How to Save Money on Your Los Angeles Electric Bill

Posted on July 13, 2020 | by K Hopkins

save money apartment bills Living in the bustling city of Los Angeles can be exciting. It’s a city with everything from being able to chase your dreams to the lazy days you are just looking to have fun. It’s almost possible to forget the high costs of living that comes with all the benefits.

Homes in Los Angeles pay up to 23% more for electricity bills compared to the national average. While solar energy solutions are becoming more popular, the larger part of the population still has to consider ways to save money on their electricity bill in LA.

Thankfully, your favorite experts at The Electric Connection have effective tips ready to help you slash those bills in half.

Use a programmable thermostat

You’d be surprised how much of your electric bill has to do with your heating and cooling system. With a programmable or smart thermostat, you can set temperatures to 78 degrees when you are home during summer, 68 degrees during winter, and turn it off when you are away. This helps you save up on up to 10% on heating and cooling.

Turn off your lights

Turning off your lights when they are not in use or you are away can both help you save on the bill and get paid. Residents in California can earn money through OhmConnect when you agree to cut down on power usage a few times in a week. You earn based on how much power you save. To help you get higher numbers and save on your electricity bill in general, you can switch your lights to LED bulbs.

Use nature’s gift

When possible ventilate your home by opening up your doors and windows. Doing this more often helps you cut down on heating and cooling bills.

Purchase right

Thanks to continuous breaks in technology, there are several appliances on the market equipped with energy-saving features. Look out for an Energy Star (R) symbol which shows the appliance is compliant with standard energy-saving codes.

Unplug devices

We are all guilty of leaving unused appliances plugged in at some point. Regardless of if you turn off the switch or not, phantom charges that can accumulate end up having some significance on your bill.

Timers and Power Strips

It won’t be easy keeping up with all plugged in devices, especially those mounted on the wall. Save up on electrical energy by bringing in power strips and timers. These tools allow you to set a schedule for the connected devices to be shut off from power. It comes in handy all the time, but more importantly when you are not home or asleep. A good example is if you need to run your pool pump for some hours. Using a timer ensures you can set the time for the pump to work and be turned off.

There’s also more to save on electrical energy when you get an audit from a professional electrician. The electrician can give more tips suitable for your home.

Should I Worry About Cloth Wrapped Electrical Wiring?

Posted on July 10, 2020 | by K Hopkins

cloth cover wiring The wiring in your home has a lot to do with your home’s electrical safety and capability. A professional electrician knows how to not only ensure this but to also see that your home’s electrical wiring is up to standard.

Cloth wiring is a subject that comes up more often than you would imagine because there’s hardly any shortage of old homes. Read on as we discuss what it means and more.

What is cloth wrapped electrical wiring and how to identify it?

Cloth covered wiring is exactly what it sounds like – wiring covered in a cloth material. This type of wiring was used mostly in homes built before 1960 and before plastic-covered wiring became the norm. At that time, cloth covered wiring was the standard. It was efficient and served the electrical needs of buildings. Some still do so today. This era also made use of the wiring system knob-and-tube. Both cloth covered wiring and the knob-and-tube system are outdated and not up to the standard of recent times. In many ways, both pose risks and homeowners with old homes are always encouraged to confirm the wiring they have.

You can identify cloth covered wiring easily at a glance. You can also lookout for a knob-and-tube wiring system that may indicate cloth-covered wiring. For even easier identification, here are some common brands of cloth covered wiring. You can inspect the wires to see the brand name;

Essex
Cablex
Cres-flex
Dutrax
Kflex
Narax
Roflex/Romex
Ammcoflex
Hatflex
Triangle PWC
Southwire

The risks of cloth covered wiring.

Prone to damage and wear and tear.

As expected with cloth material, cloth covered wiring can be chewed on by rodents and even damaged by insects. This can lead to exposure of the wire and electrical arcing, which is dangerous. Cloth wiring is also prone to wear and tear due to brittleness. The longer the wear and tear go on, the more the wires within are exposed. This then poses the risk of electrical fires due to electrical arcing.

Insufficient insulation in modern times.

Proper insulation is vital to prevent heat from building up in the wires and creating a fire hazard. Cloth covered wiring is not effective at providing proper insulation. In modern homes especially, this lack of proper insulation can be dangerous.

No grounding

Cloth covered wiring alongside the knob-and-tube system lack safety features like grounding. While this doesn’t make the wiring unsafe to use, it means there is no ground protection for your appliances against power surges.

