electrical tips Archives

Troubleshooting Your Tesla Wall Connector

Posted on December 16, 2020 | by K Hopkins

As reliable as your Tesla Wall Connector may seem, it’s not far-fetched for problems to come up. Sometimes these issues are easy to troubleshoot on your own. Other times, professional help may be needed. Here are some tips and troubleshooting solutions for your Tesla Wall Connector.

No lights on your Tesla Wall Connector

When you turn your Wall Connector on, the indication of power is the lights. If that doesn’t happen it means you have a power supply problem with no power coming from the breaker panel. This applies especially when your Wall Connector has been working fine before.

To solve this problem, check that the power supply is on. This needs a minimal knowledge of your breaker panel and how it works. It usually involves flipping a breaker back into the on position. If nothing changes, it’s likely time to call an electrician.

The electrician will remove the Wall Connector and check that there is voltage present and fix any issues with the breaker panel that may be the root cause.

The Wall Connector shows a solid red

If you have been using your Tesla Wall Connector for a while, seeing a solid red will stand out to you because the Wall Connector usually comes on with a green light. A solid red can mean a few things and none of them are good news. It could mean the Wall Connector is bad or has an internal fault. Either way, a repair or replacement becomes necessary.

What you can do to solve the situation is to first try turning off the circuit breaker. Wait for a few seconds after before turning it back on. If the solid red light persists, then it’s time to contact Tesla.

One red blink to seven red blink

A red blink code pauses for one second and then repeats itself. The good news is from one red blink to seven red blinks, your Wall Connector can give some indication of what problems need to be fixed.

One blink means there’s a GFCI interruption because of an unsafe current path. There might be damage somewhere.

Check the Wall Connector itself, the handle, cable, and vehicle charge port for signs of contact with water or damage. Call an electrician right after to fix the issue.

Two red blinks mean a ground assurance fault has been detected. Call a certified Tesla electrician to handle this. The electrical technician will have to see if the Wall Connector is properly grounded and check all physical connections alongside.

Three red blinks present a different problem, which is a rise in temperature. This can quickly become a fire hazard and should be attended to by an electrician as soon as possible. You can confirm the issue by checking if the faceplate and cable handle are warm to the touch.

In contrast to what you might be thinking, it doesn’t get worse with four red blinks. Four red blinks simply indicate lost internet connection, and you can check the Wi-Fi settings, router, and signal strength to handle this.

Five red blinks mean an issue with power-sharing communication and can be sorted the same as four red blinks.

Six and seven red blinks generally mean an overvoltage or poor grid quality and need either an electrician or Tesla’s assistance.

Contacting Tesla

We recommend that our customers get in touch with Tesla technical support before contacting us or another electrician. We’ve had several customers recently have to have their Wall Connectors replaced by Tesla due to some kind of manufacturing defect. They can help you troubleshoot and do a diagnostic test. Please call 650-681-6133.

Note: For Wall Connector installations where you have breakers tripping, it may likely be an issue with the setting in your Wall Connector which you need to commission.

For WiFi commissioning support:

You may contact Tesla at 877-961-7652 between the hours of 8am to 5pm Pacific time Monday through Friday. Please be sure that you are home with the Wall Connector, you have the TPN (the part number), the TSN (the serial number), and you have connected the Wall Connector to the internet prior to calling. One of the troubleshooting steps is to get the Wall Connector, if it is a gen 3, to the internet. Please select the link below which will direct you to our website which includes the directions on connecting the Wall Connector to the internet. If the Wall Connector was installed the Online Orders department will not be able to assist with an exchange, however we will be able to complete the troubleshooting steps and if the troubleshooting doesn’t work then it may qualify your system for replacement.

Ways to Save Money on Electric in Pasadena

Posted on November 30, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Everyone would like to save on the electric bill and if you live in Pasadena, it’s easier than you think. The Pasadena department of water and power offers various residential programs to help reduce those staggering bills while you enjoy a more energy-efficient home or building.

Here are some ways to save money on electricity in Pasadena;

Use energy-efficient appliances

You can get efficiency rebates from the Pasadena department of water and power when you use energy-efficient equipment. For example, the PWP gives a $75 rebate if you buy a new refrigerator and $15 if the refrigerator is bought in Pasadena. Fridges over 4 years old are less efficient than new models, which are 25% better.

