electrical wiring Archives

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.

Free Electrical Advice

Posted on February 2, 2020 | by K Hopkins

We are only able to provide advice to residents and business owners in the Los Angeles area. Please call us at (818) 446-0888 for more information.

over the phone electrical help The electrical system of a building is important to its function and efficiency. But with so much use to bear and the factors involved with getting a solid electrical system, electrical issues and questions often occur. Not every electrical issue or question comes at a financial cost. You can get free electrical advice that directly answers your immediate minor need.

At the Electric Connection, our professional electricians are always available to receive your calls and provide consultation free of charge during office hours. These are experts with great troubleshooting experience who can answer all questions.

For further insight to help you solve your electrical needs without any charge please look to our informative posts here.

For over the phone quotes on your electrical services, also reach out to us with this contact information (818-446-0888).

What electrical jobs are safe for you to perform?

Electricians are trained to assess risks and prioritize safety. In all situations, it is always better to call an electrician but at the same time, there are a few simple electrical jobs you can perform. These include:

Replacing a fuse
Changing an electric bulb, tube, or starter in a fluorescent light fitting
Resetting a circuit breaker or safety switch

It is important to be well informed before undertaking any of these tasks. Also, take precautions such as turning off the electricity supply and avoiding injury.

What electrical jobs are not safe for you to perform?

If you get tempted to DIY any electrical tasks, it should be none of the following:

Changing pre-existing electrical wiring
Changing the plug on a lead
Repairing any of your electrical appliances
Electrical wiring installation
Replacing light switches or powerpoint
Why use a licensed electrician?

Several people die yearly from electrical accidents that could have been prevented if handled by a professional and licensed electrician. A license helps you rest easy with the assurance that the electrical technician knows what he is doing.

Why Hire a Professional Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on January 23, 2020 | by K Hopkins

The right question should be, why not hire a professional Los Angeles electrician? L.A is a beautiful city with lots of action, celebrities, and so on to take up your time and energy. Why include DIY electrical projects to the mix?

Just in case you are wondering what’s so special about hiring a professional electrician in the most populous California city, here are several reasons.

Save on cost

Have you ever tried to do something on your own and ended up buying a part that wasn’t needed or didn’t fit? That was money you could have saved or used for another purpose. Hiring a professional electrician who knows what he’s doing when he sees your electrical system can help you avoid wasteful spending like that.

It’s comforting

When you go to the hospital to see the doctor, don’t you feel safe knowing that he is experienced and trained for his job? How would you feel giving yourself treatment or prescription? You could have a headache just thinking of how unsure you are with what you are doing. It’s the same with hiring a professional electrician. You feel safe and comfortable knowing you hired someone with all the training and knowledge. You won’t fret at night wondering if something would go wrong with what you did.

Prevent accidents and house fires

Taking on an electrical project without training or proper knowledge can lead to mistakes. Electricity may seem friendly because it’s such a huge addition to our lives, but it is dangerous when not handled properly. A mistake can cause electrocution (mild or life-threatening). It can also cause a fire.

Efficient work

A professional electrician’s work will be smooth, neat, effective, and satisfactory. You can get exactly what you want or need. The right professional makes sure your work lasts as long as it should to save you cost in the long run.

Protect your appliances.

A professional electrician knows what you need to protect your home. They can upgrade your wiring, install surge protection, identify an electrical fault, and so on.

When you need to choose a professional electrician in Los Angeles

Now that these benefits have you convinced, you must wonder what to do when you need to choose a professional electrician in Los Angeles.

Start by getting proof of their certification and license. Check past clients for their experience and long-term results. Check reviews. Check customer service, costs, and more. There are several electricians in Los Angeles, but finding quality and superior service for pocket-friendly prices is vital.

What is the Cost to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel in 2020?

Posted on January 7, 2020 | by K Hopkins

It’s just annoying to live in a home that does not have enough power. The voltage will drop frequently, and this can be damaging to your electronics. Situations like this indicate that you need to upgrade your electrical panel. Other reasons why you might need to upgrade your panel include:

Living in an old home
Adding new appliances
Expanding the home
Experiencing frequent breaker tripping, buzzing or crackling, flickering lights and more
Your insurance provider wants it done.
To meet up to current electrical codes and standards

The benefits of an upgrade include:

Improved electrical safety and efficiency
More power in the home
Use of any appliances you need.
Satisfy electrical codes and requirements and your insurance provider.

The disadvantages of an electrical panel upgrade include:

Costly to carry out
The process can be messy and intrusive to your comfort and home structure.

