Tag: remodeling

Complete Burbank House Rewire

Posted on | by K Hopkins

electrician rewiring a house in burbankThe thought of a complete home rewire can be worrying to some homeowners. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

A complete Burbank house rewire can be less complicated than you think. Hence it’s important to know what to expect and how you can make this project go as smoothly as possible.

When would you need a Burbank house rewire

Regardless of where you live, the factors that make a complete house rewire necessary are always the same. And in most cases, it’s impossible to realize your home needs rewiring until certain problems occur or you are undertaking projects like remodeling or addition.

You would need a Burbank house rewire under any or most of the following conditions;

  • Lights flicker when you turn on power demanding appliances
  • You have old-fashioned wiring like cloth-covered wiring, fuse boxes, knob-and-tube wiring, and so on.
  • There are signs of overheating at the socket outlets
  • You are remodeling, renovating, or adding a new room.
  • Breaker trips frequently or more than normal
  • You are adding new demanding appliances
  • After an inspection by a licensed electrician who confirms your wiring is worn out.

What happens during a Burbank house rewire?

  • Things can get messy around the house because home rewiring projects can be disruptive. There will be wires, drywall and ceiling been cut into, and much more.
  • Electricians often rewire in two stages. The first is fixing wiring and cables, and the second is installing everything connected to a socket or switch.
  • You won’t have power for a while. The electricians will shut off electrical power to the home for safety purposes while working.
  • You don’t have to leave your home while it’s being rewired. You can move from room to room or live nearby if you can’t deal with the mess.
  • It can take anywhere between 2-10 days to rewire your home depending on how large your home is.
  • Rewiring gives you the chance to future proof your home.

What does it cost to do a house rewire?

With a project like this, you might have already guessed it can dig deep into your pocket. The cost of house rewiring can differ depending on factors such as;

  • Your location
  • If the house is occupied or vacant
  • Size of your home
  • Age of your home
  • The electricians you hire

It’s possible to spend up to $3000 rewiring a home in Burbank and much less when the factors come into play.

What if my home is already rewired?

It’s possible to discover that your home has already been rewired and is still in good shape for your use. The best way to tell is to call an electrician for an inspection, but if you’re just buying the home, you can look out for signs such as;

  • Fabric covered wiring
  • Old-fashioned Fuse box
  • Old round pin sockets.

If your home does need a complete rewire, there are benefits in store for doing it. Rewiring your home with professional electricians helps you stay safe, fixes grounding issues, and gives you the capacity you need as a modern homeowner.

 

Reasons to Upgrade to a 200 Amp Service

Posted on | by K Hopkins

You certainly love the confidence and convenience of plugging in any appliances you need whenever you need them. You love this so much that it becomes easy to forget that your electrical panel cannot give more than its capacity.

According to experts, electricians, recent electrical codes, and homeowners who have had unique experiences, the standard capacity for an electrical panel is a 200 amp service. If you have less, then you probably require an upgrade. Here are all the reasons why.

Amps and Your Electrical Panel

The industrial grey box in that safe, dry area of your home distributes electrical power across circuits that serve you. This box is the electrical panel or breaker box, and every panel has its dedicated capacity. Depending on how much power you need, your electrical panel can be between 100-400 amps.

Old homes often used 60-100 amps panels because they had fewer electrical demands. Using similar sized panels in these modern times can be insufficient for your home needs. It can lead to fire hazards, lights out, faulty appliances, and much more.

Why upgrade to a 200 amp electrical panel

  1. To enjoy increased capability and safety

Electrical panels often work at a certain maximum capacity. This helps to ensure the safe working of the panel. Going over this safety threshold can not only cause your breaker to trip, but can also lead to a fire caused by overloading circuits/outlets.

  1. More circuits

With an upgraded 200 amp panel, you get enough room for dedicated circuits. This further improves electrical safety and allows you to run an increased number of appliances and more power demanding appliances without your breaker tripping.

  1. Future demands

Switching to a 200 amp breaker is one of those good decisions that helps you prepare for the future. With this service upgrade, you can add new devices, remodel your home, and do much more without worry.

