Tag: los angeles electrician

Los Angeles Electrician – Smoke Alarm Considerations

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Having smoke alarms is one of the essential ways you can protect your family in your home. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has estimated that nearly 70 percent of those who perish in a house fire were in homes where there was no smoke alarm. Additionally, it is estimated that nearly one thousand deaths per year could be prevented by installing smoke alarms in every home. Learn more about the considerations you must make regarding smoke alarms and then call a Los Angeles electrical company, such as The Electric Connection, to install this important device today.

Building Codes

There are building codes that mandate the installation of smoke alarms. These are developed at both the state and local level. Since there are so many codes and requirements you must keep in mind, it is recommended that you find an electrician in Los Angeles that has a thorough knowledge of NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm Code as well as these local ordinances.

Location

It is important not only to have a smoke detector, but also to install enough and install them in a proper location. It’s important to install the number of smoke detectors that are required in your area. Additionally, connecting the detectors, means that there will be an early warning if a fire breaks out in another part of the home. When working with an electrician, Los Angeles residents should request that the detector be mounted on the ceiling or high on the wall.

Power Source

A smoke alarm can operate on batteries, electrical systems or a combination. An alarm that operates on both is most desirable, since it protects you even if there is a power outage or dead battery situation. Testing your smoke alarm regularly is vitally important to make certain it will be there for you when you need it.

If you want to talk to a Los Angeles Electrician about installing a smoke alarm system in your home, visit us at ElectricConnection.com or call us at The Electric Connection today.

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.

Electrician Los Angeles – A Few Practical Energy Conservation Tips

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Each and every household has at least one reason to conserve energy. This is a very basic idea, and should be important for everyone in all classes of society. By conserving energy you are being less wasteful, which can have a positive impact both on the environment and on your monthly energy bills. In most areas, electrical utility companies still use fossil fuels to provide our homes with the electricity that we use on a daily basis. This includes materials such as natural gas, coal and oil. The exhaust and other by-products of burning these fuels can be very harmful to the environment. Furthermore, they all have a limited supply that is rapidly declining due to the increased demand placed by humans.

What can you do to conserve energy at home?

One of the best places to start is to use your appliances mindfully. By this, we mean turning them off when they are not in use. For further power savings, you can even unplug them or turn an attached power strip off to avoid losing any “standby” power.

Your large home appliances, such as washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners and heaters can account for up to two-thirds of the energy that you use at home. By unplugging them when not in use, or ensuring that they are only being used when necessary, you can make a significant dent in your electric bill. Take important steps such as turning your thermostat up when you leave the house, or improving your insulation. You can have your electrician in Los Angeles install time-saving devices such as programmable thermostats and dimmer switches to make this job even easier for you.

The bottom line is that everyone should be doing their best to conserve as much electricity as possible. While the effects may seem small, they truly add up and can benefit you both personally and everyone around you. For more ideas about energy conservation or help with an electrical installation or repair project, contact The Electric Connection. (Click Here).

Electrician Los Angeles – Switching to LED Lighting

Posted on | by K Hopkins

In the past several years, the technology behind our lights has grown tremendously. Although incandescent bulbs were the standard for a number of years, more energy efficient alternatives like Compact Fluorescents (CFL) and Light Emitting Diodes (LED) have become more readily available, affordable and very popular. Because people have been looking for ways to reduce their electrical bills, and lower their overall impact on the environment, LED lighting has become a particularly popular alternative as it has become easier to find. This has resulted in LED lighting companies to manufacture and distribute more LED lights than in the past.

Should You Switch?

The reasons to switch to LEDs are numerous for both homeowners and small businesses. One of the biggest draws to LED lights is its lifespan. Most LED lights will burn for somewhere around 100,000 hours. This translates into roughly 11 years. Whenever you are dealing with this type of lifespan, you will probably end up calling an electrician in Los Angeles to come change out the light fixture before you ever have to change the bulb. LEDs not only last longer, but they also use much less electricity than both incandescent and CFL bulbs. They also produce less heat, resulting in a long-lasting, low-energy, low temperature operation.

Are They Expensive?

One of the few negatives that LED bulbs have is that they have a higher up-front cost than many other options. Although they boast the longer life span, reduced energy consumption and low heat, LED lighting is still more expensive than CFL and Incandescent bulbs. For this reason, many people choose other types of bulbs over them.  Those that go with the LEDs typically find out that they will pay for themselves through reduced energy usage. As always, don’t hesitate to contact The Electric Connection with any questions about LEDs, light fixtures or any other electrical topics. We’re always glad to help.

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Electrician Los Angeles Can Light up the Spaces in Your Home

Posted on | by K Hopkins

If you need to add more light to the dark corners of your home—whether they are inside or outside—an electrician who specializes in custom lighting projects might be exactly what you need. The projects done by a licensed electrician can be customized to include all types of home lighting, including interior lighting, recessed lighting, landscape lighting as well as security lighting.

