Tag: beverly hills electrician

Close-up of a newly installed GFCI outlet with a professional weather-resistant protective cover for outdoor safety.

Keeping Beverly Hills Safe: A Quick GFCI Upgrade

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Hello from the team at The Electric Connection!

We recently wrapped up a quick but essential safety project for a client over on N Bedford Drive in Beverly Hills. Ensuring your home’s electrical system is up to code isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind.

The Job: GFCI Replacement
Close-up of a newly installed GFCI outlet with a professional weather-resistant protective cover for outdoor safety.Our technician was out in the field, to handle a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) replacement. These specialized outlets are your first line of defense against electrical shock in areas where water might be present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor spaces.

For this particular Beverly Hills property, we not only replaced the faulty GFCI unit but also installed a weather-resistant cover to ensure the new hardware stays protected from the elements.

Why GFCI Maintenance Matters
Maintaining your GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets is one of the most important things you can do for your home’s electrical safety, especially in a city like Beverly Hills where high-end finishes and updated appliances are the standard. Unlike a regular outlet, a GFCI is a sophisticated safety device designed to protect people, not just equipment.

The primary job of a GFCI is to monitor the flow of electricity. It constantly compares the amount of current going to an appliance with the amount returning. If there is a tiny discrepancy—as little as 4 or 5 milliamps—the GFCI assumes the electricity is “leaking” elsewhere, potentially through a person. It snaps the circuit shut in as little as 1/30th of a second.

Key Takeaways from This Visit:

  • Safety First: We replaced the old unit with a high-quality GFCI to restore proper protection.
  • Weatherproofing: By adding a weather-resistant cover, we extended the life of the outlet and improved its reliability.
  • Professional Expertise: Having a certified technician like Juan Carlos ensures the job is done right the first time, keeping your home compliant with local safety codes.

At The Electric Connection, we’ve been serving the Beverly Hills community for over 40 years, handling everything from simple service calls to full-house rewires. Whether it’s a single outlet or a major upgrade, we pride ourselves on leaving every job site spotless and every customer safe.

Preserving the Charm, Upgrading the Safety: A Guide to Rewiring Your Beverly Hills Home

Posted on | by K Hopkins

electrician pulling wires in beverly hills homeLiving in Beverly Hills often means owning a piece of history. Whether it’s a mid-century masterpiece or a classic estate that’s been in the family for generations, these homes possess a level of craftsmanship and charm that is hard to find in modern builds. However, as an electrician at The Electric Connection, I see the hidden side of these historic homes—the wiring behind the walls.

While the architecture may be timeless, the electrical systems often are not. If you’re considering an upgrade, here is everything you need to know about rewiring your home to meet modern standards while keeping your property safe.

Why “Old School” Isn’t Always Cool
Many older homes in Beverly Hills were built more than 50 years ago. Back then, the average household used only a fraction of the electricity we use today. The most serious risk we encounter is outdated insulation—specifically cloth-insulated wiring. Over time, the cloth becomes brittle and disintegrates, leaving bare wires exposed. One small spark near old insulation or dust can ignite a fire. Additionally, we often find knob and tube wiring or ungrounded systems that simply aren’t designed to handle today’s high-tech electrical loads.

Professional Installation vs. DIY: The Pros and Cons
When it comes to a project as complex as a whole-house rewire, homeowners often weigh the costs of hiring a pro versus doing it themselves. Here is a breakdown of how those options stack up:

Hiring a Professional Technician

  • PROS:
    • Safety First: Keeps you, your family, and your home safe from fire hazards.
    • Permit Management: Your electrician handles the paperwork and obtains all necessary city permits.
    • Code Compliance: Licensed pros are up to date on ever-changing local electrical codes.
    • Smooth Inspections: Professional work is far more likely to pass city inspections immediately.
    • Liability Protection: Professionals carry insurance that protects you if anything goes wrong during the job.
    • Speed: An experienced crew can complete a rewire much faster than a solo DIYer.
  • CONS:
    • Initial Cost: It is a larger upfront investment compared to doing the labor yourself. A lot of electricians will provide a ballpark estimate for a rewire by just calling.
    • Finding a Match: It takes a little time to research and find a truly dependable, licensed electrician.

