There are times when you plug in the toaster or try and run the vacuum cleaner and it won’t work right. You probably unplug it and try it again and it works fine. You think nothing of it and assume it was a fluke—until it happens again with another appliance with the same outlet. Now, you have to wonder, is it an electrical problem or is it really just a fluke? These situations may appear to be no big deal on the surface, but they really are and can indicate there is something going on behind the outlet cover. Something like frayed or loose wires that could create a spark and start a fire that burns slowly and becomes a serious problem before you know it. You need an electrician in Beverly Hills to investigate these little problems before they become big ones that threaten your home and your safety. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help.

Outlets that work intermittently are just one of the symptoms of a serious electrical problem. Lights that flicker or do not turn on even when a new bulb is installed are another sign of electrical trouble. The light fixture may have wiring that has deteriorated or the wiring in the ceiling could be bad. Because you can’t tell simply be looking at the light or the light switch, you need to call an electrician familiar with Beverly Hills electrical needs.

The electrician will do an inspection and thoroughly investigate the problem. If it is a wiring issue to a single outlet or light fixture, it is a fairly easy fix. If you have a breaker that trips frequently, let an electrician know. This is another sign of a problem. Never leave little electrical problems unchecked. They can quickly become serious concerns. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your electric inspection.

The heat is at it’s peak and so is your air conditioner!  As a licensed electrical panel replacements and air conditioning unit replacements could be avoided with this simple routine maintenance.  Our licensed and experienced technicians do this maintenance in less than a half an hour and that could keep you from going without power and parting with that hard earned money.  Summers are meant to be enjoyed, live life to its fullest!

ElectricMan

Don't get caught in the dark if a storm or other disruption knocks out your power. You can protect your home and your family with a backup generator. Read on for tips on how to pick out the right one for your house.

Why Do I Need A Generator?

Blackouts are unpredictable. Of course, you can have family fun in a power outage, but if the lights stay off for an extended period of time it can mean trouble. If you rely on electric heat and the power doesn't come back on promptly in cold weather, your pipes could freeze and your home could even become too cold for human habitation. In the summer, you can end up sweltering with no air conditioning while all the food in your refrigerator spoils. Smart homeowners are prepared to keep their electrical systems up and running no matter how long it takes the utility company to restore power.

What Are My Options?

You can buy a small portable generator if you just need to keep a few appliances functioning. Plug your equipment into the portable generator directly, or a special connection to your circuit box can be installed to allow you to plug into your wall outlets as normal. Be careful not to overload the generator, or you can cause it to short out. 

A standby generator is the best option if you want to keep your whole house online. Standby generators run off your gas connection (or you can attach a propane tank) and they turn on automatically when the power goes out. Standby generators are simpler to use once they are installed because you don't need to worry about cords or even turning it on yourself. However, they can cost $10,000 or more.

You should choose the size and power of your generator based on how much electricity you will need in an emergency. Adding up the wattage of all the equipment and appliances you want to keep online will give you a baseline to use as a guide. Portable generators range in capacity from 1,000 watts to around 17,500 watts, while heavy duty standby generators can handle up to 30,000 watts and above.

Safety First

If you get a portable generator, never run it inside. Find a level surface at least ten feet from your house, and connect properly-rated extension cords to the appliances you want to run. Because most portable generators burn gasoline, placing one too close to your home can put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't forget to inspect the extension cords for any fraying or damage and ensure they are rated for outdoor use.

Never modify an extension cord or plug your portable generator directly into a wall outlet. This will send electricity back through your circuit box and onto the grid, creating a danger to utility workers fixing the wires.

Choosing the right generator, not to mention properly installing it, can be tricky. Call an expert electrician to help you purchase and set up your new generator so you know that the lights will stay on the next time the power goes down.

Call local Mister Sparky® for generator advice or assistance. We're always here to help!

Selecting the best electrical service professionals isn’t always an easy task. There are many available, and it can be challenging to narrow your search down to the best candidates. You might feel pressure to make a decision quickly, but doing your homework is highly recommended. Hiring the wrong electrical expert can lead to lots of frustration, as well as wasted time and money. Be sure to ask the important questions before deciding on a hire.

Even if they come with a big discount, you never want to work with electrical professionals who aren’t licensed and insured. Taking this measure will ensure your hire has proper training for the job and you won’t find yourself stuck with substandard results. Insurance is necessary as well since accidents are not always avoidable. Unforeseen damages can easily occur on the job site, and if your electrical experts aren’t insured, you could be stuck with the stress — not to mention extra costs.

It might not be enough to have a licensed and insured professional. They still might not have experience with your particular situation. Find out if they’ve dealt with jobs like yours before, and if they can offer insight that might help you finish things ahead of schedule and under budget. If they specialize in a particular area, be sure it’s related to the job you need! If it’s a big project, make sure they’ve worked on large scale contracts before adding them to your team. You don’t want your electrical professionals to get in over their heads while on the job.

It’s a bonus if the work performed is under warranty, as there is no telling what might happen down the line. If issues arise after work is complete, having electrical service professionals you can call on to address the problem is of critical importance. Beyond giving you valuable peace of mind, this can help ensure the work meets standards of safety and quality. When you consider how dangerous electrical work can be, this becomes even more important.

Electrical service professionals should be reliable enough to let you focus on other aspects of the job while they work. Seek a company that has extensive experience serving customers in your area and a proven track record for success. You can tell a lot about a company by reading online reviews and testimonials from other customers. In addition to that, any reputable electrical contractor should be open to answering any questions you may have.