  1. Everything is just easier

Another solid reason to upgrade to a 200 amp service is the increased efficiency you get to enjoy. Everything is simply much better and easier with a 200 amp panel. The panel is easy to reset and repair with compatibility for GFCI circuits.

How to know you need an upgrade

  • Breaker tripping frequently
  • Dimming lights, especially when appliances are turned on
  • Buzzing or crackling sounds.
  • Breaker won’t reset

Always confirm the exact source of your electrical issues from your electrician.

How Can I Run Electrical Wire through Finished Walls

Posted on | by K Hopkins

More often than you would like, the need to run electrical wire through finished drywalls comes up. You could be remodeling or just trying to move your outlet. The problem is, running electrical wires can seem like rocket science to DIYers.

The easiest way to fish wires and cables through finished walls is to contact a professional electrician. In the meantime, here are the steps to fish like a pro.

Start by turning off the power to the area you are working in. Next, determine the path your wire will take, including the start and end of the location of the wire. Clear the area if needed.

  1. Using a stud finder, check the whole wall cavity for obstacles. These include duct beams, ductwork, abandoned headers and so on that can make your task highly frustrating if unnoticed. Mark the spots and avoid cutting a hole over any studs.
  2. Try to determine what the obstacles are, as this may affect your work. For example, if you have insulation in the wall it can make running the wire difficult. You also don’t want to discover much later in the process that pipes to the bathroom go through that wall.
  3. Measure and draw the lines for the hole you will cut through the drywall. Be sure to keep the piece as you would need it later.
  4. Drill a hole on the other side using a flex bit drill. This tool also helps you drill the hole from several feet away. Don’t drill too close to the wood and ensure the hole is wide enough to insert your wires.
  5. Shove in your glow rod and attach your wire to the eyelet at the end. Working with this tool makes it easier to see in dark areas. In choosing glow rods you must know the variation in sizes come with distinct advantages. Thinner glow rods are more flexible, especially in making sharp turns. Thicker rods are good for working across long distances.
  6. Feed-in more than enough wire to ensure there’s enough to hook on to. Once you grab hold of the wire on the other side, keep up to six feet extra while hooking it.
  7. If you lose your wire and can’t seem to find it, use an inspection mirror and flashlight with a lot of patience to find it.
  8. If you have to drill through studs or joists on the wall, drill through the center at least 1.25 inches from its edge.
  9. When wiring through unprotected holes or fire blocks, ensure to seal up the holes after with a fire-resistant caulk product.

As we mentioned earlier you can call up the services of an experienced electrician to help you do this efficiently. If any problems come up during your process, contact an electrician regardless.

Relocating a 220 Volt Outlet in Los Angeles

Posted on | by K Hopkins

220 volt outletA 220-volt outlet is the most powerful outlet in the home. It is built for power-demanding appliances, like ovens, dryers, and more. You can identify 220-volt outlets as outlets that are larger and different-looking than others. They usually have either 3 prong or 4 prong holes.

If you are renovating, remodeling, or moving any of these power-demanding appliances, you would have to move or install new 220-volt outlets to serve them.

Relocating or installing a new 220-volt outlet is always ideal because it sets the outlet behind the appliance, giving the room a clean look. It also helps to eliminate dangerous situations from using electrical extension cords.

Use the following steps to relocate your 220-volt outlet.

