Tag: los angeles electrician

Los Angeles Home Electrical Inspection

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

home electrical inspectionThere are certain times when an electrical home inspection is recommended. If you are just purchasing a home it’s a good idea to have it inspected so you can be sure you’re not buying into any major issues. When you have lived in your home for a while or if it is an older home, an inspection is a great idea to ensure that everything is running properly. Finally, if you are adding an appliance or doing any large renovations, you should have you electrical checked out to make sure that it can handle the new technology you’re bringing into your home.

To get the best results, a licensed electrician must perform this home electrical inspection service. The electrician will be able to perform several tests on your electrical system whereas a homeowner or buyer can only visually inspect it. When you hire an electrician for this safety procedure, you can be sure they will have the tools necessary to perform the job as thoroughly as possible.

Why Is A Home Electrical Inspection Important?

The NFPA, or National Fire Protection Agency, reports that between 2007 and 2011 there were more than 144,00 house fires caused by electrical failure. Many of these could have been prevented if a simple inspection had been completed. A home inspection can reveal electrical issues such as deficiencies or fire hazards.

What Does A Home Inspection Consist Of?

Many electricians offer an inspection of home electrical system as a service. Most electricians have a standard checklist for electrical home inspections. It can vary from contractor to contractor but at the least the following should be performed:

  • Verification grounding is present
  • Light bulb wattage verification
  • Inspection of switch and outlet operations
  • Examination of ARCIs
  • Make sure there are no shock hazards present
  • Verification of lighting safety
  • Proof of surge protection
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detector testing
  • Electrical panel inspection
  • Review of outdoor electrical system

Once the inspection is completed, an electrician will provide you with a detailed report concerning your electrical system. The more serious issues will be listed first. After the inspection is completed, the electrician will walk you through the issues that are present in your home. He or she will provide instructions on how to proceed with any dangerous problems that might be in the report.

Home Inspection for Electrical DIY

A licensed electrician in necessary to have an official report but if you want to just check the safety of your home you can visually inspect the major problem areas.

The first place to look is your electrical panel. This is where your home gets its power from. It’s the grey or metal box that has all the fuses or circuit breakers in your home. When inspecting your panel be sure to note the age, any wear and tear, or any dark or smokey debris. If you notice that the panel is older and outdated, it may be time to have a panel upgrade performed.

Next, check out the wiring in your home. This one might be a little more tricky as most of the wiring inside your walls. If you have an attic or a crawlspace that is easily accessible, see if you can see the wiring that way. Knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring pose potentially hazardous settings in a home. Be sure to call an electrician to inspect this wiring if you find it.

Any outlets that are near water must be fitted with GFCIs. This includes outside outlets as well as those near sinks or tubs. Be sure to check them periodically to ensure the safety features are working.

Inspecting your home electrical system yourself can save money but will not be as thorough as an official home electrical inspection done by a professional electrician. If you have any concerns, please contact a professional to inspect your home.

The Electric Connection has provided homeowners with safety inspections for over 30 years. We are proud to service the Los Angeles area. Homeowners and businesses are encouraged to call The Electric Connection for their next electrical project. We are happy to help! Learn more about our electrical inspection services here.

House Rewire Warning Signs & Things to Consider

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles house rewireHow can you be sure that a house rewire is necessary? The wires in your house deliver the electricity throughout your entire home so you need to be sure that you get advice from the experts. Fortunately, there are few things you can check out before you call any electricians out to your house.

The first thing to consider is the age of your home and electrical panel. If your house is over 50 years old, there’s a good chance it needs to be rewired. At the very least you should have the wiring in your home inspected by a professional. Homes over 50 years old may contain knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. These types of wiring are outdated and can potentially pose extreme dangers.

Other warning signs that you may need a whole house electrical rewire include:

  • Circuit breakers that are tripping frequently
  • Blown fuses
  • A burning smell that won’t go away
  • Sizzling sounds without apparent sources
  • Outlets or switches that look discolored or charred

If you are noticing any of the signs above, it’s probably a good time to call your electrician to schedule an inspection. Many electricians are happy to provide customers with whole house rewire estimates. This can be a very large investment so it’s important to call around to find multiple estimates for the job.

It is fortunate, though, that rewiring a home is usually a once-in-a-generation expense when done right. It’s important to weigh the risks versus the expenses when considering this project. Improper or outdated wiring can cause many issues including fires so it’s a job that shouldn’t be put off too long. A report by the US Fire Administration states that from 2010 to 2014, 45,210 home structure fires involved electrical malfunctions or failure. Annually this led to 420 deaths and over 1,300 injuries. These fires also caused $1.4 billion in property damages.

