Storm Safety Revisited by Glendale Electrician

Posted on October 23, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

Fortunately, stormy weather days are behind us, but it is always a good idea to revisit storm safety. While you probably don’t have to worry about a thunder storm creeping up on you in the fall and winter, knowledge is power and keeping storm safety fresh in your mind will ensure you don’t forget it. These are a few tips from your Glendale electrician to keep in mind the next time you see thunder clouds building up. If you have any questions about these tips, give The Electric Connection a call.

*When a storm is building or you hear thunder in the distance, get out of the pool. Avoid being in the bathtub or shower as well. It can all wait.

*Unplug appliances, computers and chargers. This will ensure your expensive electronics are not damaged should lighting strike and come through the electrical wiring to your home.

*During a storm, avoid using any of your electronics. Do not touch outlets that may conduct electricity and shock you.

*Stay away from windows during a storm and don’t stand in an open doorway. Lighting can easily travel through the space.

*Consider having a whole house surge protector installed by an electrician in Glendale. The surge protectors will prevent the surge in electricity from damaging your appliances that may be plugged in, including your refrigerator.

*Don’t use a corded phone connected to a landline. Electricity can travel through the cord and shock you.

If you suspect your electric panel has been damaged by a storm, call an electrician. Glendale homeowners will need an experienced professional to deal with any damage that may have been caused by the storm. Replacing burnt wires or breakers that were damaged in the storm are a necessity. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your whole home surge protector installation to keep you and your home safe during the next lightning storm.

Keeping Electrical Wires Safe from Rodents by Burbank Electrician

Posted on October 23, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

It is that time of year when the temperatures drop and things like spiders and mice are seeking shelter in your home. You don’t want to share your living space with the critters and they know that. They will stay hidden for the most part, but that means they are somewhere you can’t see what damage they are causing. Mice will chew anything and everything and they don’t care if they get a little jolt when they bite through a wire. Chewed wires can spark and create an extremely dangerous situation in your home. An electrician in Burbank has a few tips to help you protect your home from the damage a rodent can cause. The team at The Electric Connection is on standby and ready to help you.

Rats are much worse than mice, but both are equally troublesome. They both love the heat the insulation in the walls provides and will make their nests there. These nests often encompass wires that run warm. An overheated wire is another fire hazard. The following will help keep your wires safe from gnawing rodents.

*Your Burbank electrician suggests you hire a pest control service to ensure the rodents stay out of your house. The best cure is prevention. Take action at the first sign of an infestation. If you see one, there are plenty more where that came from.

*Seal up any gaps around the foundation of the home. Mice can squeeze through a hole or crack that is a quarter of an inch thick. Steel wool is a quick and easy fix for small holes.

*Regularly check your crawlspace and attic area for signs of rodents. Use traps if you suspect you have a problem.

*Schedule an electric safety inspection with an electrician. Burbank homeowners who want to know their wiring is safe will feel better once an electrician checks for any issues.

Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your inspection to determine if you electrical wiring has already been compromised by a rodent infestation.

New Home Construction Requires Electrical Contractor

Posted on September 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

New home construction is a dream many families have. There is a great deal of satisfaction to picking and choosing the layout of your home and adding elements that are specific to your family’s needs as well as your own decorative tastes. There are plenty of contractors who will give you the freedom to have a say in the planning stages, including what electrician company is hired to complete the work. Home construction has many elements. You will need plumbers, electricians, framers, painters and landscapers. Having a say in the hiring decision ensure you are getting the chance to choose the best company possible. At The Electric Connection, we understand your desire to check references and see our work.
Some of the things that an electrician will be required to do for your new home construction are as follows;

*Install the electric panel. This is the hub of the electricity to your house. The electrician will ensure it is adequate for your home.

*Install the proper wiring for large appliances like the refrigerator, washer and dryer.

*Complete the wiring needed for outlets and switches. Wiring will need to be properly installed to pass inspection. The electrician will ensure the wiring is tight and secure to each of your outlets and switches.

*If you are having a standby generator installed, the electrician will take care of that as well.

*If landscaping is a part of your new home construction, your electrician can take care of installing and hooking up your outdoor lighting as well.

These elements may not look like much on paper, but the electrical wiring in a home is one of the most crucial elements. It is absolutely essential the work is completed by a competent and experienced electrical contractor to ensure the home is safe. This will also reduce the risk for future service calls. Give The Electric Connection a call today and see what we can do to help you fulfill your dream of new home construction.

Avoid House Fires with Electrician in Burbank

Posted on September 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

A home fire is one of the most terrifying, disastrous events that can happen to a homeowner. Losing everything is a fear that many of us have. We take steps to insure our family members can escape a home should the unthinkable happen by installing smoke detectors. While it is no secret a home fire can be devastating, some may not be aware of how preventable a home fire truly is. An electrician in Burbank can help you prevent a fire in your home. If you would like to learn more, the team at The Electric Connection can help.

