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Los Angeles Panel Upgrades: A Safe Choice

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:20:16 GMT

Electricity puts a house in function. It plays a vital role in serving food, keeping us warm from the weather, aiding us in daily tasks and providing comfort with many variables of entertainment. Without it, a house ceases to function effectively. It is with this thought that the electrical service panel is a very essential part of the house. Neglect of this can lead to major problems with short circuits or electrical overloading that may lead to loss of electricity, damage to property or at worse, loss of life.
Encountering flickering lights or appliances that cannot function appropriately are tell-tale signs of an electrical system problem. This situation may require that one seek professional help immediately other than just sizing up the problem yourself that may require more complicated steps to figure out the problem. These are situations that no one would like to encounter in the near future which is why it is necessary to check your electrical service panel for Los Angeles panel upgrades.

However, panel upgrades need not be based only on imminent or impending danger. Los Angeles panel upgrades can be required on less important reasons such as house renovation or remodelling or an installation of an appliance that would require some fiddling around with regard to wiring or simply with the electrical system.

Panel upgrades require understanding of electrical wiring, systems and function. While it may be basic understanding at some point, more concepts ought to be dealt with by licensed electricians for safety and security. On this matter, it is recommended that one seek professional help from a licensed electrician or contractor in the business. Being a licensed professional in the field may not guarantee great craftsmanship but can assure the client that this individual has passed the standards required. This may include having the know-how in securing a permit when necessary and the above average knowledge and expertise. Aside from recommendations, the internet is the best venue to find the professional contractor that can suit your needs. There are a whole lot of companies to choose from. Whereas most Los Angeles panel upgrades contractors offer an electrical check-up free of charge, some would have added bonuses such as a system follow-up to ensure quality of service and peace of mind as well to the client. Some packages would also boast of their technicians’ impressive track record to gain the trust of the client. Some contractors can go on to be a convenient venue to sell some electrical equipment should there be a need for one.

In the end, electrical problems that require Los Angeles panel upgrades need not be much of a worry anymore. All one needs to do is to be knowledgeable about the house by heart (system), know the superficial problem, get to the net and find out more about the immediate or long-term causes of the problem (educate oneself) and lastly, research on the best contractor around to give back that peace of mind you deserve. After all, a good and efficient licensed electrician is the answer to these problems.

Outlets Not Working

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:02:35 GMT

GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlets/receptacles are the ones with a "test" and "reset" button in the middle of the outlet. They are normally found in the bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, outdoors and other wet areas. If one of these plugs is not working the GFI outlet may have been tripped. Since one GFI protected outlet can control up to ten additional plugs downstream, one tripped GFI outlet can be the cause for several electric plugs not working in the home, garage or outside. Try pressing the "test" button and then the "reset" button on the outlets that have quit working. In most cases this will immediately resolve the issue. The new smart GFI receptacles will not reset if the power off because of a tripped circuit breaker feeding the circuit. At Electric Services Los Angeles, we can install, repair, and replace ground fault interruptors for your home or business in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding cities.

If it does not resolve the issue and more than one of your GFI outlets is not working, you may have tripped the GFIC (ground fault interrupter circuit) circuit breaker in the main electrical panel box. These are also commonly known as GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupters. The GFIC/GFCI circuit breakers protect all of the GFI outlets in the home. A tripped breaker may also be the cause for several GFI outlets not working. The GFIC/GFCI circuit breakers are found in your home's breaker box. Check to make sure the GFIC/GFCI circuit breakers are in the "on" position. Turn them completely "off" and then "on" again.

The bathroom, basement, outside and garage outlets stopped working?

A single GFCI breaker or GFI outlet in your bathroom, garage or basement may be the reason that all of your bathroom, garage and outdoor plug quit working. One GFI breaker or outlet can control or protect up to 10 other outlets around the house.

1) Common reason GFI's tripping is that water gets into the outdoor outlet or extension cords going to Christmas lights, water fountains or landscape lighting. Try unplugging them and let them dry out for a while as this may take care of the problem. Push the test and reset button to restore power.

2) The GFCI breaker or GFI outlet has just stopped working altogether. Age of the device, power surges and near by lightning strikes are common reason of the GFI not working due a malfunction in the device itself.

3) Sometimes just finding the tripped GFI outlets can be an adventure. Look behind a stack of storage boxes in the garage or basement. A set of kitchen plugs may have gone out because of the tripped GFI hiding behind a kitchen appliance or china cabinet in the dining room. Searching around for GFI outlets may save you an electrician service call.

4) If the GFI will not reset contact your electrician for repair or replacement.

Other Causes for Outlet Failure

Dust or bugs collecting in the outlet housing can also cause outlet failure. If you need to examine the internal housing of any outlet, be sure to turn the power off before working on the faulty receptacle. If you have any doubts on how to turn the power off, call an electrician to help you.

Note: All of your GFI outlets need to be tested monthly. This is done by pressing the "test" button and then the "reset" button on all of your GFI outlets.

A useful item to have around the house is a plug tester. These can be purchased at your local hardware store and are very easy to use. They just plug into any outlet and can tell you if there is voltage present and even if the outlet is wired correctly. Warning! If you use a plug tester and find that one or more of your outlets in or around the home are not wired correctly, you must immediately call an electrician! Faulty wiring can cause a fire!

If you have tried all of the solutions given above, and you are still having problems with your outlets not working, you will need to call an electrician to replace them promptly. Do not try to replace an outlet on your own if you are unfamiliar with electrical work. Only an electrical contractor can replace a faulty plug safely.

For a free estimate, please contact Electricians Los Angeles today!

GFCIs or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:41:29 GMT

They're required in new houses. Should I install them in my older house?

I'm told that if I were building a house today, I'd be required to use ground-fault circuit interrupters. What about an older house? It is a good idea to upgrade the wiring to include this type of outlet -- and, if so, how are they wired into an existing circuit that doesn't have a separate ground?

