Tag: santa monica electrician

Electrical Troubleshooting by Electrician in Beverly Hills

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Have you ever turned on a light only to have it not work? Sure, we all have. Our first response is to turn off the switch and replace the bulb. But, what if the light still doesn’t work? Or what if the brand new bulb blows out as soon as you turn it on? This is a problem that may be one of your first signs of electrical trouble. Prior to the light going out for good, did it seem to be flickering? Outlets that have black marks around one of the prong holes or black anywhere around the outlet are definitely a cause for alarm.

Do not wait to see if the problem fixes itself, call an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners can call The Electric Connection for an electrical inspection. It is always a good idea to have a complete electrical safety inspection to determine if the problem is isolated to one area or a major problem throughout the home. It could simply be an outlet with a loose wire or a faulty light fixture. In either event, the professional can take care of these quick fixes for you.

In more serious cases, especially in older homes, a complete wiring replacement may be needed. This is definitely a job for an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners do not want to take any chances with their family’s safety.

Faulty wiring is a leading cause of home fires. You can help protect your investment as well as your family and all of those irreplaceable items in your home by getting a qualified electrician to do some troubleshooting. Identifying problem areas before they become a major catastrophe can save you a great deal of trouble, grief and money.

Not to mention, isn’t the peace of mind knowing your home is safe worth the call? Give the Electric Connection a call today and set  your mind at ease.

3 Cost-Saving Tips for Staying Cool from Your Electrician in Santa Monica

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Spring is always a good time to give your heating and air conditioning unit a break as well as your pocketbook. Summer is just around the corner and those electric bills will jump once you start using your air conditioner on a regular basis. The hot weather does not need to cost you a fortune to stay cool. There are a few things you can do to keep your home comfortable without setting the AC at 72.

Ceiling Fan

An electrician in Santa Monica can install a ceiling fan to help reduce your electric bill. The fan stirs the air, preventing it from getting hot and stagnant. The nice cool breeze will help cool you as long as you have the fan blades spinning in the right direction. It’s always best to hire a licensed electrician install your fans since they would have sufficient knowledge about electrical wiring. Typically, fans are sold with a kit with all the supplies needed to install it. The Electric Connection is reliable and can complete the job for you in a timely manner.

Kitchen Exhaust Fan

Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen to pull out the hot air. If you do not have one, these are available for purchase at most hardware stores. If the space is already available in the range hood, this is a quick replacement job. However, it’s always best to leave it up to a certified  electrician. Santa Monica residents know cooking in the summer heat is tough. When possible, use the microwave, stovetop or even better, barbecue!

Oscillating Fans

These are available at almost any store and use less electricity than an air conditioning unit. Simply moving the air around the home works to keep it cooler. Anything you can do to lessen the burden on your AC will save you money on your total electric bill.

Electrical Safety Assessments from Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on | by K Hopkins | 2 Comments on Electrical Safety Assessments from Santa Monica Electrician

Electrical wiring is an important part of a home that we all depend on every day. If your home wiring is outdated, though, it can be an electrical safety hazard and result in shorting out or even electrical fires.

An electrical safety assessment can be done by a competent electrician in a fairly short amount of time and for a reasonable amount of money. A Santa Monica electrician will check for any safety hazards or needed electrical code corrections, and they will check all of the connections and wires to make sure that nothing is broken, deteriorated or frayed. An electrical safety inspection by Electric Connection, a licensed electrician Santa Monica trust most, will give you the peace of mind you need. Knowing that your home electrical is safe, you can feel rest assured that your family is protected.

Electric Connection is licensed, bonded and insured and fully qualified to do electrical safety inspections. If you’d like to find out more, please visit our website at
https://www.theelectricconnection.com/electrician-santa-monica-ca/. We’re ready to help you out with your next home electrical safety assessment.

Electrician Santa Monica – LED Signs and You

Posted on | by K Hopkins

As a small business owner, you are always looking for new ways to advertise and share information with your customers and potential customers. One of the ways that is really catching on is the use of an on-premises LED sign. This is not something you want to jump into lightly and in fact is something you may need to enlist the help of an electrician in Santa Monica. The team at Electric Connection is here to help you when it comes time to install or maintain your LED sign, as well as assist you with your other electrical-related tasks.

An LED sign is a great advertising solution. Unlike a traditional sign, you can change the message from inside, using a computer program or maintenance panel. This is much safer than climbing onto a ladder and changing the lettering like on a normal sign! Additionally, since it is so easy to change the message, you will be more likely to keep your message up to date.

The reason many people resist changing to an LED sign is the cost. There is an upfront fee because you are purchasing the equipment. However, if you choose Electric Connection for your electrician Santa Monica, you will be assured you are getting a great deal on the installation costs! Additionally, maintenance is often quite simple. If you do have problems, Electric Connection can come out and get you back up and running quickly and easily.

