The Electric Connection’s Blog

When Light Fixtures go Bad by Pasadena Electrician

pasadena electricianIt is a real bummer when something around the house breaks and it isn’t an easy fix. Things like a broken toilet, busted pipe or anything to do with the electrical in the house require someone with knowledge and experience to fix the problem. Things that are necessary, like plumbing and light fixtures cannot be ignored. They are an intricate part of the way your home runs. If you have a light fixture that is not working or just isn’t working for your needs, give your Pasadena electrician a call. You can rely on The Electric Connection to send out a certified electrician to take care of the removal of the old fixture and installation of the new one.

Here are some signs a light fixture is not working as it should and needs to be replaced:

*Flickering lights or lights that randomly turn off and on are one sign. This could just be an indicator of loose wiring. In either situation, the fixture needs to be inspected and possibly replaced by an electrician in Pasadena.

*Light bulbs seem to be blowing at a much faster rate than they should.

*You put a brand new bulb in and it won’t light up, even after you have tested the bulb in a different fixture.

*You flip the switch and nothing happens. This is more likely a problem with the switch, but again, it is always best to have it checked out by an electrician. Pasadena homeowners can avoid serious problems simply by paying attention to electrical problem warning signs.

If you suspect you have a light fixture that is not working, it is time to do something about it. Light fixtures are relatively inexpensive. It is better to be safe than sorry. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your light fixture replacement.

Symptoms of a Bad Electric Panel by Glendale Electrician

glendale electricianElectrical problems in your home can be tough for the average person to diagnose. You only know the symptoms and not the cause. Some symptoms can indicate a whole slew of potential problems, making it difficult for you to determine what exactly is wrong. You could be dealing with a minor problem with an appliance that has nothing to do with your home’s electrical or it could be something far bigger. The best option is to rely on an electrician in Glendale to diagnose the problem. You can call the team at The Electric Connection to set up an appointment for an inspection. From there, one of the trained professionals can determine the exact cause and what is needed to fix the issue.

There are a few warning signs that can help point to a bad electric panel that will need to be upgraded or replaced by a Glendale electrician.

*Breakers seem to trip often and without any real cause. This could indicate a bad breaker or signify a much bigger problem happening within the electric panel.

*If you smell burning wires coming from the general area of the panel, you have a serious problem and need to call an electrician. Glendale homeowners will want to avoid using electricity in their home until the panel can be checked out.

*If a breaker is reset after tripping, but it trips again a few minutes later, it is likely a problem with the electric panel.

*A panel that is more than 20 years old should be inspected just to make sure it is still operating safely. There are some panels that have been proven to be dangerous. These were installed in the 80s and early 90s. Your Glendale electrician can tell you if your panel is one of the brands known to cause issues.

If you are simply not sure whether your electric panel is safe, call The Electric Connection for an inspection to determine if there is anything to be concerned about.

Out with the Old Electrical by Burbank Electrician

burbank electricianDid you know the electrical outlets and light switches in your home can go bad over time? They may not have any obvious signs of wear, other than some yellowing, but they can certainly become dangerous if not taken care of. Outlets and switches are easily overlooked in a home because they are so common. We take the fixtures for granted and tend to ignore them altogether, which can be extremely dangerous. We may be overlooking warning signs that indicate there is a fire hazard brewing or an electrical shock waiting to happen. An electrician in Burbank can change out your old outlets and switches to ensure your home is as safe as possible. You can rely on the team at The Electric Connection to get the job done right.

Homes that are older than 20 years or so are not likely equipped with the much safer GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bathroom areas. This should be a job at the top of your Burbank electrician‘s list. These outlets can help prevent an electric shock if an appliance happens to come in contact with water. A typical outlet would allow a short circuit, which could cause a fire or shock a person who was touching the appliance. The GFCI outlet will instantaneously cut power to the appliance the very second the circuit is interrupted, preventing a shock or a fire.

Light switches that are loose or feel warm to the touch should be replaced as well. Over the years of turning the switch off and on, the tiny wires that connect it to the main power can loosen. If you suspect this may be the case, have the switch inspected by an electrician. Burbank homeowners will feel much safer with updated outlets and light switches in their home. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your appointment.

Check off To-Do Lists with Los Angeles Electrician

electrician los angelesYour weekends are probably too short. It is a common problem many people have. So much to do with so little time. If you would like to spend a little less time worrying about that To-Do list you have at home and more time having fun with friends and family, you could use some help. Your list may include little things that have been slowly accumulating over the years. While some tasks, like fixing a loose cabinet or cleaning up the driveway cement, are relatively safe and easy, there are some tasks you should put onto a different list. Anything that has to do with electricity should be moved to a list you put together for your electrician. Los Angeles homeowners who want to free up some time and leave the electrical work to the experts can call the folks at The Electric Connection.

