Tag: electrical safety

Electrician Glendale – Utilizing Garden Lighting

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Enjoying your back deck after dark is something that many homeowners may appreciate. However, many lighting options, such as floodlights, attract bugs and really do nothing to improve the overall ambiance and atmosphere of your property. A better option is to consider the options in accent lighting including low-voltage or solar lighting. An electrician in Glendale, such as one of the team from Electric Connection, can help you choose the right garden lighting and begin the installation process.

On a warm summer night, what is more relaxing than sitting out on the deck?  There are a variety of options available to create the perfect effect for your deck. There are lighted post caps that provide just the right amount of lighting or there are under-step and riser lights that add needed light without taking up space.

Safety and security is another major concern. With the right lighting, you can add an element of security to the rear of your home making it less attractive to thieves or miscreants. Additionally, with plenty of lighting, you are less likely to have falls and other accidents outdoors.

All of these benefits come together to mean that deck lighting is something you cannot live without adding to your home. Consider all these benefits paired with the relatively low cost of installing this lighting and you will find this is a simple way to add value to your home too.

While it may be possible to handle some of these installation tasks yourself, calling the experts in electrician Glendale—Electric Connection will give you the best possible results. If you have any questions or concerns about deck lighting, give us a call or contact us online today and let us work with you. We want to make your deck a comfortable place for you to enjoy with your family and friends.

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.

An Electrician in Los Angeles Can Test Your Circuit Breaker for Damage

Posted on | by K Hopkins | 2 Comments on An Electrician in Los Angeles Can Test Your Circuit Breaker for Damage

Under normal circumstances, a circuit breaker lasts for years without ever needing repair or replacement. However, from time to time a circuit breaker will actually “break.” Diagnosing a circuit breaker problem is not a project that an amateur should attempt on his or her own. Only the most skilled do-it-yourselfers can handle this project. Unless you are skilled in electrical safety practices and the proper use of electrical test equipment, contacting an electrician in Los Angeles just makes sense.

If you have a breaker that is tripping regularly, more than likely the breaker is doing its job—the circuit is just overloaded. A skilled electrician Los Angeles can test this by using an ammeter—a tool that is used for testing the amount of electricity going through the circuit. Another problem that occurs regularly is that the breaker will not reset after tripping. In this case, the problem is more likely in the line of electricity rather than the breaker. In most cases the line has a fault and the breaker will (purposely) not reset until the fault is cleared.

When an electrician comes to test your breaker, he will likely first test the voltage at the breaker terminal. Generally, the reading should show 120 VAC. If this appears correctly, he will load the circuit and test again. If voltage drops at this point, there is a good chance the breaker is bad.

Since this is a job that is so in-depth and difficult, calling an electrician from The Electric Connection is highly recommended. These experts have years of experience and training, so they are able to review your problem and determine the best way to proceed. There is no use in taking risks when it comes to your safety and the safety of your home; an experienced electrician is just a phone call away.

Santa Monica Electrician – Dangers of DIY

Posted on | by K Hopkins | 2 Comments on Santa Monica Electrician – Dangers of DIY

“I can fix that!” This is something you may be tempted to say when you find small problems with the electrical system in your house. You may like to do work on your own home and if you have the right skill set, a do it yourself project is rewarding because you save money and have the satisfaction of a job well done. However, when you are dealing with electrical work, this is a completely different issue. Think twice before you begin working on electoral-related projects. The potential hazards can be very dramatic.  Consider these risks and then call an electrician in Santa Monica, such as one from Electric Connection, to help with your next project.

  • Each year, hundreds of fires are caused from unstable wiring and insecure connections. Using a licensed Santa Monica electrician assures that code is followed and that the wiring will be done properly.
  • You can hurt yourself if you mishandle a wire or do not perform the job just right. Experienced electricians have spent hundreds of hours learning safety skills that prevent this.
  • If you install an electrical implement wrong, you can easily fry or melt the item or even harm the wiring in the walls. If you cause this through your own lack of skills, your insurance company may not pick up the bill.