You're right about ground-fault circuit interrupters - better known as GFCIs. In new construction they're required in kitchens and bathrooms and in other areas that might get wet -- a garage or basement or around a pool, for instance. At Los Angeles Electric Services, we can install, repair, and replace ground fault interrupters for your home or business in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas.

GFCIs are designed to trip when they sense even a minor imbalance in current between the hot (black) and neutral (white) legs of an electrical circuit. They shut off power to the receptacle in a fraction of a second -- fast enough so a potentially fatal shock is avoided.

They make just as much sense in an old house as they do in a new one. And they're easy to wire into an existing circuit so there's no reason not to tackle this upgrade.

And it's not the only requirement. Since 2002, the National Electric Code also has required devices called arc-fault circuit interrupters in bedroom circuits. That's in new construction, not existing houses.

Not all electricians think they're such a great idea. You may want to think twice before investing in an AFCI upgrade for an older house.

Wiring in a GFCI to an existing circuit

There's no such thing as too careful when you're working around wiring. (I know this because I once cut through a 240-volt line after my father, an electrical engineer, told me the line was dead. It wasn't.)

Start at the main panel by turning off the power to the outlet you want to upgrade. Then use a circuit tester to make sure the receptacle you're about to dismantle is really dead.

Disconnect the wires from the back of the old receptacle and wire in the new GFCI -- black wire to the gold colored screw, white to the silver screw. There are test buttons on the front of the receptacle to make sure it works.

The process is about that simple.

Many old houses have antiquated wiring systems with no separate ground -- that's the bare wire you'll find in modern cable along with the white and black wires.

A GFCI works just fine without that ground and will still protect you against shock.

Protect the whole run of receptacles

One other thing to remember. Branch circuits usually include a number of receptacles, one wired to the next. You can give all of them GFCI protection by wiring in a single GFCI receptacle at the start of the branch circuit.

In the outlet box, connect the black and white wires that come from the main panel to the screws marked "line" on the back of the GFCI receptacle. Then feed the next outlet from the screws marked "load."

Downstream receptacles will now behave just like GFCIs. If you get "line" and "load" mixed up, this will not be the case.

You can also use a GFCI circuit breaker to protect all of the receptacles on a branch circuit. It replaces a standard breaker in the main panel. Of course if your electrical system has never been upgraded from fuses to circuit breakers you're out of luck.

AFCIs work differently

When current jumps across a gap it's called an electrical arc. That can produce very high temperatures and result in a fire.

An AFCI is designed to sense an arc and turn off the power before it can cause any harm. It replaces a conventional breaker in the main panel, so if you've got an old fuse panel you're not a candidate for this upgrade.

Some electricians think that AFCIs have limited value in ungrounded wiring systems -- knob and tube, for instance, or non-metallic cable without an integral ground.

If you're really interested in adding AFCI protection, get some guidance from a licensed electrician first.

For a free estimate, please contact Los Angeles Electricians today!

Easy Electrical Cord and Plug Repairs

admin — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:44:09 GMT

When it comes to electricity, safety is the primary concern.

And, because the risks and dangers are so great, there is really no easy repair to cord and plugs. At Electrical Services Los Angeles, we can install, repair, and replace electrical cords and plugs.

Some signs that your cords and plugs need to be repaired include products not working, no power, or frayed and split cords.

This is when a professional, licensed, insured Los Angeles electrician is needed to determine the source of the problem. The typical do-it-yourselfer is quick to discover that many modern products are fit together so tightly, that it is often difficult to get objects apart in order to replace cords and plugs. If you attempt the repair or replacement yourself and there are problems, you could be held accountable.

For instance, if you repair a cord or plug and then there are complications or a fire, you may not be covered under your insurance. When a professional Los Angeles electrician handles your cord and plug repairs and replacements, you also have the assurance of knowing that you have a warranty to cover your project. This provides you with the confidence that if anything were to go wrong, you would not be held liable.

Locating An Electrical Short In The House

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:21:38 GMT

In case you happen to be experiencing tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses in your home more frequently than you should, than it is likely that you have an electrical short. It can be common to hear a popping sound, which is often fairly loud, whenever the circuit becomes activated. A short circuit occurs when you develop an erroneous connection within one of your circuits, which happens when an electric path has developed accidentally within the circuit. If you believe that somewhere within your house there’s an electrical short, then it has to be located and repaired without delay. If not attended to, an electrical short could potentially cause wire damage because of the insulation melting, circuit damage, or even a fire. You can locate and repair an electrical short on your own if you’re comfortable dealing with electricity. Otherwise, calling a licensed electrician is the ideal option.

What To Check First

If you are trying to find where the electrical short is, the first good step is to look at your appliances. If you know which appliances you were using as soon as the short occurred, unplug these appliances. Then, change the fuse or reset the breaker which is linked to the circuit that supplies electricity to those appliances. Turn back on the circuit and make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped or the fuse has not blown. If your circuit trips and you have no appliances plugged in, the chances are you have got a short within the wiring or the receptacle. If everything is fine, then chances are there is an appliance creating the problem. Should this be the situation, you will want to test each one of the appliances individually. If you are able to discover the one that was creating the problem, you’ll need either to repair it or remove it.

In Case You Have a Short In Your Wiring

Unless you find an appliance which is creating the short, chances are you have got a wiring problem. The first thing that you must do is always to switch off the circuit that has the trouble. Before you can proceed, you need to use a volt/ohm meter to check the voltage and ensure that this circuit is turned off. When you verify that your voltage is showing as zero on the meter, you can remove the receptacle, pulling the wires out with pliers and a screwdriver. Adjust the volt/ohm meter so it is set to measure ohms. You now must connect one of the leads to the bare end of the white wire, and then the other lead should connect with the bare end of your black wire. In the event the reading you get with your meter shows O.L. (infinite ohms), this is the sign that this receptacle itself needs to be replaced. If the volt/ohm meter indicates continuity, then the short is probably in the circuit breaker or perhaps the wire. If you discover this to be your problem, you will need to turn off the main breaker so that you can investigate further. At this time, calling an electrician is usually your best option in the interest of safety. The electrician can tell which fuse or breaker connection is causing the problem and remove the wires The electrician will be able to repair your shorted wire or defective breaker safely, and next check it out to be sure that your trouble has been solved.

