Tag: electrical wiring

Dramatic Lighting Schemes with Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

cap1-16When you walk into a room in the house, you flip a switch and the light comes on. It is a standard, expected feature. It is actually a little boring when you think about it. Your light looks just like the lights in every other room in every other house. Maybe you enjoy being a little different or appreciate making a statement. Dramatic lighting schemes are one way to make your house just a little different from the rest. A Los Angeles electrician, like those at The Electric Connection can help you achieve your goals of having a lighting scheme that enhances the room and will get guests talking.

There are so many options. If you have gorgeous artwork that you want to be the focal point when the lights are turned on or a particular corner that is meant to draw the eye, you need the right lighting. You don’t have to stick with the standard white light. You can have fun with it and add a splash of color or put the boring white light in a flashy fixture. An electrician in Los Angeles can pretty much install any fixture that catches your eye. Your biggest job will be doing the shopping and finding the right chandelier, wall light or recessed light.

The rest is up to your electrician. Los Angeles residents will appreciate how quickly a single change in the lighting scheme can change the look and feel of a room. Whether you want to go bold and bright or soft and subtle, it can be done. In fact, the light fixture changes can happen in just a few hours, assuming the wiring for the fixtures is already available. If it isn’t, no problem. New wiring can be added along with a new switch. Make the call today to The Electric Connection and transform your boring lighting into something fun and exciting.

Updating that Old Wiring by a Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins
Photo of a Wire Stripper and Electrical Related Items
Photo of a Wire Stripper and Electrical Related Items

Electrical wiring is one of those things you don’t really think about. It is tucked away nicely behind your walls and is not really one of those things that comes up in normal conversation. You flip a switch you have light, you plug in your phone charger and it works. What more is there to think about? An electrician in Glendale will tell you there is a lot more to think about and be concerned about if your home was built before the 1950s. The team at The Electric Connection has seen it before and has helped other customers bring their homes up to date by upgrading their old wiring.

Old wiring may not seem like an issue until you get behind those walls. When you see how frail it is and the risk is poses to your home, you will see why other owners of older homes have taken the plunge and upgraded their electrical systems. Old wiring that was insulated with cloth was safe then, but by today’s standards, it is a fire waiting to happen. The cloth becomes brittle and falls apart, leaving the wires exposed. One touch of those wires is all it takes to create a spark that will ignite the insulation in the walls explains a Glendale electrician.

Old wiring typically means outdated electric panels as well. You have probably noticed your home doesn’t seem to accommodate as much as the neighbor’s newer home when it comes to plugging things in. You probably cannot run the microwave and the toaster at the same time or run the vacuum if you are making coffee. This can be explained by your electrician. Glendale homes built 60 years ago were not built to accommodate the many electrical appliances that we use in today’s world. If you are concerned about your home’s wiring, give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule an inspection.

Remodeling with Your Electrician in Burbank

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_3Part of home ownership is the freedom to do as you choose with your home. Painting walls a wild color of orange or adding new carpet are all things homeowners do to make the home fit their personality. These are minor things that can be done on your own over a weekend or two if you like. Then there are those bigger changes homeowners are typically keen to make. Whether it is knocking out a closet to make a room bigger or adding additional square footage onto the house to accommodate a growing family, a home is constantly evolving. However, there are some jobs that require a little more expertise than your cousin’s friend. You need the help of an experienced electrician in Burbank if you are planning any major home remodels. The team at The Electric Connection are the ones to call when you are ready to change up the interior of your home with a remodel.

Adding an entire new room, transforming a basement or updating a kitchen are all common remodels families will do to make home life easier. These things also add value to the home and can be an investment for the future. To protect that investment, it is important you use a certified electrician. Burbank homeowners who try to cut corners by avoiding permits and hiring unlicensed electricians are putting themselves at a huge risk.

Remodels will almost always require new wiring, updating outlets and fixtures and a host of other electrical related job. The overall safety of the home must be considered. Stay safe, protect your investment and make the call to a trained, professional Burbank electrician. The job will be done right and you will feel better knowing the wiring is up to code and has passed inspection. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your remodel consultation.

Light Fixture Installation by Burbank Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

ElectricianWhen you are shopping at the home improvement store, many of the projects look so easy. It seems fairly simple to change out that tired old light fixture in your bedroom with a more modern one that matches your particular style. The box comes with everything you need, so how hard could it be? It can actually be very hard and extremely dangerous for the novice who has no idea how to connect wires safely. It is always best to be safe and hire an electrician in Burbank, like those at The Electric Connection, to complete any project that involves electricity.

