Why Should I Replace a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel?

Posted on May 28, 2019 | by K Hopkins

Electrical panels service homes and buildings by providing and controlling power. It is vital that such an important electrical appliance is safe and dependable. When this is not the case, homes and buildings can run into several electrical based problems that range from inefficient electricity supply to fires, electric shocks, and more.

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels (FPE) were highly popular electrical panels sold and installed in millions of homes throughout the Pacific Northwest from the 1950s to the 1980s. After a few years, people discovered that all FPE panels were problematic. They began to overheat easily and even cause electrical fires. Some electricians advise homeowners to maintain or constantly evaluate FPE panels. This is unsafe. It is much wiser to replace these panels if you have them in your home.

The reason why a replacement is ideal is mostly because of their problems and danger to lives and property. When these panels were tested by the Customer Safety Product Commission, they found that they had a shockingly high rate of failure which made them a safety hazard. At the time these panels were first introduced, homes did not have most of the electrical appliances and needs of recent times. Hence, these issues were partly hidden.

With more accidents caused by FPE occurring in homes, further investigations were made which revealed that FPE falsified their UL testing making their UL listing invalid. Virtually every panel installed contained defective breakers and the implications of this are unavoidable house fires.

What if I turned off the breaker occasionally?
Some electricians believe that if you turn the breakers on and off, then it is possible to use FPE panels without problems. This has never been shown to stop any issues with FPE breakers rather it only gets worse. If you opt for evaluating each breaker, that would cost much more than a replacement.

How much does it cost to replace my FPE panel?
The costs vary depending on the electrician you hire, any damages the panel has already caused, number of panels, size of panels, location, business or home building, and much more. You can expect the replacement to be quite an investment but affordable rates are still possible with the right electrical contractors.

How to check if my electrical panel is an FPE panel.
This is easy for homeowners and business owners to do. First, consider if your home or building existed within the years FPE were majorly sold. If your home is not that old, then there is nothing to worry about. These panels are common in much older homes and buildings. If your home falls within the age range, go to the panel and open it. Check thoroughly for the words ‘Stab-Lok’ or ‘Federal Pacific Electrical’ printed anywhere. If you find nothing, check the switches. A red strip across the switches shows it is an FPE panel. If you find none of these, then there is no problem.

You can always contact us at The Electric Connection to do this check for you and proceed with a replacement.

What is involved in a House Rewire?

Posted on May 20, 2019 | by K Hopkins

electrical tools for a house rewire Rewiring is one of the most difficult, messy, and disruptive maintenance projects you can perform in the home. It is equally time-consuming and costly but very necessary. The lifespan of the electrical installation in a home is usually 25 years. However, this duration can vary depending on use. The electrical system will have to be inspected every 10 years if it is in a privately owned property or every 5 years for a rented property. This inspection guarantees electrical safety.

There are several reasons a homeowner or property investor might consider rewiring a house:

You may want to sell an old home and decide a full house rewire is a great way to add value to the property.
You may have hired an electrician for a routine inspection and discovered that your electrical system is less than ideal.
You may buy an older home and want to be sure of safe and dependable electricity.
You may be experiencing tell-tale signs such as flickering lights, warm outlets, mild electrical shocks, dimming lights, tripping switches, blown fuses, and more.
You may be carrying out a renovation project.

Whatever your reasons for a house rewire, it is important to know what it involves and what to do or expect.

The Cost
The truth is, a full house rewire doesn’t come cheap. If you consider only the costs first and opt for lower quality service, you may place lives and property in danger. A house rewire must be carried out the right way.

The Process
Usually, this rewiring project may take up to four or five days to complete. The size of your home and the number of electricians working may also influence the time it takes to be completed. The first step for all electricians is to inspect and prepare the property. The wiring in your home is set in the ceiling, behind the walls, and within the floorboards. All of these need to be assessed and exposed to work on. You will also be asked to specify any preferences for outlets. Anything that stands between your wiring and the electricians will be taken down to gain access. This is what makes rewiring disruptive and messy.

The first work stage of the house rewiring process is called the first fix. It involves installing new wiring, cabling, back boxes, and circuits. The lighting and socket positions are labeled to make the second fix stage easier. The second fix stage commences after the first fix and it involves the installation of light fittings, socket fronts, light switches, and isolation switches. Next, the consumer unit is set up and connected to the new wiring system. After this step, your new electrical system will be live but a professional electrician won’t leave just yet. They will proceed to test everything and ensure it meets with electrical standards.

At The Electric Connection we follow this procedure thoroughly and work to make things easier for you. We are quick and professional. We guarantee a safe electrical system that adds value and convenience to your home.

What Do Electrical Contractors Do?

Posted on April 24, 2019 | 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 April 20, 2019 | 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.

