10 Easy Electrical Safety Tips by Burbank Electrician

Posted on June 19, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

You have probably heard about electrical safety since the time you can remember. However, because we are so used to using electricity and having it around us all the time, we rarely stop to really think about it. Complacency can be dangerous. It is important to take a step back and really look at your home and surroundings. Are there any electrical hazards looming? Are you practicing safe electrical habits? An electrician in Burbank has some quick tips for you to practice. You can always call The Electric Connection to learn more and ask more in depth questions about electrical safety.

1-Only have electrical work in your home completed by a qualified Burbank electrician.

2-Plug large appliances like refrigerator, oven and microwave directly into an outlet.

3-Use GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bathroom area. These should be installed by an electrician. Burbank residents can protect themselves from electric shock in areas where water is present with this type of outlet.

4-Don’t make extension cords a permanent solution. If you need more outlets, have some installed by an electrician.

5-Don’t plug more than one heat producing appliance i.e. toaster, space heater, coffee maker, into an outlet at the same time.

6-Have all remodel work completed by an electrician.

7-If you are buying a new home, have it inspected by an electrician first.

8-Only use lightbulbs that are appropriate for a light fixture.

9-Ensure electrical cords are not damaged or at risk of being damaged from being run across walkways or smashed in doors.

10-If you experience a tingling feeling or small jolt when plugging in an appliance, stop! Don’t use the appliance until you can have the outlet inspected.

These are quick, basic tips that can actually prevent serious injury. If you have any questions or need an electrician to complete some work or an electrical inspection, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Identifying Fire and Health Hazards in Your Home with a Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on June 19, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

You walk into your home and see the same things every day. You may see some dirty dishes in the sink or maybe notice you could use a little dusting in the living room. You look at the things that are right in front of you. You probably don’t actively look for things in the home that are hidden, but dangerous. It is important you spend a few minutes looking for and identifying any potential fire hazards in your home that may have gone unnoticed in the past. Having the help of an experienced electrician in Beverly Hills is a good idea. You can rely on the team at The Electric Connection to help you identify and repair any potential danger.

This is a list of 3 of the most common hazards that are lurking in your home.

1-Asbestos use was popular in home construction up until the mid 1970s. There are homes that still have this dangerous substance working in the insulation of attics, basements and in the walls. If you don’t know what asbestos looks like, it is always best to hire a professional to complete an inspection.

2-Faulty smoke detectors are another common issue. Many people adopt an out of sight, out of mind habit and forget the smoke detectors are even there. A Beverly Hills electrician can help eliminate that issue by installing hard-wired smoke detectors that rely on your home’s main electric panel.

3-Electric panels are another area of concern that should be inspected by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners may not even be aware their existing electric panel is on a list of recalls. There were numerous panels produced and installed throughout the 1980s and 1990s that have been proven to be dangerous and should be replaced.

If you suspect your home may have one of these hazards, it is a good idea to have an inspection completed by an electrician or an asbestos abatement company. Give The Electric Connection a call today and make sure your home isn’t hiding an electrical hazard.

Save Money and Save the Planet with an Electrician in Los Angeles

Posted on June 19, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

Every month we hear more about our failing earth. Whether you buy into all of the theories or not, it isn’t hard to deny the abuse we impose on Mother Earth. We know things are reaching a breaking point. It is time to make some changes before things get so bad, there is no going back. Although it may seem like a daunting task to save the world, you don’t have to look at the big picture. Focus on your little corner. Focus on making a few changes around your house and you can save the planet that way. Every little bit helps. An electrician in Los Angeles has some tips to help you do just that. The team at The Electric Connection wants to help you do what you can by providing electrical services.

Check out some of the ways you can save money while saving the planet.

1-Switch to CFLs. Don’t put it off. Using less electricity will save you money while reducing the demand on natural resources.

2-Look into having your home switched to solar power. There are numerous tax breaks and incentives for homeowners who are willing to make the change. A Los Angeles electrician will hook up the system and you will start saving money on your electric bill in the first month.

3-Make your home heating and air conditioning more efficient by sealing up cracks around your windows and doors. Have a ceiling fan installed by an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners can reduce the demand on their furnaces and air conditioning units with ceiling fan installation.

4-Be conscientious when showering, brushing your teeth or running the washer or dishwasher. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, turning off the water while brushing and only running the washer when it is full.

Be kind to the planet and your wallet. Follow these quick and easy tips. If you need a ceiling fan installed or have questions about solar energy, call The Electric Connection today.