DIYing Your Rewire

  • PROS:
    • Initial Savings: You save on labor costs at the start of the project.
    • Work at Your Pace: You can chip away at the project on your own schedule.
  • CONS:
    • High Risk: DIY rewiring puts lives and properties at risk of fire or shock.
    • Time Intensive: You will spend weeks planning, drilling holes, and running wires through cramped spaces.
    • Inspection Hurdles: Obtaining permits and passing inspections is much tougher for non-professionals.
    • Insurance Issues: Many insurance companies will deny claims for fire damage if the electrical work was done as a DIY project.

Modern Needs: Panels and Fixtures
When you decide to modernize, it’s about more than just safety; it’s about functionality. Modern homes typically require 100-200 amp service panels, whereas older homes might only have 60-100 amps. If your breakers are frequently tripping, it’s a clear signal that your home is crying out for more power.

A rewiring project is also the perfect time to:

What to Expect During a Rewire
We won’t sugarcoat it: rewiring is a major project. It involves running new wires throughout the house, which may require drilling small holes in walls or accessing ceilings. The power will need to be shut off while work is performed, and things can get a bit dusty. However, the right team can complete the job quickly and in a hassle-free manner, leaving your home safer and more efficient than ever.

Protect Your Investment
Your Beverly Hills home is one of your most valuable assets. Don’t let outdated wiring put it at risk. Whether you’re noticing flickering lights or just want the peace of mind that comes with a professional wiring inspection, our team at The Electric Connection is here to help. We’ve been serving the Los Angeles area since 1979, and we know exactly what it takes to bring a classic home into the 21st century safely.

Ready to modernize your home? Give us a call at (818) 446-0888 to schedule your inspection today.

Water Heater Install by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Do you have an old water heater that sounds like a bowl of Rice Krispies when it is time for it to get to work? Maybe it isn’t heating the water as fast as you would like or as hot as you would like. A water heater is one of the most valuable appliances in your home and is used every day. It is important you keep it in good working condition so you can avoid the horrible blowouts that tend to happen when you are gone. When a water heater is old and rusted, the bottoms will fall out or leak and create a flood in your home that can cause extensive damage. It is better to be proactive and replace a water heater before it gets to that point. An electrician in Beverly Hills, like those at The Electric Connection can take care of the job for you.

There has been a lot of advancement in the field of water heaters over the past couple of decades. They are built to last as well as to be more energy efficient. While it may seem like a cost you can do without initially, think of the cost savings you are gaining by purchasing a new water heater that won’t have to constantly run to keep up with your hot water demands. Your Beverly Hills electrician can tell you the water heater in your home is one of the biggest users of electricity.

You can also prevent damage to the floors, carpet and walls of your home should the tank leak because it is giving out. The replacement is a relatively simple task when left in the capable hands of an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will appreciate the job being handled by a professional who will ensure the installation is clean and the tank is working. You can count on the crew at The Electric Connection to install your new water heater.

Dangers of DIY Electrical Work by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

There is a great deal of satisfaction when you can tackle things around the house and take care of them by yourself. A trip to the home improvement store, a couple hours watching tutorials on the internet and you feel like you got in the bag. As if you are now a master builder and can take care of those things around the house that need a little attention. Here’s the thing; not all jobs around the house are as easy as they are made to appear in those videos. In fact, some are really quite dangerous and should never be attempted, no matter how prepared you think you are. Electricity is unforgiving. One small slip and you could be putting your life in serious jeopardy. It is best to leave all electrical jobs to a professional electrician in Beverly Hills, like those at The Electric Connection.

It may seem like you are throwing away money hiring a Beverly Hills electrician to take care of what you think is a small job, but think of the cost of a hospital stay or the alternative. It only takes a tiny mistake to result in an electric shock. Touching wires that are live or accidentally putting wires together that are not meant to be is a risk you take when you don’t have the proper training.

Even if you do managed to successfully complete the DIY side of an electrical job without electric shock, you must consider long term problems. Just because you didn’t get a jolt when putting in that new outlet or wiring that new light fixture, it doesn’t mean it was done right. It could be an electrical hazard that results in a fire explains an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners should leave the electrical work to the people who have trained and gone to school to learn how to do it. Call The Electric Connection and protect yourself from yourself.

