Tag: los angeles electrician

Installing Recessed Lights in 2018

Posted on | by K Hopkins

recessed lightingWhen you think about installing recessed lighting, it might seem like a quick and easy process but in reality, there is a lot that goes into it. The first step is to choose the right recessed lighting for your room.

When looking at recessed lighting, there are two different components you need to consider – the housing and the trim. These can both be sold separately. The housing can be found in the ceiling and holds all the electrical components. The trim is what is seen below the ceiling and includes the style and the directional parts of the light.

The next thing to consider when installing recessed lighting is what you actually want the lighting to do. Speak with your designer or your contractor to set up a lighting plan. In this plan, you should decide what you want your recessed lighting to do. Are you looking to provide a general lighting for the room, highlight artwork, or add additional lighting to the already set up lighting? Recessed lighting is very flexible.

Choose your style next. Recessed lighting can be hidden but you can also use to show off the style of your room. You can choose the trim, shape, and style of your recessed lighting. From different colors to shapes, use your recessed lighting to complement other areas in your room.

Recessed lighting is a great choice for your home’s lighting system. A professional electrician can recommend the best set up for your situation.

The Electric Connection has been providing Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with electrical services for over 30 years. Our electricians are experts in installing every type of lighting on the market. Please contact us to get on the schedule!

How Attic Fans Work

Posted on | by K Hopkins

attic fan installationIf you don’t have an attic fan installed in your home, you have probably wondered if one would work for you. You’ve probably heard about attic fans but aren’t sure how they work or what they even do. Attic fans are special ventilation fans that give your home an energy efficient way to cool hot attics. In doing this, they help cool off the rest of the home.

Best installed during the spring or summer months, these fans can be used to help out the central air conditioning systems. Attic fans definitely cannot replace a central air unit in terms of cooling off a whole home, but they offer a smart alternative to help cool down a home. Since attic fans aren’t as powerful as an air conditioner, they can’t completely cool off your home. They use a fraction of the energy, which makes it appealing to thought who want to stay energy efficient.

An attic fan is first and foremost a fan. It will push the hot air out of your attic and replace it with cooler air found outside. As with any fan, there are several types available. Most of them contain the same features – small vents to bring the cooler air inside and a fan that pushes the air to the outside. It may seem simple, but can be very effective.

What are the benefits of installing an attic fan?

  • Cool your home and be energy efficient
  • No unsafe gas use
  • Brings down the humidity levels
  • Easy to install
  • Usually inexpensive
  • Great alternative to cooling the home

Be careful to not make the common mistakes of installing an attic fan. This is to cover the vents with insulation. The more insulation in your attic, the more energy efficient it will be BUT if you cover the vents of your attic fan it will render the fan useless.

Also, be sure to keep your windows open when you are using the attic fan. By keeping your windows closed, you are reducing the effectiveness of the attic fan. The fan works by creating a negative pressure to release the air to the outside. By leaving your windows open, you allow the fan to bring in more cool air into the attic and your home.

The Electric Connection has been serving the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. Our electricians have the expertise and knowledge to complete a variety of electrical jobs. From attic fan installations to whole house rewires, The Electric Connection can do it all.

3 Benefits of Installing Home EV Charger

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

ev charger benefitsThe purchasing of an electric vehicle comes with one big, important question:

How can I charge my car at home?

Driving around you may see EV chargers set up for public use – which is great! It’s always nice to know you have a place to go to get a charge on your car, but what if you want the convenience of charging your electric vehicle at home?

There are actually quite a few options out there. One is to just simply plug it into an outlet. Your car should come with a cord that just plugs into any normal outlet in your home. This is called a Level 1 charger. It, of course, does not produce a very fast charger but will make do until you decide you want to purchase a faster way to charge.

The good news is that there are other options that will get your car charged faster. These options are also surprisingly affordable.

What are the benefits of installing an EV charger in your home? Your own charging station will provide you with a fast and safe charge that should cost no more than pennies a day.

At home, the best options for getting a fast charge is to install a Level 2 charger. This will require an electrician to come out and assess your situation – they might also be able to help you over the phone. When a Level 2 charger is installed, you will have a fast charger that will likely fill up your car within a few hours.