The payoff of an LED sign can be hard to measure. These are eye-catching and will bring in customers as they drive or walk by your place of business. Investing in one of these signs will give you payoff both now and well into the future. Look into the options available to you and consider utilizing this easy and cost-efficient method of advertising your business today.

Santa Monica Electrician – Dangers of DIY

Posted on | by K Hopkins | 2 Comments on Santa Monica Electrician – Dangers of DIY

“I can fix that!” This is something you may be tempted to say when you find small problems with the electrical system in your house. You may like to do work on your own home and if you have the right skill set, a do it yourself project is rewarding because you save money and have the satisfaction of a job well done. However, when you are dealing with electrical work, this is a completely different issue. Think twice before you begin working on electoral-related projects. The potential hazards can be very dramatic.  Consider these risks and then call an electrician in Santa Monica, such as one from Electric Connection, to help with your next project.

  • Each year, hundreds of fires are caused from unstable wiring and insecure connections. Using a licensed Santa Monica electrician assures that code is followed and that the wiring will be done properly.
  • You can hurt yourself if you mishandle a wire or do not perform the job just right. Experienced electricians have spent hundreds of hours learning safety skills that prevent this.
  • If you install an electrical implement wrong, you can easily fry or melt the item or even harm the wiring in the walls. If you cause this through your own lack of skills, your insurance company may not pick up the bill.

It may seem like you can save money by choosing to “do it yourself” on your electrical project. However, even a relatively simple project can become complicated and expensive if you do not understand exactly what you are doing. Instead of suffering alone, call Electric Connection and let one of our many experts come out and help you complete your project safely and with the necessary skill. In most cases, you will save money since you have less to worry about when you use an expert.

Electrician Santa Monica Gives Tips To Prepare For a Power Outage

Posted on | by K Hopkins

No matter why it happens, it is annoying. The power does go out on occasion and while you may want to contact an electrician in Santa Monica like Electric Connection, you will have to spend some time without power. However, if you prepare ahead of time and keep these tips in mind, dealing with a loss of power will be just an annoyance, not a major issue.

  • Create an emergency kit – This can include items like a flashlight, radio and batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets and items to pass the time.
  • Prepare for your needs – If you need certain medication or rely on equipment for life-support, make certain you prepare ahead. You may even be able to contact your utility company and make sure your home is treated as a top priority in case of an outage.
  • Know a good water source – Think about things like ice that could melt, water hidden in a water heater or pipes in your and other places that you may not immediately think about.
  • Keep food safe – If the power goes out, try not to open the fridge or freezer if possible and the food will last longer. After the power comes back on, remember—when in doubt, throw it out.
  • Be cautious if you have a generator and do not run it in wet conditions. This will help you avoid electric shock.
  • Protect yourself from drastic temperatures. In cold weather avoid getting wet and in hot weather dress as cool as possible and stay out of the sun.
  • Know when to say when. You may not want to leave your home during a power outage, but if you are dealing with a long term outage, you may be safer and more comfortable in an emergency shelter.

As you can see, there are many ways you can prepare yourself for a power outage. One of the best is to talk with the experts at Electric Connection, the electrician Santa Monica residents rely on to help them during a power outage or for installation and repairs.

Electrician Santa Monica – A Listing of Common Electrical Terms

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer who feels confident in most household chores, or you are clueless about most household tasks, it makes sense to learn the basics when it comes to electricity. While you will want to contact an electrician in Santa Monica (Click Here), such as one from The Electric Connection, for any direct electrical work, you can at least have a better idea about the basics and be able to have a conversation when the electrician Santa Monica comes out to take care of your electrical repairs or installation. Learning these basic electrican terms is a great way to broaden your understanding of electricity.

  • Alternating Current – Electric current that changes direction when a change in voltage occurs.
  • Ampere – A unit of electrical current.
  • Arcing – Current that passes through the air, using air like a wire.
  • Circuit Breaker – An automatic switch that safeguards the electrical circuit from damage.
  • Conductor – Anything that carries an electrical current.
  • Current – An electrical charge carried by flowing electrons over a conductor.
  • Direct Current – Electrical charge that flows in a constant direction.
  • Fuse – A protection devise that interrupts current to a circuit.
  • Ground – A safe way to run current between a device to the earth.
  • GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) – A device that detects excess current and stops the flow of electricity.
  • Insulation – A material that shields wires and cables due to the fact it is not good at conducting.
  • Junction Box – A plastic or metal container that houses electrical connections.
  • NEC (National Electric Code) – U.S. standard for installing wires and equipment in a safe manner.
  • Outlet – A point where an appliance gets its connection to the circuit.
  • Power – Electricity measured in watts or kilowatts.
  • Transformer – an  electronic device that converts electric voltage to another voltage or current
  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories) – A non-profit organization that tests electronic devices for safety.
  • Voltage – A way of measuring how much energy is behind electricity.