Similarly, you will receive $25 for buying a new, energy efficient dishwasher or $30 for a dishwasher that is Energy Star certified. Recent dishwashers can use 30% less water than their older counterparts.

Clothes washer rebates are as high as $300 from SoCal Water$mart and PWP when you use the right models. Aside from the rebates, a high-efficiency clothes washer can use 45% less power and 25% less energy than regular models.

Even toilets are not left out as you can receive a $100 rebate for replacing your regular toilet with a premium toilet, saving over $800 on your electric bill in Pasadena.

More juicy rebates also apply to your HVAC system, pool pump, insulation, sprinklers, laundry system, and so on.

Develop a greener lifestyle

Thanks to technology, there are still various ways to save energy and go green. Electric cars are getting more popular by the day. According to the PWP, you will receive rebates anywhere from $250 – $1000 for purchasing EV vehicles, purchasing EV vehicles in Pasadena, or installing a standard EV charger.

More rebates also apply to buying appliances or green lifestyle tools like electric heat pump water heater, electric clothes dryer, electric ovens, electric pump clothes dryer, and using solar systems.

Get in on low-income programs

Sometimes paying the bill can be tough and Pasadena offers low-income programs to help you save on the bill. The programs include monthly bill payment assistance, free home improvement services, energy savings assistance program, and more.

To benefit from any rebates or programs you would have to apply and make sure you meet the requirements.

Enforcing other tips in power use can also help you conserve energy and get a lower bill.

These include

Use LED lights.
Set your thermostat to low
Wash only when you have full loads
Use your microwave as an alternative to cooking.
Don’t over-dry clothes
Use appliances before 7pm more often.
Unplug appliances from the switch when not in use.
Call Pasadena electrician for an audit to see where you can save more power.

Electrical Issues in Los Angeles Homes

Posted on September 5, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Some electrical issues are more common than you think. They occur in almost every home with electricity and while they may be no one’s fault sometimes, it’s often because your electrical system is subject to getting worn out. Read on as we discuss the most common electrical issues in Los Angeles homes and how to handle them.

Broken light switch

A broken light switch in your Los Angeles home can be due to any number of reasons. It could be due to damage because the switch is old, improper wiring and circuit faults, or the switch may have been overridden.

To fix this, turn off the circuit breaker and remove the faceplate with a screwdriver. Turning off the circuit breaker earlier would help you identify which one is broken. Ensure there is no electricity in the wires and disconnect the switch to fix it.

Type of electrical issue – Harmless.

Cut extension cords

Extensions often come in handy in your Los Angeles home and can also easily get damaged. To fix a cut or damaged extension cord, cut off the old plug and peel back the insulation jacket to expose the wires. Strip each wire and connect/screw them to the new plug. Twist each wire and screw black to gold, green to green, and white to silver at the back of the plug. Close the plug.

Type of electrical issue – Harmless.

Flickering lights

This horror scene trick can never be good news. Flickering lights often indicate a more serious problem such as poor connections, sparks, overheating, and more. They should be looked at and fixed as soon as possible. Contact an electrician if you experience flickering lights.

Type of electrical issue – Hazardous.

Electric shocks

That unexpected zap when plugging in a device could either be no-problem news or bad news. Test the appliance by plugging into another outlet. A repeated shock indicates the appliance might have a fault or problem with your wiring. Call an electrician when you experience electric shocks to find the cause and solution of the problem.

Type of electrical issue – Possibly hazardous.

Loose outlets

Loose outlets can be easy to spot when you’re trying to plug in something. If it’s bad enough, you might have the outlet hanging out of the socket or wall. Turn off the breaker to stop power from coming through the outlet. Use a voltage tester or power testing tool to confirm there’s no power in the outlet. Remove the cover plate and add new outlet shims until the outlet can fit firmly on the wall. Screw the cover plate back in.

Type of electrical issue – Harmless.

Tripping breakers

Circuit overload is one of the biggest causes of frequent breaker tripping. This means that there are not enough power points in your home electrical system. Overload can lead to more than normal trips, which can be dangerous.

