Low-energy LED lighting technology is the wave of the future. Are you still in the dark? Let us help you separate the facts from the hype surrounding this increasingly popular lighting option.

LEDs Last Forever

Like all light sources, LEDs will fade slowly over time. Depending on operating conditions, well-designed fixtures can retain 70 percent of their initial light output for 6 years, or 50,000 hours or more. If you run them 24/7, they'll last you twice as long as fluorescents and many times longer than incandescents.

The total cost of LED lighting over time can be significantly lower than conventional systems. Though initial fixture costs may be higher, LED fixtures have a longer useful life, are more durable and reliable requiring less maintenance and material costs, and use far less energy than their fluorescent and incandescent cousins. Annual lighting costs can be reduced by up to 80 percent, and payback on your investment can often be achieved in less than three years.

Waiting will cost you more in the long run. Lighting is often one of the greatest energy expenses of a business. Incremental price declines in LED technology will be more than offset by paybacks in energy savings. It does not pay to wait.

LEDs have been in widespread use for over a decade. LEDs have earned their place as a reliable lighting technology, having been used in critical safety applications and rapidly gaining popularity for industrial use thanks to their cost effective, efficient, sustainable, high quality light. Their impressive durability makes them a top choice for high intensity industrial applications such as manufacturing operations, warehousing, maintenance, and more.

LED lighting does not contain mercury. However, fluorescents and compact fluorescents (CFLs) contain hazardous mercury.

Thanks to advancements in technology, LEDs are ideal for these applications. A wide range of fixtures – from low to high lumen outputs – are available today, allowing for the selection of lighting perfectly matched to suit your specific business needs. Placement is essential to proper optics, so be sure to consult a professional to plan effective light placement.

LED lighting is “cooler” than other lighting colors.The blue hue of LEDs does vary from the yellow tones of traditional lighting. However, customers frequently cite an improvement in lighting quality and effectiveness following upgrades. If you have concerns, consider another hue in the ever-expanding variety of LED colors now available.

Well-designed LEDs offer convenient, targeted dimming settings. Quality matters. Well-designed LEDs can provide gradual dimming across many more increment than their competitors, offering targeted settings for the perfect combination of convenience, ambiance and energy savings.

LEDs don’t use magnetic ballasts – they use electronic drivers. Well-designed drivers don’t require replacement. Light bulbs, like incandescents, fluorescents, and halides, use magnetic ballasts that wear out over time, particularly with frequent on and off switching. LEDs do not share these characteristics because LEDs are semiconductors, not light bulbs. They require electronic drivers for managing power delivery. Look for electronic drivers with well-designed, integrated control features for the maximum in efficiency and functionalities - like dimming, sensing, and auto on and off capability.

Well-designed LEDs function beautifully in a wide range of temperatures. LEDs performed at least as well as fluorescents and HIDs in temperature tests conducted by independent labs, particularly in cold environments where other lighting technology suffers. However, quality matters. Opt for lighting that is carefully designed to manage heat dissipation – regardless of the climate you will operate them in.  

Well-designed LEDs manage glare and light placement with optics. Well-designed optics minimizes a direct sightline to LEDs, as well as glare, and color temperature for these applications is also excellent.

Don’t let old lighting technology leave your business burned out. Upgrade to LED lighting with the help of Mr. Electric® today.

Are you harboring unwanted guests in your home? Rats, mice, squirrels and even raccoons are notorious for taking up residence in people's homes without asking. In addition to being a health hazard to your family, rodents love to chew, and seem to have a particular penchant for the insulation on your electrical work, which can damage your home systems and even cause a fire. Read on for tips on how to prevent these furry pests.

Watch Out for the Telltale Signs of Rats

How do you know if you have rodents sharing your home? Try these tips to track them down:

Mice, Rats and Squirrels All Have to Go

When you do discover a rodent infiltration, you need to act right away to get rid of them before they can wreak havoc on your electrical work:

Don't Neglect to Repair the Damage

If you suspect rodents have been chewing on your electrical work, get in touch with an expert electrician immediately to assess the damage and perform any necessary repairs.

What is an electrical transformer? Well, chances are you’ve seen one before, possibly without knowing it. They come in all shapes and sizes and there’s likely one in your neighbourhood or possibly even in your toy train set. And no, we’re not referring to any type of extraterrestrial robot. Larger ones are usually grouped together and can often be found enclosed in isolated, fenced-off areas or power plants. Although at some point in time, you’ve probably been told not to get too close to one, their function might still be unclear. We get more in depth about their overall purpose below:

Electrical transformers are electrical devices used to transfer electricity from high voltages to low voltages and vice versa. Most electrical transformers are built for the latter. Without getting too technical, the process used to transform this energy is known as electromagnetic induction which utilizes magnetic fields throughout the process.

There are many different types of electrical transformers that serve different purposes depending on the size of the task. Everyday uses around the household may include powering appliances, equipment and even children’s toys. The power that stems from large power plants is usually too powerful for its intended use; therefore, an electrical transformer is used to downsize the electricity into an appropriate voltage that is then transferred through coils.

Aside from powering our home appliances and equipment, electrical transformers have an enormous impact on our everyday lives. Many homes and businesses aren’t located within a close enough proximity to a power plant. So how do these homes and business’s get enough energy to operate? That’s where electrical transformers come in handy. The technology behind these transformers allows them to transfer energy from far away at an impressive speed. The next time you heat up a meal in the microwave or flick on the lights in your house, you’ll know exactly where that energy came from!

For more information on electrical transformers and professional electrical services, contact a licensed electrician at Expert Electric today or call us at 604-681-8338.

So you are facility manager for a school, and you have been asked to replace old stadium lights for the football field, upgrade your stadium lights, LED has three basic advantages: reduction in energy consumed, reduced maintenance cost and a better quality of light.

LED vastly improves the quality of your sport fields and arenas. Not only do they create a higher standard in your facility, but they reduce the costs you are spending to light your areas on the back end as well. After the 3 solid reasons it’s time to upgrade to LED in your sports arena, I think you are well on your way to making the right and solidly informed decision when it comes down to purchasing your upgraded system.