Category: Wiring

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.

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.

Need Your House Rewired? Check These Signs

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

house rewire signs, outlet fireHow important is it really to make sure your house has adequate wiring? In the United States, fire departments across the country respond to over 25,000 home electrical fires every year. The U.S. Fire Administration has reported that these fires have caused 28- deaths, 1,125 injuries, and over $1 billion in property loss and damage.

The major cause in these house fires? Improperly installed outlets and receptacles, interior home wiring, and other miscellaneous home wirings.

These numbers may seem staggering, but there are simple steps to prevent your home from being another statistic. Schedule an appointment for a professional electrician to visit your home to check out the wiring. It may seem like a big expense to have your home completely rewired with a new panel installed, but considering the alternatives, it’s better to play it safe than sorry.

Fortunately, there are warning signs telling you if you need a house rewire. Your electrical system will often show you in advance that things are wrong. Below we have included a list of the signs to look out for.

  • Frequently blow fuses or breakers tripping
  • Overloaded electrical panel
  • Lights flickering or dimming randomly
  • Discolored or hot to touch switch plates, cords, or plugs
  • Frequently burned out light bulbs
  • Strange noises, such as sizzling or buzzing
  • Strange smells, such as a burning smell
  • Sparks when plugging things into outlets
  • Loose outlets
  • Insulation that is cracked or cut
  • Shocks when touching a cord

Other than warning signs, there are other situations that may call for a house rewire. It’s a good idea to have an electrician come out to check on your electrical system every few years. If your home is older than 40 years old or you have had any major renovations or remodels, you may need to have a new panel upgrade to support the use. Below are some other situations you may need a rewire.

  • Relying on extension cords to supply power
  • The use of ungrounded, two-prong outlets
  • The presence of aluminum wiring

Even if you are not experiencing any of these warning signs or solutions, an electrician can give you more details on the state of your electrical system in your home. If you haven’t had it checked in a while, be safe and call an electrician today.

The Electric Connection has been providing the Los Angeles area with house rewires and panel upgrades for over 30 years. If you are experiencing any issues, please call us today!

Is Joining Two Extension Cords Illegal?

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

extension cord legalThe legalities of joining two extension cords vary state by state, most states it is legal to join two extension cords together. The important question to ask, though, is:

Is joining two extension cords safe?

In reality, nothing is really dangerous as long as the limitations of the cords are realized and they are plugged into the proper plug. Different cords and configurations will have different outcomes but in order to be completely safe, it is best to read as much as you can about the extension cords you have on hand.

It is important to use properly rated extension cords in any situations, especially if you are joining two together. Check the extension cord’s label for the wattage the cord can handle. If you can’t find any information, you might want to dispose of the cord as it might be very old. Make sure the two extension cords you want to use are the same rating. Be careful of the trip risk and everything should be fine.

It’s very easy to just plug in any extension cord into another one but this is not recommended. Cords can easily get overloaded as you are added on additional elements to the total power coming from the outlet. If you are to use an underrated extension cord there is a possibility for danger. Improper use on extension cords can lead to an excessive voltage drop which can cause overheating and fires. Be sure to check the wall for the temperature after 10 or 15 minutes of use. If it feels warm, you are nearing the maximum level for the cord and should not add any more devices.

To ensure you are properly using an extension cord, it might be best to just get one that is long enough to reach whatever you are trying power up. This way you won’t have to worry about finding the ones with the correct amperage to work together. You will also reduce the chances of tripping and unplugging one from the other.

Also, be sure you are using the extension cord with recommended devices. Never user an extension cord to power the following items:

  • Welders
  • Hot Water Heaters
  • Air Conditioner
  • Refrigerator

If you are unsure if you have the correct extension cords, please contact an electrician who can help you out. A professional electrician can give you more information and advice about extension cords and the possibility of just adding more outlets in your home. Additional outlets can bring power to the places you need them most and remove the risk caused by adding too many extension cords and power strips. If you are unsure, be safe and ask an electrician first.

The Electric Connection is proud to serve the Los Angeles area. We have been in business for over 30 years and have over 100 positive reviews. If you need electrical advice or services, please contact us today.

Dangers of Ignoring a House Rewire

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electrician installing new wiringHow dangerous is it, exactly, to ignore a house rewire for just another year? Will the old wiring in your home cause any damages if left alone? Fires and electrical shocks are always a concern when it comes to the electrical system in an older home. That’s why it’s important to not put off a house rewire if one is recommended by a professional electrician.

It’s hard to imagine the devastation of a house fire unless you’ve gone through one. It could easily be prevented by having an electrician inspect the wiring in your home to see if a house rewire is necessary.

