Tag: electrical safety

5 Electric Safety Tips by Electrician in Burbank

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

With the spring weather lifting out spirits and encouraging us to get outside and take care of some of the little projects around the house, there are a few things you should know about electricity. Working outside or even inside will likely involve some kind of electricity. It is a good time to remind ourselves of some things we should do to ensure not only our own safety, but the safety of those in our homes and around us. An electrician in Burbank has some tips for you to stay safe this spring. You can count on The Electric Connection to answer any questions you may have about electrical safety.

Tip 1-Never use an indoor extension cord outside. Only use cords that are designated for outdoor use. These are the heavy-duty cords that are round and thick. Indoor cords are typically flat and thin.

Tip 2-To cut down on the use of extension cords outside, hire an electrician. Burbank residents can opt to have additional outlets installed outside to make it easy to plug in various power tools.

Tip 3-Only use the recommended wattage of light bulbs in all of your lights—indoors and outdoors. Keep bulbs away from surfaces to avoid a surface overheating and igniting.

Tip 4-Do not overload an outlet. Large power tools or appliances will typically need to be the only item plugged into an outlet.

Tip 5-If a breaker continually pops or if an outlet feels warm to the touch, call an electrician. In the meantime, avoid using the outlet and the outlet connected to the breaker. These are signs of trouble that can lead to an electrical fire if not handled quickly.

If you have electrical concerns or would like an electrician to take care of some of the items on this list, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Smoke Detectors Installed by Pasadena Electrician for Safety

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

As you go through your home and do some spring cleaning, you are probably doing some needed updates to your home. While you are taking care of jobs that have been stacking up for months, you should also consider evaluating the safety of your home. Things like smoke detectors are often overlooked. We are so used to seeing them in the corner of the room, you rarely give them much thought, that is until you need them. An electrician in Pasadena can install hard-wired smoke detectors that really can be forgotten about, but will still work. That is important. You can rely on The Electric Connection to send out an experienced electrician to complete the installation for you.

Smoke detectors are typically out of sight, out of mind, until they start chirping to remind you the battery is low. If the chirping is ignored, the battery will die and the smoke detector will become nothing more than a fixture on the ceiling. With hard-wired smoke detectors, you don’t have to worry about the batteries going dead and your home left vulnerable. The smoke detectors are wired directly into your home’s main power. As long as your home has power, your smoke detectors will work. There is also a spot for backup batteries in case of a power outage.

When the Pasadena electrician installs the smoke detectors, you will get the added safety feature of all the smoke detectors being interlinked. When one detector goes off, every detector that is hard-wired will sound. This can add several seconds to your alert time. If you have ever seen a house fire or been involved in one, you know how fast it can go. Every second counts. If you are ready to add an additional layer of safety to your home, give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your installation.

Home Maintenance Safety Tips

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Safety should ALWAYS be the foremost concern for anyone who is working on or around electricity. It is critical to recognize and distinguish between repairs, which you are qualified to undertake and repairs that only a professional electrician should handle.

We recommend that you always contact a qualified, licensed electrician to perform any electrical work in your home.

If you do decide to undertake a basic home electrical project, consider the following important safety tips:

  • Always turn off the power to the circuit that you plan to work on by switching off the circuit breaker in the main service panel.

  • Be sure to test wires before you touch them to make sure that the power has been turned off.

  • Test from the black wires to both the grounded box and the white wires. Test from the white wires to the grounded box.

  • Never touch plumbing or gas pipes when performing a do-it-yourself electrical project.

  • Make sure that you are not standing on a damp floor.

  • Be sure to unplug any lamp or appliance before working on it.

  • Take an active role in understanding the condition of your current electrical system, its capacity, limitations, and potential hazards.

Is a permit or inspection required? Many state and local laws require that a permit be obtained prior to the installation of electrical wiring or devices. In addition, an inspection must be performed to ensure the work is safely completed meeting all applicable code requirements.

Projects that require a permit include:

  • Adding or extending a new circuit and/or wiring for central air conditioning, a swimming pool, or a hot tub

  • Installing a receptacle or light fixture where one did not already exist

  • Installation of new electrical panels in the house would require a permit

  • Wiring or re-wiring any new structure such as a house, garage, or shed. Permits are generally not mandated for minor repairs, but work must comply with the version of the National Electrical Code that is recognized by the state or city in which you live.

Projects that do not require a permit may include:

  • Replacing a receptacle where one already exists

  • Replacing a faulty circuit breaker that is the same size/type does not require a permit

  • Replacing or changing a light fixture within the home

  • Installing a phone or coax cable for cable television

If you hire an electrician or contractor to perform work at your home, be sure to confirm that he/she has obtained the appropriate permits, and request an inspection once the work is complete. This protects your family against risk of electrocution and electrical fires—and it is the law!