Calling an electrical technician is the best solution, as your electrical system might need an upgrade or repairs.

Type of electrical issue – Hazardous.

New Home Electrical Wiring Ideas

Posted on August 21, 2020 | by K Hopkins

A new home comes with the excitement of setting up things just the way you like them. You could be eager to try out different colors and textures; explore flooring options, window placement, and so on. Getting everything done to your liking is what makes your new home feel truly yours. But, in all your planning, it’s important to consider creative electrical wiring options that may come in handy sooner than you know.

Some electrical ideas to consider with a professional electrician include;

Speakers
Solar panels
LEDS
Electric fireplace
Towel warmers
Built-in WIFI
Security system
Remote access to some parts of the home
Indoor/outdoor home theater pre-wiring
Alarm systems.

Consider the cost

Figuring out your new home electrical wiring can mean looking at several options or ideas. This also means looking at a wide range of costs. The good news is, by making the right choice for new home wiring, you can always enjoy the value when you wish.

Generally, it can cost $100 per run of wire for a new home. The variation in price depends on factors such as the length of the run, the type of project such as rewiring, and more.

With a professional electrician, you can get reasonable prices for a dependable and reliable system.

Terms you should get used to

Electrical wiring can often sound confusing to homeowners. While you might not be able to grasp the entire idea of how home wiring works, it’s possible to get by with some basic knowledge. In wiring your home, a few terms to get used to now include;

F connectors – These can be described as screw-type connectors. They are useful for attaching video cables to DVDs, VCRs, and television.
Home-run wiring – With home-run wiring, you run a single wire/cable from a central location or panel to a specific outlet. It is the most common wiring scheme in modern homes.
Daisy-chain wiring – The daisy-chain wiring scheme runs a single wire from a central location or distribution panel to a series of outlets.
Category 5 wire – CAT 5 wire is a high-quality wire used for voice and data transmission.
Plain old telephone service (POTS) – POTS is the traditional style wiring used mainly for voice transmission, but it does not work so well for data transmission.

A few tips to guide your new home electrical wiring

You need the service of the right electrical technician to help with suggestions on the best ideas and providing an adequate wiring service. Some tips to help you work through the entire process of new house wiring are listed below.

Decide on a budget and time frame for the wiring you need. Some ideas may be good to incorporate now, and others can wait for later.

Ask for references from the electrician you hope to work with. Find out about his past work with them, how their wiring works, and if the electrician can provide your service.

Identify your wants and needs beforehand but also be open to suggestions on what works from your electrical contractor.

How to Save Money on Your Los Angeles Electric Bill

Posted on July 13, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Living in the bustling city of Los Angeles can be exciting. It’s a city with everything from being able to chase your dreams to the lazy days you are just looking to have fun. It’s almost possible to forget the high costs of living that comes with all the benefits.

Homes in Los Angeles pay up to 23% more for electricity bills compared to the national average. While solar energy solutions are becoming more popular, the larger part of the population still has to consider ways to save money on their electricity bill in LA.

Thankfully, your favorite experts at The Electric Connection have effective tips ready to help you slash those bills in half.

Use a programmable thermostat

You’d be surprised how much of your electric bill has to do with your heating and cooling system. With a programmable or smart thermostat, you can set temperatures to 78 degrees when you are home during summer, 68 degrees during winter, and turn it off when you are away. This helps you save up on up to 10% on heating and cooling.

Turn off your lights

Turning off your lights when they are not in use or you are away can both help you save on the bill and get paid. Residents in California can earn money through OhmConnect when you agree to cut down on power usage a few times in a week. You earn based on how much power you save. To help you get higher numbers and save on your electricity bill in general, you can switch your lights to LED bulbs.

Use nature’s gift

When possible ventilate your home by opening up your doors and windows. Doing this more often helps you cut down on heating and cooling bills.

Purchase right

Thanks to continuous breaks in technology, there are several appliances on the market equipped with energy-saving features. Look out for an Energy Star (R) symbol which shows the appliance is compliant with standard energy-saving codes.

