The Electric Connection’s Blog

Purchasing Your Next Extension Cord

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 of the Best Extension Cords

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

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

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

Iron Forge Cable
Outdoor Lighted Extension Cord

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

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

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

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

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

US Wire
50-foot Orange Heavy Duty Extension Cord

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

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

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

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

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

Coleman Cable
Welder Extension Cord

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

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

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

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

3 Ways to Prepare for House Rewire

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

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

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

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

Figure out what actually needs to be rewired

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

Figure out why you need a rewire

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

Figure out how much power your home needs

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

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

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

The 7 Best Traits to Find in Your Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electrician los angelesA good electrician will have both technical skills as well as personality traits that mesh well with you and your electrical job. There are many different things to look for in an electrician and some may depend on your specific job. Below are the basic elements to looks for in an electrician when choosing one for your next electrical project.

Experience and Qualifications

Perhaps the most important aspect to look for when choosing an electrician is their qualifications as well as their experience on the job. Every electricians’ experience level varies as do their qualifications. You need to find the one that best matches with the job you need to be completed. When you choose a licensed electrician, you can be sure that you will have one that has the knowledge necessary to get the job done.

Analytical Skills

Analytical skills and critical thinking will help get your next electrical job done quickly and correctly. When an electrician is able to take in data, observe and understand it, and then fix the issue, you can be sure the issue will get resolved. These skills may go in hand with the level of experience and knowledge an electrician has. The more time one has been working, the more they learn.

Time Management

You want to be sure to choose an electrician that has good time management skills to ensure your job will get completed on time. It may be a difficult skill to master, but a professional electrician should be able to set a schedule and stick to it. Be sure to read reviews to see how well the electrician has been able to keep on schedule.

Communication

An electrician that communicates well with you is one to keep around. Find someone who is able to explain the issue you’re having in detail. This way you will be able to understand what is going on and there will be no surprises in the end. Active listening is also a good trait here. If they are able to understand you when you are trying to explain what is happening, the job may be completed in a more timely manner with fewer mistakes.

Safety Code Knowledge

There are a lot of safety codes out there. Being able to remember safety codes is a great aspect for any electrician. The less time spent going back and forth between the job and the National Electric Code, the quicker your job will be completed – and correctly too.

Dependability

You want an electrician you can rely on. When you set an appointment, you want to be sure the electrician will be there and on time. Read reviews to see if the electrician you have chosen has ever been late or has not shown up for a scheduled appointment. Being on time is a very important trait to have in an electrician.

Honesty

You want to be able to trust your electrician, so honesty is a must. Find someone who loves what they do and isn’t just in it to make money and upsell you on products that you don’t need. Being honest and ethical are great traits to find in your next electrician.

The Electric Connection has been proudly serving the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Our technicians are honest and ethical. We are here to provide you with the best electrical services around. Call us today at (818) 446-0888.

Best Outdoor Lighting for Homes

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Best Outdoor LightingTaking on a new lighting project can be difficult and confusing. You need to decide what type of lighting you want to use. Then figure out which fixtures work best in each room. Do you want dimmable lighting? How about lighting on timers? There’s a lot of decision making that goes into a new lighting project.

Outdoor lighting is a completely different story. While there are safety concerns when changing the lighting inside your home, you have to deal with the climate changes outside. All lighting outside must use outdoor-rated fixtures. This means that it must be fit for use with all the weather changes. If it rains, it needs to be safe from water. While it sounds like a difficult task, when an outdoor lighting project is completed, it can be very rewarding.

Which Outdoor Lighting To Install?

Choosing what type of outdoor lighting you want to install is the first step. Decide what you are trying to accomplish with your lights. Do you want to highlight your landscape features? Is your walkway too dark and you need more security? Or do you just want to see your friends’ and family’s faces while enjoying a nice evening on your patio? Figuring out your objective will help narrow down the best outdoor lighting to install.

When to Install Outdoor Lighting?

The best time to install the lighting outdoors depends, again, on what type of lighting you need. A simple fixture on a wall can be added at any time. If you’re looking to highlight your garden and want to hide the wires, the best time to install it would be before you plant your next prize-winning rose bush. This way you can hide all the wire underground without disturbing your beloved plants. An electrician can better guide you after taking a walk through of your outdoor space.

Why Choose Outdoor Lighting?

There are a lot of reasons to install outdoor lighting. These range from wanting to show off your new garden or to entertaining family and friends. Your outdoor space can become almost like a new room in your home when properly lit. Here are some reasons why you might want to add lighting to the outside of your home.