With cloth wrapped electrical wiring being outdated, not up to recent codes and standard, and posing risks, it’s right to worry about them in your home. Some cloth covered wiring may be in good condition and reasonably safe, but only a professional electrician can determine that. If you live in an old home or suspect you have cloth covered wiring, contact a licensed electrician for an inspection.

The best solution to unsafe cloth covered wiring is rewiring the home to standard.

What To Do If You Hear Electrical Humming Sound In Wall?

Posted on July 7, 2020 | by K Hopkins

humming No one likes to experience mysteries in their own home. When it comes to hearing a humming sound, it can be both confusing and even as terrifying as a scene from a horror movie.

Humming sounds can almost seem like they are coming from everywhere in the walls or nowhere in particular. But the fact is, if you have heard an electrical humming sound more than once, then it’s likely there and some electrical component is to blame.

We will discuss some possible causes of an electrical humming sound in the walls and what you can do about them. It’s also important to know that in most cases the electrical humming sound can be a warning sign of other problems.

Mains Hum

The mains hum is either a humming or buzzing sound made by electrical wiring or equipment. The sounds occur at 60 hertz (for humming) and 120-180 hertz (for buzzing sounds). They are common with large appliances built with a motor. A good example is a refrigerator. Also, a magnetic field from outside the home can create and increase a mains hum in your audio systems. A mains hum is normal and harmless unless the hum becomes a loud buzzing sound. When this happens, you should contact your electrical technician.

Circuit Breaker

There are a few reasons why a circuit breaker may cause a humming or buzzing sound in your electric system. These include an overload of current. When a circuit breaker conducts more electricity than it can normally handle, it should shut off. When it fails to automatically shut off the current overload develops an audible buzzing sound. The solution is to turn off the electricity to your home and replace the breaker. Improper or incorrect wiring to a circuit breaker can also lead to buzzing sounds.

Wiring Problems

If your electrical wiring is the source of the electrical hum within the walls, it could be from a wide range of causes. Only an electrical technician can inspect this and point out the specific source of the buzzing sound. An example of sources of buzzing sounds due to wiring problems are improperly grounded wires.

Light Fixtures

A light fixture can make a humming or buzzing sound if the bulb is faulty or being used on a dimmer. Sometimes the fixture type is also to blame. Fluorescent light fixtures are also known for often making humming sounds. You can fix this problem by changing the bulb or fixture. If the sound persists, then call an expert to fix the problem.

Since a humming sound could be an indicator of other issues in your electrical system, it’s best to call an electrician when you notice these sounds. The electrician can better identify where your electrical hum is coming from and why. They can also fix the problem.

Avoid taking up fixing the electrical hum in the walls as a DIY project to avoid accidents or harm to life and property,

Where To Turn For Electrical Advice in Los Angeles?

Posted on July 5, 2020 | by K Hopkins

electrician los angeles We all use and love electricity. It keeps us warm, gives us access to entertainment, preserves our food, cooks our food, heats our water, upgrades our security, and so on. The uses and comforts of electricity are endless, but there are just as many risks involved.

More often than you would like, electrical issues might come up in the home or commercial building. These issues may require a professional electrician or could be easily managed by you. It’s also possible to avoid them by taking precautions. Regardless of how your electrical issues should be handled, it’s clear that you would always need a reliable source of electrical advice in Los Angeles.

Naturally, it’s best to turn to a professional electrician for electrical advice. The obvious reason for this is that a professional and licensed electrician is fully equipped and knowledgeable to provide accurate and effective advice.

Anyone else such as a friend who knows as little as you do about electricity is not a reliable source of electrical advice. The wrong information or approach to your home electricity can compromise the safety of lives and property.

The Electric Connection is a reputable electrical company that has served Los Angeles for decades. We make it easy for you to get the electrical advice you need with free of charge consultations via calls.

Our experts are always available to give you the advice you need and even over the phone quotes if a professional electrician is needed to solve the problem.

All electrical technicians with The Electric Connection are trained, licensed, insured, customer-oriented, and courteous. You can count on us for electrical advice in Los Angeles.

Here are some tips to maximize electrical safety in your home.