Unplug devices

We are all guilty of leaving unused appliances plugged in at some point. Regardless of if you turn off the switch or not, phantom charges that can accumulate end up having some significance on your bill.

Timers and Power Strips

It won’t be easy keeping up with all plugged in devices, especially those mounted on the wall. Save up on electrical energy by bringing in power strips and timers. These tools allow you to set a schedule for the connected devices to be shut off from power. It comes in handy all the time, but more importantly when you are not home or asleep. A good example is if you need to run your pool pump for some hours. Using a timer ensures you can set the time for the pump to work and be turned off.

There’s also more to save on electrical energy when you get an audit from a professional electrician. The electrician can give more tips suitable for your home.

Where To Turn For Electrical Advice in Los Angeles?

Posted on July 5, 2020 | by K Hopkins

We all use and love electricity. It keeps us warm, gives us access to entertainment, preserves our food, cooks our food, heats our water, upgrades our security, and so on. The uses and comforts of electricity are endless, but there are just as many risks involved.

More often than you would like, electrical issues might come up in the home or commercial building. These issues may require a professional electrician or could be easily managed by you. It’s also possible to avoid them by taking precautions. Regardless of how your electrical issues should be handled, it’s clear that you would always need a reliable source of electrical advice in Los Angeles.

Naturally, it’s best to turn to a professional electrician for electrical advice. The obvious reason for this is that a professional and licensed electrician is fully equipped and knowledgeable to provide accurate and effective advice.

Anyone else such as a friend who knows as little as you do about electricity is not a reliable source of electrical advice. The wrong information or approach to your home electricity can compromise the safety of lives and property.

The Electric Connection is a reputable electrical company that has served Los Angeles for decades. We make it easy for you to get the electrical advice you need with free of charge consultations via calls.

Our experts are always available to give you the advice you need and even over the phone quotes if a professional electrician is needed to solve the problem.

All electrical technicians with The Electric Connection are trained, licensed, insured, customer-oriented, and courteous. You can count on us for electrical advice in Los Angeles.

Here are some tips to maximize electrical safety in your home.

Avoid overloading your outlets. Each outlet in your home is designed to provide a specific amount of electricity, and plugging too many devices at once can lead to a fire or damage to appliances. Use an energy-saving power strip if you have a few things to plug in at once.
Extension cords can be helpful but can also become a safety hazard when used wrongly. Do not run extension cords through the house as that could lead to accidents in the home. If you discover you use or need extension cords often, contact a professional electrician to install more outlets in your home.
Repair or replace any damaged electrical outlet or component in the home. Don’t push aside any electrical component displaying faults or warning signs such as burning smells, fraying, cracking, and so on. Reach out for electrical advice or a service call.
Unplug appliances when not in use. This saves you money on the electric bill and prevents accidents.
Always read the instructions for every appliance or electrical component before use.
Keep electrical appliances out of reach of kids and teach those old enough to understand the proper way to use them.

For more tips or free electrical advice, see our regular posts and articles.

Wiring For the Future: Audio & Video

Posted on July 2, 2020 | by K Hopkins

For your home wiring system, there is such a thing as pre-wiring or wiring for the future. This simply means applying pre-wiring tips that may become vital in the future for adding categories like audio, video, home security, network & Wifi, cable, satellite, and internet.

In many cases, homeowners who install home wiring themselves or the technicians they hire neglect pre-wiring for the future and this can cause difficulty later on. Pre-wiring is important to do the heavy lifting in your home whenever you need it.

Here are some tips on how to hire a house for the future. If you won’t be carrying out the project, these tips let you know what to look out for with your electrical contractor.

Cover any exposed wiring

In wiring a house, most professional technicians aim to make the system smooth and neat. If you are lucky enough to have this professional approach, that’s great. But with or without this, you can take an extra step to cover any exposed wiring in your home wiring system. Wrap the wiring in plastic bags and hold them firm with a tape. This protects your wiring as other contractors work around the home.

Use low voltage boxes when you can

Although high voltage boxes seem more popular, low voltage boxes are ideal for installing volume controls or when you need to run HDMI cables. They are a more convenient option and suitable for AV wall plates. You should install them where possible.