Now that you know how to identify an electrical short in your house, you can better protect your home and family from a catastrophic fire caused by an electrical problem.

If you’re looking for a great team of Los Angeles electrician, then check out Los Angeles Electrical Services. They’ll be sure to help you with all your Los Angeles electrical services needs! Give us a call today!

Types of Circuit Breakers

admin — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:58:03 GMT

Electrical circuit breakers work as safety devices to protect your home from electrical overloads and possible fires. The circuit breakers live inside your electrical panel, and every electrical circuit originates and ends at a circuit breaker. At Electric Services Los Angeles, we install, replace, and repair circuit breakers for your home or business.

Circuit breakers have replaced old fashioned fuses which needed to be replaced when they were overloaded. Breakers "trip", or open, the electrical connection when they sense a power surge that is greater then the amperage that the breaker is designed to carry. If a breaker trips, you can reset it by turning it to the 'off' position, then turning it back to the 'on' position. If the circuit breaker trips again, then you need to troubleshoot and find the cause of the overload. Circuit breakers can wear out and if you have a breaker that repeatedly trips, but you do not have an overloaded circuit, replacing the circuit breaker should solve your problem.

When older types of circuit breakers tripped they moved to a halfway position between on and off, and were sometimes hard to determine if they had tripped, causing frustration for the homeowner. Newer circuit breakers have lights that appear when the breaker is tripped; making it easier to see which breaker has tripped.

Every company that makes an electrical panel makes circuit breakers designed to fit the panel’s configuration and size. They are usually not interchangeable, so make sure that the circuit breakers that you buy correspondent to the style and size of electrical panel that you have in your house.

There are different types and amperage ratings for circuit breakers, each designed to do a specific job.

Circuit Breaker Ratings

15 Amps – Use with 14 gauge wire for lights and light duty appliances

20 Amps - Use with 12 gauge wire for heavier appliances and kitchens and baths

30 Amps - Use with 10 gauge wire for heavy duty appliances or rated heaters

50 Amps - Use for rated appliances or to supply a sub-panel, use appropriate wire

>50 Amps - Supply sub-panel or use as main breaker in main panel, use appropriate wire

This is what will happen to the wires in your house if you overload a circuit that doesn't have a circuit breaker or fuse. Fire!

Types of Circuit Breakers

Single Pole – Standard 120 volt breaker used in house wiring

Double Pole - Used to provide 240v electricity to an outlet requiring 240v

Tandem - Also known as half size breakers, allow 2 circuits in the space of 1 standard sized breaker

GFI Breaker – A circuit breaker which provides ground fault protection for the whole circuit in wet areas

Main Breaker - The main breaker, through which all the electrical supply to the house runs. It is a double pole 240v breaker, which acts as the main shutoff of electricity to the entire house.

It is important to use the proper circuit breaker for each circuit that you run. Any electrical handbook with help you in determining the style and rating that you need for each application. Use the proper circuit breaker to protect your house and family from possible electrical hazards.

For a free estimate, please contact Electricians Los Angeles today!

Recessed Lighting is More Efficient Than Ever

admin — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:32:44 GMT

As with any other home product, some recessed lights are more energy efficient than others. Efficient options can use 80 percent less electricity than inefficient versions which provide the same amount of light output with practically the same appearance. At Electric Services Los Angeles, we can install, repair, and maintain recessed lighting and other electrical services.

Recessed light fixtures are unique because they penetrate and are mounted in the ceiling of a room. From an energy conservation standpoint, this is not an issue when installed in the first floor ceiling of a two-story house. However, if fixtures are installed in the second-story ceiling or the first floor ceiling of a one-story house, a hole is created between a conditioned living area and the open, unconditioned attic area.

Without an efficient design and proper installation, a recessed lighting fixture can allow conditioned air to leak out of the house. This is particularly true during winter, when the warmer air inside a home naturally rises to the ceiling. This not only wastes energy, but may create a chilly draft in rooms where cold outdoor air leaks indoors.

There are new energy-efficient recessed light designs that meet Energy Star standards. All of these fixtures use fluorescent light sources instead of inefficient incandescent bulbs. This fact alone reduces electricity consumption by 75 percent. The inside surface of the new fixtures is also more reflective, which reduces the amount of light trapped and dissipated inside a fixture before ever getting into a room.

For fixtures in ceilings where indoor air leakage seems likely, select a new airtight design with a sealed canister. When installed properly, this unit forms an airtight seal between the ceiling and the fixture. These types of fixtures are most often used in ceilings beneath an unconditioned attic, but they are also effective for unheated basement ceilings, minimizing drafts between floors.

As a safety note, if you already have recessed lighting in your home, do not go into the attic and wrap them with insulation to try to save energy. Wrapping older fixtures with insulation can hold in too much heat, particularly when standard incandescent bulbs are used. These fixtures are not designed to be airtight and the excess heat buildup can become an electrical or fire hazard.

If recessed lighting will be installed in a ceiling under an insulated attic floor, select an insulation contact-rated (IC) design. These are designed to touch insulation without overheating the fixture. When installing new non-IC fixtures, the insulation must be kept away from the canister. This insulation void increases heat loss from the room below even if the installation is airtight.

When installing recessed light fixtures yourself, first determine your lighting goals. To brighten an entire room, downlighting can be quite effective. In a normal-height ceiling, a 4-foot spacing provides an even lighting pattern at floor level. Typical 6-inch-diameter fluorescent fixed vertical fixtures work well for downlighting. If you’d like to dim some of the lights, consider installing a second circuit and dimmer switch with incandescent bulbs in those fixtures.