Things like taking care of that old light fixture that is not only outdated, but just isn’t working like it should is important. It can make your house look better and ensures you are not harboring a fire hazard. Maybe you have been struggling with an outlet shortage. Instead of putting up with the problem, call an electrician in Los Angeles to fix it for you. Adding additional outlets to a room can make your life easier and prevent the use of extension cords or those adapters that can easily be overloaded.

With all of the time you will be spending outdoors, you may appreciate having a few additional outlets placed in the patio and deck area. This allows you to charge your phone, plug in your sound system or even keep your laptop charged while enjoying the outdoors. This is another task you can count on your Los Angeles electrician to take care of for you. Spend more time enjoying your summer and less time worrying about how you will tackle some of those dangerous items on your To-Do list. Give The Electric Connection a call today and get your appointment scheduled.

Preparing for Thunderstorms by Electrician in Santa Monica

electrician santa monicaA thunderstorm is an exciting occurrence and people tend to flock to the windows or their covered patios to watch nature show off a bit. The roll of the thunder and the flash of the lightening is exciting and makes for some pretty spectacular pictures if you can catch one. While a thunderstorm is something many people look to with a great deal of anticipation, it is important you take some safety precautions as well. Your electrician in Santa Monica has a few tips to help keep you safe as well as your home. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help as well.

1-Thunderstorms can cause electrical damage to the sensitive electronics in your home. The power surges and electricity that turns off and on can damage computers and the compressors in your refrigerator. It is a good idea to plug your computers and entertainment devices into powerstrips that offer some surge protection.

2-To protect your entire home from those surges, you can invest in a whole-house surge protection system installed by an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners can ensure anything in their home that is plugged in is protected from a power surge.

3-If you don’t have a surge protector, unplug everything you can when you know a thunderstorm is headed your way. This can protect those appliances and devices.

4-Stay away from tall trees, utility poles and other metal poles if you are caught outside.

5-Do not do the dishes or jump in the shower during a thunderstorm, the pipes can conduct electricity.

6-It is safest if you stay inside your home and away from the windows during a thunderstorm.

Thunderstorms are beautiful, but it is important you stay safe. If you would like a Santa Monica electrician to install a whole house surge protector, give The Electric Connection a call today.

DIY Projects Electrical Safety Tips by Beverly Hills Electrician

Spring and summer is the time of year we like to work around the house outside on the weekends. There are so many projects that we want to accomplish, we can tend to get a little rushed. When you are rushed, you overlook important safety precautions. DIY is a growing trend as people across the country new ways to recycle old stuff and make something new, useful and very cool. Take the pallet trend that is sweeping the nation. In order to make those awesome pallet signs and outdoor furniture, you need some tools. Before you pull out any power tool, your electrician in Beverly Hills has a few safety tips that will not only keep you safe, but ensure your project is a success with no injuries. The team at The Electric Connection can answer any questions you may have related to these tips.

1. Power tools tend to have short cords. If you must use an extension cord, use one that is appropriate for outdoor use. Do not connect more than one cord together. The cord should not be longer than 100 feet.
2. Plug any cords into GFCI outlets. This will ensure the electrical current will be cut off should anything interrupt the circuit. If you don’t currently have these outlets in your garage or outdoor work area, give your Beverly Hills electrician a call.
3. Never use a power tool that has a bad cord. If the cord is frayed, have it properly repaired.
4. If a tool trips a breaker, there is a good chance the breaker is overloaded. Find another outlet to use. If one is not available, consider having your work area upgraded with the help of an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners can have a breaker added to their electric panel to help accommodate the power tools you want to use on your DIY projects.
5. Never use power tools in the rain. Wait for it to pass.
6. Never use power tools near power lines or electric wiring.

If you need new outlets or breakers to make your DIY a successful venture, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Pool Safety Tips by Santa Monica Electrician

Before you dive into the pool for the first time this summer, you need to take some steps to ensure it is safe. Whether your pool is in ground or one of the above ground styles, you will likely be using electricity to run your filters, pumps, lights and/or heaters. Everyone knows water and electricity don’t mix. Do what you can to protect yourself by ensuring there are no electrical hazards threatening your lives and the lives of your family members and guests who are hoping to enjoy a fun day at the pool. An electrician in Santa Monica has a few tips for you to follow. If you have more questions or would prefer a safety inspection, give The Electric Connection a call today.

1. Use GFCI outlets to plug in any of your pool equipment. If you don’t have any available, you can purchase portable GFCIs or have your current outdoor outlets replaced with the GFCI by a Santa Monica electrician.
2. Keep all electrical cords and devices at least 10 feet away from the pool to avoid any water splashing on the cord.
3. Never set your pool up under or near power lines.
4. Have any electrical equipment that will be used with the pool professionally installed by an electrician. Santa Monica residents will need to ensure everything, including the pumps, lights and heaters is properly grounded. This is best left to the professionals.
5. Keep outdoor outlets and receptacles properly covered to avoid any water splashing in or on the outlets.
6. Make sure you never pick up any of your electrical devices or handle the cords when your hands are wet or you are in the pool.
7. Have your pool inspected by an electrician before opening every year to make sure there are no potential threats.