Like the outlet that your dryer uses, the Level 2 charger requires a 240V outlet. This outlet is compatible with all types of electric vehicles currently on the market, from Teslas to Chevy Bolts. There is a cord that plugs into the outlet and then into the car. It can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to get a complete charge on the vehicle.

Convenience plays a huge role when it comes to a home EV charger. No more need to worry about losing a charge when you’re driving around town. Simply plug in at night right in your garage or driveway and the car will be ready for you in the morning. You can charge when you want to get with a charging station installed at home.

Lower costs are also a great benefit of installing a car charger at home. Many commercial properties and businesses charger per hour when you plug in. If you have a charger at home, you can skip the fees and just pay your electric bill, which shouldn’t raise more than a few pennies. There are also studies that say charging your car at home costs less than running an air conditioner.

If you have any questions about why you should install a car charger at home, consult with a local electrician. They should be able to answer any questions you may have about the installation process and the benefits.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing the people of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with expert electrical services and tips for over 30 years. We are installing electric vehicles charging stations daily. If you have any questions, please contact us at (818) 446-0888.

2018 Panel Upgrade Cost

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

panel upgradeLiving in the country or the city, your home greatly relies on your electrical system. Your electrical panel box provides all the electricity to different areas in your home. It’s the first connection to outside power and distributes it throughout the rooms in your home. When it comes time for an upgrade, many different elements go into determining a price. Before you decide that you need a panel upgrade, make sure to run through all the factors before making the big decision.

The average homeowner can expect to pay between $250 to over $1,500 for a new panel upgrade in 2018. In the nation, the average cost to upgrade a panel is around $1,100. Lower amperage panels that don’t need an upgrade but only replaced can be as low as $125 – not including labor or other related costs. Larger panels may be around $3,000 to replace or upgrade.

The cost of labor may be a big part of the total cost. It usually takes from 8 to 10 hours to complete a panel upgrade. Most electricians charge from $50 to $80 an hour. Keeping all that in mind, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $800 for the labor to upgrade a panel.

Thinking about it, it’s quite reasonable. It’s not easy to upgrade a residential panel and you shouldn’t choose just anyone to do so. A professional electrician who is licensed and insured should be chosen to complete the job.

200 Amp Panel Upgrade Cost

When upgrading your panel to a 200-amp service, the cost can be from $1,300 to $3,000 including installation fees. All situations are different which means it could be more or less depending on your home’s setup. Every single installation is unique. An electrician with knowledge about upgrading panels should be able to assess your situation and give you an accurate quote before beginning the job.

Many factors go into the cost of a panel upgrade. It’s important to look at every aspect of your job and understand it completely – that way there are no surprises in the end. Consult with a professional electrician if you have any questions.

The Electric Connection has performed many panel upgrades throughout the Los Angeles area. Our electricians are trained and knowledgeable about all aspects of electrical work. Contact us today if you are in need of a panel upgrade.

Please note: these prices do not reflect those of The Electric Connection. Please contact us for an estimate regarding your electrical panel upgrade.

10 Tips For House Rewires for Older Homes

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

rewire older homeOlder homes are usually the ones that benefit the most from a whole house rewire. This is due to the fact that the electrical systems found in old homes are not up to date with modern technology and might not be able to handle to loads that are thrown at them. With today’s new appliances, gadgets, and tech, more and more pressure is put on a home’s electrical system.

Computers, 3D televisions, newer refrigerators – these weren’t around when historically homes were built and wired. Upgrading an older home’s electrical system is definitely a task one must take on to bring it up to date. It’s important to do an electrical system update with care to not damage an older, historically home or building.

How can an older home be rewired while still keeping the history intact? Below are some tips that will ensure your home will still feel the same after a rewire. These tips will help reduce the number of holes in the floors, ceilings or walls and make the whole process of a house rewire a little more smooth.

1. Create a list of everything you’ll be using in your home that requires electricity. Call this an “electrical inventory”. Make sure to list where you will be using these items as well. This will help to match your electrical system with your electrical needs. When you make a list of items and where you’ll be using them, you’ll help the electrician with the framework of the job.