Holiday Lighting

Sadly, at a time when homeowners are trying to be festive, they are putting their homes at risk with holiday lighting. The problem is overloaded circuits can create heat and/or a spark. For those that use real trees, the trees can dry out and become tinder. The smallest spark can set off a fire. Light strands that are in poor condition are another huge risk. Always inspect your lights before stringing them up. If you need to upgrade circuit breakers to accommodate your lighting needs, call a Burbank electrician.

Cooking Fires

Everybody has experienced a stove top fire at least once. Unfortunately, some of those minor fires can quickly turn into huge fires. It is important you practice caution while cooking. Having a smoke detector installed can alert you to any pans that may start smoking, giving you the chance to extinguish a fire before it becomes a big one.

Electrical Wiring

Faulty wiring is a huge issue and is almost always going to end badly. If you suspect your wiring is outdated or possibly substandard, call an electrician. Burbank homeowners can call to have an electrical inspection to identify any potential hazards. This is your chance to head off any issues before they become a major, potentially life-threatening problem.

Call The Electric Connection today and schedule your electrical inspection to give yourself peace of mind about the safety of your home’s wiring.

Electrical Inspections Explained by Glendale Electrician

Posted on August 25, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

If you have recently purchased a home or are in the home-buying process, you know there are a series of inspections that are required or recommended. One of those inspections may be an electrical inspection by a certified electrician in Glendale. The inspection is designed to give you an inside peek at what lies behind the walls of a home. If you have lived in your home for some time and have never had an electrical inspection, it may be a good idea to have one done. The team at The Electric Connection can help you get that scheduled.

If you have never seen an electrical inspection or are unsure as to what they encompass, this information will help you understand a bit more.

A Glendale electrician will inspect the electric panel, the breakers and look at the wiring that is visible in the panel. The electrician may also remove a light switch cover plate and have a look to see what the wiring looks like. If you have any exposed wiring in the attic or basement, make sure you point it out for the electrician. Glendale homeowners who have exposed wiring will want to have it taken care.

Once the inspection is complete, the electrician will write up a report about the findings. If there are things that are hazardous, they will be outlined and explained. Electric hazards should be resolved as soon as possible. Your electrician will also note things that are not necessarily hazardous yet, but should be taken care of at your earliest convenience. Any code violations will be pointed out. In some cases, failure to have a house brought up to code leaves you vulnerable should there be a fire or injury caused by wiring that is not up to code.

Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your electrical inspection whether you are buying, selling or plan on staying in your house for years to come.

Electrical Considerations for Remodels Explained by Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on June 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

With summer weather driving you indoors where it is much cooler, you may be looking around the house and thinking you could change this or that to make it all a little better. Home remodels range from very minimal renovations to big changes that may include adding a room or completely removing walls. All of this will make your home a little more perfect for you and your family, but home remodels can be a lot of work. While small renovations are typically something the average homeowner will attempt to do on their own, an electrician in Santa Monica points out that even the smallest changes should be evaluated by an electrician. You can count on the team at The Electric Connection to send out an experienced electrician to handle the inspection for you.

When you hire a Santa Monica electrician to inspect the area you plan to remodel, you will get a good idea of the electrical work that is involved in the remodel. Often times, homeowners forget all about the electrical wiring that is needed with any renovation. During the inspection, you will be told what all is hiding behind the walls and what would need to happen to move the wiring. Things to consider are light fixtures, outlets and data lines. If you are planning on adding more outlets, your electrician will need to evaluate whether or not you have enough room in the breaker panel to do so.

Another important part of the inspection will be to determine the condition and age of your existing wiring. This is always a job for an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners who live in homes that are more than 30 years old will appreciate the information. Outdated wiring could be a fire hazard. Upgrading the wiring will make your home safer while potentially saving you money on your homeowner’s insurance. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your home inspection before you move forward with any remodeling plans.

Wireless Lighting Benefits with Pasadena Electrician

Posted on June 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

No matter how hard you try, it is a huge task to try and remember to shut off lights whenever they are not in use. If you have a busy household with several family members, your task is next to impossible. It is frustrating to have to constantly remind kids and other adults to turn off the lights. It is a full time job that nobody has the time or patience for. Did you know that lighting accounts from anywhere between 20 and 40 percent of your total electrical bill? An electrician in Pasadena has a viable solution for you that does not require you to be on full time light duty. The team at The Electric Connection can provide you with more information or you can read on.

Lighting timers or wireless lighting systems are the answer to your lighting police needs. A wireless system can be quickly installed on any light that you find to be a problem getting shut off. Hallways, stairways and bathrooms are common areas of installation. If you choose to go with a system that is wired into the home’s electrical system, the installation is best completed by a qualified electrician. Pasadena homeowners will feel better knowing the system has been installed by a professional and the risk of bad wiring is avoided.