For task lighting, a single fixed vertical unit directly over the work area seems effective. Wall-wash recessed lighting can be used to accent a painting or other wall hangings. An eyeball recessed light is best for this application because the light path can be adjusted. For a sloped cathedral ceiling, install an angular recessed fixture—preferably an IC model, since it will contact with ceiling insulation.

It’s not difficult to install recessed lighting fixtures by yourself. For an attractive, efficient installation, cut the mounting holes the exact size recommended by the manufacturer. This makes it much easier to create a good seal between the fixture and the ceiling. Before drilling and cutting holes, make sure your fixture layout clears all the floor joists.

For a free estimate, please contact Los Angeles Electricians today!

Which is better protection: Fuses...or breakers?

admin — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 19:05:28 GMT

Either can be effective; here are some points of comparison

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY protection? We mean prevention of damage. We do not mean fault prevention. No protective device can function until a fault has occurred, triggering device operation. And a fault, by definition, represents some sort of damage. At Los Angeles Electric Services we install, repair, and maintain circuit breakers and fuses.

In a motor circuit, one type of protection is furnished by the starter overloads. They don't prevent overloading, blocked ventilation, or other causes of winding overheating or overcurrent. What they do is sense excessive current and act to take the motor off the line before damage results.

The second type of protection, with which we're concerned here, comes into play when overheating, a voltage surge, or some other condition causes a fault within the motor winding. Without circuit breakers protection, the resulting "fault current" would quickly escalate the damage. That could occur either within the winding itself (possibly complete burnout with core damage), in the motor starter, or in the circuit wiring. Attention in recent years has centered particularly on preventing that starter damage, by providing what the International Electrotechnical Commission has called Type 2 circuit protection.

Type 2 circuit protection involves what the National Electrical Code (in Section 430.1) defines as "Motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground fault protection." Immediately upstream from that protective function, the Code also mandates a "Motor disconnecting means." These two functions are normally combined in one of two packages: either a fused disconnect switch, or a circuit breaker (see diagram, next page).

Again-this is not "motor protection." Some types of fuses will indeed respond to fault current within a winding. But no such current can exist until a damaging fault has already occurred; all the fuse can do is prevent additional damage beyond that. Hence, either the fuses or the breaker are customarily considered "circuit protection."

Which method is better? Properly designed, either is effective, making the choice usually a judgment call. In some industrial installations (especially utility generating plants), breakers are favored because operators cannot readily determine fuse integrity. When fused equipment is supplied, some

plant personnel have been known to replace fuses with solid copper rods

(and add upstream circuit breakers) so no question of fuse condition will arise.

For decision-making on more objective grounds, here are some points of comparison:

1. Favoring fuses:

a. Lower cost.

b. No moving parts; contact welding not a problem.

c. No need for periodic "exercising" to verify capability.

d. Current-limiting capability to 300,000 amperes.

On the other hand: repeated motor starts can fatigue fuses.

2. Favoring breakers:

a. Common trip bar eliminates single-phasing possibility; all phases trip together.

b. More compact.

c. Many can be fitted with electric shunt-trip attachments for GFI protective schemes.

d. Can be reset following a fault; no need to replace.

e. Not subject to accidental operation through fatigue.

f. May operate faster than fuses at low levels of fault current.

On the other hand, re-setting a tripped breaker can be dangerous because it may be reclosing on a fault.

Other concerns affecting either alternative: Individual fuses may be replaced with an incorrect item; the same is true of the smaller circuit breakers. Also, fuses are subject to high resistance connections, resulting in overheating and unbalanced downstream voltage, at their mounting clips. Circuit breakers, using screw lug connections instead, have been subject to the same problem (particularly where aluminum/copper interfaces exist). A sound maintenance program will include periodic infrared surveys of all such connections. Knowing when the device has operated once required testing of fuses, whereas the breaker's status could be seen from its operating handle position. However, "blown fuse indicators" are now widely available.

At one time, the fast-acting (generally in less than a quarter cycle) current-limiting capability of some fuses offered a clear advantage. Current-- limiting breakers have now been developed, however, with ratings up to 200,000 amperes. In most circuits, then, either fuses or breakers can limit let-through current and energy equally well.

Don't let such numbers fool you, however. A 300,000 ampere interrupting rating for a fuse simply means that the device will quickly interrupt the short-circuit current that can be drawn from a system capable of supplying 300,000 amperes. Actual current flow through the fuse never approaches that value. If it did, the fuse would be vaporized. The same applies to a circuit breaker.

With either type of protection, proper operation depends upon selective coordination between branch-circuit protection and what exists upstream. In addition, device function needs to take into account the protection requirements of the circuit conductors-- not just the motor rating.

For a free estimate, please contact Los Angeles Electrician today!

Generator Installation

admin — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:46:20 GMT

Most websites will tell you that installing a generator for your home or office is just easy as pie. There are some sites that even give you DIY instructions. Please be careful. A generator that is not installed properly has the potential to be very lethal and can harm people and property. At Los Angeles Electric Services, we can install and repair generators.

Power outages in most cases cannot be avoided. Therefore, rather than lose business time, or online time, it is best to be prepared with a backup supply of electricity provided by a generator.

You can’t just “plug and play” a generator. You have to have in depth knowledge of electrical wiring and installations. The wisest step is hiring an electrician to do the job for you.

However, it is always good to know some general facts about installing a generator. Before the generator is installed, the transfer panel needs to be put in. This is the panel that signals the generator that the main source of power is off and it needs to come on as the auxiliary power supply. Most countries require you to be authorized or licensed to install a transfer panel and a generator so before you start on anything, you need to see that the electrical contractor you hire has these qualifications. If not, insurance will not cover any accident or damage to the property caused by faulty installations.

Your back up generator needs to have its own power supply in a secure location. Do not at any time connect your back up generator to a double male chord that is plugged into the dryer or stove. This is called back feeding and runs the risk of returning power to the grid causing very dangerous electrical fires.

