Tag: electrical safety

Complete Burbank House Rewire

Posted on | by K Hopkins

electrician rewiring a house in burbankThe thought of a complete home rewire can be worrying to some homeowners. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

A complete Burbank house rewire can be less complicated than you think. Hence it’s important to know what to expect and how you can make this project go as smoothly as possible.

When would you need a Burbank house rewire

Regardless of where you live, the factors that make a complete house rewire necessary are always the same. And in most cases, it’s impossible to realize your home needs rewiring until certain problems occur or you are undertaking projects like remodeling or addition.

You would need a Burbank house rewire under any or most of the following conditions;

  • Lights flicker when you turn on power demanding appliances
  • You have old-fashioned wiring like cloth-covered wiring, fuse boxes, knob-and-tube wiring, and so on.
  • There are signs of overheating at the socket outlets
  • You are remodeling, renovating, or adding a new room.
  • Breaker trips frequently or more than normal
  • You are adding new demanding appliances
  • After an inspection by a licensed electrician who confirms your wiring is worn out.

What happens during a Burbank house rewire?

  • Things can get messy around the house because home rewiring projects can be disruptive. There will be wires, drywall and ceiling been cut into, and much more.
  • Electricians often rewire in two stages. The first is fixing wiring and cables, and the second is installing everything connected to a socket or switch.
  • You won’t have power for a while. The electricians will shut off electrical power to the home for safety purposes while working.
  • You don’t have to leave your home while it’s being rewired. You can move from room to room or live nearby if you can’t deal with the mess.
  • It can take anywhere between 2-10 days to rewire your home depending on how large your home is.
  • Rewiring gives you the chance to future proof your home.

What does it cost to do a house rewire?

With a project like this, you might have already guessed it can dig deep into your pocket. The cost of house rewiring can differ depending on factors such as;

  • Your location
  • If the house is occupied or vacant
  • Size of your home
  • Age of your home
  • The electricians you hire

It’s possible to spend up to $3000 rewiring a home in Burbank and much less when the factors come into play.

What if my home is already rewired?

It’s possible to discover that your home has already been rewired and is still in good shape for your use. The best way to tell is to call an electrician for an inspection, but if you’re just buying the home, you can look out for signs such as;

  • Fabric covered wiring
  • Old-fashioned Fuse box
  • Old round pin sockets.

If your home does need a complete rewire, there are benefits in store for doing it. Rewiring your home with professional electricians helps you stay safe, fixes grounding issues, and gives you the capacity you need as a modern homeowner.

 

How to Pull an Electrical Permit in Los Angeles

Posted on | by K Hopkins

pulling permit in los angelesNot all projects require a permit, but most electrical works do. In Los Angeles, it’s easy to pull an electrical permit if you meet all the requirements. Since pulling permits differ from state to state, we have put together the Los Angeles guide you need.

An electrical permit is an approval you get from your building department to go ahead with electrical projects in a home.

In Los Angeles, you will need electrical permits for any kind of electrical works. These include work related to;

  • All residential and commercial buildings
  • Installing a new electrical panel
  • Installing a new sub panel
  • New buildings or addition to a building
  • Any electrical installations over 600 volts.
  • Installations of lighting including exits lighting and security lighting.
  • Installations in hazardous locations.
  • New, expanded, or replaced electrical items
  • Installation of a complicated electrical system as determined by the Department, such as Emergency, Legally Required Standby, Fire Alarm, and Gas Detection Systems.

The Permit Process

To pull an electrical permit in Los Angeles, you must first file electrical plans with the indicated department. These plans and the first step are referred to as electrical plan check. Only when this plan check has been approved or deemed not required will a permit be issued.

Electrical permits in Los Angeles can also only be issued to an electrical contractor with the appropriate license, the property owner, and or an agent representing either the contractor or the property owner.

Why it’s important to pull a permit when necessary?

Pulling a permit in Los Angeles may seem like a hassle to you, but it’s necessary if you want to avoid certain unfriendly situations. Electrical work carried out without a permit is considered illegal. Such unpermitted work can cause even more problems in the future if the option of a resale comes up. There’s also no assurance that the work was done up to code.

