The reason is that such installations will overwhelm the panel in the long run.

Does this mean you have no choice but to depend on public Tesla chargers? Not exactly. It’s possible to get a Tesla charger installation in your Los Angeles condo by following certain steps, working with the right electrician, and knowing the problems to avoid.

Read on as we guide you through it.

Start by locating your service panel

In your Los Angeles condo, the service panel may not be in an accessible area. However, to even begin the process of installing a Tesla charger in your condo or apartment, you have to locate this service panel. Once found, a professional electrician can help you find out if the panel can accommodate another breaker or the charger installation.

Know the parking arrangement

From knowing what your panel can and can’t carry and its location, you can move on to your parking arrangement. Where you park your EV is vital to install a charging unit. Parking arrangements in a condo or apartment usually include assigned parking spots, shared parking lots, or personal garages that can be inside or outside.

Level 2 EV chargers often come with a cord that is up to 20ft long. Hence, identifying your parking arrangement helps to know what is involved in running power from the main panel to the spot where the Tesla charger can reach your vehicle.

Meet your building manager

This is usually where it gets tricky for EV drivers in condos or apartments. After you’ve determined the factors above, you will need to send a request to your HOA or building inspector/manager. Some managers who are familiar with installing EV chargers can help you through the process and granting permission. While others may make you go through a series of hoops or refuse to grant permission.

To help with your request, here are some things you should include;

The charging station you need – Level 1 or Level 2.
Where the charging unit will be installed.
Any construction implications.
The real estate benefits of installing an EV charger.
Who will pay for the installation, charger maintenance, and electricity costs?
Access to a licensed electrician to install the Tesla charger.
A permit from the city.

A licensed electrician will get the permit from the city and be able to provide insight on most of the details you need such as the type of charging station and installation details.

How to Become Tesla Certified Electrician

Posted on February 10, 2021 | by K Hopkins

Please note: We do not certify electricians for Tesla. You will need to contact Tesla for more information or questions.

tesla certified installer If there’s anything we know about Tesla, it’s that they keep doing better and better. This leads to more people wanting to join the movement for sustainability by owning one of their sleek vehicles.

More EV drivers on the roads increase the need for home charger installations. It’s not surprising because a home charging station offers convenience and reliability. This is where hiring an electrician for the installation also comes in.

The term Tesla certified electrician simply means an electrician or company that has undergone training by Tesla and is certified as a capable installer.

Becoming a Tesla certified electrician comes with many benefits such as:

Having the certification shows that you invest in your career as an electrician and you probably have more knowledge and experience than others in your field.
You get to stay updated with the latest trends in consumer and industrial electricity.
You will be shown to EV drivers in your area as a Tesla certified electrician.
Tesla always recommends that owners get their charging equipment installed and serviced by one of their certified electricians.

How to become a Tesla certified electrician

When you decide this program and its certification are just right for you, you’ll have to apply for it. The application is done via the Tesla website and you will be required to fill a form. Here is some information Tesla will ask you to provide in the form:

Your full name
Email address and phone number
Region
Address
Company name
Products you will work with
The number of installations you hope to install in a year?
Company address
Website
Number of employees
The certifications/licenses you currently have
Insurance document

The data may depend on if you are an independent electrician or electrical contractor/company. Further directions will be given after you submit the form. Due to great interest, the form and program may not be available at any given time.

What to expect?

As a Tesla certified installer, you would often be required to take the pictures of your completed installations and send them to Tesla.

You would need to have an electrical license and be an electrician to apply for this certification.

Please note: We do not certify electricians for Tesla. You will need to contact Tesla for more information or questions.

The Electric Connection is proud to be featured as a Tesla certified installer. We are currently installing multiple Tesla and other electric vehicle charging units and receptacles daily. It’s usually a simple job for our electricians to tackle and we’re happy to help out! Complete this simple online form for a free quote emailed to you in minutes.

Hiring a Local Electrician During COVID

Posted on February 3, 2021 | by K Hopkins

The coronavirus pandemic has continued to do its rounds, forcing the world to a standstill and changing the lives of thousands of people radically. We are confident that it won’t always be like this, but it has taken a toll on us in different ways.

We know that there has been a bright side, no matter how bleak it has looked. For example, we got to understand the need for love, kindness, community, and family. We have come to appreciate everything we have and learned to think highly of the healthcare providers and educators.

Amidst all of this, many other things have stayed the same; like the need to mow your lawn, cut your hair or get it done, clean your house, cook and fix stuff that goes bad. This means that you may need to hire a Los Angeles electrician at some point during the COVID–19 pandemic.

Here are some helpful tips to help you navigate safely through this:

Ask Questions

In a season of caution, it is important to ensure that you are on the safe side. One way to do that is to ask as many important questions as you can. Here are some questions that you may find helpful:

What precautions have you put in place to keep your team and customers safe?
How do you pay attention and assess the health of every member of your team?
Will you be requiring a homeowner to give any special accommodations like wash-up spaces before the job and after?
How seriously do you emphasize the need for gloves, masks, handwashing, sanitizers, and eye protection?
Have you had a team member who experienced COVID-19 symptoms? How did you handle this?
How do you sanitize your supplies, service trucks, and equipment?
Is there a provision for contactless payment?

Check for Good Reviews

If an electrician has had poor reviews before the pandemic, then the likelihood that they will serve you well in a crisis isn’t much. Make sure you check out reviews on Facebook or Google, especially to find out how honest they are.

Be Sure They are Licensed

Before hiring an electrician, particularly in these times, take their licensing seriously. An unlicensed electrician may increase the chances of another electrician fixing their damage, thus increasing the potential risk of getting exposed to COVID-19. Please don’t give in to the temptation to hire a less-expensive unlicensed electrician, regardless of how bad things are for you.

