Tag: light fixtures

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

Posted on | by K Hopkins

panel upgrade cost 2020It’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.

Which State Pays the Most for Electricity?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Many Americans dread opening the energy bill when it comes. With your electric bills spiking all the time, it’s only right to wonder if you are alone in this situation. In fact, you may just wonder if another State might offer you cheaper electricity.

As your reliable electrician technicians, we come through with the information you need to satisfy this curiosity and probably make a decision to move.

Most Expensive States for Electricity (as of June 2019)

Hawaii – Hawaii sits top of the list with 32.45 cents per kWh. Hawaii has the most expensive electricity rates at any time. It relies heavily on petroleum as the main source of power, and this resource is consistently costly. The State is moving towards using solar energy and geothermal energy sources.

Alaska – Alaska’s electricity is like that of Hawaii. The State depends on petroleum liquids as well for their electricity. The rate is 23.51 cents per kWh. And also like Hawaii, Alaska is harnessing geothermal energy sources for renewable energy.

Connecticut – The State has an electricity rate of 23.1 cents per kWh. It is the most expensive state in the Northeast. The State is working towards obtaining electricity from renewable sources.

Least Expensive States for Electricity (as of June 2019)

Louisiana – Louisiana is popular for its oil refineries. Its high number of industries make it one of the highest energy consumers in the country. The electricity rate in the State is, however, 9.66 cents per kWh. It is the lowest dropping below Washington this year.

Arkansas – More than half of the State’s energy is generated from coal. Arkansas has an electricity rate of 10.35 cents per kWh.

Washington – For years, Washington always ranked the lowest in electricity rates. It is the largest hydroelectric power producer in the U.S. The electricity cost is 9.90 cents per kWh.

Why the electricity costs differ by State

Electricity is sourced from the conversion of other raw materials. Hence, the electricity rate for a state usually depends on their raw materials, the cost of converting them to electricity, and electricity use. So, states like Hawaii have expensive electricity rates because they depend on expensive materials like crude oil. Louisiana, on the other hand, depends on one company with several power plants. This makes their electricity cost low. Different seasons also contribute to electricity costs.

What you can do

Not everyone is lucky to live in the States with the lowest electricity costs. Even when you do, who wouldn’t want to beat their electricity bill down to the minimum? Tips you can use to reduce those figures on your bill significantly include:

  • Change your light fixtures to energy saving options; Use dimmers and LED bulbs.
  • Get a smart thermostat; a smart thermostat offers flexibility and control. It helps you save up to 10% of energy.
  • Install ceiling fans; using ceiling fans can save as much as 30% on the bills.
  • Dress the part; Wear light clothes during hot days and thick clothes during cold ones.
  • You can also opt for an audit to know how or where to save from the Electric Connection.

Lights Flickering? We have the solution!

Posted on | 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 | 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 | 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.

Do You Need An Electrician to Install a Chandelier?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

chandelier installationChandeliers are valuable lights admired for the elegance and lighting quality they bring to a room. Any chandelier can add glamour and beauty to a home or even a commercial building. They come in various sizes, shapes, and designs. Some people believe that chandeliers are for high ceilings and dining rooms. A chandelier is actually quite versatile as it can be used in any part of the home and with both low and high ceilings.

There is a common debate people have about the installation of a chandelier. Some believe it can be a simple DIY process because a chandelier is still a light fixture. Others acknowledge that it is an electrical matter and should be handled by an electrician. Going DIY on your chandelier installation will save you cost but it is not safe or ideal. Any mistake can disrupt your entire electrical system or affect all the fixtures in the home or building.

A standard electrical box which is present in any light fixture installation can hold only 50 pounds. Regular chandeliers weigh more than that; hence it is necessary to determine if you need a support system before finishing the installation. It is almost impossible for a homeowner to do this. So, the best option is to hire a professional electrician. The electrician can handle any size of chandeliers and their wiring needs.

How to choose an electrician for your chandelier installation
Although you need an electrician to install a chandelier in your home, you must also take precautions when hiring. The wrong choice can lead to mistakes and regrets. The electrician you hire must be experienced and licensed. This is important because chandeliers are delicate and you must be familiar with their diversity to install them properly. Do a background check on the electrician and ask for references you can check out. Ensure the electrician is insured. Usually, you do not require a permit to carry out this installation but if the nature of your task demands a permit, then ensure the electrician has them.

Finally, consider the cost. The cost of hiring an electrician for this installation varies. Most electrical technicians charge per hour and the hourly cost is between $40 and $100. You may pay a total quote of between $300 and $2000 depending on the hours spent, size of the chandelier, and service provided. Remember to ask the electrician about the hardware to be used, cleanup, and estimated time needed.

Reach out to us at The Electric Connection
We know how delicate and yet majestic chandeliers are. Our professional, licensed, and experienced electricians are experts at a chandelier installation. We complete the job swiftly and ensure there’s little to clean up afterwards.

