Tag: revisit

How to Choose an Electrician

Posted on | by K Hopkins

licensed insured electricianElectricity 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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.

Recessed Lighting Installation

Posted on | by K Hopkins

pot lightingRecessed lighting are also known as downlights. They differ from regular lighting that drops from the ceiling. Recessed lighting is installed within the ceiling and only the shining light can be seen. They appear as a light shining from a hole in the ceiling.

These lights vary in size and shape like regular lights. They comprise of two visible parts called the trim and baffles. Trim refers to the metal or plastic circle that fits on the ceiling helping to secure it. The baffles are the inner insert that helps to reflect the light. The shape and form of the baffle would determine how the light is reflected.

A lot of buildings use recessed lighting instead of other types of lighting. Their installation requires an electrical technician to avoid problems. You can hire an electrician that offers recessed lighting installation near you. These lights are unique and suitable for movie theatres, stores, kitchens in homes, shower stalls, even schools.

The benefits of recessed lighting installations

  • Waterproof
    Unlike other light fixtures, recessed lighting are waterproof. This makes them suitable for a water-intensive environment like shower stalls. When they come in contact with water, they do not go bad or pose a threat.
  • Always in style
    As more houses are built, manufacturers continuously come up with new products or designs. Some light fixtures are recognized as relics of the past because later models replaced them. Recessed lights are different because they are unusual and trend-proof. They do not go out of style and this makes them a good option for commercial buildings.
  • No visible fixtures
    This is a valuable benefit of recessed lights. They make ceilings look neat and organized as the fixtures lay hidden within the ceiling. Other types of lights such as lamps and dropping ceiling lights have exposed fixtures which can be dangerous and give the ceiling a busy appearance.
  • Full room illumination
    Lights sometimes can reach only a limited space when installed, but with the proper recessed lighting installation near you, the room can become fully illuminated. This is highly beneficial.
  • Suitable for low ceilings
    There are some parts of the home such as basements, with a low ceiling. Regular light will not be suitable for such rooms. Recessed lighting is an ideal option for low ceilings because they occupy less space but illuminate the room as needed.

Why you need a professional for recessed lighting installation near you
There are DIY methods available for homeowners or property owners to attempt installing recessed lights themselves. However, it is always better to call an experienced electrician from The Electric Connection for your electrical services.

Recessed lighting has to be properly installed to ensure they are secured to the ceiling. There is also the matter of insulation. Some recessed lights need to be covered with insulation to prevent the heat given off from starting a fire or other problems. An electrical technician will professionally complete the installation within stipulated electrical codes. This guarantees durability and allows you to seek the opinion of the electrician for the appropriate recessed lights to install.

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.

Should I Ask My Customers to Leave Reviews?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

electrician reviewsThe survival of most businesses depends on building trust and loyalty with clients. When a potential customer finds your service attractive, they wouldn’t be in a hurry to hire you because they still require some assurance that you are worth the investment of time and money.

Unfortunately, in an online business or website, you cannot be physically present to apply your skills of persuasion. This means that you must put a system in place to convert visitors to leads.

Business reviews are part of the most vital ways to convince a client that they can trust you, especially when you offer electrical services. Statistics show that about 85% of customers view online reviews from strangers and make their decisions based on them. Hence, electrical service reviews from satisfied clients help to grow your business and establish your brand authority.

Although customer reviews are important, they are not so easy to get. As an electrical contractor, you may wonder if it is okay to ask your customers for reviews. The answer is yes. Some clients are reluctant to leave reviews while others may forget all about it. When you have a client that doesn’t leave a review, you have to develop a way to encourage them or ask subtly.

If you have been in an online business long enough, you would discover that asking customers for reviews may be beneficial but it is also daunting. Here are some tips on how to ask customers for reviews.

  • Engage your Clients
    Customers are more likely to leave reviews- and positive ones – if you engage them on a personal level. Try to connect with clients fully and ask questions that show your concern for their satisfaction. This rapport makes it easier to encourage clients to leave reviews.
  • Review Emails
    Asking for electrical service reviews via email requires a direct approach. You can put together a message body that says how glad you are to work with the client. Include something about the importance of reviews and subtly ask for one.
  • Ask when you receive customer praise
    Some satisfied clients may find it difficult to dismiss their joy. They can offer praises after the job is completed. Take this opportunity to ask them for feedback or review. Ensure that you respond politely and with equal gladness to hear of their satisfaction. When this conversation is established, request that they take a few seconds to show this satisfaction in a written review.
  • Provide links
    To make clients feel comfortable with leaving reviews, you can provide direct links in an email or message to them. This lessens the chances of reluctance and allows the client to leave a review without hassle or wasting precious time.
  • Never Push
    Despite your efforts to create a seamless system where customers can leave electrical service reviews, there would be those that are quite determined not to leave one. When you encounter such clients, there’s no need to push or force them. Simply let it go and encourage them towards return patronage.

There’s is a fine line between asking for an electrical service review and demanding one. While it is fine to develop ways to ask your clients to give reviews, it is wrong to use pressure. Employ suitable tips and be sure to learn what works best for you.

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.

Reviews for Electrical Contractors

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electrician reviewsIn addition to providing services to homeowners and business, The Electric Connection is proud to offer advice to other electrical contracting companies.

One of the most important factors when it comes to gaining more customers is having an abundance of positive reviews. While most everything is done online today, word of mouth is still the most powerful element when it comes to getting the job. Since everyone is digital these days, word of mouth turns into stokes of the keyboard. It is easier than ever for your customers to tell other potential customers how well (or not so well) you did on the job. In today’s marketing, online reviews are yesterday’s references and can either help make or break your business.

What Makes Online Reviews Important?

