Tag: electrical safety

Importance of Bathroom Fans

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

You might be thinking, “do I need a fan in my bathroom?” The answer may surprise you. In addition to keeping the bathroom from getting too hot, a bathroom fan actually has many benefits. The first purpose of installing a bathroom fan is to keep the moisture out of the room. The fans can also help remove odors as well as remove fumes from cleaning materials that might pose health issues.

Where to Install Bathroom Fan

bathroom fanThere is actually a lot that goes into deciding where to install a bathroom fan. If you have a smaller bathroom, this may be an easy decision, but larger bathrooms require some thinking and math. Design architects and builders work hard to ensure that bathroom fans are placed in the right spot not only for safety and proper ventilation but also for the aesthetics.

The most important aspect of finding a place for the bathroom fan is finding the right size fan. So, what bathroom fan do you need? It must be big enough to ventilate your entire room or else it’s purpose is diminished. There is a simple math equation that helps determine the size of fan you need for your bathroom. Simply take the volume of your room (the cubic feet) and then multiply that by 8 (which is the number of exchanges of air per hour). Take this sum and divide it by 60 which will result in the required CFM, or cubic feet per minute, you need for the room.

Once you know which bathroom fan to buy, finding the right spot is pretty easy. Heat rises and the primary function of the fan is to reduce the moisture in the room so the best place for the fan is in the ceiling that is the highest from the ground. You should also place the fan near the element that is creating the most moisture or odor. Do not just place the fan in the middle of the room, it should be placed either over the toilet or the tub. Remember that fans placed over a shower or tub must be rated for where they are located and protected with a GFCI.

When To Install A Bathroom Fan

If you currently do not have a fan in your bathroom, you might want to consider installing one. This will help remove the moisture and unpleasant odors. Without a bathroom fan, you might find yourself cleaning the bathroom more. You might even be faced with a mold problem if the moisture can’t escape properly.

When To Replace A Bathroom Fan

When your bathroom fan starts acting up, how do you know if you need to replace it? Repeated use of any device can cause it to fail over time, but fortunately there are some warning signs to look out for.

  • Odd noises or sounds. Loud throbbing or clanking can mean that the bearings are starting to fail or the blades are not aligned properly. It’s important to realize that most bathroom fans cannot be repaired properly so they must be completely replaced. Since the unit is sealed, it is impossible to grease the bearings so when they stop working the unit must be replaced.
  • Power up time. If you are noticing that the fan is starting slower and slower it may be time to replace it. Sluggish or slow startup times means the unit is starting to fail.
  • No power. When you turn on the fan and nothing happens, this might be a big sign it has failed. If you have access to check for power, do so, but it might be time for a replacement. The electrician you call to replace it can give you a more accurate diagnosis.

Bathroom fans are a great addition to any home, almost a necessary one. Any electrician can help you decide which one to buy and where to place it. Be sure to ask for references before you have an electrician visit your home.

The Electric Connection is proud to serve the people of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. We have been installing bathroom fans for over 30 years. Our electricians are licensed and insured to bring you the best services in the area. Give us a call today to get on schedule.

Los Angeles Home Electrical Inspection

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

home electrical inspectionThere are certain times when an electrical home inspection is recommended. If you are just purchasing a home it’s a good idea to have it inspected so you can be sure you’re not buying into any major issues. When you have lived in your home for a while or if it is an older home, an inspection is a great idea to ensure that everything is running properly. Finally, if you are adding an appliance or doing any large renovations, you should have you electrical checked out to make sure that it can handle the new technology you’re bringing into your home.

To get the best results, a licensed electrician must perform this home electrical inspection service. The electrician will be able to perform several tests on your electrical system whereas a homeowner or buyer can only visually inspect it. When you hire an electrician for this safety procedure, you can be sure they will have the tools necessary to perform the job as thoroughly as possible.

Why Is A Home Electrical Inspection Important?

The NFPA, or National Fire Protection Agency, reports that between 2007 and 2011 there were more than 144,00 house fires caused by electrical failure. Many of these could have been prevented if a simple inspection had been completed. A home inspection can reveal electrical issues such as deficiencies or fire hazards.

What Does A Home Inspection Consist Of?

