Category: Tips & Tricks

An Electrician in Pasadena Explains Ohm’s Law

Posted on | by K Hopkins

There are many “laws” or rules when it comes to electricity. While most people will still need to call an electrician Pasadena for major electrical problems, it is still nice to understand the basics so you know what is happening with your electrical devices when you plug them in or flip the switch to the on position. One of these so-called laws is “Ohm’s Law.” Learn more about how it works with your appliances.

First, you must understand that for electricity to work, it must complete a circuit (loop). Generally, these circuits are controlled by copper wire because it has a very low resistance and carries the current with ease. The amount of current flow is decided by the amount of resistance in the circuit. If the resistance is high, then the current will be low. For the current to be high, the resistance must be low (such as it is with copper wire.) This is the basis for Ohm’s Law.

While it may seem like having a higher current would be better, this is not always true. Too much current can be dangerous. For household circuits, it is normally best to keep the current under 20 amperes. More than that will pop the circuit breaker. When your circuit breaker pops, that is keeping you and your family safe from having too much current flow through the devices in your home.

Ohm’s Law may not be something that you need to understand in depth, but having this basic knowledge will make it easier to know what is going on behind the scenes of your electronics. If you have questions about the electricity in your home, or you need help figuring out your circuits and circuit breakers, call Electric Connect, your number one choice for an electrician in Pasadena. The experts at Electric Connection are here to help you every step of the way.

An Electrician in Burbank Discusses Your New Home Purchase

Posted on | by K Hopkins

When you are shopping for a new home, you have a lot of things on your mind. You want to find the perfect place to live, in a great neighborhood and you do not want to break your budget. However, there is one other thing you want to keep in mind—the electrical system. While you will have a home inspector check the house and he will check the basic electrical system as part of the whole house survey, it is good to make a few basic checks yourself too. You can call an electrician Burbank from Electric Connection to help you. However, if you want to check some things yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Check that all wires are neatly bundled and squared as they enter the connection points. This will show you how careful the original electrician was.
  • Make sure that all circuit breakers only have one wire entering the terminal. This is what the NEC requires to maintain proper code.
  • Check for a neatly written or printed list of circuits inside the cover.
  • Go into the attic and make certain all electrical work up there is neat and seems safe.
  • For older homes, make sure that all receptacles are grounded, requiring a three prong plug. You can find a test kit for this at Home Depot or a similar store.
  • Make certain all ceiling fans are installed properly. This is a do-it-yourself project many people take on that can sometimes go awry.
  • Check outside receptacles for a waterproof cover and test these outlets as well.

These are just a few of the things that you need to keep in mind as far as the electrical system in a home you are considering purchasing. Remember, if you ever have questions or concerns during the process, call your electrician in Burbank—Electric Connection.

Tools Necessary for an Electrician Beverly Hills Do-it-Yourself Project

Posted on | by K Hopkins

It gives you a good feeling to take on do it yourself projects. You are saving money, and it is nice to know that you have a direct part in helping your home look its best and stay in good repair. While you may not want to take on large electrical projects—for those you would call your electrician Beverly Hills, Electric Connection—you can learn to handle the smaller, simpler electricity-related jobs yourself. If you plan to take on these jobs, it is important that you have a good understanding of the process and that you have the right tools to get the job done right. Consider adding these tools to your toolbox, if you plan to take on any electrical jobs.

Basic Hand Tools

  • Selection of screwdrivers
  • Nut driver
  • Hex key set
  • Assorted Pliers
  • Adjustable and crescent wrench
  • Hacksaw
  • Wire strippers
  • Electrician’s Knife
  • Tin snips
  • Measuring Devices
  • Flashlight
  • Level

Power Tools

  • Cordless reciprocating saw
  • Power drill
  • Electric screwdriver

Testing Equipment

  • Power tester
  • Volt amp meter

Safety Equipment

  • Safety goggles
  • Rubber insulating gloves
  • First aid kit

As you can see, there are a lot of tools that are necessary for completing an electrical job. In many cases, it is actually more affordable, and certainly more convenient, to call an electrician in Beverly Hills. If you are unsure who to call, consider utilizing the services of the skilled electricians at Electric Connection. Our technicians are all properly certified and understand what it takes to get the job done right. There is no need to risk your safety or the electrical items in your home by taking on a job that you are not comfortable with completing. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call and we will be happy to help you in any way we possibly can.

Advice from an Electrician in Glendale – Lowering Electric Bills

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Spring has sprung. This means more days where it gets a little warm and you may need some air conditioning—but not so warm that you can count on turning off the heater for the year though. While your utility bills may be a bit lower in springtime than in other times of the year, it is still a concern. One of the best ways you can keep those utility bills even lower is by sealing your home against temperature loss. This does not cost much and is something you can do yourself—though a Glendale electrician may be able to provide advice if you find yourself with questions.