Where can I obtain the permit in Los Angeles and how much time is involved?

You can obtain an electrical permit from the local Building and Safety District Office serving your area. For online permits, you can go through Los Angeles County’s Electronic Permitting and Inspection (EPIC LA).

For simple projects that do not require a plan check, you can get an express permit when you apply online.

For small-medium projects, a plan check can take 45-60 minutes and as the projects get larger, plan checks extend to even weeks.

After obtaining the permit, the permit expires within 12 months if work has not started from the time it was issued.

It’s possible to get an extension on your permit, but that might require an extra fee.

How to make obtaining an electrical permit in LA easy

Start by hiring a professional and licensed electrician for your electrical needs. It’s legal, easier, and safer to let this experienced technician pull the permit for your project. All you will need to do is likely to bear the cost.

Licensed electricians can get permits faster and pass inspections easily too. They are also updated on current codes, and this saves you any future problems.

Rewiring a Beverly Hills Home

Posted on | by K Hopkins

electrician pulling wires in beverly hills homeYour Beverly Hills home wiring is vital for electrical safety and functionality, and in some situations where it becomes inadequate, you will need to rewire your home.

Rewiring can be a major project, but with proper planning and the right professional, it can be completed successfully and quickly.

  1. Choosing a pro or going DIY

When it comes to any electrical works, you will always be encouraged to hire a professional electrician. Sometimes it might seem like an expensive option you can do without by going DIY. See the pros and cons of doing it either way to make the choice for rewiring your Beverly Hills home.

Hiring an electrical technician (PROS)

  • It keeps you and your home safe
  • The electrician obtains the permit
  • An experienced and licensed electrician is up to date on local codes
  • Inspections can be passed immediately and smoothly
  • Professional electricians have insurance that protects you from responsibility if anything goes wrong.
  • Cheaper in the long run
  • Rewiring by an experienced electrician is much faster
  • Get a quote on your house rewire from a professional

Hiring an electrical technician (CONS)

  • A costly option initially
  • It might be hard to find a dependable electrician

DIYing your rewiring project (PROS)

  • Saves you money initially
  • You can rewire your home at your preferred pace

DIYing your rewiring project (CONS)

  • You will spend time – as much as weeks- planning and doing the dirty work like running wires, cutting, drilling, installing, and more.
  • You will need to know the local electrical codes
  • Obtaining the permit falls to you and passing inspections can be tougher when you DIY.
  • DIYing your Beverly Hills home rewire puts lives and properties at risk.
  • You take responsibility for anything that goes wrong and often permits require that you must stay in the home where you DIYed for a year.
  • Insurance companies can deny your claim based on electrical works done as DIY projects
  1. Understand what it involves

Every homeowner’s needs differ in home rewiring. The only way to know what will be involved in your home rewire is to call an electrician for an inspection. You might need to replace your breaker with a bigger one if it is undersized. Older homes often used breaker panels of 60-100 amps, but modern homes use 100-200 amps and sometimes more. The reason for this change is that modern homes have far more electrical power demands/appliances than older homes. Also, safety codes have changed over time to accommodate electrical needs.

The rewiring project can also include replacing old outlets and fixtures, GFCI, and proper grounding.

Your electrician will inform you of any repairs, replacements, upgrades, and more relevant to your home rewire.

  1. What to expect when rewiring your home

Rewiring can be disruptive. It’s almost expected because you will have wires been run through the house, holes drilled in the walls, opening ceilings to give the electrical contractors access, and so on. It can get messy and the electrical power to the home will be shut off while the work goes on.

The good news is, the right electrician can complete a home rewire quickly and in a hassle-free manner. Contact us today for your Beverly Hills home rewire.

Reasons to Upgrade to a 200 Amp Service

Posted on | by K Hopkins

You certainly love the confidence and convenience of plugging in any appliances you need whenever you need them. You love this so much that it becomes easy to forget that your electrical panel cannot give more than its capacity.