Install a speaker wire

Good sound is a thing of excitement for homeowners. Audio or speaker systems can be installed in the future easily and affordably by running 4-conductor speaker wire. A 4-conductor wire differs from a 2-conductor wire as it has four separate wires that give you room for up to two speakers. Besides running this wire for whole-house speaker systems, you can keep volume controls in mind too.

Have backup

For modern home theaters, HDMI is the standard connection often used. However, some not so pleasant experiences can show you that it’s always best to have a backup. An HDMI house wiring for the future can come up with issues like not working and that just defeats the whole aim of pre-wiring. The solution is to run two CAT6 cables along with the HDMI cables as a backup for future use.

Install conduits

Cable conduits are not the same as electrical conduits and they often come in handy for running speaker wires, network cables, and cable wires. Install conduits during construction and terminate them into junction boxes. Cover them with faceplates and that’s the end of that until they are needed.

How about going wireless?

There’s nothing wrong with a plan to go wireless in the future. While this is great, wired connections are often faster and suitable for high-traffic applications. To ensure you can enjoy the speed of wired connections and use of applications like Ultra HD use wired connections such as CAT6 or Category 5e for your future proof home wiring.

Do I Need An Electrician for a House Rewire in Los Angeles?

Posted on April 30, 2020 | by K Hopkins

House rewiring is a tough project. It is disruptive and demanding of funds and electrical experience. The answer to if you need an electrician for a house rewire is yes.

An electrician is the technician that determines whether you need a house rewire. But after this, many homeowners prefer to consider making a house rewire a DIY project. It’s only possible to do this if you have the knowledge and experience with electrical service.

Read on as we discuss the reasons why you need an electrician for a house rewire and other tips like the steps to take to rewire your home with or without an electrical technician.

Why you need an electrician for a house rewire

Statistics show that the average American homeowner has 9 unfinished projects on their to-do list. 55% of these homeowners will attempt to DIY the projects and only 31% of these end successfully.

While DIY culture is booming, it’s important to remember that there are several factors involved in projects like a home rewire. For example, safety precautions, appropriate materials, building codes, permits, and more.

DIY is risky in many ways. It’s risky to your health and life as well as that of others and your property. Electrical work is dangerous business and without the right precautions, experience, or knowledge shocks, electrocution, and even fires can occur.

Most electrical projects like a home rewire usually require permits that ensure safety protocols and codes are being followed. Performing such electrical work without a permit is against the law and comes with legal consequences. Also, if someone in the home should get hurt from such improper work, you could be persecuted.

Hiring a professional electrician for a home rewire guarantees your electrical safety and efficiency. It is also cheaper and compliant in the long run.

Tips for safely rewiring your house

Find out if you need to get a permit and do so.
Carry out an inventory to know the materials you need for the project.
Consider any additions you would like.
Create a plan that shows what will be done and when it will be completed, especially when working with an electrician.
Avoid damaging the existing infrastructure.
Hire an electrician familiar with working on older or existing buildings.

Stages of a house rewire

A house rewiring project usually takes two distinct stages. The first stage involves the circuits, wiring, cabling, and back boxes replacement.

The second stage involves light fittings, faceplates, and sockets installation.

How often should you rewire your home?

Unlike regular repairs and replacements, a house rewire is hardly needed often. There is no specific timeframe for rewiring you home as electrical systems have a life span that depends on factors like use. If your home is over 25 years old or up to, it will benefit from a rewiring project or updating. You should carry out electrical inspections every 10 years if you are a homeowner or every 5 years if you are a landlord to ensure electrical safety and efficiency.

If you think you may need a rewire in Los Angeles, call our office and we can send one out to assist your situation. Your Los Angeles electricians are standing by waiting to help!

Do I Need a Permit to Add a Subpanel in Los Angeles?

Posted on April 22, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Your home’s electrical panel provides power to all electrical components of the home. But sometimes the electrical panel may need assistance and this is where a subpanel comes in.

A subpanel can be described as a mini electrical panel. It has the same structure and functions as the main electrical panel and is only present as a sub. A subpanel is connected to the main panel via three thick wires. It has separate bus bars for ground and neutral wires and may be labeled ‘lugs only’. In most cases, the subpanel isn’t the same brand with the main electrical panel.