Your first step is deciding what style of lighting fixtures you’ll want to add to the interior or exterior of your home. Along with functionality, remember to choose lighting fixtures that complement the style of your home decor.

Once you’ve made the decision on what style of lighting fixtures you want, there’s one more step before finding the right electrician in Los Angeles.  That step is to purchase the lighting fixtures that you want to have installed. Now that you’ve made all of the decisions, it’s time to find the right electrician. Los Angeles residents and business know that they can count on The Electric Connection as a reliable and professional electrical contracting company that’s been in business for over 30 years.

We’ll be able to quickly install your new interior lighting or outdoor lights for you.  We’ll even rewire your entire home for you if necessary and bring your old wiring up to the current code requirements. We have years of experience when it comes to wiring installations as well as any other types of electrical services you might need such as new outlets, ceiling or bath fans, panel upgrades and more.

We’re fully licensed, bonded and insured electricians, and we’ll do it right the first time. Come visit us at: www.theelectricconnection.com today and see what we can do for you!

 

Los Angeles Electrician – Options for Under Cabinet Lighting

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Under cabinet lighting has become very popular recently, especially in kitchen remodels. There are many benefits to having this type of task lighting. In addition to adding functionality to your counters, it can also add depth and highlight your backsplash, giving your kitchen a great look throughout the day. There are a variety of different lights that can be installed by an electrician in Los Angeles, each with its own benefits.

One of the top choices for under cabinet lighting is LED lighting. LED lights do not use as much electricity as standard light bulbs. This means that the bulbs will use less electricity and generate less heat. You don’t want very much heat to build up under your wooden cabinets, so this is a very important feature. LED bulbs are also very durable, and not filled with a glass like fluorescent bulbs, or a thin fragile filament like incandescent. LED lightings can withstand the beating that they may get in your kitchen. One of the greatest things about LED lights is that they are long-lasting. LED lights have a much longer lifespan than any of the other alternatives.

Xenon bulbs are another popular option for under cabinet lighting. They are great when compared with halogen. They create less heat than halogen bulbs, last longer and you can handle them without gloves (unlike their halogen counterparts). Xenon bulbs are also dimmable, which makes them great for kitchen lightings. If your kitchen currently has halogen light bulbs, it is recommended that you switch them with xenon as soon as they start to burn out.

These two options are two of the most popular types of under cabinet lighting installed by your local Los Angeles electrician. To talk about installing under cabinet lighting or any other electrical issue, give The Electric Connection a call. You can find all of our contact information and further resources (Click Here).

Electrician in Los Angele Explains: Amps and Volts – What’s The Difference?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Whenever looking at electrical devices or equipment, many people are confused by the difference between amps and volts, making it difficult for them to understand the purpose of each. By learning what each of these important electrical terms means, you can better use your electrical devices in a safe manner, which will help you avoid any electrical shocks, tripped breakers or other electrical mishaps.

Amps

One of the easiest ways to understand the difference between these electrical terms is to look at them from a more physical viewpoint. In order to do this, we will compare each with its plumbing equivalent. Imagine water running through a hose. Simply put, amps are just like the water that is flowing through the hose.

Volts

The amount of water running through a hose depends largely on the pressure that is forcing the water through the hose. In electrical terms, the amount of pressure forcing electricity through the wire is referred to as Volts. Whenever you combine the two, and multiply Amps x Volts, you get Watts. Watts would be the equivalent of the amount of electricity that is coming out of the wire at any given moment (Amps) and the amount of pressure pushing the electricity through the wire (Volts).

One of the most important reasons to understand these terms is to keep them in mind when using several different devices and appliances on a single circuit in your home. Each circuit in your home is protected by a circuit breaker that is designed to shut off the flow of power if the circuit becomes overloaded. By understanding how much electricity each appliance is designed to draw, you can more safely and effectively spread your appliances across your circuits.

If you notice that you have a circuit that is frequently tripping, or showing other signs of power drain, call an electrician right away. This could be a sign of deeper issues. If you are interested in more information about this or other electrical topics, our team at The Electric Connection has put together a solid list of related tips and articles in our website.

Los Angeles Electrician Explains About Chemicals Families are Potentially Exposed to During Home Renovations

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Brian Turner asked me if I would post this article and I said yes, so here it is:

Renovations present a two fold risk to exposing families to potentially dangerous chemicals. First, the demolition of what is being replaced during renovations can release dust, mold and other allergy causing particulates in the air. It can also release asbestos fibers. Asbestos can be found in older tile flooring, ceiling and roof materials, exterior siding, covering pipes and pretty much anywhere else since it used to be widely used. It is associated with mesothelioma cancer.