What an upgrade will cost:

Upgrading an electrical panel is first a serious project both financial and in the service itself. Upgrading to either a 100 amp or 200 amp panel can cost anywhere from between $800 – $3000. The exact amount depends on several factors which we will discuss below.

What influences the cost for an electrical panel upgrade?

Materials– The materials for the upgrade always contribute to the cost. The process will need materials like wires, fittings, and so on. Your electrician will give you a clear view of what is needed depending on other factors with your upgrade.
Labor– An upgrade is a tedious work and some electricians charge by the hour or per the job. Sometimes, other components of your electrical system will need to be fixed or replaced. These could be the circuits, grounding, wiring, fixtures, outlets, and more. This will increase labor costs. If the walls need to be taken down completely, that will matter too.
Amperage of the new panel– Is it a 100 amp or a 200 amp? This also influences cost.

Other factors might be if the panel has to be moved.

Who should upgrade an electrical panel?

A licensed and experienced electrician should be the one you call for an electrical panel upgrade. The electrician will first confirm that an upgrade is what you need and then proceed to consider all the necessary factors. He will give you the total cost, get a permit, and the project can begin.

How about DIY?

Changing a light bulb can be a DIY project. Installing a ceiling fan can also be a DIY project, but upgrading an electrical panel is NOT a DIY project. It requires knowledge of electrical codes and standards. It requires training, a license, permits, and experience. If you skip getting a permit, you can be fined for this. It is equally dangerous for someone who is unsure of what they are doing, as mistakes could cause fires and electrical shocks. It also requires the right tools and equipment.

Reach out to us at The Electric Connection for inquiries on upgrades.

Free Electrical Over the Phone Help in Los Angeles

Posted on December 23, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Electrical problems are sometimes difficult to avoid in a home and they can be caused by a lot of factors. For example, some electrical components may develop a certain fault, some parts may get old, or be installed incorrectly in the first place. Home accidents can also cause electrical problems. It goes on and on.

When an electrical problem occurs, homeowners are often advised to reach out to an electrician. If you are usually worried that hiring an electrician will attract a significant cost, then it’s good to know that you might just get the service you need for free with over the phone help.

The numbers say that about 25% of service calls can be avoided with over the phone assistance. Many common home electrical problems are easy to solve without the experts coming all the way to your home.

These electrical problems can be on your wiring, repairs, installations, and so on. Whatever it is, it might just be solved with a free electrical over the phone help.

At the Electric Connection, our in-office electrician is available during call hours to attend to your over the phone needs. Our in-office electrician has years of practical experience, is licensed and qualified to answer any questions and provide the complete assistance you need.

We take troubleshooting seriously and offer you the best help.

Aside from the free electrical over the phone help, we also have a ton of resources and electrical tips you would find useful. Just look around for more blog articles like this and you might find the information you need.

If our in-office electrical observes that your electrical issue might need a service call, you would be informed as well. We assure you of the best customer service, professional and excellent service with your electrical issue, and pocket-friendly prices.

Can I Upgrade to a 200 Amp Service?

Posted on November 2, 2019 | by K Hopkins

In the past, many homes could get away with using at most a 60 – 100 Amp service. But as technology evolves every day and homeowners are exposed to more and more appliances, 100 Amps can no longer cut it for most homes.

Knowing if you can upgrade to a 200 Amp service panel involves considering a few key points. Stick with these lines to learn more.

You can upgrade to a 200 Amp service under the following conditions:

You need more electrical power
Have you added or do you plan to add any new appliance in your home? If so, don’t be in a hurry to upgrade your panel. Check the amount of power needed by this new appliance. Several appliances require a moderate amount of power that do not need you to make drastic changes to your panel. While power-hungry appliances like an Air conditioner will need much power to operate.

Hence, if you are adding appliances such as cell phones, LED TV, and an incandescent light bulb, there’s no need to worry. Appliances like an air conditioner, electric clothes dryer, electric range, or hot tub can be a reason to upgrade your amp service.

Your home is old
Older homes usually have a lower amp panel and the electrical wiring can be worn out from years of use. This limits the efficiency of your home and certainly calls for an upgrade. You will need a professional electrician to inspect your electrical system and inform you about the status of your wiring.

You want a safer electrical system
100 Amp may not trip breakers now but it is cutting it too close for electrical safety. When you have a larger amperage like 200 Amps, the unused extra serves as a buffer that is safe and flexible for your system. With a 100 Amp panel in a modern home, half of your safe capacity is taken up from simply switching on one appliance. If there’s an issue and you are lucky, the breaker will trip. In older homes, any unlucky situation involving a 100 Amp panel can trigger an electrical fire.