  • Safety first.
    Before you get started with the relocation, shut off the power to the area of appliances. Next, take out the outlet cover and remove the outlet from the box. You can use an electrical tester to confirm that there is no power in the outlet. If possible, let others in the home know you will be working with electricity and the power has to remain off till you are done. Try to use rubber-handed tools and even a high-voltage glove to be sure of safety.
  • Choose and prep your new location
    Choose the new location of the appliance and mark out the spot for the outlet on the wall in that spot. Cut open the drywall using the same dimensions as the existing outlet.
  • Remove the wires
    Run the wires from the existing location to the new one. Ensure you use a stud finder to identify the stud where the outlet will be mounted.
  • Mount the outlet
    Cut a new wire and run it from the old location to the new one. Then cut two inches of sheathing from the ends of the wire. Pull off half-inch of insulation from the black, red, and white leads on both ends. Nail the gang box for the outlet to the stud. Connect the wires that go into the old outlet’s gang box. Cover each with a wire nut and electrical tape. Run the opposite end of the new wire into the gang box, leaving up to 8 inches of wire coming in. Connect the black and red wires to the positive terminals and white wire to the negative terminals. Attach the mud rings to the gang box and slide the outlet in. Make the connection to the mud ring, place the new cover on the outlet, and screw in.

    • You can use drywall patches to patch the old outlet location.

    Before using the outlet you can reach out to an electrician to inspect the installation for safety reasons. You can also contact us for further inquiries.

    Call a Local Electrician

    Relocating a 220 volt outlet requires the help of a local Los Angeles electrician. The Electric Connection is just one phone call away. Give us a call any time Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm PST and one of our dispatchers will be happy to talk with you. They’ll get you on schedule with a professional electrician who can help complete your project in no time at all!

Rewiring a Los Angeles House Room by Room

Posted on | by K Hopkins

los angeles house rewire by electricianDeciding to rewire your home does not come easily, and there’s no surprise why. Aside from the fact that home rewiring projects dig deep into your pockets, there’s the disruptive nature of the project to consider. But despite what seems like two distinct disadvantages, here are the many benefits that outweigh them and support your decision for home rewiring.

  • New wiring, new electrical power experience
  • A dependable electrical system
  • No more flickering lights, burning smells, or shortage of power
  • More room to add new appliances and remodel
  • Save on energy bills
  • Improved electrical safety
  • Reduce the chance of a power cut
  • Ensure electrical wiring lifespan
  • Prevent damage to your home appliances
  • Increase home resale value

While a home rewire is an option for many reasons, not just any homeowner should rewire their home. There are conditions under which a home rewire is needed and they include:

  • If your home is old, and the wiring is outdated
  • You have hazardous aluminum wiring
  • You are renovating
  • Your electrical system is unsafe with several faults, flickering lights, and so on.
  • Your electrical wiring has insufficient capacity

When you are experiencing any issues with your electrical system, it’s advisable to call on a professional Los Angeles electrician to inspect your wiring and point out the issue. The electrician will advise on if a home rewire is needed.

How to rewire room by room

  1. Make a list – Make a list of the appliances you have now and those you would like to add in a few years. It’s best to think as far as 25 years. This is because most rewiring projects are done every 2 decades. You can consider installations like:
    • Lighting and ceiling fans
    • HVAC
    • Kitchen appliances
    • Water heater
    • Devices such as wheelchair lifts and stairlifts
    • Home office electronics
    • Hot tub, spa, sauna or swimming pool
    • Entertainment systems
  2. Get an electrical building permit – The person who will perform the rewire project has to pull a permit before the work can start. If a rewiring project is carried out without the necessary permit, you might have to take it all down later.
  3. Get to work rewiring room by room – Shut off the electrical power to the home, disconnect circuits, and disconnect wires from electrical boxes. Draw a plan of your new circuitry. Cut holes in the drywall to install new outlets and switches. Run the new wires through the backs of the electrical boxes and staple lateral runs of wire with wire staples. Run the wiring for the new devices and connect each new circuit.

Attempting a rewiring project yourself is no joke, and it gets worse if you have no electrical experience or knowledge. It is always better to leave such demanding electrical services to professional electricians. Hiring a professional saves money in the long run, guarantees electrical safety, and is stress-free for the homeowner.

Be sure to test all your electrical components after the project and ascertain they are working fine. If you opted for DIY, ensure a professional electrician inspects the wiring room by room afterwards.

Contact A Local Los Angeles Electrician

The Electric Connection is proud to employee some of Los Angeles’ greatest electricians. If you need help with a house rewire in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, be sure to give us a call. We have even created an online form where you can get a free house rewire quote delivered to your inbox in minutes. Don’t take a house rewire project on yourself, give us a call and we can help!