House Rewire: Things to Consider

You might be thinking, ‘what is a full house rewire?’ Well, it’s much like it sounds. Rewiring a home involved removing as many of the old wires as possible to make room for wiring that is not only new but also up to date. Non-metallic wire, or Romex, is used because it is generally safe and easier to work with. It won’t get hot when it is surrounded by insulation.

The new wiring can be installed by tearing out walls to run the new wires and then sealing the new installation behind drywall. This can be very expensive and may take a bit of time to complete. The fewer walls that need cut the less the job will cost. If the wiring can be run through a crawlspace or attic this is ideal for keeping down the cost.

Another option electricians may choose is to take the wiring and fish it through the walls with rods and thin metal, called fish tape. This is usually used in older homes to keep up the integrity. Instead of tearing down walls, small holes are made and then patched up. Using this method helps preserve the plaster walls.

When a house is being rewired, it is almost always recommended to also upgrade your panel. Older homes generally have a smaller capacity panel but when you rewire your home you’re allowing for more conveniences which might put more strain on your panel. If your home has a 60 amp panel, it’s a good idea to update it to 100 amp. This will allow you to bring more comfort into your home without the worry of tripping circuits.

Whether you need a new light fixture installed or are getting your whole home rewired, choosing the right electrician is very important. Don’t just hire the cheapest person on the market – be sure to do research and get multiple bids from professionals. In the end, it will be worth it to know that your house rewire job was done safely and correctly.

You local electrician at The Electric Connection can perform whole house rewires with ease. Our technicians have the expertise and experience necessary to get the job done correctly and quickly. Click here to learn more about our house rewire services or give us a call at (818) 446-0888.

Finding The Best Electrician in Los Angeles

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

find the best electricianFinding a good electrician can be a tough job especially in a city as big as Los Angeles. There are many repairs around your home that can be done by yourself, but electrical work is something should probably be left to the professionals. Many times electrical work is not an everyday occurrence and most of the time it’s not planned. Home and business owners can often find themselves unsure of where to look to find a reliable electrician that is licensed and insured. It is important to do research and confirm that the electrical contractor you find has the appropriate credentials before making a disastrous mistake.

How To Find The Best Electrician

Finding a qualified electrician to get your job done in Los Angeles may seem like a daunting task but there are many ways to make sure the one you hire is dependable, honest, and true. Follow these steps to find a local electrician near you.

  1. Ask for recommendations. If you are having a lot of work done in your home or business and have found other reliable contractors – ask them if they have anyone in mind for the electrical work that needs to be done. In more emergency situations, ask friends or co-workers if they have any recommendations for electricians. Word of mouth is one of the greatest sources for advertisement. If an electrical contractor has done good enough work to stick out in someone’s mind, they might be a respectable contractor.
  2. 2Talk with your potential electricians. If you’re wondering how to choose the best electrician, make sure to ask a lot of questions and discuss what the electrician can and cannot do. Many electrical contractors specialize in different fields. For example, one electrician may specialize in residential work, while another works more in commercial. Before you bring on an electrician to a project, make sure they have the experience necessary to get the job done.
  3. Inquire for their license number. It is important that your electrician has the proper credentials to work in their state. Every person who performs electrical work in California must have an appropriate license. Ask for their license number and then check it on the State of California Department of Industrial Relation site. If it comes up as not valid, this may be a huge red flag.
  4. Make sure the electrician has insurance. This may not be a requirement for the state but you should choose an electrician that has liability insurance just in case an accident happens on a job site. If damage happens in your home, insurance will help cover it. Workers’ compensation insurance is required when the company classifies its workers as employees. You can always call the insurance provider to make sure that the company’s policies haven’t lapsed.
  5. Look into references. Checking references or reviews is a big must and very helpful. In addition to recommendations, references are another great source of finding out how well an electrician’s work really is. Be sure to ask about the quality of work done as well as if the job was completed in a timely manner. You can contact your chosen electricians to ask for references or check out their reviews. A good electrician will often have a review section available on their website. Yelp and Google are also excellent places to look.
  6. Check for any complaints. There are many websites you can check to see if a complaint was filed against your potential new electrician. Websites like the Better Business Bureau or the Prime Buyer’s Report compile lists of complaints against electricians and show if they were resolved as well as what was done to fix the issue.

Deciding which local electrician is the best for you can seem like a long process but in the end it will be well worth it to know that your new electrician is trustworthy and reliable. Once you have chosen an electrician to perform your job, be sure to take time to leave a review. If you have a positive experience with them, keep in touch so that you can be sure that all future electrical jobs will be completed in a well timed and honest manner.

The Electric Connection has over 30 years of experience working in the Los Angeles area. With 100s of positive reviews and many video testimonials, we are certain we can perform the electrical work you need done on your next project. Click here to learn more about our company or call us at (818) 446-0888.