 

About the Author

David M Specht is the Director of Field Services for Cirtcele Electric, an electrical contracting firm located in Mesa, Arizona, just outside of Phoenix that provides residential, industrial, and commercial electrical services. As a second-generation electrician, he is committed to carrying his family’s legacy of professional service to individuals, families, and businesses in and around Phoenix and the Southwest United States. Mr. Specht is also a pilot and frequently travels to client locations, which puts him in a class few competitors can match. To learn more about David and the services his company offers, visit: http://www.CirtceleElectric.com

GFCI Outlets–Why You Need Them Explains Electrician in Glendale

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If you have never heard of or seen the outlets that are in new homes or office buildings, you are missing out on something that could potentially save you or a family member’s life. A GFCI outlet is an added layer of safety when it comes to dealing with two things that never mix well—water and electricity. No matter how cautious you are, there is always the chance of an accident happening that will mix the two and create a life-threatening situation. Your electrician in Glendale, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you protect your family by installing GFCI outlets.

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. The outlets are designed to trip the breaker the instant the flow of electricity is interrupted. If you were to accidentally drop the mixer in the sink or spill a cup of water on it while you were using it, the outlet would trip the breaker and cut the flow of electricity. This prevents you from getting an electric shock. This would be the case if you were in the bathroom using a hairdryer or any other appliance. The outlets also work on cords that may be damaged and at risk of causing an electric shock.

The outlets will replace any current outlets you have in the kitchen or bathroom. You may have seen these before. They have small reset buttons usually in the middle between the top and bottom outlets. Because the outlets will need to be wired, the job will need to be completed by an electrician. Glendale homeowners will feel better about using their electric appliances in areas that are prone to accidents that involve electricity and water mixing. If you would like to learn more about GFCI outlets or are ready to make an appointment to have an electrician upgrade your current outlets, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Spring Home Improvement with Electrician in Los Angeles

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If you are in the mood for a little spring cleaning or home improvement, you are likely looking around your home and thinking you could use some new lights. Lighting can make or break a room. Dark, dingy lighting can make a room look small or even outdated despite new furniture or a nice coat of paint on the walls. An electrician in Los Angeles can help give your room a facelift. You can count on The Electric Connection to provide you with a knowledgeable electrician who has the experience needed to make it happen.

Your dining room, kitchen or even your bathroom will be transformed with the installation of a new light fixture. It is amazing to see how different a room can look with just the right lighting. Your kitchen should be bright and inviting. Bright areas are ideal when you are working with sharp knives and need to see ingredients as well as read labels. There are plenty of options when it comes to enhancing your kitchen workspace. Track lighting is an ideal option.

Because electricity is involved, it is best to leave the Los Angeles electrical work to a professional. It isn’t a good idea to try and wire in a new light fixture if you are not trained for it. Not only do you risk your life, but you risk the safety of your home. A fixture that isn’t wired correctly may work initially, but overtime, it can be a serious fire hazard.

While you are thinking about upgrading your lighting, take a look at your living room as well. You can use track lighting or the more popular recessed lighting. This is an ideal option for the newest trend of mounting flat screen televisions to the wall. This insures your view will not be obstructed by a hanging lamp. If you would like to get started on your spring improvement plan, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Home Security Enhanced with Security Lighting by Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

As safe as we may feel in our own homes, it doesn’t hurt to add an extra layer of safety and security. Security lights can go a long way to making your home a little safer. Well-lit homes are deterrents against crime. Perpetrators are less likely to lurk in landscapes that are bright with no dark corners. Walking through your yard or from your car to the front door can also be dangerous if you can’t see well. An electrician in Glendale, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you make your home a little safer by adding security lighting.

You can opt to have the bright flood light variety or the kind that is a little dimmer, but just as effective. Security lights mounted above your driveway, your front door or your back door are all great places to place the lights. Motion detectors or timers are ideal and ensure you will never have to worry about stepping out of your car or your house into the darkness. An electrician will help you set the timer to meet your needs.

A Glendale electrician will need to wire the lights directly into your home’s main power. This is called hard-wiring and ensures the lights are always on. However, you can choose to have your security lights installed with a switch. This gives you the freedom to turn the light off and on whenever you need it. Part of your upgraded security lighting system can also include landscaping lighting. Lighting up darkened areas under bushes and in dark corners can help you keep other unwanted pests out of your yard. Nocturnal creatures will be less inclined to hide in an area bathed in light. If you would like to brighten up your outdoors, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Understanding Service Calls by Burbank Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

When you need electric work done, you may be wondering what the first step is and what you can expect. There are plenty of businesses in the phonebook, but choosing the right one can be a bit of a guessing game. You can rest assured when you call The Electric Connection for service. You will want an electrician in Burbank that you can count on to show up on time. Knowledgeable and honest are also very important factors to consider. You have a busy schedule and will need a company with a record of showing up on time and getting the work done promptly.