Santa Monica Electrician – Considerations when You Lose Power

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Whether it is from storms or a fault in your home’s wiring, when the power goes out life gets difficult. Hopefully, you are able to talk to your Santa Monica electrical company and power is restored quickly. However, it is important to prepare yourself for the worst. Consider the following tips to make your next power outage more bearable. In the meantime, contact a Santa Monica electrician, such as The Electric Connection, to see if there are improvements you can make to your home’s wiring system to reduce the chances of a power outage.

Power Outage Tips

  • Avoid using candles during a power outage; a flashlight is much safer.
  • Keeping a battery-powered radio handy and listen to local programming. This can allow you to track the weather and prepare safety measures.
  • Turn off all electrical equipment that you were using when the power fails. This prevents a power surge when the power returns.
  • Try to avoid opening your freezer or refrigerator. This keeps the food within at a lower temperature.
  • Do leave one light turned on, so that you know when the power comes back.
  • Do not run a stand-alone generator in your home or garage—only use a properly installed outdoor generator.

Prepare Ahead by Keeping the Following Items on Hand

  • Flashlights
  • A portable radio
  • Batteries for flashlights and radio
  • A supply of fresh, bottled water
  • A small amount of food that does not require refrigeration or electricity to prepare—canned goods are an excellent choice.

If you are ready to make changes to your home’s electrical system, call the expert electrician in Santa Monica—The Electric Connection. You can also reach the company by searching for “electrician Santa Monica” and visit the website at ElectricConnection.com .  One of our experts will be happy to discuss your power options.

Santa Monica Electrician – Reasons to Call Your Electrician Right Away

Posted on | by K Hopkins

One of the things that makes electrical troubleshooting so difficult is the fact that your electrical system is largely behind the scenes. Located behind your walls and in your ceiling, many issues will not manifest until they become very serious. As a result, it can be very easy to ignore electrical problems until they come to a point where they can no longer be ignored. To combat this, especially if you live in a n older home, you should have an electrician in Santa Monica inspect your electrical system regularly. By doing so, you can avoid many issues that result from an aging home and electrical system.

In addition to having a regular inspection, you should also educate yourself on the early signs of electrical issues. If you notice any of the below, make sure that you get in touch with a Santa Monica electrician right away. It can save you significant time and money if you take care of the issue early on, rather than when it becomes a real problem.

Lights Dim Unexpectedly

Do you have lights that dim whenever large appliances, such as your air conditioner cycles on? If these high-demand appliances are not on dedicated circuits, then they could be causing electrical issues within your home.

No GFCI Outlets

According to most local building codes, a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is required in all areas that are frequently wet. This includes kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and garages. If you do not have these, call The Electric Connection or click here.

Ungrounded Outlets

Older homes were often equipped with outlets that do not accept three-pronged, grounded plugs. This is a very strong indication that your electrical system is not grounded. If you have an ungrounded electrical system, then you could be exposing yourself to unnecessary dangers every time you use your electrical system. Have someone inspect your system and provide the proper grounding if necessary.

Electrician Santa Monica – Using a Portable Generator

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Even though they won’t be able to provide full power to your home in the event of an extended power outage, there are many practical uses for a portable generator. Depending on what you do in your free time, you may be surprised at how many parts of the country do not have electricity that is easily accessed. A portable generator can help ensure that you have access to electricity, even when you want to spend time outdoors. If you need to take electricity to an area that has no electrical outlets, then a portable generator is one of the best routes to go. Here are a few ways to use your portable generator:

Tailgating – Many tailgating locations do not have electrical outlets that are easy to access. To solve this problem, just bring your own generator along. You can place your generator in the back of your truck so that you have all the power that you need to keep your television, satellite dish and any other electrical devices going for the entire game.

Camping – Even if you like to rough it for most of your trip, having access to electricity while camping can be very handy. This way, you can charge your phone and use any electrical devices that you may not have brought if you did not have access to electricity.

Emergency Backup Power – Though portable generators are not designed to provide long-term emergency power, they can be great to have around when power is lost. You will need to keep your portable generator outside of your home so that you do not vent combustible gases into your home. You can still, however, bring lines of power into your home to keep essentials such as lighting and refrigeration going for a short period of time.

Portable generators are good to have, because you can take them with you to provide power wherever you need it. They are not stationary, and do not require the assistance of an electrician in Santa Monica such as The Electric Connection to set up and start using. Give us a call if you have any questions about standalone or portable generators.