Therefore, make sure your Los Angeles electrician installs a proper transfer panel to create isolation. Then make sure the generator is placed in a way that the carbon monoxide it emanates when in use does not penetrate living quarters. Be mindful of your neighbors as well as generators are most often very noisy.

For a free estimate, please contact Los Angeles Electricians today!

Generator Installation

admin — Thu, 19 May 2011 21:23:31 GMT

Power outages in most cases cannot be avoided. Therefore, rather than lose business time, or online time, it is best to be prepared with a backup supply of electricity provided by a generator.

You can’t just “plug and play” a generator. You have to have in depth knowledge of electrical wiring and installations. The wisest step is hiring a Los Angeles electrician to do the job for you.

Therefore, make sure your electrician in Los Angeles installs a proper transfer panel to create isolation. Then make sure the generator is placed in a way that the carbon monoxide it emanates when in use does not penetrate living quarters. Be mindful of your neighbors as well as generators are most often very noisy.

Home Backup Generator: Choosing the Right Size

admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:41:00 GMT

A home backup generator is very useful to have in case of a power failure. It can keep the lights and the freezer going. A larger home backup generator can ensure everything electrical in your house keeps running as it should. When you’re looking for a home backup generator, you need to know what size of generator to buy. How do you work out what you need in a backup home generator? At Electricians Los Angeles we install and repair home backup generators.

Types Of Generators

When it comes to a home backup generator you have a choice between one that’s small and portable or a larger unit that’s wired in to your house electrical system and that will automatically take over in the event of a power failure.

With a portable generator, one of around 5000 watts, you’re not going to be able to run everything in your home, but you will be able to take care of the basics. This means you’ll have light and you’ll be able to make sure the food in your freezer isn’t ruined. Usually this will mean a large extension cord from the generator with small cords to the appliances. That’s a lot of work.

Calculating Wattage

Your home backup generator needs to create a greater wattage than the appliances you’re running can use. That’s simple mathematics. To know the size of generator you need you need to know how much wattage each appliance pulls.

That’s not too difficult to find. Either the owner’s manual or simple research will be able to tell you. A light fixture with a 60 watt bulb pulls 60 watts, for instance. Total up all the lights in your house that you’ll want to run from the home backup generator to give the figure for lights. Think about which appliances are vital, such as the freezer and refrigerator. Total up the wattage for each of them. You need to allow a cushion between the total wattage you need and the amount put out by the home backup generator.

Startup Wattage

One problem is that the start up wattage of many appliances is much higher than the running wattage. In the case of a refrigerator, for example, it’s more than double the running wattage. You need to be able to factor this in when calculating the total wattage. This is why having a comfortable cushion of power is so vital. That start up wattage is also known as the surge wattage, and is there in every appliance when it’s first switched on.

Powering Your Home

You’ll find that a home backup generator will have an extra surge capacity to allow for the surge when appliances are switched on. With a 5000 watt generator this will be an extra 1000 watts. This will increase with the size of generators, but still leave a cushion. To power everything in your house you’ll need a home back generator that runs between 20 kilowatts and 30 kilowatts; the larger generator will give you the extra amount you might need.

For a free estimate, please contact us today!

Beautiful Lighting Tips - A Crash Course in Lighting Design

admin — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT

Many people cannot immediately identify why they may like or dislike a particular room or interior. Proper lighting and illumination is the single most critical factor in designing a pleasing interior environment. A successful lighting design is pleasing to the eye, focuses attention on key room features and eliminates shadows and "hot spots". There are several lighting applications that can be used to meet specific lighting needs or to achieve a desired special effect. Need help with a lighting design, then please call Electrical Services Los Angeles for guidance and to have then install your lighting design in your home or business.

GENERAL or AMBIENT LIGHTING refers to an even overall level of light provided to make a room or space comfortable and safe for its intended use. Recessed lighting is very popular as a general lighting source. Recessed lighting may be in the form of 3" to 8" diameter "can" type fixtures consisting of a "trim" and a "housing.” Recessed "trims" are the visible portion of the recessed light fixture and are available in hundreds of styles and colors to control the spread of light, reflect the light and/or match a particular decor or theme. The "housing" is the actual enclosure that is installed into the attic and connected to the power system. Different housings are available for new construction and remodel construction where attic access is difficult. Where recessed lighting may be in contact with building insulation, an "IC" rated housing is required to prevent a potential fire hazard. In may office environments, general lighting is provided in the form of luminous fluorescent ceiling panels.

TASK LIGHTING typically refers to the higher level of light provided on work areas such as kitchen islands, countertops and desks. Additional light is directed to these areas using recessed, track or pendant fixtures. Concealed under-cabinet lighting is also frequently used by lighting designers to provide task illumination without seeing the source (fixture). Fixtures with either low or line-voltage halogen or xenon bulbs provide a whiter, warmer light than fluorescent under-cabinet lighting. 5 watt xenon or halogen lamps spaced 6 inches apart are suitable for most task lighting purposes where the fixture is within 24" of the work surface. Whether recessed, track or under-cabinet style, low voltage halogen or xenon lighting fixtures are smaller than line voltage lighting but require a transformer to change the voltage from 120 volt to 12 volt. The transformer is included inside many low voltage fixtures but is also sometimes separate depending on the particular fixture and style.

ACCENT LIGHTING. To be effective, accent lighting should be approximately four times the level of ambient (background) light in an area. Focusing light on an "accented object" or "area" draws attention to a picture, vase or other focal point. Here again. Halogen lighting type fixtures provide a whiter, brighter appearance than standard incandescent or fluorescent type fixtures. The selected fixture should be directional, either a swivel or gimbal type fixture to aim the light exactly where it is needed. Adjustable surface mount fixtures, track fixtures and even recessed style fixtures are available with "aimability" in mind. For a dramatic museum-type effect, some fixtures can include a focusing lens for pinpoint accuracy.