Although those new light fixtures appear complete, there are still some serious safety precautions that need to be taken to ensure you don’t get electrocuted. There is also the concern of wiring the fixture incorrectly, which could be a serious safety hazard explains a Burbank electrician. When you hire a professional to take care of the installation, you get the peace of mind knowing it is going to be done right and it is going to look great once its complete. Light fixtures can be heavy and if you do not get them positioned just right, you risk them falling down or becoming loose.

Upgrading your light fixtures is something many homeowners do for aesthetic reasons, but there is also some cost savings involved in many cases. New fixtures are often designed to accommodate CFL bulbs or the much more energy efficient LEDs. You will save money on your electric bill by updating your light fixtures with the help of an electrician. Burbank homeowners that have found the perfect light fixture and want it installed can call The Electric Connection. Never risk your safety or the safety of your home by taking on an electrical job is you don’t have the knowledge or experience.

Don’t DIY, Call an Electrician for Your Home’s Electrical Work

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_7Doing it yourself can be a fun, satisfying experience, but if you don’t know what you are doing and you are dealing with potentially dangerous things, like electricity, it is best to leave it to the professionals. There are far too many things that can go wrong when you try and fix something that has anything to do with your home’s electrical. It is best to call an experienced electrician like those at The Electric Connection.

Taking care of odd jobs around the house is normal. It is a part of home ownership. However, what many people fail to realize is that some jobs are way more complicated than they believed in the beginning. In fact, those jobs are not only more complicated, they may actually be hazardous to anybody who isn’t trained.

The following reasons are why you should always leave any electrical repair work to a certified electrician.

*You could be putting yourself at risk of electric shock that can be fatal. Fooling around with the wiring in your home is dangerous. One wrong move can have serious consequences.
*Fire is another real possibility whether it happens immediately or down the road. Electrical wiring is a leading cause of home fires. This could devastate your home and puts the lives of your loved ones at risk.
*You risk your homeowner’s insurance coverage. If something were to happen, there is a strong possibility your insurance would not cover the damage if you chose to do the electrical work yourself without the necessary training and certifications.
*Property damage in general is another very real possibility. You may not burn your house down, but you could cause damage that has to be repaired by a professional.

The next time you need a little work done around the house, think twice about grabbing your toolbox. If you need any kind of electrical repair work done, give The Electric Connection a call and leave it in their very capable hands.

Storm Safety Revisited by Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_4Fortunately, stormy weather days are behind us, but it is always a good idea to revisit storm safety. While you probably don’t have to worry about a thunder storm creeping up on you in the fall and winter, knowledge is power and keeping storm safety fresh in your mind will ensure you don’t forget it. These are a few tips from your Glendale electrician to keep in mind the next time you see thunder clouds building up. If you have any questions about these tips, give The Electric Connection a call.

*When a storm is building or you hear thunder in the distance, get out of the pool. Avoid being in the bathtub or shower as well. It can all wait.

*Unplug appliances, computers and chargers. This will ensure your expensive electronics are not damaged should lighting strike and come through the electrical wiring to your home.

*During a storm, avoid using any of your electronics. Do not touch outlets that may conduct electricity and shock you.

*Stay away from windows during a storm and don’t stand in an open doorway. Lighting can easily travel through the space.

*Consider having a whole house surge protector installed by an electrician in Glendale. The surge protectors will prevent the surge in electricity from damaging your appliances that may be plugged in, including your refrigerator.

*Don’t use a corded phone connected to a landline. Electricity can travel through the cord and shock you.

If you suspect your electric panel has been damaged by a storm, call an electrician. Glendale homeowners will need an experienced professional to deal with any damage that may have been caused by the storm. Replacing burnt wires or breakers that were damaged in the storm are a necessity. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your whole home surge protector installation to keep you and your home safe during the next lightning storm.

Keeping Electrical Wires Safe from Rodents by Burbank Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_3It is that time of year when the temperatures drop and things like spiders and mice are seeking shelter in your home. You don’t want to share your living space with the critters and they know that. They will stay hidden for the most part, but that means they are somewhere you can’t see what damage they are causing. Mice will chew anything and everything and they don’t care if they get a little jolt when they bite through a wire. Chewed wires can spark and create an extremely dangerous situation in your home. An electrician in Burbank has a few tips to help you protect your home from the damage a rodent can cause. The team at The Electric Connection is on standby and ready to help you.

Rats are much worse than mice, but both are equally troublesome. They both love the heat the insulation in the walls provides and will make their nests there. These nests often encompass wires that run warm. An overheated wire is another fire hazard. The following will help keep your wires safe from gnawing rodents.

*Your Burbank electrician suggests you hire a pest control service to ensure the rodents stay out of your house. The best cure is prevention. Take action at the first sign of an infestation. If you see one, there are plenty more where that came from.

*Seal up any gaps around the foundation of the home. Mice can squeeze through a hole or crack that is a quarter of an inch thick. Steel wool is a quick and easy fix for small holes.