How to Upgrade Electrical Panel in a Home

Posted on April 16, 2019 | by K Hopkins

los angeles panel upgrade The electrical panel in the home is where your electricity is distributed. Some electrical technicians describe the panel as a box of switches and wires. It is where you can find the individual breakers responsible for sending power to specific parts of the home. Most times when there is an electrical problem, homeowners use these switches to turn off or turn on the power.

Electrical panels are upgraded occasionally for several reasons. This upgrade can occur once in 10 years or as stated by a professional electrician. Some older panels are upgraded because of capacity. Modern panels now offer 200 amps to homes while older ones range between 60 and 100 amps. This is hardly sufficient for the contemporary homeowner who needs more power for appliances.

An electrical panel upgrade can be messy and expensive. If you are wondering how to upgrade the electrical panel in your home, here are two ways.

A Classic DIY
There are comprehensive texts that show homeowners how to upgrade the electric panel in the home. First, you would need to get a permit to attempt such a complex electrical project. If you do not do this, you might be persecuted for it. The next step is to equip yourself with screwdrivers, screws, torch, and a voltmeter. Open up the panel to study where the circuits lead to in your home. Turn off the mains electricity and remove all the circuits from the panel. Exercise extreme caution to avoid an electrical accident. Screw the new electrical panel to the wall and wire it up as before with the older panel. Put the circuit breakers in place. If you want to enlarge any circuit wires, wire them directly into the breaker. It is also possible to add more wires to extend the circuit. When this is complete, turn the power on. You would also need a building inspection to confirm that everything is working as it should.

A classic DIY is not impossible, but it is not the best option. Several things can go wrong when attempting to upgrade the electrical panel yourself. Look to the second method listed for a safer solution.

Hire a Professional Electrician
There are a few problems around the home a regular homeowner can handle. Things like a clogged sink may be easy to solve with a plunger or drain cleaner. Electricity is a job that requires training, skill, knowledge, and experience. Only a licensed electrician should work on electrical problems in the home. Upgrading the electrical panel is no small task. The panel is a powerful distributor of electricity that requires expertise from anyone. Taking on a DIY can lead to serious problems like an electrical fire, loss of lives and property. However, if a professional electrical is hired to upgrade the panel you can be sure of a safe process that leaves you with a reliable electrical system.

A licensed electrician from The Electric Connection would complete the upgrade in a little time and get it right so there are no further issues.

How to Rewire a House without Removing Drywall in Los Angeles

Posted on April 13, 2019 | 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 March 22, 2019 | by K Hopkins

rewire older home A 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 March 20, 2019 | 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 February 19, 2019 | by K Hopkins

los angeles house rewire House 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.

How to Choose an Electrician

Posted on February 15, 2019 | by K Hopkins

licensed insured electrician Electricity is a necessary part of our daily lives. It is important for day-to-day activities in the home and commercial buildings. To ensure that electrical systems in a building are safe and reliable, you would need a trustworthy, professional electrician.

An electrician provides installation, repairs, maintenance, and any other electrical service. There are numerous electrical contractors in your community or state. This is a good thing, but it makes it slightly difficult to find a good electrician. It is not ideal to hire an electrician near you without considering some factors. Here are a few effective ways to choose an electrician.

License and Insurance
The most important factor to look out for is if the electrician is licensed. A licensed electrician has both practical and theoretical experience in a wide range of electrical services. This will give you the assurance of their skills. Ask for a copy of the license and check to see that it is recent. It may also specify the type of service the electrician offers. Make sure what you need is included.

Insurance is equally important to protect both the electrical contractor and yourself from anything that goes wrong in your home.
Recommendations
Choosing an electrician near you without a recommendation from someone is unwise. Ask trusted friends and neighbors for a recommendation to a good electrician. If you find one yourself, request references to past clients. You can call them to be certain they are genuine and the electrician is capable. You can also read their online reviews if the contractor has an online presence.
Check teams
Sometimes, the electrical service may require a team. If you hire from a company, the chances are they would send you more than one electrical contractor to get the job done faster. Make the effort to confirm how many electricians would be coming and if they are all insured and licensed.
Value for money
The cost of the service is a vital factor because you have to know what you can afford. Some electrical contractors can be expensive while others are affordable. Ask for a quote or an estimate before any work begins. Do not be quick to choose the electrician near you with the lowest cost because that does not guarantee quality.

Weigh the prices carefully and support your choice with other factors. Some pricey electricians may be worth the extra cost.
Professional attitude and communication
Business is all about effective communication. A professional electrician should be able to display discipline and a professional attitude. They should dress properly, attend to your work with good workmanship and maintain effective communication. No one wants a sloppy contractor with a bad attitude in their home.
Time
Time is a relevant factor for commercial buildings and homes. How long will it take the electrician to complete your work? Confirm from the electrician before the work begins. Some electricians work faster than others, especially with a team. If you are confused on a few options of contractors, this can help you break the tie.