Tag: outdoor lighting

Best Outdoor Lighting for Homes

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Best Outdoor LightingTaking on a new lighting project can be difficult and confusing. You need to decide what type of lighting you want to use. Then figure out which fixtures work best in each room. Do you want dimmable lighting? How about lighting on timers? There’s a lot of decision making that goes into a new lighting project.

Outdoor lighting is a completely different story. While there are safety concerns when changing the lighting inside your home, you have to deal with the climate changes outside. All lighting outside must use outdoor-rated fixtures. This means that it must be fit for use with all the weather changes. If it rains, it needs to be safe from water. While it sounds like a difficult task, when an outdoor lighting project is completed, it can be very rewarding.

Which Outdoor Lighting To Install?

Choosing what type of outdoor lighting you want to install is the first step. Decide what you are trying to accomplish with your lights. Do you want to highlight your landscape features? Is your walkway too dark and you need more security? Or do you just want to see your friends’ and family’s faces while enjoying a nice evening on your patio? Figuring out your objective will help narrow down the best outdoor lighting to install.

When to Install Outdoor Lighting?

The best time to install the lighting outdoors depends, again, on what type of lighting you need. A simple fixture on a wall can be added at any time. If you’re looking to highlight your garden and want to hide the wires, the best time to install it would be before you plant your next prize-winning rose bush. This way you can hide all the wire underground without disturbing your beloved plants. An electrician can better guide you after taking a walk through of your outdoor space.

Why Choose Outdoor Lighting?

There are a lot of reasons to install outdoor lighting. These range from wanting to show off your new garden or to entertaining family and friends. Your outdoor space can become almost like a new room in your home when properly lit. Here are some reasons why you might want to add lighting to the outside of your home.

  • Safety and security
  • Highlight features of your yard
  • Entertaining friends or family on a patio
  • Lighting the pool for a nighttime swim
  • Another decorative device

You can see there are a lot of reasons to install outdoor lighting at your home. To figure out which outdoor lighting is best for you, consult an electrician. They will be able to help you decide what works best for your outdoor space and your budget.

The Electric Connection in Los Angeles has been providing electrical services to the people in and around the city for over 30 years. We are happy to help pick out what outdoor lighting for your pool or yard is the best. We offer many different lighting services. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Please give us a call if you have any questions at (818) 446-0888.

Professional Electrical Repairs by Glendale Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electricon4_5-16Part of owning a home means you will always have something to do. There are always going to be things to fix, things to update and little improvements that need to be done to make the home work a little better for your family and its needs. It is a source of pride for many homeowners to take care of these little jobs themselves. It gives you a feeling of accomplishment when you finally stop that door from squeaking or the one stair from creaking. Then there are the big jobs. The jobs where you turn to your phone book or the internet to find help from a professional. Electrical issues are one of those things that you will want to call a professional electrician. Glendale homeowners can rely on the experience of the team at The Electric Connection to take care of any electrical problems that arise.

It doesn’t matter if your home was built last year or fifty years ago, there are always going to be little things that need adjusting and fixing. It is part of the joy of home ownership. The property is yours to do as you will and that includes any all of the electrical components. An electrician in Glendale can help you with some of the more common electrical problems a homeowner will face.

  • Update old outlets
  • Add additional outlets
  • Install a dimmer switch
  • Replace faulty light switches
  • Replace faulty light fixtures
  • Investigate/replace tripping breaker
  • Replace doorbell
  • Replace outdoor lighting that no longer works

This is a small sampling of some of the more common problems homeowners will face with their electrical. Time and regular use tends to wear down anything and your electrical components in the home are not immune. You can rely on a Glendale electrician to take care of the repairs quickly and safely. Cross them off your list and stick with the items that are not dangerous. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your electrical repairs.

Revamping the Outdoors with an Electrician in Burbank

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electricon3_4-16With the spring weather upon us, it is time to get outside and really enjoy the outdoors. Although it stays lighter longer, the evenings are still warm and beckoning, even though it is a bit dark. For early birds, getting up with the sun is exciting and invigorating. This is the time they like to go out and get the paper, water the blooming flowers or just sit outside and enjoy the sounds of nature when they are not masked by the hustle and bustle of life. If you have been out and about in the early mornings or late at night, you have probably noticed your outdoor lighting. Is it looking a little boring or maybe just a little too dark? An electrician in Burbank, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you revamp the outdoor lighting and make your yard much more inviting and safe.

When you step out your front door, you want to be able to see around the yard and if your car is in the driveway, being able to get a good clear view. This can be achieved with new lighting installed by your electrician. Burbank homeowners will appreciate the safety that comes with adequate and attractive lighting around these areas.

In the backyard or on your porch or patio, you will want enough light to read the morning paper, do a crossword or to talk with someone while looking at their face. It also allows you to see where you are going and whether or not the chairs are wet with dew. A little lighting installed by a Burbank electrician can completely change the way a space looks and feels. You will be inclined to spend more time outdoors when you know you can see clearly. Give The Electric Connection a call today and see what changes and upgrades you can make to your outdoor lighting.