You want efficiency and room to grow
A 200 Amp service guarantees greater efficiency of your home. It gives you room to grow at any time you choose. You might not need it now, but who says you won’t want a backyard pool in the future? Or perhaps a basement bar or one of these power-hungry devices you do not have now?

The electrician says so
The most dependable way to know if you can upgrade to a 200 Amp panel is to ask an electrician. A professional electrician will check your current electrical system and give accurate advice on what is needed. If you do need an upgrade the electrician can provide that as well.

A panel upgrade is a serious project so be sure to hire only a licensed, qualified, and insured electrician. Reach out to us here for this service and more.

What to Do When Your Outlet Stops Working

Posted on October 25, 2019 | by K Hopkins

When one or more outlets in the home suddenly stop working it’s easy to assume the worst. Before you panic, it’s good to know that there are some things you can try to solve the problem. However, when these don’t work, be sure to call in the pros.

Tips to troubleshoot your electrical outlet

Confirm the problem
When one outlet stops working out of the blue, confirm that there is a problem. Plug the same appliance to other outlets in the home and another appliance to the suspected outlet and working ones. This helps you identify the faulty outlets and their location. After this is done, unplug all appliances from the dead outlets and mark them for easy identification later.

Check the circuit breakers
Next is to check for a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. The circuit breakers or fuses can be found in the electric panel. The electric panel can be found by following the electrical wires from outside the home to the point where they enter. It is usually installed in the garage, utility room, or basement.
Check the panel for any breaker whose switch is not in line with the others. Tripped breakers can be reset by taking the switch to an OFF position and then back ON again. Make sure you hear a click in the OFF position before switching to the ON position.
If the breaker trips again, there is no need to overdo it. Simply call an electrician and avoid using the outlet.

GFCIs Check
The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets are those strange-looking outlets you see in some areas of the home where there is a higher risk of electric shock. GCFIs protect you from electric shocks by shutting off the power when a leak or unusual electric surge is detected.
GFCI protected outlets are often labeled to help you point them out, but it is also common for those labels to fall off after some time. Test and reset the GFCI by pressing the reset button. If the GFCI refuses to reset and just keeps tripping each time you press it, stop the action and call a professional at The Electric Connection.

Electrical outlet tester
An electrical outlet tester is like an easy way to troubleshoot your faulty or dysfunctioning outlet. Plug the tester into the outlet and read the light patterns. The tester easily shows if the outlet is mis-wired or improperly grounded.

Safety tips before troubleshooting

Ensure that there is no bare wiring from the outlet or the appliance you plug into the outlet.
Don’t force the wrong sized or shaped plug into the outlet.
Don’t overload your outlets.
If the outlet sparks, shut it off and call an electrician.

Lights Flickering? We have the solution!

Posted on September 21, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Flickering lights are almost impossible to ignore. They can be very annoying and dangerous if not solved. Flickering lights can be fun and raise no cause for alarm if the lights in question are decorative lights.

Here is why your lights are flickering and the possible solutions to restore your peace of mind.

Something to do with the bulb
Flickering lights may mean an issue with the light bulb, and this can occur in several ways.

Loose bulb – A loose bulb is probably good news because it means the problem is a poor connection. This usually applies when you have one flickering light. Turn off the power and use a gloved hand to unscrew the bulb carefully and then screw it back in.

Fluorescent bulbs – With fluorescent bulbs, it is almost normal to experience a brief flicker for about a minute after the light is turned on. To avoid this, you can replace your fluorescent bulbs with LED lights.

Faulty bulbs – Faulty or burned out bulbs can flicker as a sign that they need replacement. If a new bulb works better, then problem solved.

Dimmer switch – A dimmer switch comes in handy for lighting control and comfort but the bulb connected to this switch must be compatible. An incompatible bulb may flicker or you may even experience strobe light. Simply replace the flickering lights with a compatible one.

Outlets and Switches
Most lights are hard wired to a wall outlet or switch. Check the outlets for any sign of fault or wear. Flip the switch on and off while listening closely and observing the changes. If the outlets or wall switches are the culprits, a replacement will solve the problem.

Wiring
When it’s none of the above, then you must consider a problem with the wiring of the fixture itself. Sometimes this can be fixed. Weigh your options if a repair is a better choice than a replacement.

Surges
Minor power surges can cause lights to flicker. These surges can occur when a demanding appliance comes on or during lightning strikes. This may not be a cause for alarm but over time it can become dangerous for your lighting system. A professional electrician can inspect and proffer a solution in this case.

A sign of outdated wiring
Flickering lights can be a sign of outdated wiring in the home. They show that your system is unreliable and needs an upgrade. This is not something you can troubleshoot or handle on your own. It can only be confirmed by an electrical technician.