If you are itching to jump in the pool, be safe and call The Electric Connection do a quick electrical inspection to ensure everything is safe and ready for you to enjoy your summer swimming.

Electric Savings Tips for Summer by Pasadena Electrician

Have you cranked up the air conditioner yet this summer? If you have, you already know your electric bill is going to jump up. It can be a huge concern for those who can’t afford to pay an exorbitant electric bill, but also can’t afford not to cool down their homes. A cool home is a comfortable home. You need a place to get out of the heat for your comfort as well as your health. There are a few things you can do to help beat the heat and keep your electric bill from skyrocketing. These are some tips from your Pasadena electrician that will hopefully allow you to stay cool without costing you a small fortune. The team at The Electric Connection can answer any of your electrical questions that may arise.

*Stay ahead of the game by blocking the sun as much as possible with heavy curtains or blinds. Keep them closed during the day. This will go a long ways to keeping your house cool.
*Don’t run the dryer or stove during the day whenever possible.
*Replace the old CFL and incandescent bulbs in your home with LEDs. They not only put off less heat, but they use a fraction of the electricity explains an electrician in Pasadena.
*Consider hanging your clothes out to dry on a drying rack in your backyard or your deck.
*Have a ceiling fan installed by an electrician. Pasadena homeowners will appreciate the cool breeze the fan generates as well as reduce the electric bill by keeping the cool air circulating. This will result in the air conditioner running less.
*Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you are away from the house.

You can still be cool and comfortable at home without running up your electric bill. Follow these tips and be conscientious about your electricity usage. If you need a ceiling fan installed, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Signs and Symptoms of Damaged Wiring by Glendale Electrician

It can be difficult for a person who is absolutely unfamiliar with electrical wiring and all of the components that go with it to understand when something is wrong. Wiring is hidden away behind fixtures and walls so it isn’t like you can see any problems. You have to depend on some other basic warning signs and symptoms to help you determine whether or not you have a problem. Because electricity can be extremely dangerous, you should never try to fix the problem yourself. You will want to call an electrician. Glendale homeowners can count on the trained and certified team at The Electric Connection to handle any electrical problems—big or small.

Some of the most common signs of an electrical problem are as follow;

*An outlet only works some of the time
*An outlet is loose and wiggles around when plugging in or removing a plug
*There are black streaks up the wall behind the outlet or switch
*The outlet is hot to the touch
*You smell burning wires—this is a unique smell that is hard to miss explains a Glendale electrician
*Lights flicker with no apparent reason
*A light won’t work—even with a new bulb
*Melted wires in a breaker panel
*Getting a small shock when using an appliance that is plugged in or a shock when pulling or pushing in a plug
*Black marks around the holes in the outlet

These are the most obvious signs you will notice. If you have noticed or suspect any of these symptoms are the tip of a bigger problem, call your electrician in Glendale. When possible, shut off the breaker to the potential problem outlet or fixture. Do not use until it can be thoroughly inspected and cleared to use. Give The Electric Connection a call today to take a look at any electrical concerns in your home.

Troubleshooting Electrical Problems by Burbank Electrician

Techician looking over a gas furnace with a flashlight before cleaning it.

Every day we deal with little problems around the house that are relatively simple fixes. Squeaky hinges, loose stair boards or maybe a leaking faucet. These are all common problems that are a part of home ownership. Most home owners keep a small tool chest on hand to take care of these things on their own. Quick fixes that can be taken care of with very little money out of pocket. It is kind of exciting to be able to fix something on your own. It can leave you feeling very accomplished. However, there are some perceived small problems, like flickering lights or electrical outlets that aren’t working correctly that should never be taken care on your own. These are big, dangerous problems in disguise. They should only be addressed by a trained electrician in Burbank. The Electric Connection has a group of individuals ready to inspect your home and determine exactly what the cause of your electrical problem is.

This is the key when it comes to diagnosing electrical issues. A Burbank electrician needs to inspect it and find the true problem instead of simply addressing the symptoms. Electrical wiring is no joke. It can be incredibly dangerous if not handled correctly. Even a relatively minor problem can turn into a serious situation. It only takes one spark to bring down your entire home.

If you are experiencing some odd symptoms with your home’s electrical system call an electrician. Burbank homeowners will want to have anything out of the ordinary checked out immediately. A flickering light or outlet that doesn’t work can be a sign of loose or damaged wiring that can create a serious fire hazard. The smell of burning wires is never to be ignored and is typically your first clue to a problem. Give The Electric Connection a call today if you have any electrical concerns.