Sealing your home is one of the most effective means of keeping down energy consumption—this not only lowers your utility bills, it can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels too. Consider these tips as a great place to get started:

  • Weatherstrip all exterior doors. This helps reduce air leaks. Air leak is a problem even if the door looks like it fits tight. Did you realize that a 1/8 of an inch crack around all four sides of an average door allows as much air in as a 5 x 6 hole in the middle of the door?
  • Weatherstrip the garage door as well. These often leak even worse.
  • Plastic sheeting on your single pane windows will keep the temperature more consistent inside your home.
  • Check your basement and attic for holes you may not know about. Sometimes these are caused by wildlife. These are prime areas for leaks and the change in temperature that occurs in the basement or attic can affect the temperature of your whole house.
  • Talk to an electrician in Glendale, such as The Electric Connection, about other steps you can take to reduce leaks and lower your electric bill. The amount you save can be significant!

Electrician Santa Monica Gives Tips To Prepare For a Power Outage

Posted on | by K Hopkins

No matter why it happens, it is annoying. The power does go out on occasion and while you may want to contact an electrician in Santa Monica like Electric Connection, you will have to spend some time without power. However, if you prepare ahead of time and keep these tips in mind, dealing with a loss of power will be just an annoyance, not a major issue.

  • Create an emergency kit – This can include items like a flashlight, radio and batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets and items to pass the time.
  • Prepare for your needs – If you need certain medication or rely on equipment for life-support, make certain you prepare ahead. You may even be able to contact your utility company and make sure your home is treated as a top priority in case of an outage.
  • Know a good water source – Think about things like ice that could melt, water hidden in a water heater or pipes in your and other places that you may not immediately think about.
  • Keep food safe – If the power goes out, try not to open the fridge or freezer if possible and the food will last longer. After the power comes back on, remember—when in doubt, throw it out.
  • Be cautious if you have a generator and do not run it in wet conditions. This will help you avoid electric shock.
  • Protect yourself from drastic temperatures. In cold weather avoid getting wet and in hot weather dress as cool as possible and stay out of the sun.
  • Know when to say when. You may not want to leave your home during a power outage, but if you are dealing with a long term outage, you may be safer and more comfortable in an emergency shelter.

As you can see, there are many ways you can prepare yourself for a power outage. One of the best is to talk with the experts at Electric Connection, the electrician Santa Monica residents rely on to help them during a power outage or for installation and repairs.

Electrical Maintenance Technician and Electrician in Burbank – What is the Difference?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

You may hear the terms electrician and electrical maintenance technician and think they are the exact same position. While they do complete many of the same tasks, there is a difference. When you are searching for the best electrician Burbank has to offer, you want to understand this difference so you can make the right decision. Learn more about how an electrician and electrical maintenance technician position varies and you will be ready to make the right hire for your electrical project.

Job Differences

An electrician in Burbank is who you would call to install wiring, make electrical repairs and deal with power systems in residential and commercial properties. These experts understand wiring blueprints and can also help connect circuit breakers and transformers. An electrical maintenance technician also works with electricity, but in less complex forms. For instance one of these technicians may handle preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repair simple switches.

Education

An electrician must complete an apprenticeship program that offers both classroom courses and extensive on the job training. He or she must also obtain proper licensing from the state or county, ensuring that all proper procedures are followed. In many cases an electrical maintenance technician will learn skills with a certification course or on the job training.

Pay and Growth

Those with electrical skills are lucky to have a bright future. Both positions are expected to grow at a rapid rate, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This same data does show the salary difference between the two positions. An electrical maintenance technician, on average, earns nearly $15,000 less per year than a licensed electrician does.

As you can see, there is a difference between the two positions. If you want a licensed and experienced electrician to tackle your electrical projects, call Electric Connection today and let one of our experts come complete your electrical project today.

Electrician Santa Monica – A Listing of Common Electrical Terms

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer who feels confident in most household chores, or you are clueless about most household tasks, it makes sense to learn the basics when it comes to electricity. While you will want to contact an electrician in Santa Monica (Click Here), such as one from The Electric Connection, for any direct electrical work, you can at least have a better idea about the basics and be able to have a conversation when the electrician Santa Monica comes out to take care of your electrical repairs or installation. Learning these basic electrican terms is a great way to broaden your understanding of electricity.

  • Alternating Current – Electric current that changes direction when a change in voltage occurs.
  • Ampere – A unit of electrical current.
  • Arcing – Current that passes through the air, using air like a wire.
  • Circuit Breaker – An automatic switch that safeguards the electrical circuit from damage.
  • Conductor – Anything that carries an electrical current.
  • Current – An electrical charge carried by flowing electrons over a conductor.
  • Direct Current – Electrical charge that flows in a constant direction.
  • Fuse – A protection devise that interrupts current to a circuit.
  • Ground – A safe way to run current between a device to the earth.
  • GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) – A device that detects excess current and stops the flow of electricity.
  • Insulation – A material that shields wires and cables due to the fact it is not good at conducting.
  • Junction Box – A plastic or metal container that houses electrical connections.
  • NEC (National Electric Code) – U.S. standard for installing wires and equipment in a safe manner.
  • Outlet – A point where an appliance gets its connection to the circuit.
  • Power – Electricity measured in watts or kilowatts.
  • Transformer – an  electronic device that converts electric voltage to another voltage or current
  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories) – A non-profit organization that tests electronic devices for safety.
  • Voltage – A way of measuring how much energy is behind electricity.