Since the wiring is out of sight, it’s easy to overlook it and push it out of your mind. Other than simply just having an older home, what sort of warning signs should you look out for?

Knob and Tube Wiring

Older homes were built with a wiring technique called knob and tube. This old-fashioned system uses copper conductors supported by knob insulators passed through porcelain tubes. Knob and tube wiring is single-insulated and can be compromised if not meticulously kept up with.

Older Insulation

In addition to being used with knob and tube wiring, insulation can cause issues with other types of wiring. Wiring can and will deteriorate and when it does it can leave exposed wires. If these wires come into contact with the insulation in your walls, you could have a pretty messy situation on your hands.

Haphazard Modifying of Wiring

A lot of people think they can tackle the troubleshooting of their electrical systems by themselves. DIYers can often cause more problems than they fix which is why all things electrical should be left up to the professionals.

Lower Amperage

Today’s technology is more advanced than ever so if your home still relies on a low amperage panel, it might not be up to date. If you notice a lot of breakers tripping, it might mean you are putting too much strain on your electrical panel.

What should you do if you think you need a house rewire? Call an electrician to come out and assess your situation. They might even be able to help over the phone. Often a house rewire consultation will be free of charge since it’s such a large job. Be sure to check reviews of any electricians you find to see if they can perform your job. They should be able to also help with any permitting that is required.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been rewiring homes in the area for over 30 years. Our teams of electricians are all licensed, insured, and bonded, bringing you the best electrical services in the area. If you think you might need a house rewire, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

10 Tips For House Rewires for Older Homes

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

rewire older homeOlder homes are usually the ones that benefit the most from a whole house rewire. This is due to the fact that the electrical systems found in old homes are not up to date with modern technology and might not be able to handle to loads that are thrown at them. With today’s new appliances, gadgets, and tech, more and more pressure is put on a home’s electrical system.

Computers, 3D televisions, newer refrigerators – these weren’t around when historically homes were built and wired. Upgrading an older home’s electrical system is definitely a task one must take on to bring it up to date. It’s important to do an electrical system update with care to not damage an older, historically home or building.

How can an older home be rewired while still keeping the history intact? Below are some tips that will ensure your home will still feel the same after a rewire. These tips will help reduce the number of holes in the floors, ceilings or walls and make the whole process of a house rewire a little more smooth.

1. Create a list of everything you’ll be using in your home that requires electricity. Call this an “electrical inventory”. Make sure to list where you will be using these items as well. This will help to match your electrical system with your electrical needs. When you make a list of items and where you’ll be using them, you’ll help the electrician with the framework of the job.

2. Check with your city about local codes and pull the necessary permits. Electrical code will tell you how many outlets you can put in each room as well as what kind of wiring you need. An electrician may be able to help you with this.

3. Now is the time to decide if you are okay with just running the electrical wiring or if you should run other things such as data or security. With modern wiring, you get more than just electricity. Keep in mind too that wireless systems are getting more cheaper as well as become more sophisticated.

4. Use the list you created in step one to set a plan of action. This will help your electrician greatly. Take stock and decide what you want to be done, how you want it done, and when it should be completed.

5. Make sure to keep an eye out for existing infrastructure. Check it twice and drill once. Avoid any plumbing or existing wiring in your home to prevent damage.

6. Be sure to get everything in writing. From the city officials all the way to your electrician, get everything you talk about in writing so the job gets finished and finished correctly.

7. Find a good electrician. A good electrician will know what they’re doing when it comes to a house rewire for an older home. It may be a more difficult job, but finding the right electrician for your house rewire is very important.

8. Be sure to remember the cleanup process. A house rewire can be a messy job. Including the demolition and reconstruction process in your plans is very important in order to scope out the whole job.

9. When you are adding an outlet in an area that is going to get a lot of use or a large appliance is going to be there – such as a refrigerator – be sure to use a dedicated circuit. This is where the wire run right from the circuit breaker to the outlet and it is not shared with any other items. This will help to reduce the load on the electrical system and will stop tripping from happening.

10. Keep the feel of your historic home be integrating plates and switches that match the feel of your home. There are many places that will supply hardware to match your home’s atmosphere.

These are just ten tips to keep in mind when rewiring your older home. An electrician can better prepare you for the job when the time comes. If you have any questions, you can reach out to a local electrician to get answers.

The Electric Connection has been supplying the Los Angeles area with electrical support for over 30 years. House rewires and panel upgrades are our specialty. If you think your older home needs a house rewire, please give us a call at (818) 446-0888.