Avoid overloading your outlets. Each outlet in your home is designed to provide a specific amount of electricity, and plugging too many devices at once can lead to a fire or damage to appliances. Use an energy-saving power strip if you have a few things to plug in at once.
Extension cords can be helpful but can also become a safety hazard when used wrongly. Do not run extension cords through the house as that could lead to accidents in the home. If you discover you use or need extension cords often, contact a professional electrician to install more outlets in your home.
Repair or replace any damaged electrical outlet or component in the home. Don’t push aside any electrical component displaying faults or warning signs such as burning smells, fraying, cracking, and so on. Reach out for electrical advice or a service call.
Unplug appliances when not in use. This saves you money on the electric bill and prevents accidents.
Always read the instructions for every appliance or electrical component before use.
Keep electrical appliances out of reach of kids and teach those old enough to understand the proper way to use them.

For more tips or free electrical advice, see our regular posts and articles.

Wiring For the Future: Audio & Video

Posted on July 2, 2020 | by K Hopkins

For your home wiring system, there is such a thing as pre-wiring or wiring for the future. This simply means applying pre-wiring tips that may become vital in the future for adding categories like audio, video, home security, network & Wifi, cable, satellite, and internet.

In many cases, homeowners who install home wiring themselves or the technicians they hire neglect pre-wiring for the future and this can cause difficulty later on. Pre-wiring is important to do the heavy lifting in your home whenever you need it.

Here are some tips on how to hire a house for the future. If you won’t be carrying out the project, these tips let you know what to look out for with your electrical contractor.

Cover any exposed wiring

In wiring a house, most professional technicians aim to make the system smooth and neat. If you are lucky enough to have this professional approach, that’s great. But with or without this, you can take an extra step to cover any exposed wiring in your home wiring system. Wrap the wiring in plastic bags and hold them firm with a tape. This protects your wiring as other contractors work around the home.

Use low voltage boxes when you can

Although high voltage boxes seem more popular, low voltage boxes are ideal for installing volume controls or when you need to run HDMI cables. They are a more convenient option and suitable for AV wall plates. You should install them where possible.

Install a speaker wire

Good sound is a thing of excitement for homeowners. Audio or speaker systems can be installed in the future easily and affordably by running 4-conductor speaker wire. A 4-conductor wire differs from a 2-conductor wire as it has four separate wires that give you room for up to two speakers. Besides running this wire for whole-house speaker systems, you can keep volume controls in mind too.

Have backup

For modern home theaters, HDMI is the standard connection often used. However, some not so pleasant experiences can show you that it’s always best to have a backup. An HDMI house wiring for the future can come up with issues like not working and that just defeats the whole aim of pre-wiring. The solution is to run two CAT6 cables along with the HDMI cables as a backup for future use.

Install conduits

Cable conduits are not the same as electrical conduits and they often come in handy for running speaker wires, network cables, and cable wires. Install conduits during construction and terminate them into junction boxes. Cover them with faceplates and that’s the end of that until they are needed.

How about going wireless?

There’s nothing wrong with a plan to go wireless in the future. While this is great, wired connections are often faster and suitable for high-traffic applications. To ensure you can enjoy the speed of wired connections and use of applications like Ultra HD use wired connections such as CAT6 or Category 5e for your future proof home wiring.

What Size Breaker Does a Tesla Need?

Posted on May 23, 2020 | by K Hopkins

tesla charger Having an electric car is great and very much a trendy decision. When you have the EV of your choice parked in your garage, the most important question that follows is what size breaker does a Tesla need. Your electric car may save on fuel but it needs electric power to work, and this starts with a suitable breaker size.

The most efficient charging option is a level two charge and this usually requires up to 50 amps circuit. Your electrician can provide an estimate for installing this, but there’s a high possibility it will involve upgrading your electrical service panel. Older homes often carry a 100 amps breaker, which may be sufficient for the average homeowner who has very few power-demanding appliances. Hence, a Tesla charger just won’t fit and an upgrade to a 200 amp panel would be necessary. Also, the electrician will have to run a line of 40 or 50 amps to the charging spot.

If you already have a 200 amp service all that is left is to install the new circuit and run a line to the spot the charger will be used.

While this is an ideal option, not everyone can handle the cost or hassle of a new service panel. When this happens, there are still ways around it to ensure you can get the charge you need. A level one charger is a basic part of every Tesla and it can be plugged into any dedicated outlet. This outlet can deliver on 12amps of power and that translates to 40 miles during an overnight charging session. If this isn’t sufficient for you, you may consider charging at work or in public places. However, if you need about 100 miles or more, you may have to use the ideal solution of upgrading your panel and using a level 2 charge.

There’s also an option known as the slow level two charge which allows you to use the 30 amp plug used for appliances like the dryer. This allows the car to charge at 24 amps overnight. Bear in mind that the average Tesla can’t take over 32 amps, which is a 40 amps circuit in the first place. The 24 amps will give between 17-22 mph on Tesla models.