How to Fix a Tripped Breaker

Posted on September 15, 2019 | by K Hopkins

When a part of your home or fixture suddenly goes dark, it is usually because of an individual circuit breaker tripping. The best way to find out if this is the case is to check your main electrical panel. The main electrical panel is located in the basement or utility room. A tripped breaker is always represented by a breaker switch facing a different direction from all others. For example, others may seem ON and just this one switch seems OFF or in-between.

Since no one switched off this breaker, you can safely assume it tripped. Now, a breaker tripping is not a strange thing. The circuit breakers are designed to act as safety devices in the home to prevent electrical problems or hazards from occurring. When there is a sudden surge of energy due to lightning or overload the electric breaker will trip. If an outlet suddenly draws too much current, the electric breaker will also trip.

How to reset a tripped breaker

The first thing to do has been explained above, and it is finding the tripped breaker.
Next, turn off all the lights, outlets, or electric devices controlled by that breaker. To guide you the breaker should be labeled for the area it serves.
Reset the breaker by making sure it is in the OFF position. Then, turn the switch back ON. Turn on your appliances or the outlets connected to that circuit.

This simple procedure should fix the problem, but if the breaker trips again it means there is another issue. In this case, it’s time to call an expert electrician at The Electric Connection.

Here are some possible causes of a breaker tripping

Ground fault
A ground fault occurs in the grounded junction box. It is when a hot wire and a bare ground wire both touch the metal box housing them. This sets off a reaction that pushes an unusual and large amount of electricity through the circuit. This will repeatedly trip the breaker and eventually burn an outlet.

Faulty appliance
A faulty appliance can have both short circuits and ground faults that overheat the circuits and cause the breaker to trip.

Short circuit
A short circuit occurs when a neutral wire and hot wire touch. This can happen within the home’s wiring system, an outlet, or a fixture. A short circuit leads to overheating, which trips the breaker.

Most circuit breaker tripping is caused by overloading. Usually, when you can identify what you were doing before the breaker tripped, you can stop or unplug the electrical device to restore order. Resetting the breaker with the steps above will work fine.

However, a short circuit or ground fault are more serious problems that require an electrical technician. Some signs you might observe in either situation are burning smell or scorch marks around an outlet. A faulty appliance will also need to be replaced or repaired to avoid electrical problems. An electrician can confirm the true cause of the tripping breaker and fix it.

Hearing An Electrical Hum? Here’s How To Fix It

Posted on September 11, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Electrical hums and buzzes are quite common in the home. The annoying thing about these sounds is that they can be hard to locate and most times they indicate more serious electrical problems.
Before diving into the causes of electrical hum and how to fix it, here are some tips to help you identify the source of the hum.

Start by shutting off all the circuit breakers in your home. When you do this an electrical hum should stop, but if the sound continues, it means it has nothing to do with your electrical components. To identify the source of the electrical humming sound, turn the circuit breakers back on one at a time. When you hear it, check all the outlets or appliances connected to that particular circuit breaker.

You can opt for using a cheap stethoscope from the drugstore. This works better if you suspect that the hum is coming from an outlet or within the walls. Use the stethoscope to listen through surfaces.

If you can get your hands on a good ear trumpet, then you can save yourself a lot of stress. Ear trumpets were once a popular tool used by those with hearing impairment. It gives your sharper hearing. Put the smaller end on your ear and guide yourself around suspected areas until you find the culprit. If you can’t get the real thing, improvise with a funnel, or a rolled piece of paper.

Causes, Sources, and Solutions for an Electrical Hum

Lights and other fixtures
Lights on dimmers are common sources of annoying humming or buzzing sounds. This happens because some dimmers do not actually dim the light they just switch the light off and on at a rate too fast for your eyes to see. This constant cycle leads to a humming sound. The solution is to switch to rough service bulbs or LED lights.
Fluorescent light fixtures may also make a humming sound and replacing them with a different type of fixture can solve the problem.

Mains hum
A mains hum is a term used to describe the audible sound of alternating current. It is common in appliances with motors and occurs when these motors switch on and off. A mains hum is usually harmless but if it gets louder than normal, consider inspecting the appliance.

Circuit breakers
A circuit breaker can trip when overloaded or when there is an unusual surge or demand for electrical power. Sometimes this can lead to a humming sound from the breaker box, which indicates that a circuit is overloaded. This issue can only be addressed by an electrician.

Wiring and outlets
If you notice the sound is coming from the electrical wiring or an outlet, it could mean improperly grounded wiring or the wiring is producing more volts than it can carry. Both situations are dangerous and must be fixed by a professional electrician.