How do you pull a new wire through a wall?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Wiring a home under construction or during a remodeling project is easy, mostly because the walls are accessible. The real difficulty comes when you are trying to pull a new wire through a wall – an already existing wall.

Ideally, this is something you can do with some electrical knowledge and a step-by-step procedure. Here’s how electrical technicians get it done.

Tools you need

  • Stud finder
  • Drywall saw
  • Electricians fish tape
  • Wire stripper
  • Electrician’s tape
  • Auger bit or drill
  • Cable

Wiring Steps

  • Before diving into any electrical work, it is crucial to shut off power to that area completely. Go to your electrical panel and turn off the power. To ensure you have proper lighting without electrical power, carry out this project during the day.
  • Ensure there is a clear path to thread the wire through by using the stud finder to check for studs, pipes, or obstacles in the wall. Plan your route with this.
  • Next check the attic, basement, or crawlspace to confirm you have a clear path for threading the wire.
  • On the main floor, identify where the wire will exit. Draw the outline of a box and ensure it is in line with others you have before. For example, if you are fishing the new wire through an outlet, check that your outline is on the same level as others. This is usually 12-18 inches above the floor. Use a drywall saw to cut out the hole following the outline. After cutting the hole, use a drill or auger bit to drill through the wall plate. Repeat similar procedure with the drill in the attic or basement where you would like the wire to enter through.
  • Tape the fish tape tightly to the cable and make sure you have excesses or enough wire and fish tape to grip. Slide the wire through the opening. It is easier to fish a new wire through a wall if you have someone on the other side to help you pull on the wire if anything happens. Fish the wire gently by pulling at short intervals on one end while your helper feeds more wire from the other end.

If you run into any roadblocks, you will have to repeat the earlier process of drilling another hole in the wall to fish the cable’s free end.

To make it easier to pull the wire you can employ a method that professional electrician’s use. Coat the cable with a lube product. This lubrication makes the cable slippery and easier to pull while protecting the sheathing from tearing.

If the procedure is just too difficult or time-consuming for you, the best option is always to call a professional electrician.

Are Panel Upgrades Necessary?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Panel upgrades are large projects. They require the expertise of a professional electrician and a good investment in funds. The electrical panels of a home contribute to its overall efficiency. In this modern age, we all rely so much on power to complete day-to-day activities. This power is distributed by the electrical panel of a home or building.

Like all electrical components, the electrical panel can require upgrade or changes. It is subject to fault, wear and tear. Some homeowners try to avoid upgrading the panel and keep using repairs as a shortcut. This is dangerous to lives and property. If you are not convinced about the need for panel upgrades, read on to learn why it is really necessary.

  • Safety
    Unlike cars, bicycles, and other material objects you cannot use an electrical panel to its breaking point. An old or faulty panel is dangerous and difficult to operate. It becomes problematic and prone to electrical issues like heating or sparking. They also increase the risks of house fires and damaged appliances. To avoid home accidents, it is necessary to upgrade old or malfunctioning panels.
  • Convenience
    There are times when you need to make changes to the appliances you use in the home or your lighting preferences. Without a functional panel, it is impossible to enjoy such convenience. Your current panel might not have the capacity to power your home with the new requirements for power. This will lead to frequent tripping which is always frustrating.
  • Value for your home
    An upgraded electrical panel adds value to your home. It makes it attractive to investors and home buyers in the future. No one will be interested in a home with an old panel or a faulty one.
  • Eliminate electrical problems
    Flickering lights, tripping breakers, smoking outlets, warm outlets, and so on are frustrating and worrying electrical problems. An upgraded panel can eliminate these issues. The panel helps to ensure the safe supply of electricity and no electrical hazards in the home.
  • Saves you money during remodeling
    An upgraded panel saves homeowners money, during a remodeling project. There will be no need to upgrade the panel after carrying out a remodeling project in the home if this is already done. This will save homeowners from investing so much on a single project.