According to experts, electricians, recent electrical codes, and homeowners who have had unique experiences, the standard capacity for an electrical panel is a 200 amp service. If you have less, then you probably require an upgrade. Here are all the reasons why.

Amps and Your Electrical Panel

The industrial grey box in that safe, dry area of your home distributes electrical power across circuits that serve you. This box is the electrical panel or breaker box, and every panel has its dedicated capacity. Depending on how much power you need, your electrical panel can be between 100-400 amps.

Old homes often used 60-100 amps panels because they had fewer electrical demands. Using similar sized panels in these modern times can be insufficient for your home needs. It can lead to fire hazards, lights out, faulty appliances, and much more.

Why upgrade to a 200 amp electrical panel

  1. To enjoy increased capability and safety

Electrical panels often work at a certain maximum capacity. This helps to ensure the safe working of the panel. Going over this safety threshold can not only cause your breaker to trip, but can also lead to a fire caused by overloading circuits/outlets.

  1. More circuits

With an upgraded 200 amp panel, you get enough room for dedicated circuits. This further improves electrical safety and allows you to run an increased number of appliances and more power demanding appliances without your breaker tripping.

  1. Future demands

Switching to a 200 amp breaker is one of those good decisions that helps you prepare for the future. With this service upgrade, you can add new devices, remodel your home, and do much more without worry.

  1. Everything is just easier

Another solid reason to upgrade to a 200 amp service is the increased efficiency you get to enjoy. Everything is simply much better and easier with a 200 amp panel. The panel is easy to reset and repair with compatibility for GFCI circuits.

How to know you need an upgrade

  • Breaker tripping frequently
  • Dimming lights, especially when appliances are turned on
  • Buzzing or crackling sounds.
  • Breaker won’t reset

Always confirm the exact source of your electrical issues from your electrician.

How Do Electricians Rewire a House?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

electrician pulling wires through wallRewiring your home can be a tough or easy process depending on how you approach it. However, it’s an electrical project that must be done once it’s necessary. It’s good to wonder what’s involved and how electricians rewire a house. Read on as we explore this.

What’s involved in rewiring a house?

The first thing to know is that rewiring can be messy and disruptive despite how much your professional electrician tries to keep this smooth and easy. The walls will have to be drilled into, and the flooring lifted in some cases. Your electrician will;

  • Install new cables
  • Rewire sockets
  • Add or move outlets, switches, light fixtures, and so on.
  • Fit new back boxes on outlets and switches
  • Add wiring for a smart home if needed.

Also, home rewiring projects usually occur in two stages, which are;

  • Replacing circuits and back boxes, cabling, and wiring for the first stage.
  • The second stage involves installing lighting fittings, faceplates, switches, testing, and setting everything up for use.

How is a home rewired?

  • Step 1 – Get the required permits and codes

A rewiring project will need a permit from your local building department. The electrician will pull the permit while you cover the expenses.

  • Step 2 – Access the walls.

Depending on the condition of your home (lived in or vacant) the electrician will have to determine how he plans to access the walls of your home. After making this plan, he will figure out any new cable locations too. Most of the new wiring will have to be run through the attic and crawlspace before entering the walls. With a plan in motion, the electrician will shut off power to your home to begin.

  • Step 3 – Drill new holes and rewire outlets

It might become necessary to drill new holes to rewire outlets, switches, or install fresh wiring for future appliances. A professional electrician with skill can do this easily and protect your walls from excessive damage.

  • Step 4 – Determine the number of circuits

Chances are you are rewiring your home because it’s an old home. Most old homes lack enough circuits to meet the demands of modern homes. A professional electrician is updated and knowledgeable of the recent National Electrical Codes and can identify the appropriate number of circuits following these guidelines.

  • Step 5 – Replace your service equipment

Rewiring your home can mean changing the wiring in addition to replacing your service panel. It’s up to your licensed electrical technician to find out if your electrical panel needs to be repaired or replaced to suit the new wiring.

When is rewiring necessary?