WALL WASHING is a type of Accent Lighting that creates an area of uniform illumination that may desirable for a series of photos or artwork. Wall Washing reduces the texture of the wall surface. Often the reflected light can create ambient light in the remainder of the room that is pleasing and restful. WALL GRAZING is opposite from Wall Washing in that it creates a dramatic highlight and shadow effect on surfaces such as draperies, stone or brick. Ceiling light fixtures for Wall Grazing are placed closer to the wall than Wall Washing in order to highlight the three-dimensional effect.

DISPLAY LIGHTING consists of small low voltage lighting fixtures to illuminate cabinets displaying keepsakes, ornaments, dinnerware etc. Many under-cabinet fixtures (as described above) are suitable for display lighting. Small space xenon fixtures used on a "Mini" or "Linear" track have unparalleled design flexibility. Tiny fixtures may be spaced anywhere along the track making it possible to create an even distribution or highlight task areas. Lamp choices from 3W to 20W allow illumination levels from a subtle glow to a brilliantly lit area. A "Light Baffle" often serves as a holder for the track and as a visual shield, concealing the halogen or xenon bulbs. An innovative use of the baffle is as a rigid support, such as spanning the edge. Installing lighting can be a very difficult and dangerous job. That's why Electric Services Los Angeles is here to help with any electrical projects you may have, so call us today.

COVE LIGHTING gives a room a more open appearance by illuminating the perimeter of the room where the walls meet the ceiling. A large crown mold or soffit is built around the perimeter of the room providing a concealed space for a continuous halogen or xenon track lighting. Cove lighting looks best with a smooth, even wash of light. Fixtures should be placed at least 4" from the wall with 6" to 9" being ideal to minimize scalloping. The ceiling height above the lamps should be not more than twice the distance from the wall. The lamp spacing and wattage will depend on distance and brightness level desired. For a medium light level, a good starting point is with 5-watt lamps spaced 6" on center, with a track spaced 6" from the wall and 10" from the ceiling. From this reference point you can design the light level up or down as desired. A room with a dark ceiling, or a brightly lit room may need a higher light level.

Lighting that is thoughtfully considered can make a world of difference and will be an improvement that lasts for many years. Many home improvement stores include sample displays of the various lighting systems and fixtures mentioned above. As with most appliances and electronics, there is a wide variety in the quality of lighting fixtures available. Be sure your purchase is from reputable well known company with fixtures that are either UL or ETC listed. There are numerous online retailers that offer name brand fixtures delivered to your door at very competitive prices.

For a free estimate on you next electrical project, please call Los Angeles Electrical Services today!

Electrical Home Improvment

admin — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Minor problems with light fixtures or electric outlets in your house are a good time to get into do-it-yourself mode. A two plug outlet where only one plug works or a light fixture that sputters on and off are annoying and easy to fix yourself.

Safety is a key issue when doing any kind of home improvement project — especially when a repair calls for messing around with live wires, outlets, ceiling fans installations or light fixtures.

Those who have attempted a home electrical project and failed will admit that the results can be, well, downright shocking...

Major electrical work usually needs to be done by a Los Angeles electrician licensed to work in your area, but minor repairs to appliances, outlets and other wired objects in your home can fall into the do-it-your category as long as you make sure that the power is off before you start!

If you are working on any sort of wiring project, it is important to use the right wiring and connectors. For example, inside wiring that stays warm and dry will not be safe to use in external outlets where water can be a hazard.

If you are not sure that you have the proper equipment, ask someone who has experience or get a Los Angeles electrician to do the work. Poorly done wiring work can cause fires and electrical shocks. Normally, you can ask at the shop when you buy your supplies to make sure that your wiring will be safe.

You can definitely save money and aggravation with do-it-yourself electrical repairs. Start simple and take on the more complicated projects after you've gotten familiar with the process by doing the easy stuff.

Whether a do-it-yourself job around the house calls for fixing a light fixture, hanging a ceiling fan, installing a doorbell, or rewiring an heirloom lamp start with some tips from online experts before you begin the project.

Looking a for an electrician in Los Angeles? You have come to the right place. We are here to help you with any of your electrical problems in a residential or commercial property. Call us today for a free estimate!

10 Tips for Common Home Wiring Electrical Problems

admin — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:46:00 GMT

Before planning to solve electrical problems independently, give good consideration to whether it is bsolutely essential, if it is please call your local Los Angeles electricians. Pay attention to safety procedures because electrical shocks can be dangerous. Keep reliable test instruments such as a proximity test pencil, test lamp, and multimeter, to help to check whether the power is on or off on the electrical circuit that is being repaired. Make sure that your test instruments are working properly. Then, turn off the power and ensure that nobody turns the power on while the electrical work is in progress. Home electrical wiring problems are usually caused by faulty connections or inferior materials. There are some common electrical problems that can be undertaken with proper care.

1. Nonmetallic Sheathed Wiring (NM Wiring)

Support the NM wiring to the wooden studs by nailing wire straps securely around the wire. These straps usually have two small nails and a wire cover made of plastic to ensure that the wires do not hang loosely.

2. Circuit Breakers

If the GFIs and breakers trip, try and find out what caused them to do so. They could trip due to many reasons.

They could be wired wrongly or it could be the fault of something plugged into them or to one of their outlets.
There could be a poor connection point in or at the breaker itself.
The circuit can be partially incapacitated due to a poor connection.

3. Overload

Do not overload light fixtures and extension cords. This could heat up some components.

4. Wire Size

While adding an outlet or a circuit, use wires and devices designed for that particular amperage.

5. Fuse Replacement

Never replace fuses or breakers with wires of higher amperage. This causes overheating of the wire, which can lead to a fire.

6. Correct Wire Length

It is important to use about 6 inches of wire inside the junction box so that there is enough for making connections properly; however, ensure that the wire is not too long or this can cause problems.

7. Loose Connections

Keep the breaker and neutral connections firm. If the neutral is loose, the lights will flicker or will dim. If the breaker connection is loose, it will cause the circuit to heat up, and, in turn, trip the breaker.

