With the kind of Maryland weather we’ve been having this month, you’d think we live in a subtropical climate! And while steady rain can be relaxing and good for those of us who raise a garden, it can pose some risks as well. What risks? Well, there’s always the usual dangers of a storm, but what we specifically want to cover is water damaged wiring.

The certified electricians at Kolb Electric take your safety and the safety of your home seriously, so if you’re at risk for damaged wiring, we want you to know what to do! Suspect you may have water damaged wiring in your home or business? Contact Kolb today!

You hear us going on and on about the dangers of electrical equipment, but we do this for a reason. It only takes a split-second mistake and zap; you’re in some serious trouble! Left alone, water-damaged electrical wiring can:

If and only if you have had submerged wires that have since dried out, and these wires have been totally shut off (at the breaker in the electrical panel) you may be able to utilize heavy-duty work gloves to move the wires. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS. Only do this if leaving the wire poses an immediate risk that must be resolved. Otherwise, just let the experts do it. Never take chances that may harm you or someone else.

Having trouble with your wiring after the downpours we’ve been dealing with here in Maryland? Contact the specialists at Kolb to get the repair and replacement you need!

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.

Solar power is something many people automatically assume is not right for them. There are some misconceptions out there about what it means to rely on solar power versus the power provided by the electric company. 20 to 30 years ago, living off the grid was reserved for those who wanted to be completely independent in some desolate area. Times have changed and solar power is becoming a very affordable option for those who live in the suburbs as well as the outskirts of town. All that you need is a little knowledge and an electrician. Santa Monica residents can do some research to learn more about solar panels and how they work and then give The Electric Connection a call to learn more about the installation process.

Solar panels are not necessarily the giant rectangles you remember from a decade ago. Nowadays they are smaller (although the larger ones are still an option) and can be mounted directly to the roof of a home. Another popular misconception is the cost of installation. It isn’t as much as it used to be. And when you factor in the cost savings of solar energy, it truly does pay for itself overtime. It is also important to consider the impact solar energy has on environmental preservation. There are plenty of tax breaks offered to those who choose to invest in solar panels as well.

This installation process should be completed by an experienced electrician. Santa Monica residents may be tempted to try and save a few dollars by doing the installation themselves, but that is not recommended. One popular option homeowners have for solar energy is the leasing of solar panels. This option is affordable and you will see immediate cost savings on your electric bill. If you would like to schedule your own solar panel installation, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Alternative energy was once one of those things reserved for “tree huggers” and those who lived too far off the power grid and couldn’t bring electricity to their property. Those days are long gone. Nowadays, alternative energy is the way to go and it has become very trendy and popular, even in residential areas. You may have already seen this trend in your own neighborhood. Solar powered homes don’t exactly stick out like a sore thumb, but if you look closely enough, you can see the panels mounted flush on the roof of a home. If you are interested in learning more about solar power, talk with your electrician in Los Angeles. At The Electric Connection, we are very familiar with solar panel installation and can answer any questions you may have.

Solar panels are not quite as expensive as you may have thought. In fact, they are very affordable and many companies offer lease programs that make it easy for every homeowner to take advantage of the free electricity from the sun. You don’t have to totally rely on solar power for your home if you don’t want to. You could use simply as a supplemental power source during the day to help save on your monthly electric bill.

If you do choose to go with a large system that will run your entire house, night and day, you may have times when excess electricity is produced. You can actually sell it back to the power company if you are still connected to the grid. How cool is it to have the electric company send you a check every month. It is crucial you hire an electrician familiar with the Los Angeles electrical codes to ensure your solar panels are installed correctly and safely. Give The Electric Connection a call today to learn more or to schedule your installation.