Rewiring offers many benefits such as more power, efficiency, and safety in your home. But it can only be done when necessary. You can call an electrician to see if you need to rewire your home in any of the following situations;

  • You live in an old home
  • You are planning on a major renovation
  • You are adding new major appliances
  • Your electric system is unsafe

How to Hang a Chandelier

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Chandeliers are the most elegant lighting fixtures with the ability to switch up the appearance of any room. One chandelier hanging from your ceiling in the right spot can create that sophisticated look you’ve always wanted.

Unfortunately, when it comes to hanging a chandelier, many homeowners think it’s a long and confusing process. This holds you back from purchasing that exotic chandelier and you couldn’t be more wrong.

Hanging a chandelier can be easy and quick with the right information. You can DIY this or ensure your convenience and safety by calling a professional electrician near you.

Start by choosing the appropriate size, and design for the spot you want to hang the chandelier. Next, get the right tools which include;

  • Screwdriver
  • Wire stripper
  • Ladder
  • Plier
  • Tape measure
  • Electrical wire tester

Here are the steps to install a chandelier.

You would either be installing your chandelier with a chain or hook, as these are the most common.

First, turn off the electric power to the room you will work in. This can be done with the switch at the circuit breaker. Also, turn off the light switch in the room itself. These steps are to ensure safety as you install the chandelier.

Next, unpack the chandelier and read all the manufacturer’s instructions. Reading the manufacturer’s instructions helps to serve as an additional and accurate guide on what to do as you install. You can identify details like chain length from the manufacture’s instruction.

Prepare the ceiling electrical box. Unscrew the canopy and examine the wires that will power your new chandelier. You should see three separate wires (black, white, and copper wires). Check for damaged wiring and use a voltage meter to check for a hot wire. If all is fine with your junction box, move on to the next step. If not, you will have to fix any damage first and probably call an electrician at this point.

Now, install the mounting bracket over the junction box in the ceiling. At this point, you need to go back to the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble your chandelier.

If you are hanging a chandelier chain, measure the appropriate length and thread your wire through the chandelier chain. Make sure you give room for excess wire when threading.

Open the electrical box in the ceiling and attach the threaded wire from the chandelier to the corresponding wires in the ceiling. In most cases, you will have a black and copper wire from the chandelier. Use a wire stripper to strip off half an inch of insulation from the chandelier wires. Attach the ends of the black chandelier wire to the ends of the black wire in the junction box. Do the same for the second wire.

Tuck the wires back into the junction box and cover it up.

Install your chandelier bulbs and switch the electricity back on to enjoy your working chandelier.

If you would rather avoid the hassle, call an electrician here today for easy and fast chandelier installation.

What’s the Cost To Replace Federal Pacific Electric Panel?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

panel upgrade los angelesA safe electrical system is invaluable to every home and if you have a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel (FPE), replacing it is the best solution to ensure your electrical safety.

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels are commonly found in homes between 20 and 70 years old. These panels were first introduced by Reliance Electric in the 1950s and quickly became installed in millions of homes across the country. It was soon discovered that FPE panels were unsafe and present a great risk to homes that use them.

Your home’s electrical panel distributes electrical power safely across all circuits. It is also built to ensure protection by tripping off in situations like a short circuit, circuit overload, power surge, and so on. If the breaker cannot do this, the chances of an electrical fire starting increase dangerously.

How an FPE breaker puts your home in danger.

According to reports from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Federal Pacific breakers may fail to trip during an overload or short-circuiting. FPE breakers have recorded high rates of not tripping when necessary for your electrical protection. It was also discovered that the breakers tend to enter a lock-up. A lock-up describes a situation where a breaker that has tripped once will never trip in the future regardless of dangerous conditions like an electrical overload.

Studies estimate over 2,800 electrical fires caused each year by a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel that didn’t trip.

Most of the unreliability of the panel is due to the use of cheap materials in its manufacture and their limited original design.