8. Bulb Wattage

Most incandescent light bases carry a wattage limit warning. Do not use a light bulb with a higher wattage than what is advised in the holder. As a higher watt bulb uses more energy, the base will get overheated and might start a fire.

9. Connecting to the Right Terminals

Making wrong terminal connections will cause problems. The hot wire should be connected to the brass-colored screw of the outlet. The neutral wire should be connected to the silver terminal and the ground wire to the green screw.

10. High Electricity Bill

Usual faults associated with electrical wiring will not cause an increase in electric power bills normally. Find out whether your usage is high. The power company may be willing to check and replace the meter. To possibly lower your electric bill and to go green by helping our planet, please call Electricians Los Angeles.

For a free estimate, please call Electricians Los Angeles to schedule an appointment today!

Is It Time For A Meter Upgrade for Your Home?

admin — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 01:19:00 GMT

If you own an older home and are thinking of upgrading your old house's electrical system so that your house can become more energy efficient and save you money in the long run, then you may want to get some ideas from other people who have pursued such projects to see what is the best course of action. Every old house is different than the next and you may need to do some custom work to make your situation work for you. There are many reasons why you may be considering upgrading the old electrical system in your home. Many old homes have electrical systems that have a smaller power capacity than today's more modern homes require. This makes for a system that doesn't have enough electrical capacity as is needed in today's electronic and gadget based world. For this reason many people look to expand the capacity of their home's electrical system.

Some of the symptoms of your home not having enough power are:

You frequently blow fuses or circuit breakers when you use too many appliances like vacuum cleaners, microwaves or space heaters
The lights dim when you turn on an appliance
You don't have enough electrical receptacles for the number of appliances you use.
You may have many extension cords and adapters to fit more plugs

Think about the new appliances that have become widely available over the last 40 years or so. Vacuum cleaners, space heaters, air conditioners, microwaves, curling irons, hair dryers, big screen televisions, spas, computers etc... Many of these appliances draw significant amounts of electrical power. Some older homes only have 60- 100 amps of power available in their electrical panel. A typical space heater or microwave can draw 15-20 amps alone. Then you have the lights, fridge, microwave, etc. Now you can see why it may be necessary to upgrade your homes electrical system.

Upgrading a homes electrical system isn't an easy job and it's not recommended to get involved with a project like this unless you are a professional and you know what you're doing. This is not a job for your handyman, the just out of school electrician or your friends brother who "knows how to do electrical work".

If you need to upgrade your electrical system, you should contact a licensed Electrical Contractor in Los Angeles. You should consult with them about your project and what you're trying to accomplish with the new system in your home. It is important to check the references of any company you are considering working with. Often reviews that can be found on various places on the internet can give some valuable insight about the local residential electricians you will choose to do the job. The cheapest contractor is not necessarily your best bet, neither is the most expensive, however remember that the old adage "you get what you pay for" is often true.

If you live in Los Angeles and need to upgrade your service, a quick internet search for "Electricians in Los Angeles" will give you a number of residential electricians to interview for the job. A qualified electrical contractor who has enough experience upgrading older homes can help you expand the power capacity of that old home so that you will have the capacity to power the more modern devices that require higher voltage draws.

Most people today have modern appliances such as dishwashers, washers, dryers, generators and other types of appliances that require more voltage than what some older types of homes have available. To have your old home support your newer and more modern appliances you will most likely have to consult your local electrician or electrical contractor and talk to them about what they can do to expand your home's capacity.

When they come to inspect the home, your local licensed electrician will look at the original electric system that was put in place. Most of the time these old electrical systems that have been around since the 40s or even earlier are simply do not have the capacity to power the appliances we use everyday in our lives.

The licensed Los Angeles electrician will most likely increase the power expansion of your old home by bringing in more power from the street. This is done by adding a larger electric panel board between the service entry of the power and the existing panel. This can be a tricky process so it's advised to have an experienced electrician handle the task for you to ensure that everything is done safely and to proper specifications. Your electrical contractor should we willing and able to handle all aspects of your electrical service upgrade including obtaining a permit and dealing with the city and the utility company.

Once you have your new power system with an increased capacity, you'll never have to worry about the safety of your home from an electrical perspective, blowing circuits or having the power you need for all of your appliances

Updating Your Home's Electrical System

admin — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:28:00 GMT

There are many reasons why you may be considering having your Los Angeles home's electrical system updated and rebuilt. Perhaps you have an older home and you are unsure of the overall safety of the wiring. Or maybe you are performing a large home remodeling project and the electrical system has to be rewired. There are many factors that may persuade you to update your home's electrical system, including safety and value.

Only a licensed and experienced Los Angeles electrician should perform major electrical projects such as an upgrade and rewiring of the home. This can be an extremely troublesome task, especially in older homes, because drywall and insulation may have to be removed in some areas of the home. But a professional electrical contractor has the experience and the know-how to get the job done correctly in as little time as possible. Only an experienced electrician can determine what materials are needed to complete the job properly.

A professional Los Angeles electrical contractor will provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost of the work to be performed before the he begins any work. He will also make sure all permits are secured before beginning work on your home. Your electrician has the right kind of tools for any electrical undertaking and an electrical contractor has a team of a few fellow electricians (or dry-wallers, plumbers, etc.) that will help complete the wiring in a quick and professional manner.

Also be sure your electrician offers you a guarantee of his work. The total rewiring of a home can be an expensive undertaking, and you'll want to be certain that there will be no problems or safety issues down the road. Many professional electrical contractors Los Angeles will offer at least a one-year guarantee.

Older homes, mostly homes built prior to 1970, are at risk for electrical fires. Some of these homes may have aluminum wiring, which has since been banned because of the tendency to cause a fire. Even if your home does not have aluminum wiring, but it is an older home, you still may be at risk of electrical fire. Corrosion and heat will eventually break down a wire. When a wire breaks, the electrical spark will arc - or jump - across the gap in order to complete the circuit. This arc of electricity can cause even more heat and spark a fire within the walls or insulation of your home.