How Good Have They Been to the Community?

A lot of home service contractors have been affected by the pandemic and they will need as many jobs to get them back on their feet. It would be nice to find the companies that have given back to your community and hire them. Plus, if they are good to your community, then they will most likely not fail the previous tests.

Your health and safety are important, but so are the health and safety of the home service contractors. Try to keep them safe by following all precautions, including keeping your distance, and isolating yourself if you experience any symptoms. Also, remember to opt for e-signatures and documents. Stay safe!

Replacing an Electrical Panel Los Angeles

Posted on January 30, 2021 | by K Hopkins

replace electrical panel Most homeowners find it difficult to assess the condition of the panel in the home. It’s usually because you know so little about how it works.

Thankfully, we can simplify what you need to know about replacing an electrical panel in Los Angeles.

An electrical panel serves two purposes in any building. It provides electricity and ensures safety. An electrical panel in Los Angeles can last about 40-60 years. But age is not a vital factor when you want to determine the condition of the panel. Excessive use, wear, and tear could lead to wires loosening in your electrical panel, accumulation of dust that shortens the lifespan of the panel, and corrosion.

Signs to replace an electrical panel in Los Angeles

The age of your home doesn’t determine how long your electrical panel will remain in good condition. What’s important is that your panel is large enough for your electrical needs and can function properly to provide power and safety. If your panel needs replacing or repairs, there are signs to look out for. They include;

Rusted components

The presence of rust or corrosion in your electrical panel means the panel has been exposed to moisture. You can observe this if you open the breaker box. Rust is never a good sign because water in your panel can be dangerous. The panel will have to be replaced and the source of the rust or moisture determined to prevent it from happening and putting your home at risk again.

Constantly tripping circuit breakers

This is usually where the safety function of the electrical panel comes in. When the circuit breakers sense an overload or power surge in your electric system, they trip off to protect the system. However, constantly tripping circuit breakers are another issue entirely and indicate a fault.

Burn marks in the panel

As the electric panel ages, parts of it may break down and generate heat. This leads to obvious burn marks in the electrical panel, and like rust, it can be very dangerous. The panel will have to be replaced.

Other signs you need to repair or replace your electrical panel are;

The electrical panel is underpowered and not large enough to serve your needs.
Breakers don’t work at all to protect your home.
Old wiring that is no longer safe.
Lights flickering or dimming in the home, especially in an older home with an older panel.
You hear buzzing sounds or perceive strange/burning smells from the electric panel.

Replacing the electrical panel in Los Angeles

Now you’ve seen all the signs or a few. The next step is to call an electrical contractor in Los Angeles to confirm you need a replacement. Replacing an electrical panel can be costly, and this cost is determined by two major factors.

The condition of the panel/scope of the work.
The electrician’s rate.

What’s more important is to get a licensed electrician on the job to make sure you get a proper replacement service.

Electrical Troubleshooting In Los Angeles

Posted on January 25, 2021 | by K Hopkins

electrical troubleshooting Troubleshooting your electrical problems can be tough or easy depending on the nature of the problem or how much of an expert you are.

Electrical troubleshooting involves finding the source of a system malfunction and knowing how to repair it. Its electrical problem-solving that qualified electricians can perform.

Signs you need electrical repairs and a troubleshooting expert in Los Angeles

Regardless of if electrical problems come up in your commercial/industrial building or residential building, you will need a qualified electrician to find the cause and offer solutions. Some signs you need electrical repairs and a troubleshooting expert include;

Fuses blowing continuously
Lighting issues such as lights flickering, dimming, and so on
Loose power outlets
Buzzing noises
Sparks or arcs
Electric shocks
Burning smells
Equipment fails
Power system fails

Knowing an expert electrical troubleshooter in Los Angeles

An expert troubleshooter can find all kinds of fault regardless of if they are easy or complicated.
They can repair and replace only the defective components in the system
Expert electrical troubleshooters in Los Angeles can understand both circuits they are familiar with and those they are not.
They use the right tools to refine their skills and identify defective components in an electrical system
They are experienced and constant practice makes them more proficient.

What happens during electrical troubleshooting in Los Angeles?

Electrical troubleshooting in Los Angeles can be a smooth and easy process with the right professional. The electrician will gather as much information as he can about the problem you’re experiencing by asking questions. With this knowledge, he can get prepared with the right tools and approach. He will go through your electrical system to find the cause or source of the electrical issue. Once found, he will fix the problem and run tests to make sure everything works properly.

Can you troubleshoot electrical repairs on your own?

Yes, and no. It’s important to always leave electrical work to licensed electricians. This ensures safety in your home from electrical hazards and efficiency. With a professional at work to solve your electrical problem, you are likely to avoid any headaches on the same or other issues anytime soon.

On the other hand, for residential buildings, there are some common electrical problems that you can fix yourself. These include issues that require little to no troubleshooting experience. Some examples are;

Fixing a loose outlet plug
Fixing cut or damaged extension cords
Reassembling a broken light switch
Resetting the electrical breaker.

If you are in a commercial or industrial building and don’t have an electrical expert available, don’t attempt to DIY any problems that arise. The electrical system in a commercial or industrial building can differ significantly from that of homes, and a DIY gone wrong can have terrible consequences.

Some electrical problems you shouldn’t DIY include;

Lighting issues
Dead outlets
Warm outlets
Breakers tripping more than normal
Equipment fails
Power system fails

At the Electric Connection, all our electrical technicians are expert troubleshooters in Los Angeles first. They are trained in solving your electrical issues.