It may seem like you can save money by choosing to “do it yourself” on your electrical project. However, even a relatively simple project can become complicated and expensive if you do not understand exactly what you are doing. Instead of suffering alone, call Electric Connection and let one of our many experts come out and help you complete your project safely and with the necessary skill. In most cases, you will save money since you have less to worry about when you use an expert.

Reviewing Your New Home with a Pasadena Electrician

Posted on | by K Hopkins

When you buy a new house, you spend a lot of time looking at things like space, decorating options and the yard. However, there is something else you need to give a bit more attention to—the electrical system. No matter if you are buying a brand new house, or one that is one hundred years old, there are issues that can occur with the electrical system. If you pay attention to these potential problems, and contact an electrician in Pasadena to help fix them, you can reduce the chance that you will be impacted by them in the future. Consider these common issues that you need to keep an eye open for in your new, or new to you, home.

  • Make certain the circuit breakers and breaker boxes are powerful enough to handle the level of electricity you plan to use. Installing another box may be important.
  • Do the bathrooms and kitchen have safety devices on the outlets? This is one of the easiest ways to protect your family.
  • Are there adequate outlets in the places you need them? Nothing is more annoying than moving in and getting ready to watch your TV and finding out there is not a nearby outlet.
  • If you have young children, or young children will visit, have you secured the outlets near the floor?
  • Is the wiring up to date and up to code? Calling a Pasadena electrician to do a walk through and check this out can be very important.
  • If you have a pool, spa or other outdoor equipment, are the outdoor outlets safe and up to date? This is another issue where having an electrician come out to the home can be very beneficial.

It is easier to stay safe if you are willing to work with an electrician. Call The Electric Connection today and schedule a technician to come to your home and help you stay safe!

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.

Grounding Precautions from an Electrician in Beverly Hills

Posted on | by K Hopkins

We almost all work with electricity on a day to day basis, but do you really think about the precautions that are in place to assure your safety? One of these precautionary measures is electrical grounding. Years ago, grounding was discovered as a way to protect individuals from becoming electrocuted in using normal electrical appliance. For instance, think about your refrigerator. If something went wrong and you happened to touch it, the electricity would flow through you, and you would be electrocuted.

Grounding wires the electrical item to the ground itself. So if something went wrong, the electricity is pulled away from the machine (and you) and into the ground. In the past, this had to be done individually for each item. However, technology has advanced now where grounding precautions are built into electronic devices around the home. When you plug in the device it is already essentially grounded and you are protected.

If you use any older electric products around your home, or you suspect the grounding is not working properly, you may wish to get in touch with an electrician in Beverly Hills from The Electric Connection and let him or her help you make certain the object is properly grounded and not a danger. Taking these safety precautions can make a big difference and protect you and your family from an accident involving electricity.

Spend some time looking over your electric items and make sure you are properly protected. Then call The Electric Connection an electrician Beverly Hills residents trust (Website). Not only can one of these experts help you with grounding and other safety concerns but with installation, repairs and whole-house electrical renovation too. Safety is always important when dealing with electrical implements, so choose a company that is willing to go the extra mile to protect the important people in your life. Not only can one of these experts help you with grounding and other safety concerns but with installation, repairs and whole-house electrical renovation too. Safety is always important when dealing with electrical implements, so choose a company that is willing to go the extra mile to protect the important people in your life.

Santa Monica Electrician – Considerations when You Lose Power

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Whether it is from storms or a fault in your home’s wiring, when the power goes out life gets difficult. Hopefully, you are able to talk to your Santa Monica electrical company and power is restored quickly. However, it is important to prepare yourself for the worst. Consider the following tips to make your next power outage more bearable. In the meantime, contact a Santa Monica electrician, such as The Electric Connection, to see if there are improvements you can make to your home’s wiring system to reduce the chances of a power outage.