The benefits of having your older home rewired far outweigh the cost. Peace of mind that your family and possessions are secure and safe from electrical fire is a comforting thought. Even if you cannot afford an entire rewiring of your home, an electrician can work within your budget to find ways to make your wiring safer and reduce the risk of fire.

A Reliable Electrician - Sooner or Later You Are Going To Need One!

admin — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:47:00 GMT

A reliable electrical power supply is essential. There is not a home in the country that doesn't require some amount of electricity. Without power, we would not have such a high standard of living, but electricity can be deadly!

If you lose power in your home, or are plagued by an electrical fault, you may be tempted to try to find the cause of the problem by yourself. Electrical wiring and circuitry however should not be tampered with by those that are inexperienced. In fact in most countries it is against the law not to use a licensed electrician or electrical contractor when install wiring, connect lights and appliances, and repair faults. Numerous electrical situations require the services of a professional, licensed Los Angeles electrician . Many of us would despair if we were left without electricity for a single hour much less a day!

Without the right knowledge of circuitry and wiring, it would be virtually impossible to know where a fault lies. If the trip switch in your home is forever being triggered, pinpointing the exact fault is not necessarily easy. A qualified electrician is trained to quickly identify the cause and put forward an effective and reliable solution.

From time to time, you may experience problems with your building's alarm system, electrical heating system or electrical hot water system. If you are sure the cause lies within the property's wiring, as opposed to within the particular appliance or system, you should always call an electrician for assistance.

Those living in older buildings are more likely to have problems relating to the power supply. The standards that were used a generation ago are not the same as those in force today. If you are planning to buy a new home, always consult a professional to carry out detailed checks prior to signing a contract.

It is essential if your property has been damaged in some way by water, this could be after a storm or from a leaking or burst pipe, that you use an emergency electrician to check for any problems. When water makes contact with electrical wiring, the outcome can be deadly, especially to children and household pets. Never enter a waterlogged structure until you are certain that the electricity is switched off.

Finding a licensed emergency electrician in Los Angeles should not be a long and complicated activity. You can quickly identify suitable electrical contractors online and compare the services they provide before inviting them on site.

Save Money by Grouping All Your Electrical Repair Jobs Together

admin — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:41:00 GMT

Many people are greatly concerned regarding the total cost they will need to spend to have their electrical projects completed. One great way homeowners and business owners can save money on electrical repair jobs is to group the projects together and have a Los Angeles electrician perform all of the work at one time. The best way to ensure that you have all of your electrical needs repaired at once is to make a thorough investigation of your electrical problems and have them fixed immediately.

You may find that the best way to locate all of your electrical projects is to have regular inspections of your wiring and electrical system. If your electrician determines that you need any repairs, you should arrange to have everything fixed as soon as possible. By having a qualified Los Angeles electrician regularly inspect your home, you can make certain that you are aware of all of your electrical problems and can devise a reasonable time frame to have them addressed.

When your electrical system is working in proper order, you’ll find that you’ll save more money as well as energy costs. In addition to having your jobs performed at once, you may find that you can benefit by using a

few energy saving tips. First, you should make sure that you turn off lights throughout your home when they are not in use. Though it may seem simple, this is a great way to cut back on wasted energy and will significantly lower your energy bill. You’ll also find that switching all of your light bulbs from incandescent to CFL (or compact fluorescent light bulbs) will also reduce your total energy usage. At first, you may wonder if the switch is worth it due to the fact that CFL bulbs are more expensive but when you compare the amount to the lifespan of the bulbs, you’ll see that the benefits are great. By having your home or business regularly inspected by an electrician in Los Angeles , having all of your repairs performed at once and taking steps to lower your energy usage, you will find that you save money on both your electrical repairs and use.

A Reliable Electrician - Sooner or Later You Are Going To Need One!

admin — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:11:00 GMT

If you lose power in your home, or are plagued by an electrical fault, you may be tempted to try to find the cause of the problem by yourself. Electrical wiring and circuitry however should not be tampered with by those that are inexperienced. In fact in most countries it is against the law not to use a licensed Los Angeles electrician or Los Angeles electrical contractor when install wiring, connect lights and appliances, and repair faults. Numerous electrical situations require the services of a professional, licensed electrician. Many of us would despair if we were left without electricity for a single hour much less a day!

Finding a licensed emergency electrician should not be a long and complicated activity. You can quickly identify suitable electrical contractors online and compare the services they provide before inviting them on site.

Bonded Electrician

admin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:49:00 GMT

When you are looking for linesman, it's better for you to select a bonded electrician, for the reason that that offers you an assurance. Electric Services Los Angeles is licensed, bonded and insured. This type of electrical professional provides assurance that the work will be administered on time in a proper way, and he paid money to a bonding agency to buy this sort of assurance. It is exactly like insurance, because the work of the service professional is insured in an attempt to ensure a satisfactory construction. If the work of bonded electricians isn't as adequate as the guarantee, the bonding agency reimburses you. Three kinds of bonds are obtainable: estimate, operation, and payment.

The prices from the bonding corporations are quite elevated, thus when you select bonded electricians, a fraction of the pricing is also charged to the customer. Even though this kind of electrical technician as a result without a doubt costs more than an average Electrical service professional, you attain the assurance that the work of the electricians will be of a top-quality. You should also know of the bonding agency, so you can keep it for reference.

It is probable that a pro electrician who's not bonded will execute your electrical project too. Is employing a bonded professional well worth it? The choice is totally yours, and if you make a take a chance and save on your expenses, it can be worth it. Some bonding businesses have a referral service, and before your electrical service professional starts the job, you can learn about him from his reference service whether he is in actual fact bonded. You can even examine whether the business has any criticism directed at them and afterward judge accordingly. Looking for an Electrician in Los Angeles ? We offer our Electric Services in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.