  • Safety and security
  • Highlight features of your yard
  • Entertaining friends or family on a patio
  • Lighting the pool for a nighttime swim
  • Another decorative device

You can see there are a lot of reasons to install outdoor lighting at your home. To figure out which outdoor lighting is best for you, consult an electrician. They will be able to help you decide what works best for your outdoor space and your budget.

The Electric Connection in Los Angeles has been providing electrical services to the people in and around the city for over 30 years. We are happy to help pick out what outdoor lighting for your pool or yard is the best. We offer many different lighting services. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Please give us a call if you have any questions at (818) 446-0888.

How To Install An EV Charger

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

How To Install An EV ChargerIf you’re considering buying an electric vehicle, you’ll want to have the best charging device for the car. There are two options when it comes to charging your new vehicle. These are referred to as Level 1 and Level 2 charging.

  • Level 1 Charging: Plug your car right into an outlet with the cord it comes with. You will get a low-level charge that is ideal for those who drive short distances and don’t deplete the car’s entire battery life. It takes about an hour to get 4.5 miles of battery back into your car. A full night of charging, or about nine hours, would be needed to replenish the whole battery.
  • Level 2 Charging: Charge your car with an EV wall mount or use a NEMA 14-50 outlet. This type of charge fills your battery up quicker. Different cars charge in different ways but with a Level 2 charge, it takes about an hour to get around 26 miles of power back into the car. This might be a more expensive route than Level 1 charging but if your commutes are longer this is the way to go.

How to Install an EV Charger?

When you decide to buy an electric vehicle and want to go with the wall mount, the next step is to install one in your home. Please note that you should have experience with electrical systems before performing any work in your home. If you are unfamiliar with installing electric car chargers, please consult with a professional electrician.

If you do not have electrical expertise, there is still good news. Many utility companies offer incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle, its charging station, and having one professionally installed. Be sure to contact your local utility company to find out what offers are available to you.

The first step in installing an EV charging point for your home is choosing it. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the US, except for Teslas, all use the same type of plug, an SAE-standard J1772. These may all work in the same way, but some chargers are very different than others. Below are some things to consider when picking out your new charger.

  • Cost – EV chargers can range from $500 to over $1000 depending on a variety of different things. The two main contributors to the price are cord length and amperage.
  • Installation type: A Level 2 charger is meant to be permanent. It is mounted to the wall using a bracket. However, there are some chargers that can be removed in case you want to take it with you if you move from your home.
  • Amperage: Level 2 chargers are available in 16 or 30 amp versions. 30 amps should be the default. It allows for the maximum charge and, if you decide to purchase another car, will allow for charging two cars. 16 amps are perfectly fine for charging a single vehicle, such as the Volt.
  • Length of Cord: This will depend on the location of the charger and where it has to plug into your car. 16 to 18 feet should suffice but the longer the cord you need, the more you will have to pay.

Once you find the perfect EV charger, the next step is to make sure your home is ready for charging your electric vehicle. You must make sure you have enough electrical service in your home before you can charge your car. If you don’t have enough power, you could constantly be tripping the breakers in your electrical panel. Older wiring in your home might also be an issue. If you have knob and tube or aluminum wiring, your home might need a rewire before you can add the extra load of a car charger.

You can see how important it is to consult with an electrician before attempting to wire an EV charger in your home. A lot of things can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s best to give a local electrician a call to see if they can help you out. It may cost less in the long run.

The Electric Connection has been providing electric vehicle charging installations to the people of Los Angeles for several years. We have at least one electrician in the city every day doing an EV charger installation. Our technicians also know EV charging for businesses. Please call us today to learn more about what we can offer you. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Cost of House Rewire in Los Angeles

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electrician pulling wires through wallOne of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to any electrical job is “how much will this cost?” This is especially true with any major home electrical jobs. When you’re considering rewiring your entire home, this can be quite scary. Many of our customers pick up the phone and immediately ask, “what does a house rewire cost?” The question of cost is probably one of the first to pop into your mind and well as why rewire a house in the first place.

So, how much does a whole house rewire cost? This honestly depends on how large your home is and how much of it actually needs to be rewired. Depending on your location, for a 1,500 to 3,000 square foot home, you can be looking at anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000. When contacting electricians who specialize in house rewires, be sure to give them the size and age of your home. This will help them give you a more accurate estimate. Other aspects that go into determining the cost of a house rewire are access issues and any odd areas in your home. These two will cause the price to go up a bit more since it will be a harder job to complete.

What if you can’t afford to rewire your house?

