If you have a lot of appliances running at once,  you can actually increase your chance of having a surge. When high-powered electrical devices such as AC units and refrigerators are working at peak capacity, it takes a lot of energy to keep their motors and compressors going. This high demand can upset the steady voltage flow through your electrical system.

You should also unplug your important appliances during a power outage. There is often a surge when the electricity comes back on.

Additionally, consider a surge protection device which goes in the electric panel where the circuit breakers or fuses are located. The suppressor will channel the extra electricity during the power surge and prevent it from getting into your main system. If you live in an area that experiences a lot of storms, a lightning rod might be a good idea to mitigate the damage of a direct strike. Finally, make sure your homeowner's policy insures you in case a surge does knock out your devices, despite your best efforts to protect them.

Your local Mister Sparky® electrician can help protect your electronics and appliances with whole-home surge protection. Give us a call and we'll explain the options and help you make the right choice for you.

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.

With studies today showing how harmful internal combustion engines can be to the environment, it’s little wonder that the electric car is becoming a more popular option among consumers. Not only do gasoline powered cars contribute to pollution, but extracting and processing the oil needed by these cars causes pollution and contamination as well. The hybrid market is beginning to heat up, especially as many people begin to realize that benefits that these vehicles have to offer. If you’re considering the purchase of an electric car, here are several of the top benefits you can enjoy.

Benefit #1 – Environmentally Friendly

One of the main benefits of going with an electric hybrid vehicle is that these vehicles are environmentally friendly. These vehicles produce no waste, eliminating problems like carbon monoxide pollution. Internal combustion engines allow waste to permeate the air by releasing chemicals through the vehicle’s tailpipe. Electric vehicles don’t even have a tailpipe and will not create pollution to the environment.

Benefit #2 – Energy Efficient

If you’re interested in energy conservation, you’ll find that an electric car has the benefit of being energy efficient. Energy is consumed in an efficient manner within these cars. Approximately 75% of the energy from the batteries is converted into energy. On the opposite side, traditional engines lose about 80% of the energy that comes from the fuel.

Benefit #3 – Reduces Dependence on Oil

You’ll also find that an electric car has the benefit of reducing dependence on oil as well. Much of the gasoline used for internal combustion engines is imported in from other countries, making these vehicles reliant on foreign oil. Many feel that dependence on foreign oil is a natural security problem, not just an environmental one. Cars that run on electricity get the electricity needed from the car’s batteries. While hybrids may use some gasoline, they are not fully dependent on the oil imported from other countries.

Benefit #4 – Provides Savings

Those who purchase and use an electric car can enjoy money saving benefits too. Although the initial investment may seem more expensive, tax credits and lowered long-term expenses actually provide savings in the long run.

Benefit #5 – Great Performance

Electric vehicles today can offer great performance as well. Electric engines have fewer moving parts, which makes them less likely to have a problem. This lowers maintenance costs and provides users with a smooth and efficient driving experience.

It’s easy to see that the electric car provides some excellent benefits to consumers today. These benefits can be maximized by having an electrical charging station installed at your home as well. Professional electric companies install these charging stations, which make it easier to keep your electric vehicle charged. With installation of a quality charging station, you can enjoy faster and more efficient charge times, making the most of your hybrid vehicle.

Over time, a home that was once top-of-the-line can find itself behind the times. While this might only be a mild concern in terms of convenience, the state of your electrical circuits can potentially be a source of trouble if they are found to be below present day recognized standards. However, an electrician in Santa Monica can certainly evaluate the state of your home’s electrical components and recommend a course of action. Generally speaking, homes that are more than 40 or 50 years are more likely to need an electrical safety evaluation.

Outlet Problems

Depending on the age of your home, you may need to have some or all of your electrical outlets replaced. Many older homes do not have updated three-prong outlets, and instead might have the older style two prong outlets. Today’s appliances require a third prong for grounding. Besides this, over time wiring can become damaged, and the demands placed on your home’s older electrical system can simply be too much for an older system to bear.

Finding Out How Your Home Measures Up

If you need an electrician in Santa Monica to help you determine the electrical safety of your home, a strong list of references and great internet reviews are a good jumping off point for locating an electrician to help you solve any of the most common problems that older homes face.

The Electric Connection is a dependable electrical contracting company that can send a knowledgeable Santa Monica Electrician to your home or business. We will be happy to help you compare your home to today’s electrical standards, examine your home thoroughly, and evaluate the ability of your electrical system to perform under typical conditions as well as any unusually high demand situations.

Visit TheElectricConnection.com for more information and to speak with someone about your home’s electrical system. If you are unsure about exactly what types of upgrades or repairs you might need, we can easily help you out.