Distinct risks and problems posed by a Federal Pacific breaker also includes;

  • The crowded wires often found within the panel box.
  • The breakers to do not switch off even in the OFF position.
  • Arcing occurs at the bus.
  • The Federal Pacific breakers trip unexpectedly when the dead front cover is removed.
  • Breakers are often not tightly connected to the bus bar.

Electrical inspectors always encourage homeowners to replace and not repair a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel. Electricians may also hesitate or refuse to fix problems with these panels because they cannot guarantee the results or your electrical safe afterwards.

Identifying a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel

You may have a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel if your home is as old as between 20 to 70 years. Since the company no longer exists, you can’t purchase a new FPE panel. It can only be present if it was installed in older homes. You can identify an FPE panel with the labels or logos on the front cover. The common appearance is an orange and white label.

You can also look out for the name Stab-Lok written inside the panel or on the breaker. A signature red label across the front of the panel is another indication.

The cost of replacing a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel may vary across electricians, location, and other factors. The replacement can generally cost anywhere from $1500 to $2000, and even more.

The replacement will include any necessary repairs, rewiring, moving the panel location, and installation that are up to recent codes.

How to know if Cloth Covered Wiring is a Fire Hazard?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

house rewire signs, outlet on fireCloth-covered wiring is generally considered a fire hazard, and in some situations, it can make getting home insurance tougher than it has to be. If your home is an old home or you intend to buy an old home, it’s relevant to note that it might have cloth wiring installed.

Why cloth wiring is considered a fire hazard

Unlike modern wiring, cloth wiring is covered in cloth and this material tends to deteriorate over time. The cloth insulation can become brittle, damaged by insects or rodents, and so on. All of these lead to exposing the wires underneath and this can lead to fires.

It has also been discovered that cloth is a poor insulator unable to hold in heat from wires subjected to the demands of modern homes. Cloth-covered wiring may also lack grounding, which makes your electrical system unsafe. The cloth insulator may contain asbestos, which is a hazardous substance to breathe in.

Identify cloth covered wiring

If you are unsure about having cloth-covered wiring, you can look out for the cloth material or any of the following brand names;

Essex, Dutrax, Cablex, Cirtrex, Cres-Flex, KFlex, Triangle PWC, Southwire, Phelps Dodge, and Paraflex.

How to know if your cloth covered wiring is a fire hazard

Just having cloth covered wiring doesn’t spell doom for your electrical system. Some cloth-covered wiring are in good shape and with minor modifications can continue to serve your home. Here are the steps to take to know where you stand with cloth-covered wiring in your home.

  • Call the professionals

An experienced and licensed electrician is the professional you need to hire to determine the state of your electrical system. The electrical technician will confirm that the wiring is indeed cloth covered wiring and inspect the system to reveal any potential problems. This helps you save money on unnecessary repairs or nonexistent problems. If the electrician discovers that your cloth-covered wiring is a fire hazard, it saves you from future trouble and helps you take timely action.

What to do if your home’s cloth covered wiring is a fire hazard

After calling a professional to determine the status of your home’s electrical system, you could get good news or not so good news. If the electrician has discovered that the cloth covered wiring is a fire hazard or presents any other danger the best option will be to replace the wiring.

Rewiring your home will cost a substantial sum but it is well worth it for your safety and a reliable electrical system. The electrician you hire for this project should be both experienced and licensed. Agree on all details such as cost, time, and more with the electrician before starting the project. The cloth wiring should be replaced with modern wiring which often uses PVC insulators. The wiring should also be up to code.

Don’t wait until cloth wiring has caused electrical fires and put your home in danger. Call an electrician today for an inspection.

Do I Need A Permit To Replace an Electrical Outlet?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

outlet stops workingThis question would often come up if you are considering doing some electrical work yourself. While DIY is great and even cost-effective for some tasks around the home, electrical works are very different and some rules apply.

There are several reasons you might need to replace an electrical outlet. From outlets not being installed where you need them to having faulty outlets are all good reasons. However, the first thing to remember is that electrical works are best left to licensed and professional electricians. If you have no experience or skills to perform the work yourself, then do not attempt it at all.

You will require a permit to replace an electrical outlet. Read on to see how this works.