Many electricians offer an inspection of home electrical system as a service. Most electricians have a standard checklist for electrical home inspections. It can vary from contractor to contractor but at the least the following should be performed:

  • Verification grounding is present
  • Light bulb wattage verification
  • Inspection of switch and outlet operations
  • Examination of ARCIs
  • Make sure there are no shock hazards present
  • Verification of lighting safety
  • Proof of surge protection
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detector testing
  • Electrical panel inspection
  • Review of outdoor electrical system

Once the inspection is completed, an electrician will provide you with a detailed report concerning your electrical system. The more serious issues will be listed first. After the inspection is completed, the electrician will walk you through the issues that are present in your home. He or she will provide instructions on how to proceed with any dangerous problems that might be in the report.

Home Inspection for Electrical DIY

A licensed electrician in necessary to have an official report but if you want to just check the safety of your home you can visually inspect the major problem areas.

The first place to look is your electrical panel. This is where your home gets its power from. It’s the grey or metal box that has all the fuses or circuit breakers in your home. When inspecting your panel be sure to note the age, any wear and tear, or any dark or smokey debris. If you notice that the panel is older and outdated, it may be time to have a panel upgrade performed.

Next, check out the wiring in your home. This one might be a little more tricky as most of the wiring inside your walls. If you have an attic or a crawlspace that is easily accessible, see if you can see the wiring that way. Knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring pose potentially hazardous settings in a home. Be sure to call an electrician to inspect this wiring if you find it.

Any outlets that are near water must be fitted with GFCIs. This includes outside outlets as well as those near sinks or tubs. Be sure to check them periodically to ensure the safety features are working.

Inspecting your home electrical system yourself can save money but will not be as thorough as an official home electrical inspection done by a professional electrician. If you have any concerns, please contact a professional to inspect your home.

The Electric Connection has provided homeowners with safety inspections for over 30 years. We are proud to service the Los Angeles area. Homeowners and businesses are encouraged to call The Electric Connection for their next electrical project. We are happy to help! Learn more about our electrical inspection services here.

Electrical Home Safety Checklist by Pasadena Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

It is a good idea to give your home an electrical inspection every month to identify any potential hazards. It doesn’t take a lot of time and can become a part of your normal routine once you know what you should be looking for. Often times, the signs of an electrical problem are in plain sight, but many people simply don’t know they are warning signs and they are ignored. Your electrician in Pasadena wants you to be safe and has a quick checklist for you to follow. If you would like an electrical inspection by a professional, you can call The Electric Connection.
1. Start by looking at every light switch in your home. This is fairly straightforward. Look at the wall surrounding the switch. If you observe browning around or on the switch plate, it is a problem. Look on the wall to see if there are any black streaks as well. Do this for every outlet cover in the home as well. It’s a good idea to even check the outlets that are covered by furniture explains a Pasadena electrician.
2. Turn on a light switch and listen closely. A humming sound or something that sounds like a bowl of Rice Krispies is a warning sign and the light or outlet should not be used. Turn off the breaker to stop all electricity from flowing to the potentially hazardous switch.
3. Are all switches and outlets working properly? A light fixture that doesn’t turn on, even with a new bulb could have an electrical short. Outlets that only work on occasion are also hazards.
4. Does an outlet feel loose or wiggle when you are plugging in appliances? This is another problem that needs to be immediately addressed by an electrician. Pasadena homeowners will want to stop using the outlet until it is fixed.

This quick checklist can catch a problem before it becomes a serious shock hazard or an electrical fire. Give The Electric Connection a call today to remedy your electrical issues.

Electrical Safety Tips You Don’t Know by Burbank Electric

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

We all know electricity can be dangerous, but we also all know we take it for granted. We assume our homes are safe and free of electrical hazards because we haven’t ever had any real trouble. Becoming complacent or not fully understanding how electrical hazards are created or how electrical fires occurs can be dangerous. It is important to know some of the more common electrical safety tips that are often taken for granted. Your electrician in Burbank has a few reminders that may seem obvious to some, but for others, it will be a real eye-opener. You can call the team at The Electric Connection if you have any questions.
1. Don’t overload an outlet. Just because you can buy one of those devices that transforms your basic outlet into one that gives you four or six openings, it doesn’t mean you should try and fill plug in six appliances. Overloading can lead to overheating and ultimately spark a fire.
2. Don’t use a 100-watt bulb in a light fixture that is designed for a 40-watt max. If you need more light, have a new one installed by an electrician. Burbank homeowners can also use LED bulbs for a brighter light in their old fixtures.
3. When unplugging anything from an outlet, grip the cord by the rubber base. Never yank the cord out of the wall. Yanking can loosen the wires that secure the outlet in place in the wall, which can lead to an electrical hazard. Constantly yanking the cord can damage the cord and create an electrical shock hazard as well.
4. Don’t run cords under a rug. Cords should never be stepped on. This can cause the plastic coating to break down and fray, creating a serious shock hazard. You can have an outlet installed by a Burbank electrician or have a light fixture installed to eliminate the need for the cord under the rug.

