Unlocking the Gift of Modern Comfort: A Christmas Guide to Electrical Upgrades in your home!
by Gary December 21, 2023
As the festive spirit envelops Pasadena, Burbank, and Glendale, the countdown to Christmas has begun. While the rush for last-minute gifts is underway, there's one category of presents that often gets overlooked – the gift of modern comfort and convenience through electrical upgrades. This season, Hillside Expert Electrical invites you to consider the joy of enhancing your home with cutting-edge technology. As your trusted Pasadena Electrician, Burbank Electrician, and Glendale Electrician, we bring you a curated list of thoughtful Christmas gifts that seamlessly blend innovation with practicality.
1. Home Automation Security Cameras:
Give the gift of peace of mind with home automation security cameras. In an era where security is paramount, these cameras allow homeowners to monitor their property remotely. Our skilled technicians at Hillside Expert Electrical can install and configure these devices, ensuring your loved ones feel safe and secure during the holidays and beyond.
2. Whole House Surge Protector:
Protect your home's valuable electronics from power surges with a whole house surge protector. It's a gift that keeps on giving, shielding your appliances and devices from unexpected voltage spikes. Our expert electricians can swiftly install this device, safeguarding your home and its contents.
3. Professional Home Theater:
Elevate your entertainment experience with a professional home theater system. Whether it's a cozy family movie night or a gathering of friends for the big game, a customized home theater is a gift that transforms your living space. Trust Hillside Expert Electrical as your go to Burbank Electrician to bring cinematic magic into your home with seamless installations.
4. Smart Thermostat:
Bring efficiency and energy savings into your home with a smart thermostat. Control your heating and cooling systems from anywhere with the touch of a button. As your local Pasadena Electrician, we can integrate this smart device seamlessly into your home, ensuring comfort and cost savings.
5. Heated Bathroom Flooring System:
Bid farewell to chilly bathroom floors by gifting a heated flooring system. It's a luxurious addition that brings warmth to your toes on cold winter mornings. Our experienced technicians can install this innovative system, turning your bathroom into a cozy retreat.
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6. Video Doorbell:
Enhance your home's security and convenience with a smart doorbell. Know who's at your doorstep, even when you're away. Hillside Expert Electrical can expertly install and integrate this smart device, providing a modern solution to an age-old question – "Who's there?"
7. EV Level 2 Charging Station:
Embrace the future of transportation by gifting an Electric Vehicle (EV) Level 2 Charging Station. As electric cars become increasingly popular, having a convenient charging station at home is a practical and forward-thinking gift. Count on Hillside Expert Electrical to install this charging station, ensuring your loved ones are ready for the electric revolution.
This Christmas don't miss the opportunity to surprise your loved ones with gifts that enhance their daily lives. Hillside Expert Electrical is your go-to partner for seamless installations and reliable electrical services in Pasadena, Burbank, and Glendale. Our team of skilled technicians is ready to turn your electrical upgrade dreams into reality. Contact us today to schedule your installation and make this holiday season truly electrifying!
Remember, the joy of giving extends beyond the material – it's about creating moments and experiences that last a lifetime. With
Hillside Expert Electrical, give the gift of modern comfort and watch as your home transforms into a haven of innovation and joy. Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with warmth, happiness, and the magic of modern living!
Zinsco Electrical Panels
by Gary | Jan 27, 2023 | Panel Upgrade
Zinsco Panels in Older Homes
Zinsco Electrical Panels, commonly installed in older homes up until the 1970s, have been known to cause fire hazards and may need to be replaced. If your home still has its original wiring, electrical panels, and appliances, you may need to replace these soon to prevent possible fire danger and other issues. Be especially cautious when dealing with older wiring. A panel upgrade may be needed if your home still has the original Zinsco panel.
Are Zinsco Panels Safe?
According to the American Housing Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than half of all homes in the country were constructed before 1980 and would contain these panels if not replaced already. Zinsco panels often fail to function properly, putting homeowners and their homes at risk of electrical shock and fire. As many as 25% of Zinsco circuit breakers could fail to trip in response to an overcurrent or short circuit, creating a potentially hazardous situation.