The new materials being installed will put off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to one degree or another in the form of gases. New furnishings, cabinets, flooring and other renovation products and materials can release gases such as formaldehyde and benzene. The EPA warns of VOC side effects that include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, burning throats and eyes and skin reactions. Exposure is also associated with long-term systemic effects such as liver and kidney disease.

There are different ways to control exposure. One is to choose a contractor with experience in reducing the amount of particulates that get into the air during the demolition phase. If asbestos is known to be present or discovered, a professional asbestos remediation team should remove the materials. There are also contractors who are aware of ways to control exposure to VOCs released by new furnishings and construction materials.

Most people associate that odor of newness that new products have as being a good thing. However, the very presence of the odor is an indication that the product is off-gassing something. The odor may be something that triggers a severe asthma attack in a susceptible person. It may end up causing harm in the long run. The way to know is to become an informed consumer.

Contact each and every manufacturer of every product and material being used in the renovation of the home. Ask questions about risks of having or using the product in the home. It may be a real eye-opener to some people when they find out the answers. Ask the contractor to save every scrap of paper included with the packaging of the new items being installed. Products do come with warnings about VOCs, yet many homeowners never see the warnings.

The state of California is rigid when it comes to warnings about consumer products. However, it is just a warning. People can still choose to install products that put off more VOCs or worse yet, release lead and other toxic and even cancer causing substances. Though no option in new renovations is perfect, there are choices that can be made between product types to reduce the amount of dangerous chemicals and substances released in a home during renovations.

It takes time to do some research before buying that new set of kitchen cabinets or picking that new carpeting for the living room, but it is worth it. With indoor air being the air most families breathe the most of, it makes sense to take precautions to make it as clean and pure as possible for your entire family.

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Los Angeles Electrician – A Few Reasons You Should Call an Electrician

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Keeping your home and family safe is a high priority for every homeowner. One of the best, yet often neglected ways to ensure their safety is to make sure that all of your home’s electrical components are in safe and good working order. When it comes to electricity, being safe is always far better than being sorry. Rather than worrying about loose wires, short circuits and other potentially dangerous situations, work with an electrician in Los Angeles to make sure that your home is as safe as it possibly can be.

Attempting to solve electrical problems on your own can not only put you in immediate danger, but can also make the problems worse than they were to start with. While it is perfectly fine to replace light bulbs, flip breakers back on and perform other similar simple tasks by yourself, tackling anything that has to do with wiring or the other electrical components in your home should be left to the professionals.

If you have a breaker or breakers that trip frequently, then it is time to call a Los Angeles electrician. This can be a sign that you may have malfunctioning appliances, or an overloaded circuit. This might mean that you need to address a problem with a particular appliance, or your electrical service in general. In some case, a small panel upgrade can add additional circuits to your home, allowing you to more evenly spread the load.

Regardless of whether you are faced with an electrical issue or if you need to have electrical components such as a whole house surge protector installed, your safety and the integrity of your home depend on the skills and experience that only a licensed, professional electrician has. For any questions, or to talk about your electrical jobs and problems, give us a call today at The Electric Connection. We’ll look forward to hearing from you.

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Los Angeles Electrician Lighting Up Your New Chandelier

Posted on | by K Hopkins | 1 Comment on Los Angeles Electrician Lighting Up Your New Chandelier

If you are looking to decorate your home with class and sophistication, then a chandelier is the way to go. Chandeliers add elegance to a home, along with being a perfect center point that looks beautiful and brings an entire room together. This type of lighting fixture can be the cornerstone to the rest of your decor, too.

With all of the different choices in chandeliers that you’ll find out there, sometimes it can be difficult to choose just the right type and style for your home. You will first need to consider the overall decorating style that you have in your home, and then you can add upon that idea. There are many different types of chandeliers available with varied styles including; modern, vintage, shabby chic, elegant, etc.

The chandelier that you choose should fit in nicely with the décor in your home and add to the overall appearance and interior design of the particular room that it’s located in. Whether you want a large scale chandelier or something a bit on the smaller side, a chandelier is a very important home decorating purchase. When you’re ready to install your new chandelier, you’ll want the assistance of a licensed electrician for the installation, so finding the right Los Angeles electrician should be the next step after your purchase.

The Electric Connection is your reliable resource for a professional electrician in Los Angeles. The Electric Connection will be able to install your perfectly chosen chandelier, and help you out with any other types of electrical wiring, outlets, repairs, electrical installations or electrical upgrades that you might need.

Remember, it’s vital to hire an electrical contracting company that is both licensed and experienced when it comes to lighting installations. The Electric Connection will ensure a quality job every time, and we will do it right the first time. You’ll want to make sure that you’re receiving the best type of specialized lighting installation services for your new chandelier, and The Electric Connection can competently take care of the entire process for you. You can always find out more about our company by visiting our website at The Electric Connection.