Websites like Yelp, Google My Business, and Angie’s List play a huge role in the success of a business. All of your potential clients are searching them daily to find the best electrician in their area. If you have less than a five-star rating, you will likely be left in the dust. Why do these review sites have such a big impact on getting you business?

Reviews left online are highly accessible. They’re easy to find thanks to Google, mobile apps, and new features on popular social media sites, like Facebook. Type in any company’s name plus the word review and you’ll be lucky if one of these sites don’t turn up.

Online reviews are also very visible. Even before a potential customer clicks a link, they are able to see how your business is rated right from the search results, some times without even typing your business name.

SEO can also be affected by the reviews left online. Google likes to see highly rated companies in their search results. If you have more stars on your Google My Business page than your competition, you will likely show up above them on maps.

As you can see, online reviews definitely have a huge impact on your business and how it is seen online. A study shows that roughly 72% of customers trust online reviews as much as they would a personal recommendation. It’s important to reach out to your customers for feedback on how the job went. Once you get a lot of online reviews, you’ll have a ton of new work rolling in.

The Electric Connection believes in quality and offers a lifetime guarantee on all our work. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. In each of the last few years, we earned the Angie’s List “Super Service Award.” We are proud to display on our website over 100 reviews by satisfied customers.

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.

Whole House Rewiring Service Costs

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

house rewire costThe electrical system to your house can be an expensive thing to upgrade but might be a necessity to help protect your home’s value and your family’s lives.

When you don’t have enough power to run your home, it can be more than just an inconvenience. Tripping breakers can not only just shut off your devices, but it can also cause damage to the more sensitive electric devices. Having enough energy is critical to keeping all the appliances in your home up and running at optimal levels.

Your home may seem like it has enough power, but even if things are running fine, it can use still need an upgrade. Have you ever turned on every device in your home at the same time? This is not recommended but you can truly find out how much your panel can handle when everything is turned on. There is an easier way to find out what amperage your panel is – by inspecting it. A professional electrician can also help you determine the amount of load your panel can handle.

With enough power being supplied to your home, it can still be difficult to find power in different areas of your home. Without sufficient recepticles in your home, you may rely on unnecessary power strips or extension cords. These cords and strips can cause dangerous safety hazards such as trips and falls or even fires. An electrician can help you place additional outlets around your home.

If your home has sufficient power and enough outlets, you may still find yourself needing a house rewire. This is when all or some of the wiring in your home is replaced with new wiring. A house rewire could be necessary for a variety of reasons – age, degrading wiring, hazardous wiring, etc. An electrician can help you determine whether or not you need a whole house rewire.

The cost of a house rewire depends on a lot of different aspects of your home including size, age, and how much of the home needs to be rewired. Again, an electrician can give you a definitive answer on the cost to rewire your home, but you can expect to pay around $3,500 to $8,000 for a full house rewire – especially if all the walls need to be opened up to access the wiring.

A professional electrician should be able to assess your situation and give you an accurate quote for a house rewire. This is a large project so be sure to do research before choosing the best electrician.

If you live in the Los Angeles area and are looking for proficient, understanding and honest electrical experts, we hope you will consider using The Electric Connection of Los Angeles for your electrical work.

How To Know if Your Panel Needs Upgraded

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Owning a home is great! There are many benefits… you can paint the walls whatever color you like, you can decorate the outside whenever you feel like it, there’s a yard your kids and pets can play in… but there are also some disadvantages – like when things start to break or get old. Sometimes it’s hard to know what is causing something to not work. Figure that out is only half the battle. With electrical issues, it can be hard to even troubleshoot the problem, let alone fix it.

When homeowners have issues with their electrical system, the big question is usually: Do I need a panel upgrade? Followed closely by the second question: How much does a panel upgrade cost? This article should help you figure out if a panel upgrade is necessary and the steps to determining a cost for it.

First off, what exactly is the main panel? The electrical panel is a hub of energy for your home. It connects all the electricity from the power lines outside your home to all the outlets inside your home. This is the place you find with a flashlight when your breakers have tripped off all the lights in your home.

Most days, homeowners don’t even think about their electrical panel. This is why when something goes wrong, it’s often a shock – no pun intended. As with all things in life, electrical panels will grow old and stop working. It’s important to check up on it from time to time. In addition to age and normal wear and tear, there are a few other reasons homeowners should replace their electrical panel.

Fuse Boxes
Homes built before the 1960s were equipped with fuses boxes. These were great back when there wasn’t a need for a lot of electricity. Nowadays, the strain that is put on an electrical box is greater. With circuit breakers, if there is too much power being required, it will trip to stop the flow of energy and protect the home from any dangers. Fuses do not have this safety capability and should be replaced to keep your home and family safe.

Older Homes
If your home was built more than 20 years ago, it might be a good idea to have your electrical system checked out. As with fuse boxes, older homes might have outdated panels or wiring that needs to be upgraded to go with today’s need.

Smells and Sounds
It’s never a good sign to smell burning or hear cracking sounds. If you are experiencing any strange sounds when it comes to your electrical panel, call an electrician immediately to get it looked at. Don’t just stop at your panel though. If you smell or hear anything in or around your outlets or switches, this could also be a sign there is something wrong with your panel.

Frequent Tripping
Even though the circuit breakers trip to provide safety for your home, they shouldn’t be tripping often. This could mean there is too much power being required from it. You may need a panel upgrade to handle all the load needed for your home.

Next comes the cost issues. Every panel upgrade situation is unique. A professional electrician should be able to ask you a few questions and give you a ballpark price before inspecting your home in person.

It is important to pay attention to the signs your home is showing you. The next time you’re searching for your tripped breakers in the dark, consider calling an electrician to see if you need a panel upgrade.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing electrical services to the people of LA county for over 30 years. We are experts when it comes to panel upgrades and house rewires. If you need any assistance, please give us a call.