Electrican in Pasadena Gives Tips to Save Energy During Computer Use

Posted on | by K Hopkins

One of the biggest energy hogs in your home or office is the computer and the peripherals attached to it. Luckily, there are many ways that you can save energy in your daily life by just making a few simple changes. If you are interested in more extreme changes, contacting The Electric Connection, your best resource for an electrician Pasadena knows and trusts, may be the best step. However, for now, next time you are using your computer, consider these simple tips to reduce your electric usage. (Read More)

  • Turn off your monitor if you will not be using the computer for 20 minutes or more.
  • Turn off the computer system itself if you will not be using the computer for 2 hours or longer.
  • Attach the monitor, printer and system itself to a power strip. Then, if you are not using the system for a long period of time, you can shut the entire strip down and prevent them from using power even when shut off.
  • Remember that turning off your equipment not only save the electricity the equipment uses itself, but it also reduces your home cooling costs because PC’s put off a large amount of heat.
  • Using the computer’s sleep mode or power management feature can make a big difference. ENERGY STAR estimates that using these features regularly on your computer can save you up to $50 a year on electric bills.
  • Do not confuse a screen saver with an energy saver. Screen savers may actually use more energy than not using one and power-down features do not always work hen you have a screen saver activated.

As you can see, these are very simple ways that you can save electricity and save money. Talk with an electrician in Pasadena from The Electric Connection and find out if there are other things you can do to save on your bill each month.

Glendale Electrician – Fun Facts About Electricity

Posted on | by K Hopkins | 2 Comments on Glendale Electrician – Fun Facts About Electricity

It seems like nearly everything operates on electricity today. All the modern conveniences and necessities that drive the world rely on electricity to keep them going. While we take for granted that when we plug in our television, for instance, it will power on and allow us to watch our favorite shows, there is actually a lot going on behind the scenes. While you will call a Glendale electrician, such as The Electric Connection, with any major problems, it is nice to understand the basic facts about the electricity you use on a daily basis— such as AC and DC current.

Facts about Electricity

  • Electricity travels at or near the speed of light. It would take less than two seconds for a light bulb to turn on if you had the switch on earth.
  • Nearly everyone knows that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb—he also opened the first electrical power plant just three years later.
  • Static electricity can create up to 3000 volts of power.
  • Nearly 70 people each year on average are killed by lightning strikes.
  • One lightning bolt creates enough electricity to service 200,000 homes.
  • The two types of electricity are static electricity and current electricity.
  • Electrical current is measured by an ampere , better known as an amp.
  • The earliest recorded notation of electricity occurred in the time of the ancient Egyptians—well before Benjamin Franklin’s experiments.
  • Speaking of Benjamin Franklin, he may not have discovered electricity, but he did prove the lightning is a form of electrical energy.

These fun facts barely scratch the surface of the information out there when it comes to electricity and other forms of power. If you have more in-depth questions, search for electrician Glendale by visiting The Electric Connection’s website at ElectricConnection.com or getting in touch with us today.

Burbank Electrician – AC / DC What’s The Difference?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Almost everything that we use on a daily basis operates on electricity. Every modern convenience that we have become used to relies on this fundamental utility. Without having a constant and reliable supply of this incredible technology, the world as we know it would grind to a screeching halt. In order to provide this powerful utility to our devices, two different forms of electricity have arisen: AC and DC.

AC means alternating current. This is the type of electricity that is used most frequently in devices that require a lot of power to operate. DC means Direct Current. It is most frequently found in devices that do not require a large amount of electricity to operate.

What’s The Difference?

DC was the original form of electricity that was generated by Thomas Edison. This form of electricity will send its current in a single direction only. This forms a direct loop. In most cases, DC current is only used in devices that use batteries. This means that any device that you have in your home that uses batteries operates on a DC system. When we charge these batteries, they transform the AC current from your wall into DC current.

AC power is the most common type of electricity, and is the form that your electrician in Burbank works with most frequently. The way that alternating current has been designed, it can move in both directions at the same time. This means that current will be present at every single point on the grid at any given time. If you use electricity from the power grid, then you plug into AC current every single day.

While you may not always think about it, having this reliable AC current is paramount to our everyday lives. For any further questions, or for help with any electrical issues that you have, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a technician at The Electric Connection. We also have a variety of additional resources available in our website at www.theelectricconnection.com.