To make this work conveniently you can switch to a natural gas dryer. Yes, it will cost you, but the price might be more comfortable than a service panel upgrade. This way you can conveniently use that 30 amp plug for your Tesla.

If you can’t decide on what’s best, reach out to us for further consultation. Our professional and experienced Los Angeles electricians will help you with the most suitable options.

What Does Overlamping Mean?

Posted on May 15, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Overlamping is one of those words you might find strange as a homeowner. But it’s really just a term for describing a common electrical occurrence. Overlamping means fitting a lower-wattage fixture with a light bulb that has a much higher-wattage.

An example of overlamping is placing a 100-watt light bulb on a 60-watt fixture. The implication of this is that the wires connected to the fixture can melt and lead to an electrical fire.

The danger of overlamping

When it comes to electricity there are several do’s and don’ts that help to secure your electrical safety. Overlamping is one of those things you shouldn’t do. When the wiring and socket insulation overheats and melts, it increases the probability of electrical arcs. Electrical arcs are sparks that jump in the air from one wire to another. The electrical arcs, in turn, cause electrical discharge which finally leads to house fires. If you stop the fire from happening or pull out the bulb, the damage will still be done, and the entire setup will need a replacement.

How to find the recommended wattage

The recommended wattage on every light fixture shows the amount of power the fixture is designed to take. Modern fixtures often disclose this wattage. Some use NMB or NM indicated on the jacket of the wire. The letter B, in NMB, tells you that the cable is rated to handle the maximum temperature of 194 degrees Fahrenheit. While NM shows that the maximum temperature the cable is rated for is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In simpler terms, NMB rated fixtures can accommodate higher wattage bulbs.

Older fixtures hardly indicate the recommended wattage. In this situation, it’s better to stick with the average 60-watt bulbs or even lower.

How can you fix overlamping

When overlamping occurs and you stop the implications of a fire early enough, shut off the power to that fixture or area of the home and call an electrician. Our electrical technicians at The Electric Connection will arrive on time and provide a quality replacement service.

Electrical Panel Questions & Answers

Posted on May 9, 2020 | by K Hopkins

The electrical panel can be a confusing subject for many homeowners. That grey metal box determines how electricity flows in your home and the capacity of your electrical system. Here are some questions and answers to help you know your panel more and explore the mystery around it.

Can I install an electrical panel in the bathroom?

The short answer to this is no. When installing electrical conductors or equipment, you must consider the environment they will be used in. For example, electrical conductors to be used in a damp environment must be marked for that. And to install a panel in a bathroom, all the electrical components have to be marked for indoor wet location. This is neither feasible nor economical. Hence, an electrical panel is always installed in a place it can be kept dry, protected, and minimize the quantity of electrical wiring needed to reach other locations in the home.

Should home surge protectors be installed in the main electrical panel?

Yes! Whole house surge protectors protect your appliances during power surges and help you avoid the hassle of having to replace them. In the upcoming 2020 NEC, there is a proposal that whole home surge protectors be installed with every new electrical panel installation; including replacements.

Is it mandatory for electrical panel circuit breakers to be labeled?

Yes, the electrical code requires that electric panel breakers circuits be labelled. This labeling is vital for the safe operation of the panel, especially when there is an emergency. The circuit breakers should be labeled in such a way that it is easy for anyone to tell what circuit serves where. There should also be a circuit directory on the inside of the panel door capable of enduring much wear and tear. The initial labeling of the circuit breakers takes only minutes.

What are the spacing rules for receptacle outlets on kitchen countertops?

For this to come into play, recall that you would often need to use an appliance on the countertop. Most appliances come with cords up to 24-inches or more. So, receptacle outlets are installed in a work space 12-inches or wider. They are installed in such a way that you can’t go over 24-inches along the wall line without reaching an outlet.

Can I use nonmetallic cable ties in an electrical panel?

Yes, this is a solid way to keep the electrical conductors neatly grouped and the installation looking professional.

Do I install a GFCI device in the panel or a receptacle?

When it comes to GFCI devices, the most common options today are GFCI receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers. Using a GFCI circuit breaker means everything connected to that branch circuit is protected and this would be an ideal option. However, for existing systems, using a GFCI circuit breaker might not work correctly. GFCI receptacles are preferable in such situations.

To know more about your panel or get an inspection for any electrical issues, connect with the Service Team at The Electric Connection.

