Just like every other industry, the electrical industry is constantly changing and improving. Sticking with out-dated practices will leave electrical contracting companies behind their competitors. A high quality, leading electrical management team stays ahead of the industry and keeps their services up-to-date and revolutionized.

As stated above, the electrical industry is changing rapidly. Just a few years ago building owners were changing their lighting from “old technology” T12 fluorescent lamps and magnetic ballasts to T8 lamps with electronic ballasts. This resulted in more uniform lighting that was less expensive to operate. Then came the T5 lamps and now …. LED lamps and fixtures. The new LED fixtures and lamps can result in an enormous energy savings, but buyer beware. Many manufacturers and contractors have sprung up to chase the new LED lighting market. Some of them are reputable and deliver a good product, but some of them are fledging and can leave a client “in-the-dark.” Thus, if you are in the market for energy savings through lighting make sure you deal with an experienced electrical manufacture and contractor.

You have probably heard about electrical safety since the time you can remember. However, because we are so used to using electricity and having it around us all the time, we rarely stop to really think about it. Complacency can be dangerous. It is important to take a step back and really look at your home and surroundings. Are there any electrical hazards looming? Are you practicing safe electrical habits? An electrician in Burbank has some quick tips for you to practice. You can always call The Electric Connection to learn more and ask more in depth questions about electrical safety.

1-Only have electrical work in your home completed by a qualified Burbank electrician.

2-Plug large appliances like refrigerator, oven and microwave directly into an outlet.

3-Use GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bathroom area. These should be installed by an electrician. Burbank residents can protect themselves from electric shock in areas where water is present with this type of outlet.

4-Don’t make extension cords a permanent solution. If you need more outlets, have some installed by an electrician.

5-Don’t plug more than one heat producing appliance i.e. toaster, space heater, coffee maker, into an outlet at the same time.

6-Have all remodel work completed by an electrician.

7-If you are buying a new home, have it inspected by an electrician first.

8-Only use lightbulbs that are appropriate for a light fixture.

9-Ensure electrical cords are not damaged or at risk of being damaged from being run across walkways or smashed in doors.

10-If you experience a tingling feeling or small jolt when plugging in an appliance, stop! Don’t use the appliance until you can have the outlet inspected.

These are quick, basic tips that can actually prevent serious injury. If you have any questions or need an electrician to complete some work or an electrical inspection, give The Electric Connection a call today.

The best lighting jobs are the ones that aren’t noticeable. Have you ever walked into a room and just felt warm, comfortable and at home? It was probably the light placement and selection in the room that gave you that unforgettable feeling. With the right tools and tips in mind, you can also have that within each room of your home.

In order to effectively use your lighting to enhance your home’s décor, you must first consider the function of your room, the natural light source and the mood you are looking to achieve in your room. With this in mind, you can transform the look and feel of your home!

Knowing the function of your room will allow you to select the appropriate type of lights and placement in the room. For instance, a reading room will have soft lights with intentionally placed reading lamps whereas a kitchen will be a lot brighter and will be equipped with a number of task lights – each room can have very different functions therefore using different light sources and equipment.

Once you have determined the function for each room, you should then discover the natural or ambient light provided throughout the day. In the morning, afternoon and evening, take the time to turn off all your lights and see where the natural light source may come from and how it can be appropriately supported. You may have a street lamp right outside your living room that still provides a considerable amount of light, meaning you may not need to add as much light as you would have assumed for the evenings.

Lastly, you should determine the specific mood you are looking to achieve for your room. Romantic, bright, warm, calm, energetic – there is a number of different effects you could be searching for based on your room and décor. In a living room, we generally recommend a central light to add to the ambient light in the room and then use small accent lights to highlight main decorative objects in your room like a painting, mirror or even a plant.

With the function, natural light source and mood of your room in mind, you can transform your home with simple adjustments to your lighting. For more tips on how to improve the lighting of your home or to have a professional help with the installation, contact Expert Electric at 604-681-8338.

Have you thought about dressing up your house so to speak? A fresh coat of paint, a new piece of art on the wall or even a new plant or sofa can help add a little life to a room. It is exciting to walk into a room that has a new look. You don’t always have to spend a lot of money to make your home look a little different. Consider hiring a Santa Monica electrician to install a new chandelier in your entryway or dining room. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help.

The new chandelier models that are currently on the market today are gorgeous. Many of the chandeliers are designed to look old fashioned, but they are designed to accommodate energy efficient bulbs. If you have an old chandelier hanging in your home right now, you have probably discovered the CFL bulbs don’t fit. It may not seem like a big deal right now, but the bulbs are being phased out. It is time to replace your old chandelier with one that suits your personal style.

Take some time looking at the vast variety of chandeliers that are currently available. This will take some time. Once you have made the decision, call an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners will want to make sure the fixture is hung appropriately and securely. New wiring may be needed if the existing wiring is outdated or worn. Your electrician will be able to determine the status once the original fixture is removed. If you don’t have a chandelier, but want one, your electrician will need to run new wiring to the area. Part of the installation process will include adding a dimmer switch so you can control the amount of light emitted from the chandelier. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your chandelier installation.