Identifying Fire and Health Hazards in Your Home with a Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on June 19, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

You walk into your home and see the same things every day. You may see some dirty dishes in the sink or maybe notice you could use a little dusting in the living room. You look at the things that are right in front of you. You probably don’t actively look for things in the home that are hidden, but dangerous. It is important you spend a few minutes looking for and identifying any potential fire hazards in your home that may have gone unnoticed in the past. Having the help of an experienced electrician in Beverly Hills is a good idea. You can rely on the team at The Electric Connection to help you identify and repair any potential danger.

This is a list of 3 of the most common hazards that are lurking in your home.

1-Asbestos use was popular in home construction up until the mid 1970s. There are homes that still have this dangerous substance working in the insulation of attics, basements and in the walls. If you don’t know what asbestos looks like, it is always best to hire a professional to complete an inspection.

2-Faulty smoke detectors are another common issue. Many people adopt an out of sight, out of mind habit and forget the smoke detectors are even there. A Beverly Hills electrician can help eliminate that issue by installing hard-wired smoke detectors that rely on your home’s main electric panel.

3-Electric panels are another area of concern that should be inspected by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners may not even be aware their existing electric panel is on a list of recalls. There were numerous panels produced and installed throughout the 1980s and 1990s that have been proven to be dangerous and should be replaced.

If you suspect your home may have one of these hazards, it is a good idea to have an inspection completed by an electrician or an asbestos abatement company. Give The Electric Connection a call today and make sure your home isn’t hiding an electrical hazard.

6 Electrical Safety Tips by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on May 24, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

Summer is just around the corner and the weather has already been nice enough to drive folks outdoors. The hot summer weather means you will driven to the cool water and spend lots of time outdoors cooking, relaxing and having a good time with family and friends. Before you head outside, it is important you know know and practice some electrical safety tips this summer. An electrician in Beverly Hills has a few easy rules to remember that will help you and your family stay safe this summer. The team at The Electric Connection is here to answer any questions you may have.

1-After a storm has rolled through, check to make sure there are no downed power lines around you. If there are, stay away from them. Do not go near the power lines or touch anything. Stay in your house and call for help.

2-If you are having a yard sale, don’t post your flier or signs on a utility pole. This can damage the pole and cause serious problems. Post your fliers on stakes in the ground or on a bulletin board.

3-Keep all corded appliances at least 20 feet from your swimming pool or hot tub. If your above-ground pool has an electric filter, have a Beverly Hills electrician install an outdoor outlet that is safe for use with your pool and far enough away. Using extension cords is far too dangerous.

4-Teach kids not to throw any shoes or clothing on power lines. Do not ever try and get something off a power line either.

5-Avoid flying kites or remote control planes or helicopters around power lines.

6-Remind kids not to climb trees that are close to a power line. They could inadvertently touch the power line while climbing.

If you have any concerns, talk with your electrician. Beverly Hills residents can enjoy the beautiful summer weather, while staying safe. Give The Electric Connection a call today to learn more electric safety.

Discover the Ways a Beverly Hills Electrician Can Make Your Home Safer

Posted on April 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

Your home is likely one of the biggest investments you have. The people that live in your home are extremely important to you and you probably have plenty of monetarily valuable items in your home. It makes sense you would want to protect your home and the people who live in it. There are a few things you can do to make your home a little safer. With the help of a Beverly Hills electrician, you can rest easy knowing you have taken care of the little things that have been known to cause major accidents.

Updating the Outlets

With technology and electrical science constantly improving and evolving, we have been given something knows as the GFI outlet. The ground fault interruption outlet can prevent electric shock when installed by an electrician in Beverly Hills. These outlets are perfect for placing in the kitchen and bath areas where water is typically used. Should an electrical appliance come in contact with the water, the circuit is shut off in order to prevent the person using the appliance from being shocked.

Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors

You can add seconds or possibly minutes to your family’s notification of a fire in the home with hard-wired smoke detectors. When a single detector is set off, all the alarms in the house will sound, even if they are clear at the other end of the hallway or upstairs. These alarms are hard-wired into the home’s main electric and will need to be installed by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will appreciate knowing the install has been completed by a professional.

Security Lights

Having a light shining on the driveway and a clear path to the front door will make you feel better when you or a family member comes home after dark. Being able to see your surroundings adds peace of mind while repelling predators.

Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your appointment to make your home a little safer.

Updating Pool Lighting with Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on March 24, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

With spring upon us and summer just around the corner, you are probably itching to get the pool uncovered so you can host the first pool party of the season. Before you do that, you may want to consider upgrading, adding or replacing your existing pool lights. Pool lights add a certain quality to a pool while providing a layer of safety. However, there are several lights to choose from and you need to know which lights are best for your needs. An electrician in Beverly Hills has some tips for you to use when choosing your pool lights. If you have any other questions, you can call The Electric Connection.

