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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Turkey day is upon us, when relatives and friends descend from near and far to gobble stuffing, watch NFL football and reflect on the things they are thankful for. In the spirit of the holiday, make sure that by the end of the day you can still be grateful for your family's continued health and prosperity by following these Thanksgiving safety tips.

Careful with the Deep Fried Turkey 

Who needs a roaster? Adventuresome chefs who want to create a memorable Thanksgiving are turning to the deep fryer to cook the turkey. The process involves gallons of hot oil, so take precautions if you decide to use this method to prepare your bird:

With some prudence and awareness, you can enjoy your crispy bird safely. 

Beware Open Flames

Candles are a great way to provide atmosphere, but make sure they aren't close to any curtains or other flammable materials, and aren't in danger of getting knocked over. Never leave a burning candle unattended. The same goes for your gas burners. 

Clean up Your Clutter

Your guests might not be familiar with the idiosyncrasies of your house, like the children's cars scattered about the living room. Make sure any power cords and extensions cords aren't crossing the floor or walkway and posing potential trip hazards. 

Mind the Children

We expect adults to practice common sense, but children may not be so prudent. If you aren't used to having kids around, be aware that knives, candles, hot foods, liquids, matches and stoves might all prove irresistible to a curious youngster. Keep anything dangerous out of reach, and make sure the kids are supervised.

The importance of properly functioning electrical panels can’t be understated; if you haven’t recently, then the time to get your home’s electrical panels checked out is now. With fall just around the corner, energy usage in Des Moines’ homes will begin to rise exponentially as homeowners spend more time indoors and rely more heavily upon heating systems. The last thing you want in the middle of fall or winter is an electrical panel acting up, failing you, or even possibly endangering your family.

These days, our homes are only a small step away from being a large computer. Like any computer, the motherboard and power supply serve a vital purpose in powering and joining all systems; our homes aren’t much different, but the electrical panel represents both of these vital components. This means that if your electrical panel is broken or old, the various electrical systems you enjoy throughout your home will fail to work or become unsafe. By keeping your electrical panel in properly working order, you secure your home’s ability to grow with your family.

Your home cannot unendingly add electrical applications, as nice as that would be; instead, your home’s maximum output is determined and limited by your electrical panel. This means, if you’re planning on extending your home or adding large electrical appliances, you should absolutely consult with a licensed electrician to find out how eligible your panel is for accommodating the new output. Even if your system is under its maximum potential output, it may be advisable to upgrade your panel to enjoy uninterrupted service; always be sure to contact an electrician for any output questions or concerns.

While having an older electrical panel isn’t necessarily bad, there are a few things to watch for; older panels can carry innate risks that can be easily avoided by upgrading your electrical panel. If your home’s panel still uses fuses (not flippable circuit breakers), then you should definitely get it upgraded right away. Likewise, if your panel is from a proven-to-be unreliable brand such as Federal Pacific of FPE, be sure to give us a call at 515-446-7040 right away for assistance. Even semi-modern panels feature flippable circuit breakers, which reliably protect your home and appliances from dangerous surges. Keeping your home safe is our electrician’s primary concern, and ensuring your electrical panel is within a safe parameter is certainly part of that.

If you’re looking to grow your home’s living space, add electrical improvements inside or out, or are worried about the safety and security of your current electrical panel, then be sure to contact our licensed, bonded, and insured Des Moines electricians today. We have the skills and expertise necessary to safely and effectively upgrade your home’s electrical panel or advise against it if an upgrade is unnecessary. Electrical Gurus is proud to provide local service you can trust, get in touch with us today for details!