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.

Light Fixture Installation Services Near Me

Posted on | by K Hopkins

We often see light fixture installations as the easiest tasks of an electrician. Hence, most people try to do them without professional help. A light fixture is described as an electrical device containing an electric lamp. They usually come with an installed switch for users to control the light. For light fixtures to work, they must be connected to a power source. Common examples are your ceiling lights, chandelier, outdoor lights and so on.

An experienced electrician can install any light fixture you need in your house or commercial building. Here are some types of light fixtures installation services.

Recessed light fixture service
This type of light fixture is usually installed above the ceiling with about 6 inches clearance and insulation to avoid the effects of condensation. The insulation is important for recessed lights because lights can heat up and with one above the ceiling there is little exposure to air like other fixtures.

Recessed lights are different from other lights as they do not spread. They send a narrow band of light in a single direction. Recessed light installations are ideal for task lighting, ambient lighting, or accent lighting.

Architectural light fixture service
Architectural lighting refers to lights integrated into a room’s structure. They are of 3 types which are cove, soffit, and valance. Cove lights are installed in areas like a ledge or shelf. Soffit lighting is located on a corner or edge of the ceiling. While cove lighting bounces on the wall, soffit lighting washes the walls with light. Valance lighting is usually placed over a window or high up on a wall. It is located in either glass, metal, or wood. Its rays also bounce off the walls. Architectural lighting is vital in every home or building and is used as ambient lighting.

Other types of light fixtures include track lights which are mounted from the ceiling. The fixture is linear; that is along a track, adjustable, and commonly used for task lighting purposes. Under cabinet, lights are installed under kitchen cabinets for better illumination with kitchen tasks. There is also pendant lights and chandeliers which are decorative and illuminate a large area.

Choosing an Electrician for Light Fixture Installation Near You

All electrical installations should be carried out by an electrician. Mistakes made by an amateur or inexperienced homeowner with the installation can lead to burning wires, electrical hazards, damaged fixtures, faulty fixtures, and much more. Here are the steps for choosing an electrician near you for light fixtures installation services.

  • When installing chandeliers, always choose an electrician with similar experience. Chandeliers require an expert to be properly mounted and functional. They are different from traditional light fixtures, so care should be taken in this area.
  • Perform a background check on the electrician you hire. If you are hiring from an electrical company, you can look to their portfolio, reviews, and website to get a feel of their work.
  • Ensure the electrical technician is licensed by asking for a copy of the license. This is important to avoid do-overs at extra cost.

New Lighting Installation in Your Home

Posted on | by K Hopkins

recessed lighting installationAn electrical contractor will always tell you that good lighting is everything. These are not empty words as both homeowners and store owners can agree. The benefits and functions of light in any location are numerous. It is one of the primary reasons we use electricity. Lighting illuminates a space to give you clarity and vision, but in contemporary times they do even more. Lights can boost your business in a commercial building. They can improve security, productivity, and efficiency. Also, studies have shown that lights can be associated with good mood and a relaxed mind.

Lighting installations are performed by electrical technicians. These installations range from simple tasks such as light fixtures to more complex installations like recessed lighting. To give you some insight, here are different types of new lighting installations.

Track lighting
Like the name sounds, track lighting involves more than one light installed along a fixture. These lights can be controlled to light up any general direction. This makes them efficient. Track lighting can also add beauty to a place because of their unique placement.

Recessed lights
These lights are installed in the ceiling but are different because the fixtures cannot be seen. You can think of recessed lighting as a bulb pushed into the ceiling till all you can see is the light emanating from a circle above. There are a variety of recessed lights but you should hire a professional electrician to install them.

Wall lighting
Wall light fixtures protrude from drywall. They have to be hard-wired into your home. People mostly use wall lighting for aesthetic purposes. They also offer a wide variety in design.

Pendant lighting and Chandeliers
This is the category for chandeliers and other dropping light fixtures. They light up any space but also have decorative functions. Chandeliers have several forms and are often called premium lights. They might not drop to the ground but their exotic structures add length to these lights. Pendant lighting and chandeliers should be chosen and installed carefully because they are very visible and can set a theme for their location.

Under cabinet lights
You would want under cabinet lights installed in the kitchen to aid you during food preparation. They can also be any size and shape.

Tips for Choosing Lighting Installations in the Home

  • Always consider the ceiling height when deciding what installations to use. Low ceilings work better with recessed lights and not pendant lights.
  • It is important to know your lighting installations plan before construction of your home. This way the structure doesn’t deprive you of the fixtures you desire. However, if you live in a rented apartment, your choices might be limited to following the already provided structure.
  • There is no rule against infusing creativity in your lighting installation plans. Discuss your ideas with the electrical contractor to know if they are possible.
  • Ensure that you think of function before aesthetics. Hence, your first lighting installations should be exterior lights, basement lights, lights in the stairs, and so on.

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.