*Regularly check your crawlspace and attic area for signs of rodents. Use traps if you suspect you have a problem.

*Schedule an electric safety inspection with an electrician. Burbank homeowners who want to know their wiring is safe will feel better once an electrician checks for any issues.

Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your inspection to determine if you electrical wiring has already been compromised by a rodent infestation.

New Home Construction Requires Electrical Contractor

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_07_5New home construction is a dream many families have. There is a great deal of satisfaction to picking and choosing the layout of your home and adding elements that are specific to your family’s needs as well as your own decorative tastes. There are plenty of contractors who will give you the freedom to have a say in the planning stages, including what electrician company is hired to complete the work. Home construction has many elements. You will need plumbers, electricians, framers, painters and landscapers. Having a say in the hiring decision ensure you are getting the chance to choose the best company possible. At The Electric Connection, we understand your desire to check references and see our work.
Some of the things that an electrician will be required to do for your new home construction are as follows;

*Install the electric panel. This is the hub of the electricity to your house. The electrician will ensure it is adequate for your home.

*Install the proper wiring for large appliances like the refrigerator, washer and dryer.

*Complete the wiring needed for outlets and switches. Wiring will need to be properly installed to pass inspection. The electrician will ensure the wiring is tight and secure to each of your outlets and switches.

*If you are having a standby generator installed, the electrician will take care of that as well.

*If landscaping is a part of your new home construction, your electrician can take care of installing and hooking up your outdoor lighting as well.

These elements may not look like much on paper, but the electrical wiring in a home is one of the most crucial elements. It is absolutely essential the work is completed by a competent and experienced electrical contractor to ensure the home is safe. This will also reduce the risk for future service calls. Give The Electric Connection a call today and see what we can do to help you fulfill your dream of new home construction.

Avoid House Fires with Electrician in Burbank

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_09_3A home fire is one of the most terrifying, disastrous events that can happen to a homeowner. Losing everything is a fear that many of us have. We take steps to insure our family members can escape a home should the unthinkable happen by installing smoke detectors. While it is no secret a home fire can be devastating, some may not be aware of how preventable a home fire truly is. An electrician in Burbank can help you prevent a fire in your home. If you would like to learn more, the team at The Electric Connection can help.

Holiday Lighting

Sadly, at a time when homeowners are trying to be festive, they are putting their homes at risk with holiday lighting. The problem is overloaded circuits can create heat and/or a spark. For those that use real trees, the trees can dry out and become tinder. The smallest spark can set off a fire. Light strands that are in poor condition are another huge risk. Always inspect your lights before stringing them up. If you need to upgrade circuit breakers to accommodate your lighting needs, call a Burbank electrician.

Cooking Fires

Everybody has experienced a stove top fire at least once. Unfortunately, some of those minor fires can quickly turn into huge fires. It is important you practice caution while cooking. Having a smoke detector installed can alert you to any pans that may start smoking, giving you the chance to extinguish a fire before it becomes a big one.

Electrical Wiring

Faulty wiring is a huge issue and is almost always going to end badly. If you suspect your wiring is outdated or possibly substandard, call an electrician. Burbank homeowners can call to have an electrical inspection to identify any potential hazards. This is your chance to head off any issues before they become a major, potentially life-threatening problem.

Call The Electric Connection today and schedule your electrical inspection to give yourself peace of mind about the safety of your home’s wiring.

Electrical Inspections Explained by Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_08_4If you have recently purchased a home or are in the home-buying process, you know there are a series of inspections that are required or recommended. One of those inspections may be an electrical inspection by a certified electrician in Glendale. The inspection is designed to give you an inside peek at what lies behind the walls of a home. If you have lived in your home for some time and have never had an electrical inspection, it may be a good idea to have one done. The team at The Electric Connection can help you get that scheduled.

If you have never seen an electrical inspection or are unsure as to what they encompass, this information will help you understand a bit more.

A Glendale electrician will inspect the electric panel, the breakers and look at the wiring that is visible in the panel. The electrician may also remove a light switch cover plate and have a look to see what the wiring looks like. If you have any exposed wiring in the attic or basement, make sure you point it out for the electrician. Glendale homeowners who have exposed wiring will want to have it taken care.

Once the inspection is complete, the electrician will write up a report about the findings. If there are things that are hazardous, they will be outlined and explained. Electric hazards should be resolved as soon as possible. Your electrician will also note things that are not necessarily hazardous yet, but should be taken care of at your earliest convenience. Any code violations will be pointed out. In some cases, failure to have a house brought up to code leaves you vulnerable should there be a fire or injury caused by wiring that is not up to code.

Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your electrical inspection whether you are buying, selling or plan on staying in your house for years to come.