Staying Safe in a Power Outage by Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on May 25, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

The summer weather is notorious for spurning some wild thunderstorms. Those storms can result in widespread power outages that leave you and your neighbors sitting in the dark for hours. The power outage may not be the result of a thunderstorm. It could come down to scheduled blackouts if the summer heats up as is predicted. You need to know how to stay safe during a power outage. An electrician in Santa Monica has some valuable tips for you. If you have any more questions, you can always count on the team at The Electric Connection to help you.

1-Call the electric company from your cell phone to determine what the situation is and how long you can expect to be without power.

2-Unplug all appliances and turn off things like the air conditioner, stove and so on. You don’t want to create a power surge when the electricity does come back on. You can have a surge protector installed by an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners who don’t want to risk their electrical equipment being burned out will appreciate the protection a surge protector offers.

3-Use flashlights whenever possible instead of candles. Candles increase the risk of a fire getting started.

4-Put together a small emergency kit and leave it in the pantry. The kit should include things like a radio for listening to weather reports, extra batteries for the flashlight and some extra cash or a credit card for emergencies.

You can avoid the side effects of a power outage by having a generator installed by a Santa Monica electrician. This will serve as your backup electricity source to ensure you always have power. You won’t have to worry about wasting the food in your fridge or worrying about how you will take a hot shower. Give The Electric Connection a call today to learn more about surge protection or a standby generator.

Benefits of Track Lighting with Pasadena Electrician

Posted on May 25, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

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

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

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

3 Reasons You Want Recessed Lighting by Burbank Electrician

Posted on May 24, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

As you look around your home, you can probably find at least 10 things that you would like to upgrade or change. Lighting is one of those things you can upgrade and make a huge difference in your home by really doing very little. One of the latest trends in lighting is something called recessed lighting. New homes are typically built with recessed lighting. There are some real benefits to recessed lighting that your electrician in Burbank can point out for you. The team at The Electric Connection can explain more about recessed lighting if you are interested.

1-Recessed lighting can make a room look bigger. It is a lighting trick that can transform a small space with something that is referred to as wall-washing. The washing part is due to light being reflected onto the wall by using a special trip around the light base. This is something you can learn more about when you talk with your electrician. Burbank homeowners will be amazed at the difference recessed lighting can make in a room.

2-The room will feel bigger because there isn’t a light fixture hanging from the ceiling and taking up space. Some light fixtures create shadows and dark areas in the room that make it feel and look smaller.

3-Recessed lighting reduces the risk of a light fixture and the bulb being damaged and shattering all over the room. Accidents do happen, but you can reduce the risk of someone being hurt when a ball is thrown or somebody gets a little wild with the broom.

Your Burbank electrician will take care of the installation of the recessed lighting. You will get to choose the rim color and design. There are plenty of options to choose from and you are sure to find one that perfectly suits your tastes. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your recessed lighting installation.

6 Electrical Safety Tips by Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on May 24, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

Summer is just around the corner and the weather has already been nice enough to drive folks outdoors. The hot summer weather means you will driven to the cool water and spend lots of time outdoors cooking, relaxing and having a good time with family and friends. Before you head outside, it is important you know know and practice some electrical safety tips this summer. An electrician in Beverly Hills has a few easy rules to remember that will help you and your family stay safe this summer. The team at The Electric Connection is here to answer any questions you may have.

1-After a storm has rolled through, check to make sure there are no downed power lines around you. If there are, stay away from them. Do not go near the power lines or touch anything. Stay in your house and call for help.

2-If you are having a yard sale, don’t post your flier or signs on a utility pole. This can damage the pole and cause serious problems. Post your fliers on stakes in the ground or on a bulletin board.

3-Keep all corded appliances at least 20 feet from your swimming pool or hot tub. If your above-ground pool has an electric filter, have a Beverly Hills electrician install an outdoor outlet that is safe for use with your pool and far enough away. Using extension cords is far too dangerous.

4-Teach kids not to throw any shoes or clothing on power lines. Do not ever try and get something off a power line either.

5-Avoid flying kites or remote control planes or helicopters around power lines.

6-Remind kids not to climb trees that are close to a power line. They could inadvertently touch the power line while climbing.

If you have any concerns, talk with your electrician. Beverly Hills residents can enjoy the beautiful summer weather, while staying safe. Give The Electric Connection a call today to learn more electric safety.

