The term “light box” can mean a few different things, but from a lighting perspective it typically refers to a backlit display panel. Light boxes are most commonly used for advertisements or other commercial displays. You’ve probably seen them in trade show booths, restaurants, airports, nightclubs, offices, hotels, museum exhibits, and retail shops. That’s right, light boxes are everywhere.

One of the most common uses for light boxes is the commercial advertisement. You see these in large spaces like terminals or outdoors at bus stops. They capture the attention of passers-by and create lasting impressions. The light box pictured below is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen.

One of the most obvious places you’ll see light boxes are along the walls inside and outside of movie theaters. Sometimes lines of light boxes stretch incredible distances, advertising all the movies being shown in large theaters.

In fact, light boxes can be a fun addition to any home and can be used for as many purposes as you can imagine. Sure, you could illuminate a movie poster of your daughter’s favorite movie. But you could also make a custom sign saying whatever you want. I really like the light box below, created at home for home.

Every year it seems that the home is becoming “smarter” and more “automated”. We have televisions that can be interacted with remotely, speakers we can play in another room, and thermostats that can be adjusted across the country. These programmable and remotely adjustable thermostats are not only convenient, but they are efficient.

Most homes that haven’t seen electrical upgrades in a few years are likely equipped with an older thermostat that has to be adjusted manually. This has been acceptable for many years as we integrated the adjusting of the thermometer into our nightly routines. Each night before going to sleep many people would lower the thermometer to reduce their electrical usage at night.

Now, with programmable thermostats you can set schedules so that it automatically increases or decreases the temperature in the home. This helps build the optimal schedule for your home and reduce electrical waste by heating the home only when it is needed.

With the increased adoption of smart devices and wi-fi in homes all over the world, “smart” thermostats are the latest and greatest in home automation. These little devices connect through the home’s wi-fi network, which allows you to control them through a smart phone app. This enables them to be adjusted from anywhere. For example, if a day trip is going long and you won’t be home until late in the evening, you can lower the temperature in the home earlier than scheduled to maximize efficiency. With your home’s thermostat at the touch of a finger anywhere – savings are completely in your control.

Installing a new thermostat can seem like an easy job, but once the old one is removed the amount of wires can be overwhelming to the average handyman. Depending on the age of the home and wiring, the wires going to the thermostat may need to be upgraded for compatibility with the new thermostat. When shopping for a new thermostat don’t just review the features of the product, but ensure you are familiar with the specifications and requirements. For assistance in understanding the requirements of a new thermostat and electrical installation, contact your local Expert Electric.

There are many different ways to start saving on electricity in your home. Smart decisions can lead to big decreases in monthly energy bill. Smart thermostats are just one of the ways that savings can be put back in your hands. Contact you local Expert Electric at 604-681-8338 for more information.

Halloween is no doubt one of the most festive times of the year and decorating for the season is a fun and cherished pastime enjoyed by many families. Unfortunately, as almost all Electrical Companies In Dallas will tell you, Halloween can also be one of the most dangerous holidays of the year. The electrical experts at Dallas Electrician, ElectricMan Inc. would like for you and your family to enjoy the ghoulish festivities while practicing electrical safety, so here are a few tips for making the most out of decorating for this exciting time of year.

The Hazards of Halloween Decor

When people talk about Halloween decorations, they’re often thinking about lots of lights combined with smoke machines, spiderwebs and paper decorations, all of which can be cheaply made. The down side of these homemade special effects is that many of these decorations are made of highly flammable material which, if left unattended and in close proximity to electrical lighting, can be anything but fun.

Another problem that often arises from Halloween decorating comes from using electrical lighting and components with electrical wiring that has become cracked and damaged over time. Any cracks in the insulation or damage to the wires can prove frightening and sometimes even deadly. Furthermore, heavy usage of lighting and decorations that require electricity can put a strain on extension cords, power strips and electrical outlets in your home, straining your home’s circuits.

Tips for Safe Decorating

You don’t have to leave the Halloween spirit behind to celebrate safely. Follow these easy-to-remember safety tips when Halloween decorating with your family for the ultimate ghoulish celebration:

Electrical Companies In Dallas That You Can Trust

In over 27 years of electrical experience, ElectricMan Inc. has seen too many families in danger as a result of careless and unnecessary oversights in the use of lighting and electronics. With a little care, a little caution, mixed in with some common sense, your family can enjoy the candy and the costumes and not have to be worried about electrical fires.

For more information on electrical safety and how you can protect your home and your family, or if you need local Electrical Companies In Dallas to help you with any electrical issues you may have,  call ElectricMan Inc. at 972-792-7270 or read more of the wealth of information at the ElectricMan Blog!