Purchasing a new home can be both an exciting and stressful experience. While you may like what you see on the outside, we all know that there can be problems hidden behind the walls. When it comes to electrical, not only can improper work cost you lots of money, but it can also be dangerous. If you are browsing for a new home, make sure you are cautious of possible issues that can arise.

As we have written about in the past, the main service panel is a critical part of the home electrical system. This is what controls the electricity in the entire home. Over the years these panels can become old and worn. Sometimes additions may have been made to the panel, but not done correctly. When looking at a service panel it is important to look for any loose or wires and connections into the panel. The wires should be tight to avoid electrical outages and flickering. Loose wires can also cause sparking and lead to fires. An expert electrician can also identify the amount of wires going into each circuit breaker and the organization, which can help with safety and efficiency.

One concern many people have is what kind of wiring is behind the walls. Many of us have heard of aluminum wiring and that we should avoid it. The problem with aluminum wire is that the wires can become loose more easily and also heat up, becoming more prone to electrical fires. Old knob-and-tube wiring can also become weak, break easily, and cannot function at today’s standards. It is a good idea to have an expert electrician inspect the wires in your prospective home to make sure they are safe or whether they need to be upgraded.

Outlets in the home should also be easily tested. Check to make sure that none of the electrical outlets look burnt, dirty, or are loose. Outlet testers can be test to make sure that they are properly grounded and being fed electricity properly. It may appear that the outlets function properly and can continue to do so without being properly grounded. But in the event of a power surge, especially in a major appliance, the electricity will not escape through the grounded wire and can cause electrocution.

These are just some of the potential electrical problems that a home can have. In order to protect yourself and your investment, have a home inspector visit the home. If you have just purchased a home, have an electrician inspect it for any possible issues and for a more thorough analysis.

Within the construction industry is a continued need for highly qualified specialists in many areas, including carpentry, plumbing, and electricity. All are well-paying fields, but in particular the trade of master electrician can give a person a good standard of living and considerable career flexibility. The path to earning the title of master electrician is somewhat long and requires many hours of trade school or college coursework but is very well-marked with the apprenticeship experience required. Of course, as with any profession, the level of education and practical experience needed depends upon the state or territory within which you wish to learn such a valuable trade.

High school courses rich in math and science are a must if you wish to do well in your path to master electrician certification. These courses will give you a great background in which to be able to successfully complete trade school or junior college courses in physics (electricity) as well as safety and industrial maintenance. Most states require some up-front training in a trade school or college before beginning your on-the-job training as an electrician. Checking with your particular state or territory is necessary in order to assess the exact requirements for certification.

In addition to any classroom work, you will be required in most cases to fulfill at least two years of apprenticeship work with a licensed master electrician. It is during this time that you begin to learn this profession fully and gain a proper understanding of the responsibilities involved. The International Brotherhood of Electricians supports all apprenticeship activities, including helping potential apprentices find qualified master electricians with whom to learn. You should expect any master electrician you work with to be highly knowledgeable as well as very demanding as to what he or she expects from you. Be prepared both physically and mentally for a challenging two year period as you complete your apprenticeship.

After a total of four years between trade school and apprenticeship training, you should be prepared to take the licensing exam for journeyman electrician. If you pass this exam, you will be certified as a competent journeyman electrician. However, in many states, a journeyman electrician must still work under the direction of a master electrician. It will take on average another three to four years to gain enough experience before applying for the license of master journeyman electrician, or more simply, a master electrician.

In the United States, most licensed master electricians can expect between $40,000 and $70,000 per year as an average wage. Though pay is currently lower on average than over the past few years, this is expected to improve as the economy recovers and homebuilding rebounds. Also, some master electricians decide to open their own electrical business or consulting firm and can expect in many cases to out-earn the average expectation in most states. With such a certification, you are only limited by your willingness to work on both residential and commercial sites.

As a small business owner, you are always looking for new ways to advertise and share information with your customers and potential customers. One of the ways that is really catching on is the use of an on-premises LED sign. This is not something you want to jump into lightly and in fact is something you may need to enlist the help of an electrician in Santa Monica. The team at Electric Connection is here to help you when it comes time to install or maintain your LED sign, as well as assist you with your other electrical-related tasks.

An LED sign is a great advertising solution. Unlike a traditional sign, you can change the message from inside, using a computer program or maintenance panel. This is much safer than climbing onto a ladder and changing the lettering like on a normal sign! Additionally, since it is so easy to change the message, you will be more likely to keep your message up to date.

The reason many people resist changing to an LED sign is the cost. There is an upfront fee because you are purchasing the equipment. However, if you choose Electric Connection for your electrician Santa Monica, you will be assured you are getting a great deal on the installation costs! Additionally, maintenance is often quite simple. If you do have problems, Electric Connection can come out and get you back up and running quickly and easily.

The payoff of an LED sign can be hard to measure. These are eye-catching and will bring in customers as they drive or walk by your place of business. Investing in one of these signs will give you payoff both now and well into the future. Look into the options available to you and consider utilizing this easy and cost-efficient method of advertising your business today.

The burgeoning industry of solar installation and manufacturing companies is something of a new phenomenon. The sheer prevalence of solar panels for homes and businesses represents a huge business potential. As the market expands, it is increasingly volatile, with companies forming and folding faster than you can blink an eye.

But that doesn’t mean solar panels are going the way of the buffalo. Much the contrary. While the industry sees a lot of turnover, it is growing and some solar companies are just getting better. This has a few powerful benefits for consumers:

In fact, many homeowners are installing panels with zero money down and free installation. If that sounds like a gimmick, think again. Solar leasing is a powerful money saving mechanism for your home. Imagine saving money on your bill every month, immediately, without investing any money. Call us to understand exactly what the potential for solar leasing is in your area. We’re eager to help you explore the world of alternative energy.