Why a Dimmer Switch? Santa Monica Electrician Explains

Posted on April 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins | 1 Comment

If you have ever lived in a home with a chandelier in the dining room, you may have had a dimmer switch. The switch probably seemed functional and rather standard. You never thought twice about it. However, if you live in a home that doesn’t have a dimmer switch, you can quickly see the benefits to having one. In fact, your electrician in Santa Monica, like those at The Electric Connection, can explain why a dimmer switch is more than just a convenience.

Energy Savings

There are many times you don’t need full light, but you have to turn on the switch to avoid being in complete darkness. It is a waste of electricity and you know it, but you may feel trapped. You don’t have to! Dimmer switches can be installed by a Santa Monica electrician where light needs are likely to fluctuate like the living room, dining room and your bedroom. By only turning the light on as bright as you need, you are reducing the amount of electricity you use.

Save on Light Bulbs

By reducing how much you use your light bulbs, you are going to prolong their life, which will save you money. You can add years to your bulb’s life simply by adjusting the dimmer.

Freedom to Control Ambiance of the Room

Light plays a huge role in the overall ambiance of a room. When you are enjoying an intimate dinner, low light is appropriate. When you have lots of kids and a more lively dinner, you want plenty of light to see what is happening. A dimmer switch gives you complete control of the light setting.

If you would like to have a dimmer switch installed, call your electrician. Santa Monica homeowners may need to upgrade their older light fixtures to accommodate light bulbs that are suitable for dimmers. Not all CFLs or LEDs can be connected to a dimmer switch. Give The Electric Connection a call today to learn more about what you need to have a dimmer switch installed in your home.

Outdoor Kitchen Lighting with Pasadena Electrician

Posted on April 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

This summer is the time to plan plenty of outdoor events including backyard barbecues. If you have been thinking about having that new outdoor kitchen installed, now is the time to do it. Being able to stay outside with your guests as you prepare a fantastic feast is a luxury you can only get when you have an outdoor kitchen. Your outdoor kitchen would not be complete without electricity and lighting. You will need an electrician in Pasadena to help fulfill your dreams of cooking outdoors with all the modern conveniences of your kitchen. The team at The Electric Connection can help you achieve that dream.

One of the most important factors of your outdoor kitchen is the lighting. Many cookouts are held in the evening hours when things are a bit cooler because the sun is setting. With the setting sun, you will have less natural light. You don’t want to burn your meal and will definitely want adequate lighting for the cook. This can be installed by a Pasadena electrician. LEDs are an excellent choice and can be installed over the grill area to ensure the cook can see clearly.

Your counters, seating area and the walkway will also need to be adequately lit. You can choose to have lights installed along the pathway or have several large fixtures installed by an electrician. Pasadena homeowners have a number of different outdoor lighting options. You can choose soft lighting for the dining area or make it fun and festive with brightly colored lantern lights hanging over the seating area. Your first step is visiting your local home improvement store to check out what you can do or give your friendly electrician a call. The team at The Electric Connection can help you come up with the perfect lighting scheme for your outdoor kitchen.

Recessed Lighting Transformation with Burbank Electrician

Posted on April 21, 2015 | by Kim Hopkins

This spring you may be feeling the itch to update your home. As spring dawns, it is normal to get that spring fever or feel the need to clean things up. The condition is often referred to as spring cleaning and homeowners everywhere are cleaning out the garages, adding a fresh coat of paint to the deck and revamping the interior of their homes. One way to transform your home is by having a home lighting upgrade with the help of an electrician in Burbank. The team at The Electric Connection are here to help you satisfy your spring makeover urges and can help you get the lighting scheme of your dreams.

One of the lighting options you have is recessed lighting. This is the latest trend in home building. It is an ideal option for many reasons.

*Can be installed on any ceiling whether it is pitched or completely flat
*Recessed lighting operates on a lower voltage, saving you money on energy costs
*Lights are out of the way and will not be at risk of being bumped
*The recessed lights make the room look bigger in general

A Burbank electrician can install the lights where you want them. If you have a fireplace mantle or a particular piece of artwork you would like to highlight in a room, the lights can be placed so those items are highlighted. The lights are very easy to install and can be placed pretty much anywhere, including under the stairs, hallways and even on the covered patio.

Another bonus to recessed lighting is the ability to customize the outer trim. You can opt for a shiny silver trim that will reflect the light or add a splash of color to the room with a uniquely colored trim. All of these options can be discussed with your electrician. Burbank homeowners don’t have to limit their lighting to the boring typical fixtures of 20 years ago. Give The Electric Connection a call today and upgrade your home’s lighting and give it a whole new look.