The role of a permit in electrical projects

Permits and building codes are designed to protect you and your home by ensuring that a project is done safely and correctly. An inspection which is the last part of any project involving a permit helps to enhance this safety by spotting mistakes and preventing extensive repairs.

When it comes to electrical work and electrical permits for homeowners going DIY, it’s important to note the following;

  • Only the owner and occupant of a home can obtain a permit to do the work themselves. This means as a homeowner looking to DIY you cannot perform any electrical services on a house about to be sold, on rent, lease, or exchange. Only a professional electrician can pull a permit and perform the electrical service in all situations.

When is an electrical permit required?

As a landlord or homeowner, you may not require a permit to replace electrical appliances or perform maintenance on existing installations. Other electrical works that usually require a permit include;

  • Install or alter any permanent wiring or electrical device
  • Installing a new electrical outlet or light fixture
  • Install additional wiring in your home.
  • Installation of a receptacle for a garage-door opener
  • Converting a fuse box to a circuit breaker
  • Installing or altering low-voltage systems such as security alarms

You can always call the local building department in your area to clarify any uncertainty on what electrical projects require a permit.

What do I need to do to get an electrical permit?

An electrical permit is only issued by your local building department. After confirming that your electrical project requires a permit that can be obtained by you, the first step is to complete an application. The permit application is usually offered in-office and some jurisdictions offer it online or via fax.

Next comes the permit fee, which depends on the complexity of your project. After the permit is issued you can perform the electrical work. An inspection should also be scheduled as soon as possible to complete the process.

Electrical codes, restrictions, and rules.

Part of the reasons why hiring a professional electrician for your electrical needs is safer and preferable to DIY is their knowledge of current electrical codes. Before you attempt any electrical work, get updated on the dos and don’ts of the NEC.

Can a Homeowner Replace Electrical Panel?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

panel upgrade los angelesYour home’s electrical panel is the source of electricity to your home. It is where the power from your utility company is distributed across circuits, outlets, and all areas where they are needed in the home.

All too often, homeowners try to DIY some electrical services and the short answer to the topic question is yes. The long and safer answer, however, is no.

An electrical panel should only be replaced for reasons such as the following;

  • The panel is faulty
  • The panel is old/ you live in an old home
  • It’s not up to code
  • You need to add a new appliance, renovate your home, or need more power.

Why an electrician should replace an electrical panel?

Replacing the electrical panel can involve rewiring the home as well. It also means having to deal with permits, a dangerous amount of electricity, and so on.

An electrician should be one to replace or repair an electrical panel because they are trained, experienced, and knowledgeable on the project. An electrician knows the safety measures to put in place to protect himself and your home while working on such a demanding project. Electricians are updated on the latest National Electrical Code information. They are insured to cover any injury or damage gotten from the project – which is unlikely for a homeowner.

Taking directions or advice on the process from online sources still means you are unsure or uninformed about what you’re doing and this could lead to fatal injuries and fire.

 What you need to know before replacing your electrical panel?

You will need a permit. A panel replacement is a serious electrical project that often requires the technician performing it to pull a permit.

In some states, it’s illegal for a homeowner to do electrical works themselves. You would be unable to pull a permit in this situation. You would also need to get the final work inspected.

It goes further to when or if you intend to sell your home. Some states require that homeowners provide a list of all modifications or repairs done to the home without a permit.

Before you take on replacing the panel yourself, it’s important to first check with your local laws and know what’s legal or required.

Learn the safety measures involved and understand the steps well before starting the project.

While many homeowners can replace their electrical panel, most choose to leave it to the professionals. The cost and hassle of hiring an electrical technician for the project are worth it when your safety is on the line. A professional replacement guarantees a reliable system and no conflicts with the law. You can get an inspection, sell your home smoothly, and enjoy your upgraded electrical system as you want.

With experienced electricians such as The Electric Connection, a panel replacement can be affordable and stress-free. We do our best to make this less worrisome or intrusive on your part. Start by scheduling an inspection to confirm if your panel should be replaced or repaired.