Basic safety can save lives and prevent a home fire. Call The Electric Connection today if you need to have an electrical hazard mitigated.

Dangers of DIY Electrical by Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

There is a real sense of pride and satisfaction when you take on a task that is daunting and challenging and you actually pull it off. Taking on a do-it-yourself task can be fun and rewarding. You learn a lot and you get the experience of working with your hands. Sometimes, DIY projects can be great and other times, they end up being complete failures you can laugh off. However, there are some DIY jobs you should never attempt. Anything that puts your life at risk or risks the overall safety of your home is simply not worth it. Electricity is no joke. If you have a job that requires electrical wiring, it is best left to a certified electrician. Santa Monica homeowners can count on the team at The Electric Connection to take care of any electrical repairs or new installations.

Electrical repairs or installing new light fixtures may seem simple enough on the surface, but one small mistake could be extremely dangerous. It isn’t worth the risk. Always call an electrician in Santa Monica to handle the electrical side of any DIY project and you can take credit for the rest. In many cases, a DIY project that involved electricity is against county and city codes. Permits are generally required for remodels and renovations, which will need an inspection.

You want your home to be safe and don’t want to have to worry about an electrical short due to faulty wiring. This can be avoided by letting a Santa Monica electrician take care of that part of the project while you focus on picking on the new fixture or putting on the paint. Have fun with your next DIY, but always remember safety first and give The Electric Connection a call to handle any electrical work that goes with the project.

Beautiful Outdoor Lighting by Burbank Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

It may be hard to think about sitting outside right now and your landscape lighting may be the farthest thing from your mind, but this is a great time to consider revamping your current outdoor lighting. With fewer chores to do outside, you can spend some time focusing on the coming spring and what you would like to do with your yard. One improvement that can make a huge difference is the installation of new outdoor lighting by an electrician in Burbank. The team at The Electric Connection would love to help you get your landscaping ready for spring.

There are many ways you can enhance your outdoors with lighting. Adding lights to fenceposts is a great way to light areas that would normally be in the dark. This can provide additional safety and security in those areas. Adding motion-sensing security lights to the backyard, driveway and any other areas that hold high-value items is another excellent way to make your home a little safer says an electrician. Burbank homeowners can have the lights professionally installed to ensure it is done right and is safe. In many situations, it will be necessary for a new breaker to be installed in the breaker box to run the new outdoor lighting.

Another lighting option that you may want to consider are spotlights. The spotlights can be directed at ornamental bushes, a flagpole or a water feature in the landscaping. This transforms your entire yard into a thing of beauty while adding a layer of safety. You can have some fun with the lighting as well. Adding twinkle lights or colored lights that dance over water features are another option you can discuss with your Burbank electrician. Spend some time finding what works best for you and then call The Electric Connection and schedule your new outdoor lighting installation, so you are ready for spring.

Extension Cord Safety Tips by Burbank Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

This is the time of year we tend to pull out the extension cords in order to get ready for all of our holiday lighting needs. It is fun to decorate and to compete with the neighbors for the brightest house on the block, but it can be risky if you are not careful. These are a few tips provided by an electrician in Burbank that can help keep your home safe this holiday season as you light it up. If you have concerns, you can always call the team at The Electric Connection to ask for an electric inspection.

1. Do not run extension cords across your driveway where it will be ran over.
2. Only use the round outdoor cords outside. The flat cords are not properly insulated and cannot handle the outdoor weather.
3. If you find you are having to leave windows open a crack to plug in the cords, consider have new outdoor electrical outlets installed by an electrician. Burbank homeowners will appreciate how much easier it is to decorate with outlets readily available.
4. Always unplug the extension cords when they are not in use. Do not leave them plugged in and “live” with nothing plugged in to the cord.
5. Do not string more than one extension cord together. If one isn’t long enough, buy one that is.
6. Do not overload an extension cord by plugging in more than three strands of lights connected together.
7. For indoor cords, make sure the cords are not in a busy walk area. Never run them under rugs explains a Burbank electrician.
8. Do not use a cord that has visible signs of damage. Electrical tape around a frayed cord is not safe. Discard the cord and buy a new one.