When you call for a service call, you likely have a problem, but are not exactly sure what it is. You will be forced to rely on what an electrician tells you is the problem. In order to properly troubleshoot an electrical problem, various tools and equipment will be needed. Hiring an electrician that has a fully equipped work vehicle can help save a lot of time. At times, repairing electrical problems can be expensive. If you are on a budget, you will likely only want to pay for what you need to get your home up and running safely. You will need a Burbank electrician who will provide you with an honest quote about what is necessary and what is optional, but recommended.

An electrical safety inspection is always a good idea. If the electrician is at your home, it just makes sense to have the inspection done then. When it comes to your home’s electric safety, it is imperative you choose a company who only hires electricians who know what they are doing and can give you honest quotes about any work that needs to be done.

Outdoor Living Space with Help of Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Have you ever thought about maximizing your backyard? The outdoors are beautiful in the spring time and you will likely want to enjoy the fresh air after a long winter. It is exciting to be outside eating, socializing and relaxing. Maybe you have seen the surge in popularity for outdoor rooms. Everything from sitting spaces to kitchens are popping up in backyards across the country. It is an excellent way to take advantage of the additional space in your backyard while enjoying the great outdoors. An electrician in Los Angeles can help you with your goal of having an outdoor room. The team at The Electric Connection can help.

You will need to have electricity in your outdoor space for any kitchen equipment, lights and fans. Outlets for your electronics are also going to be necessary. This is something your electrician will need to handle. Because the electricity will be outdoors, it is imperative safety measures are taken to ensure there are no electrical hazards. Depending on the number of outlets you need in your new space and the type of lighting that will be used, you will likely need an additional breaker installed. This will need to be evaluated by your Los Angeles electrician. An inspection of your current electric panel will be necessary to see if there is room in the panel or if you will need a panel upgrade.

The construction of an outdoor room will typically require permits and inspections by a county official. For this reason, you will need to have a certified electrician doing the work to make sure you are meeting all codes. This is typically required by your homeowner’s insurance policy as well. You can count on the qualified professionals at The Electric Company to help you make your dream of an outdoor living space a reality.

House Checkups by Burbank Electrician Can Prevent Fires

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Have you considered the thought your house may be in need of a checkup? We visit doctors to make sure we are in good health even if we don’t have any major symptoms. Your house should be afforded the same privilege to make sure it is in good health and does not pose any safety hazards to you and your family. There are things that could be lurking behind the walls that we would never suspect. Electrical problems are often a hidden danger that many homeowners are not aware of until it is too late. A Burbank electrician, like those at The Electric Connection, can give your home a checkup and look for any underlying problems. Taking care of problems before they become serious is always the best prevention of home fires.

An electric safety inspection is one way for an electrician to check out the wiring in the home. If the home is older, the wiring will be evaluated to determine whether or not it is safe or if it needs an upgrade. This is typically only something that is needed if the home is more than 50 years old. Along with the condition of the wiring, the electric panel will also be inspected by the electrician. Burbank homeowners may need to have a breaker replaced or added depending on the needs of people living in the home.

Another facet of an electric safety inspection is to check out the outlets in the home. Any outlets that are not working or have black streaks around the outer casing typically need to be replaced. Loose wires to the outlet can cause an electrical fire and should be taken care of as soon as possible. If you would like to give your home a checkup, give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your appointment.

Electric Safety a Priority Says Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

You probably never really think twice about using your toaster or running the vacuum. That is because we are so used to electricity we rarely give it a thought when we use our favorite gadgets and gizmos. However, electricity can still be dangerous. We need to take precautions and teach our children about how to be safe in a world surrounded by electricity. A Los Angeles electrician has some tips for staying safe. You can call The Electric Connection to find out more about staying safe in this electrical world.

One thing you can do to keep your children safe as well as your home is to keep cords out of travel paths. Cords that are stepped on repeatedly will break down over time. This can result in bare wires, which can lead to an electrical spark and even a fire. Not to mention, cords that are strung about also create tripping hazards.

Any cord that looks like it has suffered some abuse or been chewed by animals should never be plugged in. Have the item repaired with a new cord by a certified electrician, or throw the appliance out. It is too risky to try and use.

We all know the dangers of using electricity around water. However, places like the kitchen and bathroom need electricity and water. Accidents happen, but you can add a layer of protection against electrocution by having GFI outlets installed by an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners will feel safer knowing a GFI outlet automatically cuts power to an appliance as soon as the electric current is interrupted. This keeps the electricity from flowing into your body.

These are just a few things you can do with the help of your electrician to keep yourself and your family a little safer. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your appointment to have GFI outlets installed in your home.