Zinsco Box Breaker Box Problems
The electrical boards that have circuit breakers or fuses for all of your home's electrical circuits are referred to as circuit breaker panels. Circuit breaker panels are an essential home safety component. In the event of a power outage or overload, the breaker stops the flow of electricity. If a breaker can no longer trip in the event of an over-current or short circuit, an enormous quantity of power from the outside electrical supply surges into a home's panel and circuits. Once this occurs, it cannot be halted or turned off manually. Electricity will continue to burn until the fuel runs out or the wires melt. The panel could overheat and catch fire, endangering the home and its residents.
Zinsco Electrical Panel Fire Hazard
The old Zinsco panels are problematic due to the usage of aluminum bus bars. If a breaker melts to the panel's bus bar and can no longer appropriately trip in the event of an over-current or short circuit, an enormous quantity of power from the outside electrical supply surges into a home's electrical panel and circuits. Once this occurs, it cannot be halted or turned off manually. Electricity will continue to burn until the fuel runs out or the wires melt. The panel could overheat and catch fire, endangering the home and its residents.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes the National Electrical Code(r) (NEC (r) to give advice for residential and commercial electrical safety requirements in the United States. It is updated every three years to guarantee that people are safe from electrical shocks, fire hazards, and other electrical hazards. However, since aluminum is utilized in these older circuit breaker boxes, the safety requirements do not apply to the Zinsco panels. It cannot assist people who are currently in danger.
Are all Zinsco Panels bad?
According to tests, approximately one-third of Zinsco panels did not trip, according to InspectAPedia. This could be a risky situation given that circuit panel is crucial to regulate the flow of electricity into your home. An older home's Zinsco panel might not be able to handle additional issues that will spring up as you begin upgrading your appliances. For example, the Zinsco panel would not be able to handle the power needed for a new air conditioning unit. When you anticipate needing a lot of power, it's critical to check that your electrical system is current otherwise you may need a panel upgrade.
Zinsco Panel Recall
The issues with the Zinsco electric panel should have led to the recall of the Zinsco panels. However, the company did not recall the panels. Instead, the business was sold in 1973. Then eventually the business shut down, so you can't get in touch with them to get your electrical panel upgraded.
Does your home insurance cover your electric panel?
Please contact your insurance agent if you have any queries about your coverage or if your home cannot be insured because of your panels and circuit breakers.
Zinsco Class Action Lawsuit
In a 2002 class action lawsuit over their hazardous electrical panels, Zinsco and Federal Pacific Electric were found guilty of fraud by the New Jersey Court for failing to test their circuit breakers to ensure they operated by the required standard. According to the Consumer Fraud Act, businesses are required to be transparent and upfront about the testing and goods they use. Companies were unaware of the breaker's existence because of its high failure rate.
New Insurance Policies will consider all Risks
When an insurance company, is presenting you with a policy, they must take all risks into account. Due to the potential for electrical shock, Zinsco panels have a history of starting fires or seriously hurting people. As a homeowner, you are liable for any injuries that occur on your property. This is especially true if you were aware that it was possible that someone could be injured, but you did nothing about it. Zinsco panels are a dangerous product and need to be upgraded.
A Zinsco electric panel can be used to increase the cost of insurance on your home. Even if you locate a firm ready to sell you a policy, your premium for home insurance will most likely be greater than you anticipated. Home inspectors pay special attention to a house's electrical panel since it may pose a safety risk. The inspector will look at the wiring, electrical panels, and outlets. Zinsco electrical panels, which are no longer approved by the electrical code, may cause you to fail a home inspection.
Zinsco Breaker Panel Replacement Cost
A new electric panel costs between $5000 and $7,500. However, if you have an older home, you may require further work. A licensed electrician should replace a Zinsco circuit breaker panel to ensure safety. Replacing the Zinsco circuit breakers may be less expensive than dealing with the added dangers. Licensed electricians should be insured and bonded to ensure that you can trust their services. The safety of your family is more important than the cost of the work. It is critical to make sure that your home is not a fire hazard and that you have adequate insurance coverage. While it is impossible to predict every possible consequence, you can reduce this risk by getting a panel upgrade.
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