Have fun and be safe decorating your home this season. Give The Electric Connection a call if you need more outlets or have electric safety concerns.

Home Fire Prevention Tips by Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

We know we should change the batteries in our smoke detectors when we ‘fall back’ in early November, but there are other things you can do to make your home a little safer by preventing a fire in your home. Some of those things require the help of an electrician in Los Angeles while others can be done on your own. The team at The Electric Connection has some tips for you to make your home a little safer.

1. A working smoke alarm in each room is an excellent idea. The bare minimum should be a smoke alarm on each floor. Consider having a Los Angeles electrician install hard-wired smoke detectors that rely on your home’s power instead of a battery.
2. Keep a working fire extinguisher in the house, preferably near the kitchen where a fire is more likely to occur.
3. Do not leave any pots or pans unattended on the stove.
4. Wipe up any grease spills and keep your stove and oven clean to keep a fire from starting while you are cooking.
5. Pay attention to the outlets in your home. If you notice any black marks, smoking or a burning smell call an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners can prevent electrical fires by being aware.
6. Keep the dryer lint vent clean. Clean behind the dryer as well. Lint is extremely flammable and can quickly ignite with a little heat and a minimal spark.
7. Do not use a space heater if there is not adequate space. A good three feet away from furniture and the wall is ideal.
8. Do not overload the circuits in your home by plugging in multiple devices and appliances.

If you have concerns about the electrical in your home, call The Electric Connection today and ask to have a safety inspection to identify any potential problems.

Replacing Dangerous Wiring by Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

One of the biggest fears a homeowner can have is the thought of losing their house to a fire. Home fires are far too common. All it takes is a small mistake or a little accident to create a horribly devastating fire that destroys all of the world possessions a family owns. One of the leading causes of a home fire can be blamed on faulty wiring. This is generally through no fault of the homeowner. There are nearly 375,000 house fires each year. There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of your home catching fire explains an electrician in Glendale. You can count on The Electric Connection team to provide you with more information related to electrical fires.

1. More than half of the fires in homes is caused by cooking. Be extra careful when using grease and always ensure the stove and oven are off when you go to bed or leave the house. Be attentive anytime you are cooking.
2. Heating is the second leading cause. If using a woodstove or fireplace, ensure it is properly cleaned and maintained.
3. Electric wiring that is old should be inspected by a Glendale electrician. Cloth-insulated wiring is outdated and unsafe and should be replaced.
4. Have a whole home electrical safety inspection completed by an electrician. Glendale homeowners will get a detailed report of potential hazards as well as things that absolutely should be addressed right away to prevent an accident.
5. Have working smoke detectors in every room. Consider hard-wired smoke detectors as well that are more effective at alerting the entire home to a fire.

Due diligence and being a little more attentive can help prevent fires in the home. If you would like an inspection of your wiring or need a quote for electrical repairs needed to make your home safer, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Electric Safety Enhancements with Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Keeping your home safe is a top priority. Locking your doors, taking care of tripping hazards and making sure there are no obvious areas that could be a danger to you and the people visiting your home is real concern. Sometimes, you can’t find every single, little hazard. This is why it is always a good idea to have an electrical safety inspection by a qualified electrician. Glendale homeowners can count on the team at The Electric Connection to complete the inspection and give them a detailed list of things that could be a problem.

Some of the biggest hazards are not always obvious. In many cases, an alert homeowner can identify electrical problems and call an electrician in Glendale to take care of it before it becomes a much bigger concern.

1. Electrical outlets that have black marks or don’t always work are telltale signs. Check the outlets in the bathroom and kitchen area. If they are not the GFCI outlets, you can help prevent electric shock by having the old outlets upgraded to the GFCI outlets.
2. Having an electrical inspection completed can identify problems within the breaker panel. This give a Glendale electrician the chance to peek inside and see what kind of wiring there may be throughout the house. It also reveals how much room is in the electric panel in case you need to add additional breakers to accommodate for those that may be overloaded.
3. Breakers that are constantly tripping should absolutely be checked out by a professional. As mentioned in number two, adding another breaker or two to the panel can help alleviate overloading a breaker.

These are some of the most common signs of electrical hazards that you can easily take care of. Give The Electric Connection a call today and have your home inspected to make those safety upgrades.