Choosing the Best Lighting with Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If you have recently acquired a commercial property, one of the first things you will want to address is the lighting in the place. There are many different lighting types based on what you need and what the property is going to be used for. There is no one-size-fits all when it comes to lighting. You have plenty of options and in many cases, updating the lighting can save you money on the electricity bill. An electrician in Los Angeles, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you decide what is right for your new property.
Gone are the days when you were stuck with plain, often garish fluorescent lighting that can be rough on the eyes and even rougher on the way a room looks. Nowadays, we are lucky to have daylight tubes that can replace the old fluorescent lights. Those fixtures are best in an office space or area where bright lighting is needed and natural light is not an option explains a Los Angeles electrician.
Having directed light via a track lighting system is a great option for small areas that need more light in certain places, like over a workstation. This gives you the freedom to not only direct the light, but to choose the wattage of the bulb as well. Track lighting isn’t just for the kitchen! Another lighting option that is regularly seen in homes, especially new construction, is recessed lighting. This is an excellent choice for keeping the ceilings clear of any hanging light fixtures. It makes a room feel bigger and once again, you have control of how much light. Some options include being able to direct the light against a wall or into a room explains an electrician. Los Angeles property owners can take a look at the different lighting options and then give The Electric Connection a call to schedule their lighting renovation.

3 Most Effective Ways to Save Energy by Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

It is always a great time to think about saving a little more money wherever you can. You can make it a New Year’s resolution or simply make a change and a commitment to add a few more dollars to your savings account each month. Whether you choose to skip coffee once a week or carpool, every dollar helps. You can also save money by using less electricity says an electrician in Los Angeles. Here are three of the most effective ways to save energy. You can call The Electric Connection if you have any questions.
1. Your thermostat is going to give you the most control over how much energy you can save. In the summer, turning the thermostat up a couple of degrees (meaning the house is a touch warmer) or turning it down in the winter (meaning the house is not quite as warm), is your best option for saving real money. You can dress a little warmer or a little cooler to be comfortable say a Los Angeles electrician.
2. The next big energy user in your home is the hot water heater. In a nutshell, using less hot water will save you some money. Taking shorter showers, only running the dishwasher when it’s full and washing clothes in cold water when possible are all ways to save.
3. Refrigerators and freezers are the next big energy hog in your own home. While you can’t really do without the appliances, you can make sure they are not costing you more than necessary. Checking the seals, closing the doors when not in use and setting the thermostat to thirty-six to thirty-eight degrees is a good way to save energy explains an electrician. Los Angeles area residents can also invest in a newer energy-efficient model.

If you would like to learn more about energy savings, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Home Fire Prevention Tips by Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

We know we should change the batteries in our smoke detectors when we ‘fall back’ in early November, but there are other things you can do to make your home a little safer by preventing a fire in your home. Some of those things require the help of an electrician in Los Angeles while others can be done on your own. The team at The Electric Connection has some tips for you to make your home a little safer.

1. A working smoke alarm in each room is an excellent idea. The bare minimum should be a smoke alarm on each floor. Consider having a Los Angeles electrician install hard-wired smoke detectors that rely on your home’s power instead of a battery.
2. Keep a working fire extinguisher in the house, preferably near the kitchen where a fire is more likely to occur.
3. Do not leave any pots or pans unattended on the stove.
4. Wipe up any grease spills and keep your stove and oven clean to keep a fire from starting while you are cooking.
5. Pay attention to the outlets in your home. If you notice any black marks, smoking or a burning smell call an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners can prevent electrical fires by being aware.
6. Keep the dryer lint vent clean. Clean behind the dryer as well. Lint is extremely flammable and can quickly ignite with a little heat and a minimal spark.
7. Do not use a space heater if there is not adequate space. A good three feet away from furniture and the wall is ideal.
8. Do not overload the circuits in your home by plugging in multiple devices and appliances.

If you have concerns about the electrical in your home, call The Electric Connection today and ask to have a safety inspection to identify any potential problems.

Rental Property Remodels by Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Owning rental properties can be a lucrative investment. For some, they have the ability to rent out a portion of their large home, a small house in the back of their property or even a basement over an area over a garage. This is an excellent way to pay the mortgage payment on your own home or to supplement your income. In order to attract your ideal tenant, you will need to have a space that is beautiful as well as functional. Looks matter and your electrician in Los Angeles can help you transform that dated space into one that is gorgeous and appealing to potential renters. The team at The Electric Connection can help you make that happen.

Adding a little paint and replacing the flooring in a room or apartment is one way to revamp the place. You can also make it look more modern as well as inviting by updating the lighting in the space. This is especially helpful if the apartment you are creating is on the small side or in a basement with low ceilings explains an electrician. Los Angeles property owners will want to look into some of the trendy styles, like recessed lighting for low ceilings and track lighting for spaces that can work with a single fixture that spreads over an entire space.

Along with lighting, ensuring there is enough power in the apartment is key. Most people will need numerous outlets in the kitchen for the various appliances and outlets in the living area for entertainment systems with many components. Your Los Angeles electrician can add additional outlets to ensure a tenant isn’t forced to use extension cords that can be a bit of a hazard when not used properly. Give The Electric Connection a call today and have your rental property revamped.

What Uses the Most Electricity? Los Angeles Electrician Reveals Answer

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If you have a goal to use less electricity in your home, you need some information to help you make the best choices. Saving electricity can save you money while lessening your impact on the power grid and using resources. There are little things you have heard for a long time that can help save on electricity, but how much are you really saving? If you want the biggest bang for your buck, you need to know what electrical devices in your home are sucking the most electricity. An electrician in Los Angeles has the answers you need. If you have more questions, feel free to call The Electric Connection.

1. Your air conditioner or furnace is by far the biggest energy hog in your home explains a Los Angeles electrician. Turning the AC up a couple of degrees and relying on a ceiling fan can save you a great deal of money in the summer. Dress in layers in the winter and lower the thermostat to save money.
2. The water heater is the next big offender. Shortening the length of your showers, turning off the water when you are wiping down counters and lowering the temperature on the water heater can all reduce your energy usage.
3. Your clothes washer and dryer are right up there. Only wash full loads and when possible, use cold water. Air drying your laundry when possible can save you a significant amount of money.
4. Lighting is the next big one and is probably one of the easiest to manage. If you haven’t done it yet, switch your bulbs to LEDs says an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners will be pleased to learn LEDs use a fraction of the energy of a traditional bulb.

These are your four main culprits. Find ways to reduce their usage and you can save big on your electric bill. Give The Electric Connection a call if you need a new ceiling fan installed.

Check off To-Do Lists with Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electrician los angelesYour weekends are probably too short. It is a common problem many people have. So much to do with so little time. If you would like to spend a little less time worrying about that To-Do list you have at home and more time having fun with friends and family, you could use some help. Your list may include little things that have been slowly accumulating over the years. While some tasks, like fixing a loose cabinet or cleaning up the driveway cement, are relatively safe and easy, there are some tasks you should put onto a different list. Anything that has to do with electricity should be moved to a list you put together for your electrician. Los Angeles homeowners who want to free up some time and leave the electrical work to the experts can call the folks at The Electric Connection.

Things like taking care of that old light fixture that is not only outdated, but just isn’t working like it should is important. It can make your house look better and ensures you are not harboring a fire hazard. Maybe you have been struggling with an outlet shortage. Instead of putting up with the problem, call an electrician in Los Angeles to fix it for you. Adding additional outlets to a room can make your life easier and prevent the use of extension cords or those adapters that can easily be overloaded.

With all of the time you will be spending outdoors, you may appreciate having a few additional outlets placed in the patio and deck area. This allows you to charge your phone, plug in your sound system or even keep your laptop charged while enjoying the outdoors. This is another task you can count on your Los Angeles electrician to take care of for you. Spend more time enjoying your summer and less time worrying about how you will tackle some of those dangerous items on your To-Do list. Give The Electric Connection a call today and get your appointment scheduled.

Checking the Wiring by Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Do you ever like to feel safe and secure while you are at home with your family? Of course, you do! Your home is where you should feel the safest. When you leave your home, you want to feel relatively comfortable knowing everything inside is safe as well. Everything you own is in there along with precious family treasures that can never be replaced. Taking precautions like locking your doors and windows and maybe using a security system are typical for giving you that safety you are looking for. However, an electrician in Los Angeles suggests you make sure your home is not in jeopardy from some hidden danger lurking out of sight. The electrical wiring in your home needs to be inspected and the team at The Electric Connection has a staff of certified electricians who can do that for you.

It is important your home has regular checkups. Identifying a problem before it can lead to disaster can save you a great deal of money as well as the hassle of dealing with an electrical fire. There are many new safety features that have become the standard when it comes to wiring new houses. It would be a great idea for you to have some of these features added to your own home by a Los Angeles electrician. Adding minor upgrades like GFCI outlets or replacing an old outdated electric panel is one way to make your home safer.

Old homes are lovely. The architecture and character is undeniable. In some cases, the home may have been in the family for several generations. The key is to keeping that treasure in great shape by having it gone through by an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners will feel safer and more comfortable knowing their home’s electrical wiring is in good shape and doesn’t pose any major risks. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your wiring inspection.