A wireless system is the best option because it leaves no holes in the walls or ceilings. It does cost a little more up front, but the savings on your electric bill will certainly make up for it. You can save up to 50 percent on your electric bill with the installation of light timers. You can certainly install the wireless system on your own and you can avoid hiring a Pasadena electrician. The choice is yours. If you would like to learn more about wireless lighting systems or the installation of light timers, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Benefits of Track Lighting with Pasadena Electrician

Posted on May 25, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

There are numerous lighting options you have when it comes to upgrading and updating your home. The standard light in the center of the room is no longer the only option. In fact, it is a rather dated look. You can update your home and give it a more modern look by simply changing out a light fixture. Of course, this will require handling electrical wiring, which should always be done by an electrician in Pasadena. Don’t risk trying to do it yourself and causing some serious damage to your home or injuring yourself. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help and can take care of your lighting update.

Track lighting offers numerous benefits and looks great too! If you are unsure of what track lighting is; it is several lights fixtures on a track that is on one circuit. The track can be a straight line, a U shape or a curved shape. You can choose to have 2 lights or 4 or more. Your Pasadena electrician can help you determine just what track lighting structure is best for you and your needs.

One of the major benefits of track lighting is flexibility. You can light up an entire room with a single fixture. You have the freedom to choose just how many lights you use and direct them where you need the light the most. Another benefit to track lighting is the fact many are designed to use LEDs. LEDs will save you a great deal of money on your lighting bill. They are extremely bright and use a fraction of the electricity of a standard light bulb or even a CFL bulb. You will want to have the track lighting fixture installed by an electrician. Pasadena homeowners will feel better knowing they are getting a professional installation job. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your track lighting upgrade.

Updating Landscape Lighting with Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on March 25, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

It is that time of year again! Spring is here and the flowers are starting to bloom as well as the trees. You are probably already dusting off your lawn furniture and getting ready for another season of mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges. Don’t forget to take a look at your landscape lighting as well. There are probably some lights that need replacing or maybe you are considering adding more lights or replacing your solar lights with electric lights. No matter what the case is, you will want to hire an electrician in Santa Monica to get the job done right. The team at The Electric Connection is ready to help you get your landscape lighting in tip top condition so you can be proud of your yard this summer.

Landscape lighting has come a long way in the last decade. There are so many different kinds of lights to choose from you are sure to find something that fits your personality and style. You don’t have to stick with the typical lantern-style lighting lining your walkway. Go bold and add a little flair to your landscaping by choosing lights that are a little different from the norm, but still just as effective. Once you have chosen your style of lights, call your Santa Monica electrician. You will want to make sure the lights are installed properly and will work throughout the season. Electric lights tend to be more reliable than their solar counterparts. They can also be placed in shady places under shrubs and on the shady side of the house.

Because there are some electrical wires associated with electric landscape lights, it is best to have the job completed by a professional electrician. Santa Monica homeowners will feel better knowing it was done right and their home’s safety has not been compromised by incorrect wiring. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your landscape lighting install or upgrade.

Hiding Home Entertainment Wiring with Pasadena Electrician

Posted on March 25, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

With flat screen televisions the new norm in home entertainment systems, those large, wooden entertainment centers are being phased out. Now, it is much easier to simply hang the television on the wall and free up quite a bit of space in the living area. Unfortunately, those entertainment centers provided a nice camouflage for all of the wires that go along with your media equipment. Your Pasadena electrician has a few tips to help you make it all look a little cleaner and less disorganized. If you need help installing or organizing your electrical cords, you can always call The Electric Connection.

Cord Organizers

Your first step is to tidy up the cords that have a lot of length left. These can turn into a tangled mess on the floor that can ultimately become a hazard. Kids and pets will love the cords and could electrocute themselves or yank the television down. Consider using cord organizers, which are small plastic cases that keep cords wound up and out of sight, or use cable ties to keep the extra length in check.

Hide the Cords

Hide the cords under the equipment, behind the shelf or stand the equipment is on or if using a flat screen, behind the television. You can also find nifty covers that run the length of the wall. The covers hide the cords and can be painted to match your existing wall.

More Outlets

Many older homes have outlets that are close to the floor. Consider having an electrician in Pasadena install an outlet higher up on the wall for you to plug your flat screen into. This will keep you from running the cord down the wall.

In a Closet

Consider hiding your electrical wires and cords in a closet or pantry. This will need to be taken care of by an electrician. Pasadena homeowners can successfully put all of their necessary equipment in this small space, keeping the room clean and tidy. Give The Electric Connection a call today to take care of your home entertainment needs.