2. Check with your city about local codes and pull the necessary permits. Electrical code will tell you how many outlets you can put in each room as well as what kind of wiring you need. An electrician may be able to help you with this.

3. Now is the time to decide if you are okay with just running the electrical wiring or if you should run other things such as data or security. With modern wiring, you get more than just electricity. Keep in mind too that wireless systems are getting more cheaper as well as become more sophisticated.

4. Use the list you created in step one to set a plan of action. This will help your electrician greatly. Take stock and decide what you want to be done, how you want it done, and when it should be completed.

5. Make sure to keep an eye out for existing infrastructure. Check it twice and drill once. Avoid any plumbing or existing wiring in your home to prevent damage.

6. Be sure to get everything in writing. From the city officials all the way to your electrician, get everything you talk about in writing so the job gets finished and finished correctly.

7. Find a good electrician. A good electrician will know what they’re doing when it comes to a house rewire for an older home. It may be a more difficult job, but finding the right electrician for your house rewire is very important.

8. Be sure to remember the cleanup process. A house rewire can be a messy job. Including the demolition and reconstruction process in your plans is very important in order to scope out the whole job.

9. When you are adding an outlet in an area that is going to get a lot of use or a large appliance is going to be there – such as a refrigerator – be sure to use a dedicated circuit. This is where the wire run right from the circuit breaker to the outlet and it is not shared with any other items. This will help to reduce the load on the electrical system and will stop tripping from happening.

10. Keep the feel of your historic home be integrating plates and switches that match the feel of your home. There are many places that will supply hardware to match your home’s atmosphere.

These are just ten tips to keep in mind when rewiring your older home. An electrician can better prepare you for the job when the time comes. If you have any questions, you can reach out to a local electrician to get answers.

The Electric Connection has been supplying the Los Angeles area with electrical support for over 30 years. House rewires and panel upgrades are our specialty. If you think your older home needs a house rewire, please give us a call at (818) 446-0888.

Choosing a Local Electrician Near You

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

local electricianHow can you find a local electrician near you? Google is usually the best way to go. Back in the day, when you did a Google search for the word “electrician” you would usually find definitions and descriptions of the word. Now, Google has evolved and is becoming the way to find answers to everything, even how to find a local electrician.

Once you find a local electrician, you should do research to see if they’re the right one for you. Check out their reviews and work history to see if they can perform your job correctly. There are many ways to find electrician reviews online. Yelp and Google are great places to start. A good electrician should have a variety of reviews from their actual customers. On Yelp, you can search the reviews for keywords. If you are looking to have a panel upgrade done, search the reviews for “panel upgrade” to see what pulls up. This should give you a good idea of how well the electrician you have chosen is able to perform your job.

Look for an experienced, trained, and highly professional electrician. Also, find an electrician who is licensed, bonded, and insured to make sure your job is completed and done safely. A licensed electrician has to complete many years of schooling and experience in order to obtain a license. When you hire a licensed electrician, you are ensuring that you are hiring a professional electrician who has years of experience under their belt.

The best local electrician is out there waiting to complete your next electrical project. You just have to find them. In addition to searching Google, you can also do a search on Yelp. This will lead you straight to that electricians reviews. Yelp will allow you to search for electricians in your area simply and easily.

When you find the right electrician for you, call them and ask questions about your project. If you have questions about pricing or specific aspects of your project, now is the best time to ask. The electrician should be able to answer any questions and, if the project is routine, give you a price estimate over the phone.

If the local electrician you choose completes your job to your satisfaction, leave a review so others can find them. Be sure to go into details about how they performed on the job, if they were on time, how long they took, etc. Anything you would want to know before hiring an electrician, write about that in your review. This will help your electrician approve and, if they did well, gain more customers.

The Electric Connection has been providing residents and business owners in Los Angeles with expert electrical services for the past 30 years. We are proud to provide these services and to answer any questions you may have. Please call us at (818) 446-0888 for more information.

