Can you smell that? It’s grilling season in Bethesda, and the succulent aroma of grilling meats and sides is wafting through the air! But before you break out the electric grill and get to cooking, our Bethesda electricians would like to weigh in on a matter of pressing importance.

To our team at Kolb Electric, nothing is more important than providing superior services to our patrons. Except, of course, the safety of said consumers. An electric grill is the perfect tool to get the seared meat you crave, but it can be just as dangerous as any other piece of equipment if handled improperly.

Need electrical wiring for your Bethesda home? Contact Kolb Electric today!

Most grill safety is entirely precautionary, so you needn’t worry that our tips will spoil your fun. It’s all about preparedness:

Our Bethesda electricians can ensure your gill, wiring, outlets, and electrical panel are all fit for service, so you can cook with confidence this summer season! Our service and skill are unmatched, and we guarantee your complete satisfaction.

Most homeowners typically don’t give their electrical systems a whole lot of thought, and we wouldn’t expect them to. However, with the increasing demands we place on these systems—with the purchase of high efficiency appliances and devices such as smart phones and tablets—it is important to consider your safety as well as the effectiveness of your electrical system.

One of the most effective ways to keep your electrical outlets throughout your home as safe as possible is by installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in areas that need them the most. These areas include places where you use plumbing, since the main function of these outlets is to shut off the power if there is any risk of electrical shock near a water source.

Chances are, you already have a couple GFCI outlets installed somewhere in your home. You’ll recognize them as the outlets that have a “test” and “reset” button. As mentioned above, they are most used in areas with water sources—so bathrooms and kitchens. However, if you have an older home with outdated wiring, this may not be the case. In some cases you might even need rewiring services just to allow for the installation of GFCI outlets.

While bathrooms and kitchens are the most important locations for these outlets, they are not the only spaces that will benefit from them. You may want to consider GFCI outlet installation in your laundry room, crawlspace, basement, utility room, or even your garage.

Many homeowners with small children choose to update the entire home for safety purposes. Additionally, you might want to consider Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlet installation as well. Unlike ground faults—which can lead to electric shocks—arc faults are caused by damaged wires and can lead to fire.

Great outdoor lighting provides your home entryway with a welcoming and luxuriant presentation, ensuring just the right level of illumination for the safety and security of visitors and guests. 

Now is the time to assess your property and invest in a custom outdoor lighting design to increase your home’s curb appeal and provide a luminous finish to your home entrance.

New innovations include outdoor post lamps, decorative lanterns and energy-efficient pathway lighting.

To make your nighttime outdoor environment as comfortable, safe, and maintenance-free as possible, great lighting is key.

1.  SECURITY LIGHTING FOR WALKWAYS AND DRIVEWAYS.

Outdoor post lamps and path lighting help to expand your outdoor environment, providing a tailor-made illumination toward the front door, deck, patio +/or garage.

2. DECORATIVE LIGHTING FOR HOME ENRTY ZONES.

An outdoor hanging lamp and/or wall lanterns add a customized finish and are available in a myriad of styles to complement homes from traditional to ultra modern.

3.  TASK LIGHT BY THE FRONT DOOR AND GARAGE.

Direct focused illumination on key holes and security pads should be bright enough to allow for easy access and visibility when you are entering and leaving your home at night.

4.  ACCENT ILLUMINATION TO HIGHLIGHT HOUSE NUMBERS

Make sure that your home is properly illuminated for guests as well as delivery people and emergency vehicles.  All too often, help is delayed in emergency situations because house numbers are not clearly visible at night and outdoor lighting is insufficient.

5.  “SHIELDED” LAMPS THAT EXPAND OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE AND ACCENTUATE IMPORTANT ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES.

Properly shielded outdoor lighting fixtures expand and beautify your home, without creating glare or causing visual discomfort to visitors and neighbors. A good lighting design with energy-efficient fixtures will increase the value of your property and provide majestic outdoor lighting effects.

LET’S GET STARTED…

*Rule of thumb for sizing outdoor wall lanterns:  The height of the lantern should be based on the height of the door.  If brackets are to be installed on either side of the door, they should measure about one-fourth the height of the door.  If using only one lantern, size up to about one-third the height of the door.

** “Dark Sky” compliancy and light pollution:  Light pollution is any undesirable effect of artificial light, including glare, light trespass and decreased visibility at night.  Many manufacturers offer “Dark Sky” versions of their outdoor lighting products, which “collar” the light bulb around its base to block superfluous upward emissions of light.

-Match outdoor fixture styles to the decor of your interior space.  Whether you go with classic and elegant traditional outdoor lighting or sleek and contemporary, your outdoor post lamps, hanging lamps and wall lighting should complement that style.

-If you have custom designed hardware on doors, find a finish that will work well to complement this detail.

-Don’t neglect the side yard and dark areas by side windows;  Include at least one low-level outdoor lamp for nighttime security.

-Look for finishes and outdoor hanging lanterns, post lamps and flush fixtures that are guaranteed to last.  Check out warranty information on the latest outdoor lighting fixtures; some include a life-time guarantee on all finishes and parts.

-Make sure to view your outdoor lighting after dark before signing off on a project; make necessary adjustments to refine your outdoor lighting design, focusing the light exactly where it is needed for an aesthetically pleasing look and polished illumination for safe navigation and security lighting at night.

Capitol Lighting’s professional lighting consultants will help you in selecting everything from timers and outdoor hanging lamps to path lights and outdoor post lamps.  Work with the experts to prepare your outdoor environment with quality lighting customized to enhance the value of your home.

From traditional outdoor lighting to modern and classic contemporary designs, the right outdoor lamps make a world of difference.  Beautify your home and secure the neighborhood with updated outdoor lighting fixtures to highlight your home with good sense and style.

Top Picks include:

New Traditional Outdoor Lighting from Hinkley Lighting:

“Mendocino” Outdoor Post Lamp from Troy Lighting:

Outdoor Hanging Lamp from Fine Art Lamps:

Dark-Sky Compliant Outdoor Lamps from Minka Lavery:

knuckle-mount LED flood light is designed for subdivision sign lighting, billboard lighting, building facade lighting, architectural wall washing, outdoor displays, and security lighting. This energy-efficient LED light consumes 70 watts of power and replaces 320-watt metal-halide (MH) fixtures.

Using eight groups of nine LEDs behind individual projector lenses, the flood light fixture emits 6,800 lumens of natural white illumination in a focused 80-degree beam pattern. This dark bronze LED light is constructed of a durable die cast aluminum housing and a shatter-resistant polycarbonate outer lens. An adjustable knuckle-mount bracket allows for aimable illumination, and the weatherproof fixture can be easily installed in outdoor junction boxes that have 1/2-inch threaded hubs.

A functional, up to date electrical panel in your Tampa home is one of the most important aspects of strong electrical access. You could call the electrical panel (also known as the breaker panel, electrical access box, etc.) the heart of your home’s electricity. Or the brain. Neither is far off. And when a new one is installed or you get a heavy-up, there are some very specific requirements that will come into play.