Finding the Best Electrician in Los Angeles

Posted on May 3, 2020 | by K Hopkins

It may seem easy at first to find a local electrician near you, but you quickly realize how hard it really is once you begin your search. There are quick steps to follow to guide your search for the best electrician in Los Angeles. We have discussed each determining feature below.

Get a listNo one should encourage you to go for the first option you receive, except this option comes highly recommended. When trying to hire right, it’s possible to have a few options to make your research and come to a decision. The recommendation can be from colleagues, neighbors, family, and friends in the area.
Verify insurance and licenseWorking with an electrician who lacks a license and insurance is full of risks. Should any accidents happen, the costs will fall on you. Also, an electrician without a license hardly knows what he/she is doing. You can request the electricians you contact to show their valid license and insurance.
Vet reputationA Business’ reputation is everything. It is what gives you the confidence to let a stranger into your home or invest in their service. Ensure that electrician has reviews you can look over to get a good sense of their reputation. If possible, contact some past clients in Los Angeles to ask about their experience. Also, look through the company’s website or social media pages to inquire about them.
Check out the serviceIt’s vital never to make assumptions when working through how to choose an electrician near you. Be sure to ask for the services the electrical technician offers and fully describe your needs to be sure they can provide it.
Get an estimate and timelineAt this point, your list should be narrowed down to only very few names. Get an estimate on the cost of the job from these technicians and timeline. Be wary of electricians that seem to change the cost without warning or charge excessively. From the estimates, it’s possible to know what the average cost of your job is. Taking the cheapest bid in a hurry isn’t ideal either. You will have to weigh the factors of before to make a final choice. Also, a professional electrical contractor will complete the work in due time to allow you to return to your regular activities.

The Electric Connection has served Los Angeles for over three decades. We offer a wide range of electrical services, provide honest pricing, quality electrical services in Los Angeles, and free over the phone help. Check out our reviews and reach out for a timely response.

Do I Need An Electrician for a House Rewire in Los Angeles?

Posted on April 30, 2020 | by K Hopkins

electrician performing a house rewire House rewiring is a tough project. It is disruptive and demanding of funds and electrical experience. The answer to if you need an electrician for a house rewire is yes.

An electrician is the technician that determines whether you need a house rewire. But after this, many homeowners prefer to consider making a house rewire a DIY project. It’s only possible to do this if you have the knowledge and experience with electrical service.

Read on as we discuss the reasons why you need an electrician for a house rewire and other tips like the steps to take to rewire your home with or without an electrical technician.

Why you need an electrician for a house rewire

Statistics show that the average American homeowner has 9 unfinished projects on their to-do list. 55% of these homeowners will attempt to DIY the projects and only 31% of these end successfully.

While DIY culture is booming, it’s important to remember that there are several factors involved in projects like a home rewire. For example, safety precautions, appropriate materials, building codes, permits, and more.

DIY is risky in many ways. It’s risky to your health and life as well as that of others and your property. Electrical work is dangerous business and without the right precautions, experience, or knowledge shocks, electrocution, and even fires can occur.

Most electrical projects like a home rewire usually require permits that ensure safety protocols and codes are being followed. Performing such electrical work without a permit is against the law and comes with legal consequences. Also, if someone in the home should get hurt from such improper work, you could be persecuted.

Hiring a professional electrician for a home rewire guarantees your electrical safety and efficiency. It is also cheaper and compliant in the long run.

Tips for safely rewiring your house

Find out if you need to get a permit and do so.
Carry out an inventory to know the materials you need for the project.
Consider any additions you would like.
Create a plan that shows what will be done and when it will be completed, especially when working with an electrician.
Avoid damaging the existing infrastructure.
Hire an electrician familiar with working on older or existing buildings.

Stages of a house rewire

A house rewiring project usually takes two distinct stages. The first stage involves the circuits, wiring, cabling, and back boxes replacement.

The second stage involves light fittings, faceplates, and sockets installation.

How often should you rewire your home?

Unlike regular repairs and replacements, a house rewire is hardly needed often. There is no specific timeframe for rewiring you home as electrical systems have a life span that depends on factors like use. If your home is over 25 years old or up to, it will benefit from a rewiring project or updating. You should carry out electrical inspections every 10 years if you are a homeowner or every 5 years if you are a landlord to ensure electrical safety and efficiency.

If you think you may need a rewire in Los Angeles, call our office and we can send one out to assist your situation. Your Los Angeles electricians are standing by waiting to help!