When you need electrical work, there is a good chance that you may need to get an estimate before having a Burbank electrician perform the job. One of the most frequently asked questions regarding electrical work, is about when to get an electrical estimate. There is no easy answer to this question. The short answer is that small jobs typically require no electrical estimate, while larger jobs should nearly always warrant an estimate. In a nutshell, the bigger and more complex the electrical work is, the higher the likelihood that you will need to have an estimate. If in doubt, you should always err on the side of caution, and give an electrician, such as The Electric Connection, a call to ask if an estimate is recommended.

Examples of Smaller Jobs

There are a variety of small, mostly cut and dry electrical service calls that electricians are called to complete every day. This type of work, such as having outlets installed or interior lighting replaced are fairly quick, easy jobs that most frequently require no estimate. If you just need a new outlet installed, because you are mounting your television onto the wall, your electrician in Burbank CA can typically offer you very close to a fixed price. Naturally, if they encounter anything that will make the job more complex, you will be notified shortly after they arrive. This holds true for other small jobs such as ceiling fan installation, bath fan installation, having smoke detectors replaced and more.

Examples of Larger Jobs

When you require extensive electrical work, such as a whole home rewire, you should always get at least one electrical estimate. Because this type of job can have many unforeseen factors, it can also have many unexpected costs. By getting an electrical estimate beforehand, you can save yourself from a huge headache. Furthermore, this gives you the chance to meet an electrician Burbank CA, and compare rates against others. If you are remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, or making a new addition to your home, you will also want to consider getting an estimate ahead of time.

Scheduling an Electrical Service Call

In order to begin the estimation process, you will need to schedule an electrical service call. Simply call your Burbank electrician, and find a time that is mutually convenient for both you and a technician. Before you call, however, there are a few things that you should keep in mind:

1. You should always have a clear idea of what you need before you call. This way, the proper amount of time will be scheduled for your estimate. This also gives the technician a chance to prepare ahead of time.

2. Clean and clear the area in which the work is to be done. By cleaning everything up, you can save much time for yourself and the technician. Rather than spending the appointment clearing clutter and furniture, you can focus on what is important: the work that you need done.

3. Always be courteous, both on the phone and during the appointment.

Because your electrician in Burbank CA most likely works on an hourly rate, rather than fixed prices, always keep in mind that estimates are just that: estimates. While they will try to provide you with the most accurate quote possible, there is always a chance that the cost may go over. In order to avoid this, many electricians use an in-place estimate model. If you have a medium sized job, for example, a technician may visit your home and start working immediately. If they are not able to complete the job after 30 minutes, they will provide you with a full assessment, recommendation and fixed price for the job. This type of estimation has become very popular because it is very convenient for both the client and the electrician Burbank trusts most.

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Kolb Electric, here, and we wanted to discuss a fairly common topic we’ve noted with our patrons as of late. We’ve been getting a lot of “Is this normal?” Or “Is this a common problem?” questions on our projects and calls recently. This got us to thinking; maybe people would be interested in learning a bit about what electrical problems our Baltimore electricians encounter regularly.

What would we consider to be a fairly normal issue? And what would be an oddball? Answers to this and more today in:

No problem is ever “normal’, per se. That’s why it’s a problem! But there are certainly some issues we see regularly:

So why do we feel like it’s a good idea to clue you in on our most common repairs? Partially because information is fun, but mostly because problem is the key word here. Understanding that these common issues are indeed problems that should be looked into by our Baltimore electricians is important.

Any instance of poor wiring, flickering lights, under-maintained equipment or general electrical funny business should be addressed right away! Leaving them alone or ignoring them can be hazardous, or can lead to much larger electrical problems. So have them handled by a pro right away!

If you note any of the issues we mentioned today (or any other electrical problems), contact the certified Baltimore electricians at Kolb today! Our experts can have your electrical appliances and wiring in perfect working order in no time at all!

If you’re longing for a bulb that’s going to save energy and that lasts, this LED bulb replacement guide is a great place to get a feel for the type you might need. Other than finding a bulb that fits the socket, has the correct voltage, and meets wattage requirements, there’s no list of rules as to what bulb you should use in a certain fixture. This guide shows that even the same type of fixtures can require or accept different bulb types. LED replacement bulbs are available in a variety of wattages, intensities, voltages, and with different base types; they can even emit different colors of light. You have the freedom to choose a bulb that fits your needs, and there are plenty of available options.

Clicking each picture below will direct you to a page of similar bulbs. Keep in mind, this post just touches the surface of available LED bulbs. If you don’t see what you need, use our site to see hundreds of lighting options.

Track light fixtures are found in many homes and allow for aimable illumination exactly where it’s needed. These fixtures almost always contain MR11 spotlight bulbs. In addition to track lights, these bulbs are often used in recessed, pendant, display case, and desk light fixtures. MR16 and MR11 LED replacement bulbs have GU10 or GX5.3 bi-pin bases and are available in a wide variety of styles with many LED configurations.

In other news, scientists at Syracuse University may have created a new light source that doesn’t need electricity or batteries to produce light. How? The firefly. The scientists found a new way to harness this bioluminescence using nanoscience. Mathew Maye, assistant professor of chemistry at SU explained:

“The nanorods are made of the same materials used in computer chips, solar panels and LED lights. It’s conceivable that someday firefly-coated nanorods could be inserted into LED-type lights that you don’t have to plug in.”

There are instances where NEC and other regulators recommend dedicated circuits for certain loads. Typical loads to put on individual branch circuits include sensitive electronic equipment such as computers. In addition, water heating systems, large appliances, and other high capacity loads that zap power require a dedicated circuit.

Run cables all the way to the main service panel and avoid connecting to other existing circuits. The same conductor size should be used throughout the branch circuit.

Electric water heaters, HVAC equipment, hot tubs and other appliances should each have a nearby disconnect that is easily visible and accessible. The power disconnect can be provided by the main or sub panel breaker, a dedicated switch, or a power cord that can be unplugged.

The branch circuits should have adequate current carrying capacity, adequate and grounding.

Typical branch currents include: