Tag: electrical wiring

What Do Electrical Contractors Do?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

The words ‘electrical contractor and electrician’ are often used interchangeably. Many people do not know the difference between both but assume they mean the same thing. In this article, we will discuss what an electrical contractor does and how they are different from an electrician.

An electrical contractor is a business person or company that performs specialized tasks or construction work in relation to the installation, maintenance, and design of an electrical system. In simpler terms, an electrical contractor can be either a firm or a person who performs electrical tasks. An electrician is a personal tradesman. Electricians are employed by electrical contractors.

Job Duties and Description
The duties of an electrical contractor include the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. These are performed on building wiring, breaker box, switches, light fixtures, and so on. Electrical contractors work on residential, commercial, and industrial setting. Their work hours depend on the task at hand. Electrical contractors work within or outside a home or building, they are not restricted like electricians. For example, they may work on power stations while a regular electrician can’t. There are different types of electrical contractors and this makes their services specialized. Some electrical contractors are skilled in almost all areas.

  • Line Electrical Contractors
    Line or outside contractors work on electrical installations or maintenance which are located outside buildings. This primarily includes working on high-voltage power transmission and distribution lines. They ensure the power plant is functional and distributes power as needed into homes and buildings.
  • Inside Electrical Contractors
    These group of contractors work within the boundaries of a property. They provide cabling, installation, maintenance, rewiring, and repair services within residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
  • Voice/Data/Video Electrical Contractors
    Also known as Integrated Building System Electrical Contractors, this type of electrical contractors work with low-voltage installations to ensure they are efficient, functional, and energy saving. These include power controls, backup power, wireless networks, energy-efficient lighting, fiber optics, telecommunications, and security systems.

    Becoming an electrical contractor requires an apprenticeship program of 4 years. Electrical contractors learn everything from math, electrical theory, blueprints, work safety, and National electrical codes.

Benefits of Using Electrical Contractors
As a business person or firm, an electrical contractor employs other professional electricians. Hence, work is faster, efficient, and most times affordable. You can also reach out to an electrical contractor for consultation, inspection, and other informational services before hiring to complete the job. They can advise you on the best installations necessary or suitable for your home or building. They can provide energy-saving alternatives and help you establish an overall dependable electrical system. Electrical contractors are experts in troubleshooting services and respond promptly to your needs. With electrical contractors, you are assured of experience, reliability, and professionalism. Unlike an electrician who is an individual tradesman, you can depend on an electrical contractor of a firm. They have integrity and access to all the equipment required for a project. An electrical contractor takes safety seriously. Contact us at The Electric Connection for your outstanding electrical services.

How to Rewire a House without Removing Drywall in Los Angeles

Posted on | by K Hopkins

open wall showing wires

Rest assured that you are not the first or the last to ask about rewiring a house without removing the drywall.

Rewiring a house can make your heart skip a bit. Homeowners react this way because aside from the high costs, an electrical rewiring project usually means tearing down walls and making a big mess that the exhausted homeowner is left to deal with. But time has proven that this process can be highly disruptive and even costlier for the homeowner.

Hence, some opt for repair services or using the old, faulty wiring as it is. Of course, this is dangerous and your electrician will advise you against it.

Thankfully, there is an alternative to tearing down walls. It is possible to rewire your home without removing the drywall. How? With skill, the right tools, and cost. To do this, you will need an experienced electrician or comprehensive information on the process.

An experienced electrician can inform you of the process and carry out the rewiring easily. The method used by the electrician is to find a crawlspace to feed the wire through the wall. We have discussed the stages below.

Planning and Preparatory Stage

After an inspection carried out by the electrician, planning becomes necessary. Not removing the drywall means you will need a new way to access the old wires and run new ones.

In this first stage, the electrical technician will require a plan showing or depicting the circuitry of the wires to be removed and another for the replacement.

Get a detailed plan of the old circuitry and what runs where. This drawing will help you see beyond the walls. Next, draw a similar plan for the new wires, and while it doesn’t have to be identical, seeing both plans helps know what to expect.

Determine the best route for removing the old wires and running new ones. Also, measure the amount of wires you will need.

Ideally, the only routes to take in rewiring your home without removing the drywall is through the attic or crawl space between floors. The attic usually has more space.

Part of preparing can also include creating room for the wires to slide through by removing some insulation. Any clutter that stands in the way has to be removed as well.

Discarding the Old Wiring

Before doing anything with the wires, be sure to shut off the power to the house. This is for your electrical safety as you work.

Removing the old wiring is also not as simple as just pulling them out. Some wires may be stapled to the wall and you could end up creating a short circuit problem. The wires must also be recycled properly.

Take out the old wiring from the crawl space. For tricky spots, you can pull the wires from inside the room and patch that drywall later.

With the old wiring out of the way, feed the new wires through a pre-cut opening in the wall.

Running the new wiring will probably be a two-man job, so be sure to have someone else to help.

Keep track of everything you do and follow the plan from before.

What can make a house rewire without removing the drywall successful?

  • Get help. You can hardly complete the process alone, even as a professional electrician. So have someone around to help feed the wires to you.
  • If you need to open drywall, patch the spot by covering it with paper joint tape and a joint compound. Leave the compound to dry for up to an hour.
  • Measure your wiring and make sure you have enough.
  • Go in with a bright flashlight.

Taking Precaution
Since you won’t be taking the regular technique of pulling down drywall for rewiring, you must ensure the new cables are extra tight or clamped down.

This rewiring technique is usually faster and more efficient as a two-man job, where one person feeds the wire and another catches it to secure the wires.

To get this done in your home, hire a skilled electrician with experience on the job. It is often better to consider referrals from people who had similar work done in their home.

It is important not to attempt this yourself or hire someone less skilled. You can reach us at The Electric Connection to put an end to your worries and complete this project. Our electrical technicians guarantee a stress-free rewiring for your home.

Learn more about house rewires:

What is involved?
How much does it cost?
How to prepare?

How Much Does it Cost to Rewire a House

Posted on | by K Hopkins

rewire older homeA large number of house fires are attributed to faulty wiring. Rewiring your home is the best way to ensure your electrical components are up to date and suitable to carry a modern-day house needs. Many homeowners worry about the costs and the stress of rewiring. Yes, you have to dig deep into your pockets to undertake this project. However, no matter the cost, a reliable electrical system that guarantees safety and efficiency is worth it. The question some homeowners like to ask before they proceed with this project is, how much does it cost to rewire a house. We will discuss all the factors involved with this.

When is rewiring important?
Generally, house rewiring is a necessity in old homes. This is because older homes use less powerful panels that may be unsuitable for the needs of contemporary homes. Also, the electrical components of an old home may be worn out and outdated. They can emit radiations and heat which increases the risk of a house fire.

When circuit breakers trip frequently or fuse blow up in the home, it is a sign of faulty wiring.

If the outlets in the home are warm or hot to touch, emanating burning smell and crackling sounds, or causing electrical shocks, then you need to call a professional electrician immediately.

How do you confirm?

Every homeowner would want to know that they are safe in their home. Regardless of if you experience any of the warning signs above, it is still important to always confirm electrical safety. Routine inspections from a licensed electrician are all you need to determine if you need rewiring or not. When you live in your own home, you can have electrical inspections every ten years. This is different when you are a landlord with a rented property or the tenant. An electrician should inspect such homes at intervals of five years.

Factors that make up the final cost of rewiring

An electrician wouldn’t just give you any quote. There are factors involved which is why an inspection is also necessary before pricing. Here are the things that will be considered for your house rewiring quote

  • The size of your home
    A bigger home will typically cost more to rewire as it would take up more materials and time.
  • Demolition required
    In some homes, it is necessary to tear down existing structures. This labor will be reflected in the cost.
  • Materials cost
    The electrical technicians will cost the types of materials used and include this in the final price.
  • Empty house or occupied house
    Some electricians have a fee to represent this because working in an empty home is faster.
  • Ease or difficulty of the project
    If the previous electrical contractor did a terrible job or if your wiring is extremely damaged, it can impact the ease with which the electrician would work. This will be accounted for as well.

Get a house rewire quote

A small home with basic needs may cost around $1500 to $3000, while larger homes with varying needs can range from $4000 to $10, 000+. In order to get an accurate quote, you will need to consult with an electrician.

Fortunately, The Electric Connection has made it easy to get a house rewire quote. Simply visit this page and answer a few questions and a house rewire quote will be emailed to you!

Are Panel Upgrades Necessary?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Panel upgrades are large projects. They require the expertise of a professional electrician and a good investment in funds. The electrical panels of a home contribute to its overall efficiency. In this modern age, we all rely so much on power to complete day-to-day activities. This power is distributed by the electrical panel of a home or building.

Like all electrical components, the electrical panel can require upgrade or changes. It is subject to fault, wear and tear. Some homeowners try to avoid upgrading the panel and keep using repairs as a shortcut. This is dangerous to lives and property. If you are not convinced about the need for panel upgrades, read on to learn why it is really necessary.

  • Safety
    Unlike cars, bicycles, and other material objects you cannot use an electrical panel to its breaking point. An old or faulty panel is dangerous and difficult to operate. It becomes problematic and prone to electrical issues like heating or sparking. They also increase the risks of house fires and damaged appliances. To avoid home accidents, it is necessary to upgrade old or malfunctioning panels.
  • Convenience
    There are times when you need to make changes to the appliances you use in the home or your lighting preferences. Without a functional panel, it is impossible to enjoy such convenience. Your current panel might not have the capacity to power your home with the new requirements for power. This will lead to frequent tripping which is always frustrating.
  • Value for your home
    An upgraded electrical panel adds value to your home. It makes it attractive to investors and home buyers in the future. No one will be interested in a home with an old panel or a faulty one.
  • Eliminate electrical problems
    Flickering lights, tripping breakers, smoking outlets, warm outlets, and so on are frustrating and worrying electrical problems. An upgraded panel can eliminate these issues. The panel helps to ensure the safe supply of electricity and no electrical hazards in the home.
  • Saves you money during remodeling
    An upgraded panel saves homeowners money, during a remodeling project. There will be no need to upgrade the panel after carrying out a remodeling project in the home if this is already done. This will save homeowners from investing so much on a single project.

How to upgrade the electrical panel

An upgrade is only necessary when you experience signs of a fault in the electrical wiring. It is also carried out when you need to move from a 60-100 amp to a 200amp capacity panel. Ensure that you hire an electrical technician to inspect the house and carry out the upgrade. The project usually costs a substantial sum but takes less than a day to be completed.

What Are The Alternatives to Rewiring a House

Posted on | by K Hopkins

los angeles house rewireHouse rewiring is something most homeowners don’t want to hear. It involves replacing and upgrading the home’s current wiring for several reasons. House rewiring can be pricey and messy for a lived-in home. The electricians have to access what is in place and change them.

Although it is not every homeowner’s favorite project, it is sometimes inevitable. Before we discuss further, it is important to know why rewiring is necessary.

  • If you are taking on a remodeling project. This can include extending or converting rooms in a home. This will alter the existing structure and require electrical rewiring to conform to electrical safety rules. If new appliances are fitted in the rooms, the house rewiring will be carried out to accommodate them.
  • If the home has not been rewired in the last 20 to 30 years. This is common in old homes. Many people choose old homes for a reason. Some want to feel connected to history or enjoy the homeliness that just oozes from such old houses. The downside to all of this is old electrical wiring. A professional electrician should inspect the electrical system of an old home to determine if it needs to be replaced.
  • If you want to improve convenience. Rewiring is usually required when the current house wiring seems unsafe. However, you can also do this for convenience. Adding new switches, outlets, appliances, and installations may require a house rewiring to accommodate them.

Are there any alternatives?

House rewiring is a big project. It costs money and creates a mess. Of course, there would be less to fix and clean up after if you haven’t moved into the house. The complexity of the project discourages some homeowners.

You might wonder if there are any alternatives to a complete house rewiring. The best option is to call for a survey. An electrical technician can survey your electrical system and tell you the status. If there are faulty outlets in your home, they would equally inform you if fixing them would cut down cost and solve the problem.

This remedial work should not be carried out without the opinion of a licensed electrician. The survey might cost a small fee but what is important is finding a good and honest electrician.

Ensure that after the survey, the remedial work is carried out by a professional electrician. Take personal measures such as creating dedicated sockets for larger appliances. You can also install fire alarms for increased safety.

Remember, that the ideal option for a faulty system is a full rewiring. You can only use a remedial process if the system is salvageable with a few fixes. This is meant to save cost and stress but make sure you weigh all options before making a choice.

The Electric Connection
You need trusted electricians to provide electrical services. At The Electric Connection we provide surveys, consultation, installation, and other services you may need. We can inform you of affordable ways to have a safe electrical system.

Can I Upgrade Electrical Panel Without Permit?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

hiring electriciansThe electrical panel is the center of electricity supply in a home or building. It is called several other names such as the distribution board and breaker panel. You can identify the electrical panel as a metal electrical service board, located outside the home, in the garage, or the utility room. It is a network of wires and switches.

Most people are a bit familiar with the electrical panel of their home. They recognize it as where you go to switch the power on after tripping the breaker. Others may know nothing about the electrical panel and are quick to call on a professional electrician for help.
Breaker panels usually last for as much as 25 to 40 years before needing any replacements or upgrades. However, the manner of use and appliances in the home can wear out the electrical panel faster.

You may need an upgrade when:

  • You stay in an old house
    A home between 20 to 30 years old might require an upgrade. The electrical panel may still top out 60 to 100 amps which are low compared to newer homes. 200 amps installs are now more in use.
  • You observe electrical problems
    These can range from several things like tripping lights, warm panel, burning outlets, and so on. Such electrical problems are signs of a fault in the breaker panel. They require the attention of a professional electrician as soon as possible.

Upgrading the electrical panel with or without a permit.
An electrical permit is important for any electrical work. This guarantees both customers and their insurance companies that the installations are safe and professionally done. You can install light fixtures and other minor electrical needs without a permit.

In some States, a permit allows homeowners to take on the project of upgrading the electrical panel themselves. This is dangerous and inadvisable.

As a homeowner, you may not understand the complexity of the electrical panel. It is not similar to other electrical installations, hence should only be handled by a licensed electrician. Unlike outlets, electrical panels always carry live electricity even when the breaker is shut off. Improper handling can lead to electric shocks, fire outbreak, loss of lives, and damage to appliances.

An electrical technician knows of all these dangers and has knowledge and experience to work on the electrical panel. They guarantee you safe wiring that lasts for a long time.

If you successfully upgrade the panel on your own, you would still miss out on installing new cables and an electrical meter. The licensed electrician will give you suggestions to save money on energy. They will also ensure that you know more about the local codes and the upgrade complies with current electrical regulations.

A licensed electrician’s work will take less time’ precisely about 8 – 10 hours to complete. It will also pass electrical inspections.

Final Thoughts on Permits

You should not perform any electrical wiring without a permit. Ensure that you have the experience and skill to do the job. If not, it is always wise to hire a professional electrician.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has trained electricians to perform panel upgrades. Please contact us today for more information on our services.

What is the Importance of House Rewiring?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

rewire older homeHouse rewiring or electrical rewiring is the process of replacing old, inefficient, hazardous, or unreliable electrical system. House rewiring provides an improvement to the performance of the electrical system and ensures electrical safety. There are several factors that determine when you need a house rewire. Ideally, a properly installed electrical system can last as long as 20 years but the use if the electrical system and type of wiring can affect its lifespan.

Old homes usually require electrical rewiring because most installations have been worn out or are outdated. House rewiring is a major task in many ways. It is costly and requires time and expertise of a professional electrician.

The importance of undertaking a house rewiring project is much more than electrical safety and reliability. Here are some of the major benefits and importance.

  1. Increase in value of the home
    Having a home rewired increases its value in the event of a sale. It is a big plus to know that the home’s electrical system is fully modified and safe. A house should be seen as an investment especially when you are a property manager. Electrical rewiring makes the home appealing to buyers, tenants, investors, and so on.
  2. Change what you want
    An electrical rewiring project gives you the best opportunity to make your home technology friendly. You can change old and worn out parts to be replaced with modern, up to standard parts. You can also determine the ideal spots you want sockets or outlets to be placed.
  3. An electrically optimized home
    An electrically optimized home offers maximum comfort, convenience, and safety. It provides dedicated circuits to most appliances, more control, and energy saving options for the home.
  4. Safety
    Safety is the primary reason for a house rewire. Old or faulty wiring can develop to larger problems that put life and property at risk. Electrical safety is crucial in every home. Hence it is advisable to call an electrician from The Electric Connection to inspect or provide rewiring services.
  5. To accommodate new appliances
    Some appliances can demand more power than your house is wired to offer. If you have one or more of such new appliances, then it is important to hire an electrical technician for a rewiring service. This will prevent any strain or damage to the present system.
  6. Electrical codes and standard
    An old house wiring may not be updated with the latest electrical codes and standard. Rewiring the home presents the opportunity to install systems that keep these standards. An experienced electrician will be able to rewire your home with knowledge on the current codes and standards.

A lot of people take the electrical system for granted despite its importance. To avoid accidents or dysfunction in the home, it is best to take the necessary precautions. A house rewire is a worthy investment but it can only maintain its value when provided by a licensed electrician. At The Electric Connection we are professional, licensed, and experienced electrical technicians. Contact us for your home’s electrical rewiring. We ensure that everything is optimized and organized the first time.

Local Electrician for Electrical Services

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Electrical services are needed every day by homeowners and commercial buildings. It involves services for electrical wiring, panel upgrades, lighting installations, repairs, replacements, and so on. Electrical problems can be tricky and develop into hazards when handled by an inexperienced or uninformed person.

Some homeowners try to fix electrical problems themselves or call a handyman to fix the situation. None of this is ideal if you hope to have a reliable, safe, electric system in the home or a commercial building.

Local electricians are becoming more popular each day as the solution to most electrical problems or services. A local electrician can be a general electrician with the necessary skills to provide a broad range of electrical services. They are a flexible and beneficial option. When choosing a local electrician near you there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best services. These include license, experience, cost, availability and so on. When you are able to make the right choice, you get to enjoy the benefits. Here are a few advantages of hiring a reliable local electrician.

  • Experience
    Local electricians are usually more experienced than those with large corporations. This is so because the use of local electrician increases every day. Homeowners and property managers are able to hire or contact a local electrician easily to respond to their electrical needs. An experienced general electrician can offer you more services and also work faster with authentic information on your needs. This equally saves you cost and time.
  • Affordability
    Large corporations can be quite expensive. They have set cost most times and this can limit the services you receive. A local electrician has flexible cost options. Hence, you can get more electrical services at less cost.
  • Quality of service
    A licensed local electrician guarantees you quality service. They do not leave you with bigger problems in your electrical system. They ensure that everything is organized and you are satisfied with the service.
  • Save Energy
    Saving energy and reducing its cost is required now more than ever in homes and commercial buildings. General electricians with experience and the right tools can give you good options for saving energy. They can also help with installation or replacements on the electrical wiring to be sure you pay less on energy.
  • Knowledge of electrical codes
    Electrical systems must maintain the stipulated standards and codes for them to function properly. A local electrician is well informed on the electrical codes and standard required.
  • They get it right the first time
    Electrical problems can be frustrating if they occur frequently, especially after hiring an electrician. A professional and licensed local electrician gets it right the first time. They can identify the faults or needs of your electrical system and provide quality service to solve them. This saves you time, money and gives peace of mind.

Are Extension Cords Safe For Permanent Use

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

permanent use extension cordThe short answer here is: no. But when it comes to convenience, we want more than just a short answer.

Extension cords are built for convenience but also built for temporary use. The problem with extension cords is that they are not listed, labeled, or rated for long-term use. The Uniform Fire Code states that these types of cords are intended for the temporary and immediate use of an appliance and are not to be permanently “installed”.

If you are constantly finding yourself relying on the use of extension cords, your best bet it to have an additional outlet installed where you need it the most.

There may be another option for you if installing new outlets is out of the picture. Power strips with circuit breakers or breaker switches are approved for long-term use. Since these strips have built-in surge protectors, they are safe to use for longer periods of time.

Again, there may be issues when it comes to using power strips — as with all devices. Even though the power strips intended for long-term use have built-in circuit breakers, overloading these devices can cause problems. If you plug in too many devices, especially device varying in power needs, you can find yourself facing a real problem. Overloading the wiring can cause fires. Be sure to inspect your power strips thoroughly to ensure you have the right one for your devices and keep multiple on hand to not overload one.

It’s best to have a professional electrician come to your place to assess your situation. If you find yourself relying more and more on extension cords and power strips, it may be time to add some more outlets in your home or office. An electrician will be able to look at your set up and recommend the best course of action for you.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing homeowners and businesses alike with expert electrical services for over 35 Years. We’ve built a company of highly experienced, certified electricians to serve your electrical needs. There’s plenty of competition throughout Los Angeles, but we make it our policy to treat our customers the way we would want to be treated. That has gained us a great reputation. We’ll provide you with quality work at honest prices.

Should I Upgrade My Electrical Panel? – Los Angeles

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles panel upgradeToday’s homes are energy vampires. We wake up in the morning, turn on the coffee pot, all the lights, maybe turn on the TV to catch the news. We have become so accustomed to having electricity, it doesn’t even cross our minds how the process of powering our homes work. Unfortunately, if we don’t learn, when something goes wrong, we won’t be able to fix it. As our need for energy grows, so must the ways we get power.

All of the power supplying your house can be found in a little metal box called the electrical panel, or main panel, or breaker box – it has a lot of names. Inside this box, you can find different things based on what type of panel you have.

In modern homes, you will find switches called circuit breakers. These circuit breakers start and stop the flow of electricity from the outside source to the different areas in your home. Think of when the power last went out in your home. You might have had to go out to find the electrical panel to flip back on the breaker. When the circuit breaker detects an anomaly it will trip off the breaker to protect your home from any damages.

If you don’t have circuit breakers, you might find fuses. This could potentially be dangerous. Unlike circuit breakers, fuses will not trip if they sense a problem. This could cause a problem that may result in a fire. If you have fuses in your panel, you might want to contact an electrician to see if you need a panel upgrade.

You may be asking yourself, “what other things call for a panel upgrade?” Well, there are quite a few things you can check out if you think you might need an upgrade:

Your home’s age – If you have an older home, it might be time for a panel upgrade, especially if you haven’t had one within the last decade. Older homes were not equipped to handle the loads we demand today which means that the panel problem isn’t supplying enough power. An electrician can help you determine if that is the case. Most likely you will have to upgrade from a 60amp panel to 100amp or 200amp panel. This will allow you to have more devices connected in your home.

Addition of large appliances – If you are adding a large appliance that will require a lot of power, such as a new dryer, refrigerator, or car charger, you may need to upgrade your panel or add a dedicated circuit. Again, this is an issue of not having enough power in your main electrical panel.

Frequently tripping breakers – As mentioned above, when your breakers trip, they’re protecting you from harm because there has been an anomaly detected. Too many tripped breakers could mean there is something wrong. A professional electrician can help you determine if there is something wrong with the circuit breaker or if you need to upgrade your panel.

Regardless of what is going on, if you think you need to have your panel upgraded, contact a professional electrician to help you determine the case. They will assess your situation and give you recommendations on what is the best course of action.

Whether you want us to rewire your entire home, or fix a single electrical outlet, The Electric Connection in Los Angeles will provide you with excellent services from skilled, licensed electricians.