Do You Have Enough Light? Beverly Hills Electrician Answers

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Are you tired of feeling like you are living in a cave? Or maybe your home seems to be overly bright to the point you have to close the curtains or leave the lights off to save your eyes. How do you know when you have enough light? An electrician in Beverly Hills has a few tips to help you determine how much light should be in a room based on what that room is used for. Certain areas, like the kitchen or bathroom, are going to need more light while other rooms are best with lower light. The team at The Electric Connection can help you take care of adjusting the amount of light in your room once you have decided what you need.

There are a few terms you need to know before we get started. Foot candle is the brightness of a bulb one foot away from the source. Lumens is going to be the number of foot candles multiplied by the square footage of the room. It’s easier than it sounds explain a Beverly Hills electrician.

*Bedrooms typically need about 10 to 20 foot candles
*A kitchen needs anywhere from 30 to 80 depending on how much light to prefer.
*A hallway only needs about 10 foot candles
*A living room does best with 10 to 20 foot candles

Now that you know what you need for each space, multiply your needed foot candles per room by the square footage of that room. For example, your living room needs 20 foot candles and it is 200 squre feet, you would need 4000 lumens. Check the lumens on a particular bulb and you will know if you need more light fixtures. You can add a lamp, track lighting or some recessed lighting to get the light you need by calling your electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners can call The Electric Connection to have more light fixtures installed.

How to Be Greener by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

beverly hills electricianIt is hard to miss the condition of our planet and the fact that resources are being depleted at a rapid rate. Even if you are not convinced the earth is headed for destruction, you have to feel the pinch in your wallet at the rising cost of certain necessities like electricity and water. These resources are being stretched thin. If you have ever heard of the green movement or noticed business and products touting they are going green, you may be intrigued. If you would like to get on board the green movement, there are a few small things you can do to contribute. Your electrician in Beverly Hills has a few tips that will help you go green while saving money on your electric bill.

  1. Get rid of those old and outdated incandescent light bulbs. Go with LED when you can. LEDs will last much longer and only use a fraction of the electricity of the old bulbs.

  2. Take shorter showers. Shaving off even a few minutes from your hot shower can reduce the amount of hot water you use by several gallons explains a Beverly Hills electrician.

  3. Use a ceiling fan, especially in the summer, to circulate air through your home. This will reduce the demand on your air conditioner, which will save you money by using less energy. If you don’t have one or could use more fans installed throughout the house, call an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will appreciate the cool breeze a fan brings.

  4. Stop washing small loads of laundry and half full loads in the dishwasher. Wait until you can do full loads to save water and electricity.

  5. Turn off the drying cycle on your dishwasher. The dishes will air dry. Use a towel if there are any spots of water left.

Going green doesn’t mean you have to use solar energy or walk to work. Every little bit helps. Give The Electric Connection a call today if you need a new ceiling fan installed.

DIY Projects Electrical Safety Tips by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Spring and summer is the time of year we like to work around the house outside on the weekends. There are so many projects that we want to accomplish, we can tend to get a little rushed. When you are rushed, you overlook important safety precautions. DIY is a growing trend as people across the country new ways to recycle old stuff and make something new, useful and very cool. Take the pallet trend that is sweeping the nation. In order to make those awesome pallet signs and outdoor furniture, you need some tools. Before you pull out any power tool, your electrician in Beverly Hills has a few safety tips that will not only keep you safe, but ensure your project is a success with no injuries. The team at The Electric Connection can answer any questions you may have related to these tips.

1. Power tools tend to have short cords. If you must use an extension cord, use one that is appropriate for outdoor use. Do not connect more than one cord together. The cord should not be longer than 100 feet.
2. Plug any cords into GFCI outlets. This will ensure the electrical current will be cut off should anything interrupt the circuit. If you don’t currently have these outlets in your garage or outdoor work area, give your Beverly Hills electrician a call.
3. Never use a power tool that has a bad cord. If the cord is frayed, have it properly repaired.
4. If a tool trips a breaker, there is a good chance the breaker is overloaded. Find another outlet to use. If one is not available, consider having your work area upgraded with the help of an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners can have a breaker added to their electric panel to help accommodate the power tools you want to use on your DIY projects.
5. Never use power tools in the rain. Wait for it to pass.
6. Never use power tools near power lines or electric wiring.