Power Outage Tips

  • Avoid using candles during a power outage; a flashlight is much safer.
  • Keeping a battery-powered radio handy and listen to local programming. This can allow you to track the weather and prepare safety measures.
  • Turn off all electrical equipment that you were using when the power fails. This prevents a power surge when the power returns.
  • Try to avoid opening your freezer or refrigerator. This keeps the food within at a lower temperature.
  • Do leave one light turned on, so that you know when the power comes back.
  • Do not run a stand-alone generator in your home or garage—only use a properly installed outdoor generator.

Prepare Ahead by Keeping the Following Items on Hand

  • Flashlights
  • A portable radio
  • Batteries for flashlights and radio
  • A supply of fresh, bottled water
  • A small amount of food that does not require refrigeration or electricity to prepare—canned goods are an excellent choice.

If you are ready to make changes to your home’s electrical system, call the expert electrician in Santa Monica—The Electric Connection. You can also reach the company by searching for “electrician Santa Monica” and visit the website at ElectricConnection.com .  One of our experts will be happy to discuss your power options.

Los Angeles Electrician – Federal Pacific Panels

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Do you or does someone that you know have a Federal Pacific Electrical panel in their business or home? There are a number of reasons that these panels are unsafe, which means that they should be replaced as quickly as possible. One of the first reasons is simply because they are so old. Federal Pacific panels have not been installed in many years. The main reason that they should be replaced by your electrician in Los Angeles is because the circuit breakers in the panel may not always trip whenever they should. This can lead to some very serious issues with your home’s electrical system.

An Example

A couple years ago, one of our technicians were called out to inspect a circuit wire that appeared to have bubbled up. Whenever he arrived at the location, he discovered that this particular circuit had been overloaded so far that the sheath covering on the cable started to boil. Upon further inspection, he found out that the power for this particular cable came from a Federal Pacific electrical panel. What happened, was that the homeowner’s air conditioning unit was experiencing issues that caused it to seize up, continuously pulling more and more power from the panel. Rather than tripping like it should have, the circuit breaker remained on, leading to the boiling cable sheathe.

Although we were able to correct this problem relatively quickly, it could very easily have turned out much worse. This overloaded wire could have caught fire, or remained unnoticed and poorly insulated until it came into contact with a person or with another item that led to serious electrical shock or other injury.

The moral of the story is to have your home regularly inspected by a Los Angeles electrician for proper safety. For more safety tips or information about unsafe electrical panels, visit The Electric Connection at www.theelectricconnection.com.

Pasadena Electrician – Home Wiring Inspections

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Because of the rich history of home ownership that we have in the United States, the country is still the home to any number of homes that were built before most Americans were even born. Through preservation and careful maintenance, there are even homes that were built in the Victorian Era and prior. Although these homes are often prized for their historical significance, the electrical systems within can be very dangerous if they have not been brought up to date with current standards. Testing electrical outlets for proper operation and flicking light switches on and off is typically not a sufficient level of testing for an electrical system, especially when the electrical system is potentially very old.

Most homes built prior to the 1940s were constructed with knob and tube wiring, that has not been used for many years. Whenever you move into a home, you should not take it for granted that the previous owner took the time and care to have all of the electrical components upgraded to safer, more current technologies. This is one of the reasons why you should have your own electrician in Pasadena come out to do a full home safety inspection.

A full home electrical safety inspection can end up saving you and your family extensive time and money in the long run, especially if it is able to identify any key problems with your current electrical system. During an electrical safety assessment, a technician from The Electric Connection will come out and do a full check on your electrical system. During this time, we will discover whether or not you have any outdated wiring systems, an ungrounded electrical system, or an undersized electrical panel. If we discover any issues, we will put together an action plan to address these issues.

For more information on getting in touch with our team, or to learn more about the potential issues you could be facing, read through the resources at The Electric Connection website at ww.theelectricconnection.com.