If you can’t afford a complete house rewire, don’t fret – be sure that it is necessary first. Some houses only need partially rewired. This should help reduce costs. Make sure that you need any sort of rewire in the first place. The signs that are associated with a house rewire can also be associated with other things. You may need a new panel, outlets may be bad, light fixtures may have broken. Consult with an electrician before you take out a loan to make sure a house rewire is necessary.

House Rewire: What to expect?

When a house rewire is completed, all the old wiring will be removed and replaced with new, up to date wiring. This wiring is safer than that found in older homes as it doesn’t get hot when insulated.

There are various ways a house can be rewired. One way is by removing the walls and replacing the wiring behind them. The electrician will then repair the holes made in the walls. This can be very expensive and time-consuming.

Another way to replace the wiring is through basements or crawlspaces. This allows the electrician to replace the wiring without having to remove or cut up walls. Electricians can also use rods and a thin metal line to fish the wires through the walls without tearing them down. A small patch might be necessary but the walls will remain intact. These methods will also help reduce the cost of the job.

In order to get a more accurate cost for a whole house rewire, it’s best to call your electrician for an estimate. They should be able to provide you with an accurate estimate based on a few questions about your home.

The Electric Connection has technicians who excel at house rewires. Our electricians are licensed, bonded, and insured to provide you with the most quality electrical services around. Los Angeles residents and businesses owners can depend on The Electric Connection to get their jobs done with ease and efficiency. Call us today to get on the schedule!

Los Angeles Electrician Reviews

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles electrician reviewsIf you need a panel upgrade or new wiring in your home, you need to find the best Los Angeles electrician possible. It may seem easy to install an outlet or repair a light fixture, but it’s best to go with a professional. Los Angeles is a big city with lots of options when it comes to electricians. How can you be sure you’ve found the best one for you?

When should you call an electrician near you?

Actually, if you need electrical work done on your home or business, there’s very little reason not to call an electrician. Working with your electrical system can be very dangerous. It’s possible to get a shock that can seriously injure or fatally hurt you. Below is a list of situations a professional electrician in Los Angeles should be called to your home:

  • Lights flickering
  • Outlets overloaded
  • Frequently tripping breakers/circuits
  • Old outlets

If you feel any hesitation at all performing an electrical job in your home, please call a local electrician. Licensed electricians have the skills, tools, and experience to complete electrical jobs correctly and safely.

Finding electrician reviews in your city is easy! In fact, all you have to do is simply Google, “electrician reviews Los Angeles” and you’ll have a wide variety of search results to choose from. Many electricians use third-party websites to display and collect reviews. Websites such as Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List, and even Google allow customers, much like yourself, to leave reviews after an electrician has completed a job. Read over the reviews to make sure they are a competent contractor who can complete your job.

You can also usually find electrician reviews on their respective websites. Most electrical contractors have a website that displays their services, company information, and reviews left by other customers. While you’re on their website, be sure to find out how to contact them. It’s best to ask electricians questions before you schedule them to come out and do work. Here are some helpful questions to ask before starting a job with your new electrician:

  • Are you licensed, bonded, or insured?
  • What is your warranty process?
  • Do you offer free estimates / how much will my job cost?
  • Can you perform this type of work?

Never, ever hire just anyone before asking questions about your job and finding out if they are a professional. Be sure to do your research before deciding on your next electrician. Los Angeles electrical projects need to be handled with care – make sure to choose wisely!

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles is proud to have provided the Los Angeles area with electrical services for over 30 years. Located in Tujunga, CA, The Electric Connection has many crews of electricians traveling all over the Los Angeles area performing EV charger installations, panel upgrades, house rewires, and more. If you need an electrician, Los Angeles, give The Electrician Connection a call today! Our dispatch team is in the office Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm to answer any questions you might have and get your next electrical project scheduled.

Los Angeles Recessed Lighting

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

recessed lightingYou might be wondering, “why choose recessed lighting?” Well, when it comes to both residential and commercial properties, recessed lighting is one of the most versatile choices for lighting a room. Installed recessed lighting, also known as recessed cans or can lighting, can not only help bring unique lighting to your home but can also stay hidden and blend into the design of your room. It’s highly customizable to fit into any space – even outdoors.

There are many different names for recessed lighting: can lighting, downlight lights, recessed cans. It gets its name from the way it is housed. The housing units for recessed lighting look like cans – it’s metal and cylindrical and recesses into the ceiling.

When to Install Recessed Lighting

It’s best used where hanging fixtures just won’t do but looks good pretty much anywhere. It can also be used to highlight the features in a room as well as use a spotlight. Our customers especially love using recessed lighting in their kitchens to help illuminate the countertops. There are so many options out there, the only hard part is deciding what recessed lighting for kitchen.

Which Recessed Lighting Is the Best

If you’re wondering which recessed lighting to install in your home, consider a few things first…

Decide what you are trying to accomplish. Recessed lighting might not be the best bet for you if you are trying to light a large dining room that features a giant dining room table. For this, perhaps a nice chandelier would be a better fit. Recessed lighting is better used when there is little space.

Figure out how much space you have. Recessed lighting comes in all different shapes and sizes. Determining how much space will allow you to purchase the right fixtures the first time.

Consult with an electrician. Electricians are experts at installing recessed lighting. If you have a project that you’re running into issues with, considering consulting with an electrician to move the project along.

Recessed Lighting Issues

If you are having issues with currently installed recessed lighting, you might need an electrician to come out to take a look. There are many reasons that recessed lighting would not be turning on so it’s best to contact an electrician to have them troubleshoot the problem.

When it won’t work with your design or budget there are alternatives to installing recessed lighting. Consult with an electrician to determine the best lighting fixtures to buy. Be sure to mention where you want to install the lighting, how much space you have available, what your budget is, and the overall look of the room. They will be glad to come up with some options for you to choose so you can have the best looking home around.

The Electric Connection has been advising customers on the best lighting solutions for their homes for over 30 years. Installing recessed lighting in residential homes is our specialty. Be sure to visit our lighting page, here, to learn more about all we have to offer. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

Importance of Bathroom Fans

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

You might be thinking, “do I need a fan in my bathroom?” The answer may surprise you. In addition to keeping the bathroom from getting too hot, a bathroom fan actually has many benefits. The first purpose of installing a bathroom fan is to keep the moisture out of the room. The fans can also help remove odors as well as remove fumes from cleaning materials that might pose health issues.

Where to Install Bathroom Fan

bathroom fanThere is actually a lot that goes into deciding where to install a bathroom fan. If you have a smaller bathroom, this may be an easy decision, but larger bathrooms require some thinking and math. Design architects and builders work hard to ensure that bathroom fans are placed in the right spot not only for safety and proper ventilation but also for the aesthetics.

The most important aspect of finding a place for the bathroom fan is finding the right size fan. So, what bathroom fan do you need? It must be big enough to ventilate your entire room or else it’s purpose is diminished. There is a simple math equation that helps determine the size of fan you need for your bathroom. Simply take the volume of your room (the cubic feet) and then multiply that by 8 (which is the number of exchanges of air per hour). Take this sum and divide it by 60 which will result in the required CFM, or cubic feet per minute, you need for the room.

Once you know which bathroom fan to buy, finding the right spot is pretty easy. Heat rises and the primary function of the fan is to reduce the moisture in the room so the best place for the fan is in the ceiling that is the highest from the ground. You should also place the fan near the element that is creating the most moisture or odor. Do not just place the fan in the middle of the room, it should be placed either over the toilet or the tub. Remember that fans placed over a shower or tub must be rated for where they are located and protected with a GFCI.

When To Install A Bathroom Fan

If you currently do not have a fan in your bathroom, you might want to consider installing one. This will help remove the moisture and unpleasant odors. Without a bathroom fan, you might find yourself cleaning the bathroom more. You might even be faced with a mold problem if the moisture can’t escape properly.

When To Replace A Bathroom Fan

When your bathroom fan starts acting up, how do you know if you need to replace it? Repeated use of any device can cause it to fail over time, but fortunately there are some warning signs to look out for.

  • Odd noises or sounds. Loud throbbing or clanking can mean that the bearings are starting to fail or the blades are not aligned properly. It’s important to realize that most bathroom fans cannot be repaired properly so they must be completely replaced. Since the unit is sealed, it is impossible to grease the bearings so when they stop working the unit must be replaced.
  • Power up time. If you are noticing that the fan is starting slower and slower it may be time to replace it. Sluggish or slow startup times means the unit is starting to fail.
  • No power. When you turn on the fan and nothing happens, this might be a big sign it has failed. If you have access to check for power, do so, but it might be time for a replacement. The electrician you call to replace it can give you a more accurate diagnosis.

Bathroom fans are a great addition to any home, almost a necessary one. Any electrician can help you decide which one to buy and where to place it. Be sure to ask for references before you have an electrician visit your home.

The Electric Connection is proud to serve the people of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. We have been installing bathroom fans for over 30 years. Our electricians are licensed and insured to bring you the best services in the area. Give us a call today to get on schedule.