3 Ways to Utilize Recessed Lighting

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles recessed lightingWhen you are considering what types of lighting to use in your home, it’s important to think about how best to highlight the best features of a room, create an atmosphere that is inviting, and improve the functionality of a room. You need to choose the best mix of lighting to give your room the most life. Recessed lighting is an excellent way to create an inviting and functional room that is sure to keep you and your family happy.

How is recessed lighting best used?

Recessed lighting has many functionalities and can be used in pretty much any room in your home. We have compiled a list of the three best ways to utilize recessed lighting. Read on to learn more!

Bathroom Lighting

When you think about lighting your home, you might overlook the bathroom. Common homes have one single light overhead which can be inadequate for lighting the different areas in your bathroom. Using recessed lighting in your bathroom can bring style and functionality to your space which can help you both relax and unwind as well as get ready for a night out.

You can use recessed lighting in the bathroom in more than just the ceiling. Place the light fixtures around a mirror to create the perfect bathroom mirror. When used with other types of light fixtures, recessed lighting can help create a very even and shadow-free lighting that normal ceiling light fixtures cannot.

Since recessed lighting has housings that can get wet, they are ideal for inside the shower or over a tub. Add an additional light inside your shower to see better when getting clean.

Dramatic Effect

If you have artwork you want to show off in your home, recessed lighting gives you the perfect opportunity to do so. Recessed lighting can give you that perfect dramatic effect when lighting photos or sculptures.

Certain fixtures have movable parts. With adjustable recessed lighting trims, you can angle the light in whichever direction you wish. This gives you more ways to light your home.

Kitchen Lighting

Many kitchens are very underlit leaving it hard to see when cooking or entertaining. Lighting can be an afterthought when you are focusing on creating the perfect kitchen setting. Recessed lighting can be the perfect solution for a kitchen’s needs. It can be placed overhead of a preparing area so you can have the best view of what you’re working on. Combined with other types of light fixtures, you can have the best kitchen around.

There are many ways to utilize recessed lighting in your home – these are just three examples. If you have any questions about the type of lighting needed for your home, consult with a professional electrician today.

The Electric Connection has been providing lighting services to the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. We would be happy to provide you with an idea of what best works for your home. Give us a call during business hours to speak with a specialist!

Purchasing Your Next Extension Cord

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

purchasing an extension cordWhether you’re at home or work – it doesn’t matter – we all find ourselves facing the problem of being too far away from an electrical outlet. You may want to charge your phone while using it while sitting on the couch, but the nearest outlet is across the room.

This is usually due to the fact that when houses are constructed, the crew is only thinking about making them large and spacious to allow it to be filled up with furniture and appliances. In the process, the addition of additional outlets is forgotten which creates a great inconvenience.

Many of our devices are portable, which means the cords used to charge them can be very short. Luckily there is a solution: extension cords.

Extension cords are the savior to electrical gadgets and devices when it comes time to charge. These cords allow for a smooth and uninterrupted distribution of power even when an electrical outlet is far away from where we need it to be.

It can also be very helpful when one or more electrical appliance needs to be used in the same room. Extension cords can supply power to all your devices so you can watch TV, use your computer, and play a DVD all at the same time.

At work, when you are giving a presentation, you can find an extension cord helpful as it connects the mic, computer, and protector to a power source. It’s very easy to see how extension cords have quickly become a very important part of modern life.

When looking for your next extension cord, it’s important to determine what exactly you need out of it. There are many different factors in choosing an extension cord. You may need one for length or one to use with multiple devices. Be careful choosing an extension cord if you are looking to use it mainly outdoors – there are ones designed specifically for indoor or outdoor use. Extension cords also come in a variety of different colors as well as have features such as lights when power is running through.

In order to determine which extension cord is right for you, right down every time you have needed a power source but it was too far away or when you have needed an additional power source but all the existing outlets were occupied. This should help you determine what type of extension cord to buy.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been proud to serve the area for over 30 years. Our electricians are experts in the field and provide our customers with excellent advice and services. If you have any questions, please contact us at (818) 446-0888.

5 of the Best Extension Cords

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

extension cordHow many extension cords to do you think you have in your home? It’s best to have at least one but there are so many different types out there. Extension cords are super easy to use and while it might seem okay to just grab one from the dollar store, you should probably know a few things about the device you’re bringing into your home.