Purchasing Your Next Extension Cord

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

purchasing an extension cordWhether you’re at home or work – it doesn’t matter – we all find ourselves facing the problem of being too far away from an electrical outlet. You may want to charge your phone while using it while sitting on the couch, but the nearest outlet is across the room.

This is usually due to the fact that when houses are constructed, the crew is only thinking about making them large and spacious to allow it to be filled up with furniture and appliances. In the process, the addition of additional outlets is forgotten which creates a great inconvenience.

Many of our devices are portable, which means the cords used to charge them can be very short. Luckily there is a solution: extension cords.

Extension cords are the savior to electrical gadgets and devices when it comes time to charge. These cords allow for a smooth and uninterrupted distribution of power even when an electrical outlet is far away from where we need it to be.

It can also be very helpful when one or more electrical appliance needs to be used in the same room. Extension cords can supply power to all your devices so you can watch TV, use your computer, and play a DVD all at the same time.

At work, when you are giving a presentation, you can find an extension cord helpful as it connects the mic, computer, and protector to a power source. It’s very easy to see how extension cords have quickly become a very important part of modern life.

When looking for your next extension cord, it’s important to determine what exactly you need out of it. There are many different factors in choosing an extension cord. You may need one for length or one to use with multiple devices. Be careful choosing an extension cord if you are looking to use it mainly outdoors – there are ones designed specifically for indoor or outdoor use. Extension cords also come in a variety of different colors as well as have features such as lights when power is running through.

In order to determine which extension cord is right for you, right down every time you have needed a power source but it was too far away or when you have needed an additional power source but all the existing outlets were occupied. This should help you determine what type of extension cord to buy.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been proud to serve the area for over 30 years. Our electricians are experts in the field and provide our customers with excellent advice and services. If you have any questions, please contact us at (818) 446-0888.

3 Ways to Prepare for House Rewire

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

open electrical panel with wires running to itRewiring a home can be stressful for many homeowners. It can be chaotic and many times seeing your home that messy may make you feel distraught. It’s best to find an electrician who can really emphasize with these feelings and help make you feel at ease with the whole process.

Many electricians know that homeowners do not look forward to this process even though it will help the integrity of their home. Electricians who keep the mess to a minimum and clean up after themselves are the ones to look for. But the mess is just one aspect of the process. How do you prepare for a house rewire on your own?

Below are three ways you can start to mentally prepare for a house rewire. These are also good questions to ask your electrician if you think you need a rewire but aren’t sure.

Figure out what actually needs to be rewired

It’s important to know what areas in your home need rewiring and which do not. It’s possible that you may only need a partial rewire. If this is the case, your electrician will inform you. An older home that has not been rewired will likely need a to be completely rewired. An electrician should be able to go through your home and let you know what needs to be done.

Figure out why you need a rewire

If you have a home that was built before the 1950s, there’s a good chance you need a rewire. This is due to the fact that anything built before 1950 used wiring that is now out of date. With the advancement of technology, our reliance on energy has grown. Older homes’ wiring simply cannot handle the strain we put on it. Upgrading your wiring will allow for a safer and more up to date home. There are many other signs you need a rewire, you can read about them here.

Figure out how much power your home needs

When you rewire your home there is usually a reason behind it. If you’re rewiring because you need additional power, this may be a good time to also upgrade your electrical panel. This will allow you to safely add more appliances without worrying about tripping the breakers.

If you think you need a rewire, it’s best to contact an electrician to find out. You may save a lot of money by having an electrician visit your home to assess your situation. A professional electrician will likely offer a free estimate to go over your house rewire.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing electrical services to Los Angeles and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Our team travels around Los Angeles every day performing troubleshooting service calls, house rewires, panel upgrades, EV charger installations, and more. Call us today to see what we can do for you.

Cost of House Rewire in Los Angeles

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electrician pulling wires through wallOne of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to any electrical job is “how much will this cost?” This is especially true with any major home electrical jobs. When you’re considering rewiring your entire home, this can be quite scary. Many of our customers pick up the phone and immediately ask, “what does a house rewire cost?” The question of cost is probably one of the first to pop into your mind and well as why rewire a house in the first place.

So, how much does a whole house rewire cost? This honestly depends on how large your home is and how much of it actually needs to be rewired. Depending on your location, for a 1,500 to 3,000 square foot home, you can be looking at anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000. When contacting electricians who specialize in house rewires, be sure to give them the size and age of your home. This will help them give you a more accurate estimate. Other aspects that go into determining the cost of a house rewire are access issues and any odd areas in your home. These two will cause the price to go up a bit more since it will be a harder job to complete.

What if you can’t afford to rewire your house?