There are two main options available for your pool lighting needs; in-ground and above ground. The above ground option is the cheapest. The in-ground tends to be a favorite simply because it provides a more uniform look.

Above Ground Options

Floating pool lights are inexpensive and do not require a Beverly Hills electrician to install. Simply pop the lights in the pool and it is done. The lights are festive, but they can interfere with swimming. You will also not have the benefit of the lights being stationary. It seems they tend to congregate and float to one area of the pool. For soft-sided pools, there are magnetic lights that stick to the side. These are again very easy to install and reliable.

In Ground Options

LED bulbs are extremely bright and will last for around 10,000 hours. The lights are sealed in a waterproof housing. You can expect the bulbs to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years depending on how often the lights are used. Fiber optic lights are another option. However, they do tend to be much more expensive and the bulbs do not last nearly as long. In either case, you would need the pool lights installed by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners need to hire a professional to ensure the lights are installed safely and do not pose an electrical hazard. Give The Electric Connection a call today to schedule your pool light installation.

Flickering Lights Explained by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on February 23, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

Have you ever been sitting there reading a book and noticed the lights flickering? Maybe you thought it was just your eyes or it didn’t really happen. It wasn’t your eyes. It was very likely your lights. So, why do your lights flicker? A Beverly Hills electrician is here to explain flickering lights and what it means to you and the safety of your home. You can always call the professionals at The Electric Connection if you have more questions or concerns about flickering lights.

It is important to check to see if it is just the light in the living room that is flickering or if it is lights throughout the house that are getting darker and brighter.

Some reasons that your lights flicker are as follows.

1-Bad weather. If there is strong winds or a lightning storm raging, your lights may flicker. This is normal and often an indicator the power may go out.

2-Power to the house is fluctuating. The problem may be with the power coming into the house. You may notice flickering lights during peak hours. This is because there is a higher demand on the power grid than what the grid can handle.

3-If it a single light that is flickering, you may have a problem with the switch or the wiring to the light fixture. This is something that needs to be investigated by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners need to understand that a single flickering light is often an indicator of a bigger problem. The bigger problem can lead to an electrical fire.

If you have noticed a single light or random lights flickering at different times, it is a good idea to have an inspection performed by an electrician. This will tell you if there is a problem you need to worry about or you if you simply have a bulb that needs changed. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your inspection.

Making Your Fridge Energy Efficient with Electrician in Beverly Hills

Posted on January 14, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

Cutting your electrical bill by a few dollars here and there gives you a sense of satisfaction that you are making a difference in your monthly budget as well as doing a little something good for the environment. There are some things in our homes that are major energy users, Your furnace, air conditioner, water heater and refrigerator are all things that you need, but are costing you money. You have probably seen plenty of information about how to make your furnace, AC and water heater a little more energy efficient, but do you know how to make your fridge a little easier on the budget? An electrician in Beverly Hills has a few quick tips to help you save money on your electric bill by making your refrigerator less of an energy hog. You can can always count on the team at The Electric Connection to answer any questions you may have about saving electricity.

*Your refrigerator should not be near heat sources. Put your microwave, coffee pot and toaster oven on a counter away from the fridge. If your fridge is currently next to your stove, consider doing a minor remodel to move it.

*It may seem like a no-brainer, but do what you can to limit the amount of times and length of time you open the fridge. Tell the kids to pick what they want and shut the door!

*Do regular maintenance on the coils behind your refrigerator. Use air or a broom to dust off the grime from the coil behind your refrigerator. The build up can effect the efficiency. If you are not sure what you are doing, give an electrician familiar with Beverly Hills electrical work a call.

*A full refrigerator will be more energy efficient. Do what you can to keep your fridge full and you will save money. .

These quick tricks can help you save electricity while prolonging the life of your refrigerator. Give The Electric Connection a call if you have any more questions.

Remodels In Time for Holidays with Electrician in Beverly Hills

Posted on November 16, 2014 | by Kim Hopkins

Are you planning on having lots of family and friends over this holiday season? Maybe you are hosting a lavish party or a quaint dinner party. Whatever the case may be, wouldn’t it be nice if you had a little more space or if your kitchen was setup a little differently to make cooking for a large party easier? There is no better time to remodel your home. Consider it an early gift for yourself. A gift that will add value to your home while making it a little more enjoyable for you to live in. If you are ready to make that basement remodel or kitchen remodel happen, now is the time. Your electrician in Beverly Hills, like the team at The Electric Connection, is here to help.

You will likely need to hire a contractor to do the remodel. It makes it easier and you can keep up with your busy life. A remodel will involve some Beverly Hills electrical work. Whether you are tearing down walls, adding on a room or moving appliances around, you will need an experienced electrician to complete the wiring portion of the remodel. Meet with the electrician and discuss what it is you need. If you need extra outlets on one side of the room or would like data lines in a certain place, communicate that to your electrician.