These next five devices were carefully researched in order to ensure the extension cord worked as promised. If you’re looking to purchase a new extension cord, read the reviews below!

Iron Forge Cable
Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord

This extension cord is potentially the best extension cord on the market today. It has a long and heavy duty cord to handle just about anything you could imagine plugging into it. It comes with a lifetime warranty as well as LED lights that show when power is running through it.

It is more on the expensive side but is well worth the money. There are alternatives that bring the price down – such as shorter lengths.

Watt’s Wire
Heavy Duty Triple Outlet Indoor / Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord

Man, that’s a mouthful! This extension cord is a great alternative to the one made by Iron Forge. It also has an LED light that shows when power is running through it as well as comes with a triple-outlet feature. It has powerful weather protection that can handle most electronics, including power tools.

This cord is on the expensive side as well but, like the Iron Forge cord, comes in shorter lengths that will help save some money.

US Wire
50-foot Orange Heavy Duty Extension Cord

This is your basic, but reliable, extension cord that will last for a very long time. It’s probably the best value your money can buy. It has a decent price but also is very weather resistant.

While this cord doesn’t have all the frills as the previously mentioned, it will still get the job done.

Aurum Cables
25 Feet 3 Outlet Extension Cord – Indoor / Outdoor Use

These cords are decent for indoor use but are only good for limited outdoor usage. Available for a great price, these extension cords feature a three-outlet design in black or white.

The Aurum Cables are not a heavy duty cable and are very limited for outdoor use.

Coleman Cable
Welder Extension Cord

This is an industrial-sized extension cord that is mostly used outdoors. It comes with an extremely heavy duty quality and has molded ends as a safety feature.

It can be pretty stiff at the beginning so be aware that you might have to work it out.

If you’re looking for your next extension cord, give the ones above a try. Consult a professional electrician for any advice in regards to using electrical extension cords. If you find yourself using too many cords, talk to your electrician about installing additional outlets where you need power.

The Electric Connection is proud to serve to Los Angeles area. We have been providing electrical services to Los Angeles homeowners and businesses for over 30 years. If you need any assistance choosing your next extension cord, please call us at (818) 446-0888.

3 Ways to Prepare for House Rewire

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

open electrical panel with wires running to itRewiring a home can be stressful for many homeowners. It can be chaotic and many times seeing your home that messy may make you feel distraught. It’s best to find an electrician who can really emphasize with these feelings and help make you feel at ease with the whole process.

Many electricians know that homeowners do not look forward to this process even though it will help the integrity of their home. Electricians who keep the mess to a minimum and clean up after themselves are the ones to look for. But the mess is just one aspect of the process. How do you prepare for a house rewire on your own?

Below are three ways you can start to mentally prepare for a house rewire. These are also good questions to ask your electrician if you think you need a rewire but aren’t sure.

Figure out what actually needs to be rewired

It’s important to know what areas in your home need rewiring and which do not. It’s possible that you may only need a partial rewire. If this is the case, your electrician will inform you. An older home that has not been rewired will likely need a to be completely rewired. An electrician should be able to go through your home and let you know what needs to be done.

Figure out why you need a rewire

If you have a home that was built before the 1950s, there’s a good chance you need a rewire. This is due to the fact that anything built before 1950 used wiring that is now out of date. With the advancement of technology, our reliance on energy has grown. Older homes’ wiring simply cannot handle the strain we put on it. Upgrading your wiring will allow for a safer and more up to date home. There are many other signs you need a rewire, you can read about them here.

Figure out how much power your home needs

When you rewire your home there is usually a reason behind it. If you’re rewiring because you need additional power, this may be a good time to also upgrade your electrical panel. This will allow you to safely add more appliances without worrying about tripping the breakers.

If you think you need a rewire, it’s best to contact an electrician to find out. You may save a lot of money by having an electrician visit your home to assess your situation. A professional electrician will likely offer a free estimate to go over your house rewire.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing electrical services to Los Angeles and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Our team travels around Los Angeles every day performing troubleshooting service calls, house rewires, panel upgrades, EV charger installations, and more. Call us today to see what we can do for you.