If you can’t afford a complete house rewire, don’t fret – be sure that it is necessary first. Some houses only need partially rewired. This should help reduce costs. Make sure that you need any sort of rewire in the first place. The signs that are associated with a house rewire can also be associated with other things. You may need a new panel, outlets may be bad, light fixtures may have broken. Consult with an electrician before you take out a loan to make sure a house rewire is necessary.

House Rewire: What to expect?

When a house rewire is completed, all the old wiring will be removed and replaced with new, up to date wiring. This wiring is safer than that found in older homes as it doesn’t get hot when insulated.

There are various ways a house can be rewired. One way is by removing the walls and replacing the wiring behind them. The electrician will then repair the holes made in the walls. This can be very expensive and time-consuming.

Another way to replace the wiring is through basements or crawlspaces. This allows the electrician to replace the wiring without having to remove or cut up walls. Electricians can also use rods and a thin metal line to fish the wires through the walls without tearing them down. A small patch might be necessary but the walls will remain intact. These methods will also help reduce the cost of the job.

In order to get a more accurate cost for a whole house rewire, it’s best to call your electrician for an estimate. They should be able to provide you with an accurate estimate based on a few questions about your home.

The Electric Connection has technicians who excel at house rewires. Our electricians are licensed, bonded, and insured to provide you with the most quality electrical services around. Los Angeles residents and businesses owners can depend on The Electric Connection to get their jobs done with ease and efficiency. Call us today to get on the schedule!

House Rewire Warning Signs & Things to Consider

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles house rewireHow can you be sure that a house rewire is necessary? The wires in your house deliver the electricity throughout your entire home so you need to be sure that you get advice from the experts. Fortunately, there are few things you can check out before you call any electricians out to your house.

The first thing to consider is the age of your home and electrical panel. If your house is over 50 years old, there’s a good chance it needs to be rewired. At the very least you should have the wiring in your home inspected by a professional. Homes over 50 years old may contain knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. These types of wiring are outdated and can potentially pose extreme dangers.

Other warning signs that you may need a whole house electrical rewire include:

  • Circuit breakers that are tripping frequently
  • Blown fuses
  • A burning smell that won’t go away
  • Sizzling sounds without apparent sources
  • Outlets or switches that look discolored or charred

If you are noticing any of the signs above, it’s probably a good time to call your electrician to schedule an inspection. Many electricians are happy to provide customers with whole house rewire estimates. This can be a very large investment so it’s important to call around to find multiple estimates for the job.

It is fortunate, though, that rewiring a home is usually a once-in-a-generation expense when done right. It’s important to weigh the risks versus the expenses when considering this project. Improper or outdated wiring can cause many issues including fires so it’s a job that shouldn’t be put off too long. A report by the US Fire Administration states that from 2010 to 2014, 45,210 home structure fires involved electrical malfunctions or failure. Annually this led to 420 deaths and over 1,300 injuries. These fires also caused $1.4 billion in property damages.

House Rewire: Things to Consider

You might be thinking, ‘what is a full house rewire?’ Well, it’s much like it sounds. Rewiring a home involved removing as many of the old wires as possible to make room for wiring that is not only new but also up to date. Non-metallic wire, or Romex, is used because it is generally safe and easier to work with. It won’t get hot when it is surrounded by insulation.

The new wiring can be installed by tearing out walls to run the new wires and then sealing the new installation behind drywall. This can be very expensive and may take a bit of time to complete. The fewer walls that need cut the less the job will cost. If the wiring can be run through a crawlspace or attic this is ideal for keeping down the cost.

Another option electricians may choose is to take the wiring and fish it through the walls with rods and thin metal, called fish tape. This is usually used in older homes to keep up the integrity. Instead of tearing down walls, small holes are made and then patched up. Using this method helps preserve the plaster walls.

When a house is being rewired, it is almost always recommended to also upgrade your panel. Older homes generally have a smaller capacity panel but when you rewire your home you’re allowing for more conveniences which might put more strain on your panel. If your home has a 60 amp panel, it’s a good idea to update it to 100 amp. This will allow you to bring more comfort into your home without the worry of tripping circuits.

Whether you need a new light fixture installed or are getting your whole home rewired, choosing the right electrician is very important. Don’t just hire the cheapest person on the market – be sure to do research and get multiple bids from professionals. In the end, it will be worth it to know that your house rewire job was done safely and correctly.

You local electrician at The Electric Connection can perform whole house rewires with ease. Our technicians have the expertise and experience necessary to get the job done correctly and quickly. Click here to learn more about our house rewire services or give us a call at (818) 446-0888.