Tag: remove?

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.

Safe Extension Cord Usage Tips by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_2With winter here, you will probably be decking your halls. That requires electricity in places you don’t normally need it. You will also want to add more light strands than you have outlets for. What do you do? You pull out the extension cords and get busy. However, extension cords are not always safe. There are rules you should follow when it comes to using extension cords to power your decorations or that space heater by the couch. Your electrician in Beverly Hills has some helpful safety tips for you. You can call the crew at The Electric Connection to learn more.

The most important rule is to only use extension cords designed for the outdoors outside. These cords are insulated and can withstand the rain and cold. Indoor extension cords do not have the same insulation and can short out if it rains explains your Beverly Hills electrician. You can identify the cords by looking at the information printed on the cord or simply by checking to see if it is round or flat. Round cords are generally outdoor and flat are indoors.

Extension cords should not be run along high traffic areas. You don’t want them being walked on, which could damage the cord and result in a short. Do not overload the extension cords either. If you are running something big, like an inflatable, it should be the only thing plugged into the cord. Always keep in mind, extension cords are not a permanent solution. If you need more outlets, call an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners can rely on The Electric Connection to listen to their needs and find a solution.

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.

Understanding High Electric Bills by Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_6Did you just get the electric bill in the mail and now you are suffering from a minor panic attack? You are not the first person to be surprised by a higher than average electric bill. Along with adjusting the budget to pay for the unexpected expense, you are probably making a commitment to go dark until you can get the high electric usage under control. Where do you start? An electrician in Santa Monica has a few suggestions that may help explain the high bill and how you can avoid repeating the same issue with another high bill next month. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help.

*Using a single light in a room to try and provide enough light probably isn’t working. You may have a couple of other lights on in the room to try and supplement the light, which is running up your electric bill. With shorter days, you will be using more light. Having a better, more energy efficient light fixture installed by a Santa Monica electrician can alleviate that issue.

*A water heater in a cold basement is going to run up your electric bill. Do what you can to insulate the water heater to help the water stay warm without the heater having to constantly kick on. You can upgrade to a better water heater that is insulated.

*Another big mistake people make without thinking about it is running half loads of laundry or the dishwasher. Always wait until the washer is full.

*You probably have several chargers plugged in with many of them interchangeable. If you can charge all the cell phones in the house with the same charger, unplug all but one and take turns charging your phones when possible.

Save yourself the shock of a high electric bill by following the advice from an electrician. Santa Monica residents can save hundreds of dollars every year by taking care of all the little things that add up. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your lighting fixture replacement.

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.

Preparing for Outdoor Holiday Decor with Pasadena Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_5If you are big on decking your home out for the holidays, now is the time to start thinking about your holiday decorating needs. October through January is a big season for outdoor decorating. Going big with lots of lights, inflatable snowmen or a scary scene all require the services of an electrician in Pasadena. It can be a lot of fun to have the best decorated house on the block, but it requires a lot of electricity to run all of the lights, air machines and moving figures. The team at The Electric Connection is ready to help you get your home ready for the best holiday display on the block.

All of those lights require a lot of outlets. Running extension cords across the lawn can be a bit of an eyesore as well as a safety hazard. Extension cords can get damaged by heavy foot traffic or be tripped over. If you can avoid using a lot of extension cords, it is a good thing. Your Pasadena electrician can help you do just that by installing multiple outdoor outlets around the yard and the house. This will allow you to plug your lights and decorations directly into an outlet without worrying about an extension cord. It will look better and be safer.

For those who like to go big, you have probably run into tripping breakers when somebody in the house wanted to use the microwave or run the furnace. If you have to sit in the dark inside the house while your light display is running outside, you probably need to call an electrician. Pasadena homeowners who do elaborate light displays should consider having an additional panel or dedicated breaker to run the lights. This ensures your lights will always be on—inside and out. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your holiday home lighting upgrade.

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.

Why Hire a Certified Electrician in Santa Monica

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_09_6If you need some work down around the house, you may be tempted to look for one of the least expensive people you can find. Calling a name you found on Craigslist or calling the friend of a friend who does things around the house is not a good idea. There are several very good reasons you should only call a certified electrician in Santa Monica like those at The Electric Connection.

Insurance

If a mistake is made on the part of the electrician and the home suffers damage, you may risk your home owner insurance payout. Many insurance companies require you to use a certified, licensed and insured professional in your home. This gives the insurance company somebody to hold accountable should something go wrong.

Training

A Santa Monica electrician who is certified will have had to have passed some tests to receive their certification. This is one way to test their knowledge about electricity before they ever step foot in your home. The certification process also guarantees the certified electrician has some hands-on knowledge and training. If you choose to hire somebody who isn’t certified, you risk getting someone who doesn’t have any real knowledge.

Guarantees

When you hire a professional, you have some sort of guarantee the work will be completed up to code and will be safe. Hiring somebody off the street could leave you with a bigger mess and no recourse. You need to be able to have somebody to hold accountable.

Your home is a huge investment. It just makes sense you would only trust it to a certified electrician. Santa Monica homeowners cannot afford to risk their investment. Your home as well as the safety of your family while in the home is far too important. Call The Electric Connection if you need any electrical repairs and you can take comfort knowing you are getting a certified, professional electrician to work in your home.

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.