If you need new outlets or breakers to make your DIY a successful venture, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Brighter Bathrooms with Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins
Corporate restroom. Shot with Canon 30D and Canon 24-105L lens.

If you own a business or are the manager of a business that has customers that come through the door, you know the importance of lighting. Lighting is something that can be easily overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in the overall impression of an establishment. Poor lighting or lighting that washes out the features in the room are going to leave a negative impression. An electrician in Beverly Hills, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you revamp the way customers and clients see your business.

One of the most frequently overlooked areas in an establishment is the bathroom. It may not be pretty, but they are a necessity. Many people will judge an entire business by the look of a bathroom alone. It sounds harsh, but a client has some reasonable expectations and a clean, well-lit bathroom is one of them. Your Beverly Hills electrician can quickly and effectively change out those old, dreary features and replace them with new ones that provide plenty of light. Lighting can make a small room look bigger, cleaner and more inviting explains an electrician. Beverly Hills business owners can make some dramatic improvements without spending much money at all.

When a person visits the bathroom, they want to check their appearance in the mirror. The last thing they want to do is have to strain their eyes or wonder if they have a yellow pallor or if it is just the poor lighting. Along with brightening up the bathrooms, think about the reception area and other places your clients and customers are likely to see. Really look at the area and try talking with your customers to get their honest opinions. You may be surprised at what you hear. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your lighting makeover.

Read This Before Running Extension Cords says Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_08_6It’s exciting to deck out the front yard, the house and of course all over inside the home with pretty holiday decorations. Bright lights and big, extravagant moving decorations are something many homeowners take pride in. For some, it is a bigger is better. There is certainly some friendly competition between neighbors, which can be great for visitors who love to see the grandeur. However, there can be some safety concerns when that must electricity is being used. One of the most important things to remember this season is electrical safety. Your electrician in Beverly Hills wants you to be safe this season. The team at The Electric Connection can help make your holiday decorating easier and safer.

Extension cords can help connect those lights and big decorations, but you want to be sure you use the right cord for the job. Outdoor electrical cords are specifically designed to withstand the elements. Never use flat cords that are only to be used outside to try and plug in lights outside. Stick with the big, heavy round cords that are typically 3-prong.

Never connect more than 2 cords together. Ideally, you will only want one cord connected to a light socket. If you find your cord is simply not long enough, call an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners can have additional outlets installed in the outer edges of their yard and landscaping, which makes decorating a breeze and can prevent having to use an extension cord altogether.

Never connect more than three light strands together. This could overload the circuit. LED strands are a little more forgiving because they take very little energy to run. Again, call your Beverly Hills electrician to install more outlets if needed. It is cost effective and makes decorating a breeze. Give The Electric Connection a call today if you have questions or want those additional outlets before it is time to deck the halls.

Electrical Safety Tips by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by K Hopkins

electriccon_july_2This world is full of danger. Every where we turn there is another risk, but as long as we follow the rules and respect the safety guidelines, things are generally okay. One of the things we know is dangerous, but never really think about how dangerous it can is electricity. Electricity is a part of our of our life in every little thing we do. We tend to take electrical safety for granted. An electrician in Beverly Hills is here to tell you that while technology and various codes and guidelines have made it relatively safe, it is important to follow the guidelines that have been established regarding electrical safety. The team at The Electric Connection wants you to be safe as well.

Here are some electrical safety tips your Beverly Hills electrician wants you to know and follow.

1-Never overload an outlet. Outlet additions that allow you to plug three items into one outlet instead of just one are risky. Don’t use an extension cord to plug in several items on one outlet for an extended period of time. If you need more outlets, consider have more installed by an electrician.

2-Do not use indoor extension cords outside. They are not insulated well enough to withstand the elements. An electric short can happen resulting in fire or electrocution.

3-Extension cords should not be placed in pathways. Stepping on a cord will break it down and possibly cause the wiring to short out or a person could be electrocuted. Extension cords should be laid against a wall or use a cord protector to keep the cord from being damaged.

4-Water and electricity do not mix! If you do not have GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bath areas, consider having them updated by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will be adding a layer of safety in an area where electricity and water are at an increased risk of coming into contact with each other.

Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your new outlet installation or outlet upgrade.