Why do I need a subpanel?

Choosing to add a subpanel can be for different reasons because subpanels are not mandatory. A subpanel provides ample space when you need to install more appliances in the home, renovate, or simply lessen the load on the main electrical panel. They also provide convenience by reducing circuit wiring runs when you centrally locate the subpanel. This also helps to reduce a drop in voltage.

How does it work?

To add or install a subpanel, you must first determine the right sizing. It involves considering the power you need alongside what the main electrical panel has to offer. For example, you can easily add a subpanel of 100 amps if the main electrical panel is 200 amps or more. Bur when you have a 100 amp main electrical panel adding a subpanel of the same 100 amps in contradictory. The only solution will be to upgrade your main electrical panel first.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has specific rules when it comes to installing subpanels or main electrical panels. The electrical panels must have a minimum of 36 inches of clearance in front, 30 inches of clearance across the face, and 78 inches minimum above the floor.

In addition, you must mount the panel in a safe, dry, and easily accessible area.

Do I need a permit for this?

Most electrical work requires a permit, but for installing a subpanel the situation differs across jurisdictions. You would have to contact your city’s building and code department, Los Angeles Building and Safety, to determine if you require a permit before starting the installation.

Also, be sure to inquire about inspection schedules to know when you can call for an inspection of the work. Bear in mind that if you require a permit for this electrical work, it should only be acquired by the person who will be performing the work.

Tips for installing a subpanel.

Shut off electrical power to avoid accidents before you begin any electrical work. Determine where you will mount the panel. Seek professional help from a local electrician.

When to Contact a Los Angeles Electrician

If you think you may need to install or replace a subpanel in Los Angeles, give The Electric Connection a call today. Our team of dispatchers are standing by waiting to take you call. They’ll go over your project with you and get you on schedule with one of our expert electricians. Don’t delay!

Electrical Cord Safety

Posted on February 16, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Electrical cords are the cause of a lot of accidents and injuries around the home. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) estimates that about 4000 injuries and about 3300 homes have fire accidents as a result of misusing extension cords. There have been around 50 deaths and 270 people injured because of these incidents.

The most common cause of injuries is from tripping over these wires. This has resulted in fractures, contusions sprains, bruises, and lacerations. There are situations where the victims had to be hospitalized.

You do not want to be part of these statistics and the Electric Connection offers some tips on how to use extension cords properly.

Use extension cords temporarily and not as permanent fixtures. If the cords are used and taken away, the chances of you or others tripping over them are reduced drastically.
Do not overload an extension cord. The ratings of an extension cord indicate how much load it can carry. Knowing this will guide you on what kind of devices and how many devices you can connect to the cord.
Use the cord for its indicated use alone. An outdoor extension cord should only be used for outdoor purposes and vice versa. Outdoor cords are usually thicker and built to withstand weather conditions. Using the appropriate cord will help protect you from harm and reduce potential dangers.
Check each cord before you plug it in. You should inspect the cord for damages such as frayed wires or bent plugs. You should also check for anything that could lead to electrical shocks. If a plug is hot, do not plug it in.
Run extension cords in open spaces. When you are passing a cord, avoid running it through walls or ceilings. This will help reduce the chances of the cords overheating and posing a fire hazard.
Avoid placing the cords in places where the insulation might be damaged. There are situations where people run their cords between doors or windows or place them under home furniture. This is wrong as this might cause damage to the wiring and damage the insulation, leading to electrical hazards.
Use cords in areas with the least amount of people. Passing a cord through a door or a walkway poses the threat of someone tripping over it as these are routes people pass through a lot. You should run your cords along paths with the least human traffic.
High power devices are not to be connected to extension cords. Microwaves, heaters and the likes draw a lot of power and should be connected to outlets directly and not through cords. This will ensure your cords do not draw more than their rated power.

You should only buy extension cords suitably rated for the load you want to power. If you are connecting multiple devices to an extension cord, you should ensure that their total load doesn’t surpass the cord’s rating.

The Electric Connection can and will provide professional assistance for electrical situations around the home. You can contact us for additional details and questions.