How to upgrade the electrical panel

An upgrade is only necessary when you experience signs of a fault in the electrical wiring. It is also carried out when you need to move from a 60-100 amp to a 200amp capacity panel. Ensure that you hire an electrical technician to inspect the house and carry out the upgrade. The project usually costs a substantial sum but takes less than a day to be completed.

What Are The Alternatives to Rewiring a House

Posted on | by K Hopkins

los angeles house rewireHouse rewiring is something most homeowners don’t want to hear. It involves replacing and upgrading the home’s current wiring for several reasons. House rewiring can be pricey and messy for a lived-in home. The electricians have to access what is in place and change them.

Although it is not every homeowner’s favorite project, it is sometimes inevitable. Before we discuss further, it is important to know why rewiring is necessary.

  • If you are taking on a remodeling project. This can include extending or converting rooms in a home. This will alter the existing structure and require electrical rewiring to conform to electrical safety rules. If new appliances are fitted in the rooms, the house rewiring will be carried out to accommodate them.
  • If the home has not been rewired in the last 20 to 30 years. This is common in old homes. Many people choose old homes for a reason. Some want to feel connected to history or enjoy the homeliness that just oozes from such old houses. The downside to all of this is old electrical wiring. A professional electrician should inspect the electrical system of an old home to determine if it needs to be replaced.
  • If you want to improve convenience. Rewiring is usually required when the current house wiring seems unsafe. However, you can also do this for convenience. Adding new switches, outlets, appliances, and installations may require a house rewiring to accommodate them.

Are there any alternatives?

House rewiring is a big project. It costs money and creates a mess. Of course, there would be less to fix and clean up after if you haven’t moved into the house. The complexity of the project discourages some homeowners.

You might wonder if there are any alternatives to a complete house rewiring. The best option is to call for a survey. An electrical technician can survey your electrical system and tell you the status. If there are faulty outlets in your home, they would equally inform you if fixing them would cut down cost and solve the problem.

This remedial work should not be carried out without the opinion of a licensed electrician. The survey might cost a small fee but what is important is finding a good and honest electrician.

Ensure that after the survey, the remedial work is carried out by a professional electrician. Take personal measures such as creating dedicated sockets for larger appliances. You can also install fire alarms for increased safety.

Remember, that the ideal option for a faulty system is a full rewiring. You can only use a remedial process if the system is salvageable with a few fixes. This is meant to save cost and stress but make sure you weigh all options before making a choice.

The Electric Connection
You need trusted electricians to provide electrical services. At The Electric Connection we provide surveys, consultation, installation, and other services you may need. We can inform you of affordable ways to have a safe electrical system.

Smart Renovation Decisions for People with Older Homes

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Smart Renovation

Making improvements to your home can mean a lot of different things. When you have an older home, it’s important to consider how your home’s age can impact the costs of your upgrades.  It’s also important to understand what you can feasibly DIY and know what projects are better left to the professionals. So, take these things into account when planning your renovations.

Research and Plan

Older homes provide their own unique charm, and they also provide unique challenges. With that in mind, you need to be smart about your improvement projects. Sure, if you’re handy, there are plenty of things you can manage on your own. However, older homes often mean hidden renovation concerns, which are better handled by professionals. Homes built prior to the late ’80s often contain lead and asbestos, materials which should only be handled by professionals.  Damage from termites, mold, or mildew should also be               repaired by a pro, and if your home needs plumbing or foundation repairs, you should hire someone to do the work. Radon requires specialized mitigation services, and many older homes have outdated electrical systems which should be rewired by a professional, licensed electrician.

Any time you have a project where you lack expertise, or that is well beyond your comfort zone, consider hiring someone to tackle the job. If you try it yourself, sometimes you can create a bigger mess through lack of knowledge, leaving you worse off for your time, energy, and money. Some situations can even get you hurt or killed. Still not sure? Research suggestions for home improvement projects to avoid. Just remember to leave some room in your budget; for example, a typical rate is about $150 per hour for a crew of two electricians while the national average to hire a plumber is between $45 and $65 per hour.

