Wiring problems in the home are the most serious issues that owners should address, as these deficiencies could lead to serious property damage if overlooked. It's true that a house's plumbing could cost residents a lot of money to repair if it is compromised - even forcing them to renovate all or part of the property - but fire is among the most destructive forces known to man, and it could easily consume an entire home if it spreads quickly through a faulty electrical system.

One of the many causes of house fires is poorly protected wiring. Where two wires meet, it is required in standard building codes that proper wire junctions and terminations be installed.

In the case of two or more wires that are being joined, each junction point needs to be properly nutted using electrical-grade connectors. After this, wires need to be enclosed in a metal junction box, which will contain the connection completely so that if it is weak and produces sparks, the beams hoisting the wires won't be exposed.

If a wire is disconnected from a source, it too needs to be nutted correctly and contained in a termination box. This way, should the wire be re-energized accidentally, it will be fully enclosed, protecting the wooden supports from potential flames.

As a homeowner, you tend to notice electrical issues like flickers, breaker flips and outages. But keeping an eye on your electrical meter is important too! Without the occasional peek, you could find yourself with higher than average bills, or even a completely unexpected shut off.

The certified electricians at Kolb Electric naturally have spent loads of time with electrical meters, and we’ve got plenty of good information to share this week. Follow along to learn about issues that may arise with your meter, what they mean, and whether or not they indicate a faulty electric meter.

Hard to find a problem if you can’t find the meter, right? Electric meters are most commonly located on an outer wall; usually near where your power line runs. In some homes, particularly older ones, the meter might be found in the basement or a utility closet.

If you live in an apartment, the meter is almost always found near your building (or on it) in a cluster. The cluster houses meters for every unit, and all of them should be clearly labelled with the apartment number on them.

Do be aware that the chances of your meter being outright faulty are fairly low. The machines have exceptionally long lifespans, and are built to endure. It’s more likely you have one of many other electrical concerns, however, it is always best to check with a certified professional electrician if you have any questions or problems. While uncommon, a faulty meter is a pretty big issue, and you don’t want to leave it to chance. Just don’t be surprised if the issue turns out to be something else!

Whether you’re worried about your meter, or you’ve got any number of other electrical problems, the experts at Kolb can help! We provide our consumers with only the absolute best, both in service and skill, and we’re confident in our ability to meet your unique needs. Contact Kolb today to learn more!

You may not think about it often, but the power coming into your home travels a long way before it gets to your refrigerator, air conditioner, or any of the other appliances in your home. On the way, electrical current encounters fluxuations and interference from things like other appliances, machinery, and low quality wiring. That “Dirty” power can cause inefficiency and disturbance in your appliances, making things like the motors in your refrigerator and air conditioner, the circuits in your television, and all of your other electrical gadgets work harder than they need to, and wear out faster than they should.

A Power Conditioner will take the electrical current coming into your home and “clean” it, using filters to isolate power outlets and remove interference. This provides the correct voltage level to sensitive electrical equipment, allowing it to work safely and efficiently at the correct voltage.

Because power conditioners help your appliances run more efficiently, they can also lower the overall cost of running these appliances, and extend their lifespan. For more information about home power conditioners or for help on any electrical project in your home, please reach out to www.electricmaninc.com

This is not the time of year to be dealing with electrical problems in the home. It can be a huge issue to have an outlet fail or a breaker constantly trip when you are trying to deck your halls. The problem can be a number of different things, but you won’t know for sure until you have an electrician in Santa Monica come out to take a look. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to any kind of electrical concerns. The team at The Electric Connection is ready to help you discover what the problem is and get it taken care of before it becomes a serious safety hazard.

If you are not a trained electrician, you are going to have to guess what the problem is. That is a risk you don’t want to take. What if that outlet that only works on occasion is actually not just a fluke and is the sign of a much bigger problem. It is a good idea to have a Santa Monica electrician inspect your home. During the inspection, the outlet will be tested and the cover removed to check for any loose wires. While it may be an easy fix, ignoring those loose wires could create a tiny spark that ignites the insulation packed around the outlet.

You are not expected to know all of the hazards or to know why your breaker is tripping. That is a job for an electrician. Santa Monica residents will feel better knowing their house has been given an electrical checkup. Problems will be identified and you will be given the option to take care of right away or wait until it is a little more convenient. Your electrician will let you know just how serious the problem is or whether it is something relatively minor. If you are concerned about an electrical problem in your home, give The Electric Connection a call and let one of their experienced electricians diagnose the problem for you.