As with many things, when we want to save money we decide the best way to do that is to trade our time and do the job on our own instead of paying someone else to do the work.  In many cases, this is very much worth the savings.  Unfortunately it’s rarely the case when it comes to home electrical work.  Some friends may regard home electrical repair as simple and easy.  Some small repairs, such as replacing an outlet or a light socket, can be simple but most of the time you’ll find that repairs to your home’s electrical system are time-consuming, dangerous, and difficult.  So why should you hire a professional?

1. Electricity is Dangerous

This seems like an easy answer.  But in many ways, it’s the reason for the rest of the answers you’ll find below.  Electricity is dangerous if you don’t understand how it works.  But it goes beyond simply remembering to turn off the circuit breaker before working.  You can follow every safety precaution, finish your work, and power things back up without any issues only to find yourself with an unexpected electrical fire a few weeks later.

ESFi states that home electrical fires are responsible for an estimated 51,000 fires each year.  Many of these fires end with homeowner deaths due to a lack of fire safety devices and procedures.  So yes, you can shock or electrocute yourself while working on your homes electronics, but there’s a greater risk of accidentally causing a house fire later on if you don’t follow regulations.

2. Professional Quality

When you hire a professional, you aren’t just paying someone to do the work for you.  A professional will always do a higher quality job because their livelihood depends on it.  Professional electricians pride themselves on their training and expertise which allows them to make quick judgements and quality repairs.  A professional repair or installation means:

Technicians take pride in their work, but they also want you to feel safe while they’re working.  Any fears you may have about people in your home are unfounded with a professional team.  Electricians like those employed at Custom Electrical are bonded and insured to protect your home.

3. Licensed Work

Homes and buildings must follow a very specific set of rules and regulations for proper electrical wiring.  Professional electricians are required to pass certification exams to prove that they’re familiar with NEC rules and regulations.  These regulations are in effect because they promote efficiency and safety for building occupants.  From simple requirements such as mandating number of outlets within a room to safety concerns regarding placement of ground-fault circuit interrupters in garages, bathrooms, and kitchens.  While you may be well aware of how electricity works, you likely aren’t familiar with the requirements of your state for how a building is required to be wired.  This may not seem important now, but if you ever attempt to sell your home, a licensed inspector will notice the shortcuts and the relative value of your home will be less since it needs to be brought back up to code.

For the best in quality electrical repair work and installations, contact the professionals at Custom Electric!  Be sure to check back here each week for helpful advice, news, and guides or follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Categories: 24 Hour Electrician, Local Electrician, Professional Electrician, Residential« Holiday Lighting Safety Tips!  |  Why You Should Use a Surge Protector »

If you own a business or are the manager of a business that has customers that come through the door, you know the importance of lighting. Lighting is something that can be easily overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in the overall impression of an establishment. Poor lighting or lighting that washes out the features in the room are going to leave a negative impression. An electrician in Beverly Hills, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you revamp the way customers and clients see your business.

One of the most frequently overlooked areas in an establishment is the bathroom. It may not be pretty, but they are a necessity. Many people will judge an entire business by the look of a bathroom alone. It sounds harsh, but a client has some reasonable expectations and a clean, well-lit bathroom is one of them. Your Beverly Hills electrician can quickly and effectively change out those old, dreary features and replace them with new ones that provide plenty of light. Lighting can make a small room look bigger, cleaner and more inviting explains an electrician. Beverly Hills business owners can make some dramatic improvements without spending much money at all.

When a person visits the bathroom, they want to check their appearance in the mirror. The last thing they want to do is have to strain their eyes or wonder if they have a yellow pallor or if it is just the poor lighting. Along with brightening up the bathrooms, think about the reception area and other places your clients and customers are likely to see. Really look at the area and try talking with your customers to get their honest opinions. You may be surprised at what you hear. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your lighting makeover.

By Hannah Haseloff

Electricity is a wonderful invention that makes our lives infinitely easier, but electricity can also be very dangerous if proper precautions are not practiced. Did you know that 70 percent of child-related electrical accidents happen in the home while under adult supervision? In accordance with National Childhood Injury Prevention Month, Mr. Electric® has some tips to help you keep your children safe.

Batteries

Thousands of children are hospitalized every year due to swallowing batteries. Children are especially attracted to the small button type. Store batteries in proper containers inside a locked cabinet, and always monitor children with electronic play toy use.

Christmas Trees

Each year numerous children are injured and electrocuted by playing with Christmas tree cords. Putting up a baby gate or a small piece of furniture in front of an outlet or tree can keep small children away from danger. Never leave the Christmas tree lights on when you are not home. This applies to the lights on both real and artificial trees.

Cords

Small children can easily pull heavy or hot appliances on top of themselves if the cords are not kept out of reach. Use command hooks or cord ties to keep long cords away from little hands.

Electrical Sockets

Cover all electrical sockets with socket covers to prevent children from sticking objects into them. Make sure the covers are not so small the child could choke on them or easily pull them out. Also check your installation, as faulty installation can cause a fire.

Hair Appliances

Curling irons, blow dryers, straighteners can cause burns and even fires if left turned on unattended. Young girls blow drying, straightening or curling their hair can get serious burns, so teach them to be cautious when using these appliances, and be sure to follow your own advice as well.

Irons

Never leave an iron on unattended, as this presents both a fire and safety hazard. Each year, children are severely burned from irons left turned on and left unattended. Do not leave an iron on a piece of clothing for too long, as this also presents the risk of causing a fire.

Ovens

Teach children to stay away from the oven and other hot appliances in the kitchen. Never leave the oven door open when it is turned on so those wandering hands don’t wind up inside the hot space.

Plugs

Never leave appliances such as cell phones and computer cords plugged in. Small children could easily put the end of the cord in their month and get electrocuted.

Smoke Alarms

A smoke alarm is your first warning in case of fire, so it should be properly maintained. Change smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, and check your smoke alarm once a month to make sure it is working. Teach young children what the alarm means. Have an evacuation plan in case of fire, and run drills with your family.

Practice proper electrical etiquette by teaching older children hoe to use appliances and properly plug and unplug electric devices. Use only one power strip per outlet to avoid overusing and overheating your electrical outlets. Always keep cloth and other flammable products away from your electrical outlets, as they can present a fire hazard, and keep electrical appliances away from water.

Keep in mind that small children are not the only ones at risk of electricity-related injuries. While children 14 and under are at the greatest risk, even adults can accidently electrocute themselves. Visit Electrical Safety Foundation International’s website or Safe Kids.org for additional electrical safety tips for you and your family. 

pursue electric lights.

A Timeless StyleIn the post-Victorian era, brass chandeliers shimmered with crystal drops and porcelain lamps were embellished with colorful floral themes. For members of the British aristocracy, the early 20th century was a time of elegance, luxury and opulence.

A quick glance through the latest designer catalogs are ample evidence that the decor of previous eras are still hugely popular. The style can easily be recreated with antique brass desk lamps. In contemporary homes, an elegantly crafted modern light fixture can give you the look of the most treasured antique.

picture light would also do the trick.