The London Olympics are certainly on the tip of nearly everyone’s tongue (and Courtesy of FrenchArt-Deco.com

This piece, entitled “Swimming Pool” by French artist Albert Decaris won gold in the Engravings and Etchings competition.

In 1949, the International Olympic Committee decided to stop all art competitions, reasoning that it was illogical to let professional artists compete, while only amateur athletes were eligible. Instead, cultural festivals replaced the art competitions, and still do to this day. There’s still a chance for the best of the best artists and entertainers to showcase their stuff on an international stage, and for lighting designers, this is certainly a world class exhibition. 

LED is the light source that’s in it to win it this summer, wowing Olympic fans with spectacular light shows and festive monuments alike.

At the opening ceremony, LEDs were at the center of almost everything. The dove bikes used LEDs to light up their wings as they performed a circuit of the stadium.

LEDs lit the screen showing the Queen’s acting debut, with none other than James Bond.

Even on the sidewalk outside the main Olympic Stadium, there are 20 circular slabs that capture the kinetic energy of pedestrians’ footsteps to light up nearby LED lamps for 30 seconds at a time!

Smoke detectors (smoke alarms) are one of the most important safety devices in your home. If your home has well-maintained smoke detectors, the chances of your family surviving a house fire are greatly increased. From 2003 to 2006, 66% of fatalities due to house fires occurred in homes without working detectors (National Fire Protection Association).

Most homes have smoke detectors, but many times they are not located properly or are not working due to lack of maintenance. Of course, a smoke detector in the wrong location or one that no longer works because it has a dead battery provides no protection for your family. The Electric Connection, a fully licensed, bonded and insured electrician in Burbank CA, knows the most current code rules for smoke detector placement and they can install or replace your smoke detectors for you.

Maximizing Protection

Your family will have maximum protection if:

Can I install them myself or should I have my Burbank electrician install my smoke detectors?

You can purchase battery-operated smoke detectors from a hardware store and install them yourself. (If you decide to install your own smoke detectors, check your local building code for placing them.) For detectors that are wired into your electrical system, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that detectors be installed by a qualified electrician. The Electric Connection, a local electrician in Burbank, can often schedule an electrical service call appointment for the following day.

Are they expensive?

Depending on the type of detector you decide on, they can run from $10-$40 each, not including installation costs. You can often get a ballpark price over the phone for installation pricing from a Burbank electrician.

How should they be maintained?

Most detectors start “chirping” when batteries have run down. In addition, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing them monthly. They recommend:

Are your detectors properly positioned?

The guidelines given here can help you determine if existing smoke detectors are properly positioned. If you are going to install battery-operated ones yourself, follow the placement requirements of your local building code. In general, it’s recommended that you have a smoke detector:

Within these general guidelines, detectors should be placed where smoke can be readily detected — high up on walls or on the ceiling (smoke rises) and at a distance from windows, fans, and vents that might blow smoke away from the detector.

If the smoke detector is wired into your electrical system, it should not be on a circuit that can be turned off with a wall switch. It’s always best to consult with a licensed Burbank electrician when it comes to hard wire some detector installations.

If a smoke detector is placed too close to a kitchen stove or shower, it can be triggered unnecessarily by steam or normal cooking smoke. Better to move it to a different location that also meets general safety guidelines and your local building code.

If you are uncertain about placement or need help with installation or battery replacement, call a qualified electrician in Burbank, such as The Electric Connection or visit our website.

Throughout much of the country, there's always the chance that a winter snowstorm could disrupt your best-laid plans. School can get canceled, and though it's less likely, you might even get the day off of work. But once you're left to your own devices, what do you do with the day?

Snow Day Activities

Suddenly have the day off? Looking to fill some time with the family? Here are a few ideas to help make the most of the opportunity:

The Classics. Since you already owe your day off to the snow, you may as well pay it tribute. Pull the sled out of the garage and find the best hill in town. Grab a friend and build a snowman. Find even more friends for a snowball fight. Flop on the lawn and make a snow angel. You're never too old to enjoy a good snowfall!

Build Snowcastles. Your beach bucket and shovel don't need to wait around in storage until summer. Take them outside and build a kingdom of snowcastles -- if the snow is wet enough.

Make a Rainbow. Fill spray bottles with water and a few drops of food coloring, and let the kids go outside to create their own artwork in the snow. There's no mess, and it's a great way to make the world your canvas.

Bake Cookies. If it's just too cold to be outside, make things warmer inside by whipping up a batch of homemade cookies or your favorite baked treat.

Indoor Snowflakes. Bring that snow day magic indoors by making unique snowflakes out of coffee basket filters. Simply flatten a filter, fold it in half at least three times over and use scissors to cut designs of your choosing. When you're done, unfold the filter and see your symmetrical snowflake!

Do a Good Deed. If the snow has piled up, chances are you know at least one neighbor with a snow-covered sidewalk or driveway. Chip in to keep the neighborhood safe by shoveling it for them.

When the Power Goes Out

Because snow days are called for inclement weather, there's always the possibility that conditions will force a few power lines to the ground. This is an especially serious concern if the storm includes a lot of freezing rain, which can accumulate on power lines and weigh them down.

If the power goes out in your neighborhood, be sure to follow these basic safety tips:

Look carefully for downed power lines. If and when you see one, don't approach it. Call 911 immediately to report the location.

Turn on your local radio and keep your smartphone active for emergency weather alerts. If circumstances are expected to worsen, you'll want to know in advance so you can make additional preparations.

Look after the well being of your neighbors, especially those who are older or disabled. Some homes may be without heat or the ability to cook at home.

Drive with extreme caution if you must go anywhere. A power outage in your area may also mean that nearby traffic lights are disabled, requiring motorists to be exceptionally alert.

If you're lucky enough to get a snow day this winter, make the most of it! And if you're tiring of the disruption, contact your local electricians to inquire about backup generators and other solutions for your home comfort.

Electrical conduits are an electrical piping system made of plastic, metal, or fiber, that are used to provide wiring or cable route to protect it. The use, form and installation details for electrical conduits are specified by the wiring regulations such as the US National Electrical Code (NEC) or other national or local code.

The location of an electrical conduit will usually determine what kind of material may be used. Since electrical conduits are used mainly in the outer wall surface in exposed locations, they are made of a material that is either flexible or rigid.

The following are the most commonly used materials:

Rigid steel The type of conduit system that is to be applied depends upon the wall thickness, mechanical stiffness and the material used to make the tubing. The material can be chosen for mechanical protection, corrosion resistance and for cutting the costs on installation charges. As far as wiring regulations for electrical equipment in hazardous areas are concerned, certain kinds of conduits need to be used depending on the regulation specifications.