Protect Your Investments

Whoever does the work, if your older home is decorated with antiques or original furnishings, ensure your belongings are out of the way so they don’t become damaged during renovations.  With that in mind, consider renting a storage unit to keep your things safe. Self-storage units booked in Los Angeles over the past 180 days hit an overall average of $144.98, which is a low price to pay for peace of mind and the protection of your belongings.

Value-Savvy Suggestions

Certain projects can make a can make a big impact on the value of your home, as well as providing a more comfortable environment for you.

Here are some ideas:

  • Open living areas. This Old House points out that older home designs can feel cramped in comparison to today’s models. Knocking out non-structural walls is a great way to open up space and give you more room.
  • Kitchen islands. If you’re tight on space, you might consider removing a kitchen island, although you should weigh how much storage your kitchen provides without it before committing. If you’re renovating a kitchen and adding an island, think about including extra depth when designing the countertop. This way, the island affords seating as well as storage and extra space to work.
  • Add shelving. Older homes are known to offer minimal built-in storage. One way to add more storage is to take advantage of an unused corner. It’s an inexpensive and relatively low-skill home improvement project that can be a boon to your home’s functionality.
  • Add lighting. Adding more light fixtures can brighten up a room, creating a sense of spaciousness. Kitchens and bathrooms are particularly important when it comes to home value since they are pivotal in many buyers’ decisions. If you need to choose, improving the lighting in those two spaces can make the biggest impact on your home’s value. New Home Source suggests putting overhead and task lighting in the kitchen and baths.

Owning an older home can mean needing to make improvements, whether it’s for your comfort, safety, or the value of your home. Make sure you hire a pro for projects beyond your skill level. Older homes have special appeal, and being smart about renovations can make all the difference for you as a homeowner.

Fast, Friendly, & Affordable Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

professional electricianFor many homeowners, the thought of hiring an electrician often comes after an emergency or when performing a remodeling or new construction. Before you actually need an electrician, it’s important to do the research to find a good one in case something comes up. By finding a professional electrician you can trust, you will be sure that you will have help when you truly need it.

The easiest way to find an electrician you can trust is to have them come out periodically for home inspections. This way, your electrician can become familiar with your home if an emergency were to arise. Regular inspections of your home electrical system can also help find potential issues that you might not be aware of.

Finding the right electrician is an important task due to how much of your home relies on your electrical system. Your electrical system is the backbone of your home. Without it, you would not be able to do anything other than sit in darkness. If your electrical system is failing, you can be without power for days – or worse, it can cause a fire and you will be without a home.

When researching an electrician for your next electrical project, be sure to get multiple bids and check out the validity of your electrician choice. There are few things to look out for when choosing your next electrician:

1. Education and Experience: A good electrician will have a couple years of experience under his or her belt. Be sure to check all their certificates to ensure that have passed the proper tests in order to do work in your state.

2. Permits: Most cities require permits to be pulled for switching out a simple light switch. So if you require a permit, make sure your electrician can help you out here. A professional electrician may even be able to do this for you.

3. License: Many states require electricians to be properly licensed. Be sure to check that your electrician has a proper license and it is up to date. Another good thing to check for is insurance. That way if anything goes wrong with the job, you’re covered.

4. Reviews: Getting good feedback from someone you are going to hire to come into your home is always a good thing. You can check their website for reviews or other social sites, such as Yelp or Google My Business. Make sure the electrician you have chosen has positive feedback from their customers.

Finding a fast and friendly electrician isn’t hard if you follow the steps above. Once you find an electrician near you, you will be set if an emergency electrical situation should arise.

If you live in the Los Angeles area and are looking for proficient, understanding and honest electrical experts, we hope you will consider using The Electric Connection of Los Angeles for your electrical work. Whether it’s for a new installation of electrical equipment, or repair of any part of your existing electrical system, we honestly feel that we can provide you with electrical services unparalleled by any other Los Angeles electrical contractors.