It is important you choose an electrician who will work well with your contractor. Being licensed to perform the work is also an important factor. Remodels will require permits from your county building department. You want to make sure the wiring passes inspection the first time. By hiring a qualified electrician you can ensure the process will go smoothly and your remodel is finished in time for the holidays. Give The Electric Connection a call today and get started transforming your home.

Holiday Lighting Issues Addressed by Burbank Electrician

Posted on October 21, 2014 | by Kim Hopkins

heat_related2 (14) Although the holiday lighting season is still at least a month away, you are probably already digging around and planning your decorations for the season. Maybe you have already pulled out some of your Halloween decorations that require electricity and realized you are going to need some work done before it is time to pull out the twinkling lights. A Burbank electrician has some tips for you before you start plugging in your lights this year. If you have any questions, you can call The Electric Connection for help.

One of the most important rules of stringing lights together is not to connect more than three strands of lights. Doing so could overload the circuit and cause the breaker to trip. If you have a shortage of outlets, consider hiring an electrician. Burbank residents can have outdoor outlets installed that are designed to withstand the weather. The additional outlets outside are handy to have all year round. You won’t have to worry about running extension cords.

Speaking of extension cords; only use cords that are approved for outdoor use. Do not use cords that are damaged or have some of the protective insulation covering missing in areas. Wrapping the area with tape to compensate is never a good idea. Invest in the proper extension cord. A cord with several outlets is helpful. However, do not get carried away with hooking up numerous strands of lights are large yard ornaments. If the breaker trips, it is a sign the outlet is overloaded. Move some of your lights to a different outlet.

Outlet power stakes are a great option and many of them are equipped with timers and remote controls that allow you to turn on your lights without ever stepping foot outside. The power stakes are designed to protect the outlets from wet weather.

If you are ready to get your home ready for another holiday season filled with pretty lights, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Home Safety Addressed by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on October 21, 2014 | by Kim Hopkins

bigstockphoto_Trimming_Electric_Wire_1913494 You will be spending a lot more time indoors over the next few months as we ride out yet another winter. You will want to do what you can to ensure your family is as safe as possible inside your home. There are a few things you can do today to provide an extra layer of safety. Your Beverly Hills electrician is here to help you. You can count on the team at The Electric Connection to provide you with a knowledgeable, experienced electrician to take care of the following safety features for your home.

• Replace your old, standard outlets in the kitchen and bathroom areas with GFCI outlets. These are designed to cut the electricity the second the circuit is interrupted. These outlets are especially handy in areas where water is present, like the kitchen and bathroom. If an appliance is accidentally dropped in water, the breaker will trip, cutting off the electricity and reducing the risk of electric shock.

• Have hard-wired smoke detectors installed. These smoke detectors rely on your home’s main power rather than a battery. Dead or missing batteries in smoke detectors are often to blame for late warnings in the event of a house fire. The detectors are all interconnected so when one goes off, the rest of the alarms are sounded. You will need the installation completed by a professional electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will feel better knowing the wiring was handled by somebody trained to work with electrical wiring.

• Carbon monoxide detectors are also handy devices that every home should have. If you use natural gas for your heat or have a woodstove, a carbon monoxide detector can warn you to unsafe levels of carbon monoxide in the home.

Your home is somewhere you should feel safe. These rather easy and inexpensive safety features can eliminate some of the risks in your home. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your safety enhancements.

Fall Preparations Need Electrician in Beverly Hills

Posted on September 9, 2014 | by Kim Hopkins

bigstockphoto_Autumn_Background_150400 With summer coming to an end, it is an excellent time to take advantage of the cooler weather to get some things down around the house. It is time to prepare for winter and the weather that accompanies the season. While you are taking care of putting away the outdoor furniture and blowing out the sprinklers, it is a good time to call an electrician in Beverly Hills to have an electric safety inspection completed. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help you discover any electric safety problems you may not be aware of. We tend to use more electricity during the winter plugging in Holiday lights, space heaters and spending more time indoors in general. It is important you make sure your home’s electric system is in good, working condition.

During the inspection, the electrician will evaluate your outlets, light switches and the electric panel to see if there are any issues. If you have been experiencing problems with flickering lights, an outlet that doesn’t work all the time or a tripping breaker, you need to let your electrician know. These are subtle warning signs of a bigger problem. You will want to get any Beverly Hills electrical repair work completed sooner rather than later.

You will rest easy knowing your home’s electrical system is up to code and doesn’t pose a serious risk to your family. During the inspection, the electrician will give you recommendations of things you can do yourself or have done by a professional to add another layer of safety to your home. These are optional and you will have the ability to decide if you want to go ahead and have it all taken care of or wait until it is a better time. Don’t delay, call The Electric Connection and schedule your electric inspection today.