Outside Lighting with Your Pasadena Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electricon5_2-16Your landscaping is the first thing people see when they arrive at your house and the last thing they see when they leave. Lighting can make or break the way your house looks and feels. A dark, dreary house is going to look uninviting to some, but will look very inviting for those who will take advantage of the darkness. It is important you make your home inviting as well as safe with the installation of landscape and security lighting by an electrician. Pasadena homeowners can rely on The Electric Connection to help them transform their home’s yard into one that is beautiful and safe.

There are plenty of options when it comes to lighting up your yard and landscaping. You can choose to go with nice and bright or low and subtle. Mounted security lights are an excellent option and can easily be installed by your Pasadena electrician. Many of these lights are equipped with motion sensors. As soon as you step outside or pull your car into the driveway, the area will be flooded with light. This means you won’t have to worry about fumbling in the dark while you look for a switch.

Pathway lights and lights that shine on a particularly special point of interest in the yard are also excellent options. These add a layer of safety as well as make it look a little nicer. Solar lights are easily placed, but your electrician in Pasadena will tell you electric lights are a little more reliable. They also stay bright throughout the night while many of the solar lights will fade and become dim by the wee hours of the morning. Electric lights give you full control and will last for years. Give The Electric Connection a call today and get your outdoor lighting installed before spring arrives.

Improving Office Lighting with Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins
Interior of the empty modern business office
Interior of the empty modern business office

Working indoors with very little windows can be depressing. An office that is full of bored employees who long to see the outdoors can have a negative impact on the work environment in general. One way an employer can change that is by updating the lights in the work space. The lights don’t necessarily need to be brighter, but more aesthetically appealing. An electrician in Santa Monica can help you work through some of the lighting options available and help you decide which lights would best accomplish your goal of creating a cheerier, more inviting work environment. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help.

The typical fluorescent lights that are in an office can be harsh to work under day in and day out. The eyes tend to strain under the lights. A Santa Monica electrician can install new lights that resemble the daylight outside and are more energy efficient. Maybe the office is dark because of a lack of lights in general. This is something that can be quickly fixed by an electrician. Santa Monica managers and business owners who want to brighten up the employee work space or maybe spruce up the area where customers frequent will appreciate the expertise of a professional. Lighting can make a huge difference in a room or large space. Lots of light makes it look bigger and of course, brighter and more inviting.

Because your business needs to remain professional, you only want contractors in the work area who reflect those same high standards. Choosing a team that wears clean uniforms and maintains a professional demeanor while in the work place is important. You don’t want customers to see an unprofessional crew working behind the scenes. It gives a bad impression. When you call The Electric Connection, you can be assured you will get a professional team who will adhere to your high standards.

Holiday Lighting Safety Tips by Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins
Overloaded electrical power strip with Christmas lights in background
Overloaded electrical power strip with Christmas lights in background

It is almost time to head to the garage or attic or wherever you have stored your lights and other decorations all year. It is exciting to pull out the holiday decorations that signal a time of giving and family. The family loves the work you put into decking the halls and making your home bright and beautiful. However, it is important you are practicing safe decorating tips provided by your electrician in Santa Monica. The team at The Electric Connection wants you to enjoy this holiday season without putting yourself or your home at risk.

Limit the Strands

Don’t get carried away connecting light strands together. You should not connect more than three strands together to plug into a single socket. If you don’t have enough outlets to run all of your decorations, call an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners will love the freedom and flexibility additional outlets give them, especially outside.

Proper Usage

While most lights and decorations are designed to be used inside and out, there are some that specifically note indoors only. Don’t risk putting these outside as they could short out and cause a fire. You can read the box or the tag near the plug to determine whether it is indoor only.

Appropriate Extension Cords

You will likely need to use a couple of extension cords, but you need to make sure they are appropriate for use outdoors. You also want to make sure you are not connecting several cords together. A Santa Monica electrician explains this could be hazardous if water or snow managed to get between the two connections. Buy cords that are long enough to suit your needs so you don’t have to connect them together.

Decorating should be a fun job—not dangerous. If you need outlets or have any additional questions about electric safety when decorating, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Preparing for Outdoor Holiday Decor with Pasadena Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_5If you are big on decking your home out for the holidays, now is the time to start thinking about your holiday decorating needs. October through January is a big season for outdoor decorating. Going big with lots of lights, inflatable snowmen or a scary scene all require the services of an electrician in Pasadena. It can be a lot of fun to have the best decorated house on the block, but it requires a lot of electricity to run all of the lights, air machines and moving figures. The team at The Electric Connection is ready to help you get your home ready for the best holiday display on the block.

All of those lights require a lot of outlets. Running extension cords across the lawn can be a bit of an eyesore as well as a safety hazard. Extension cords can get damaged by heavy foot traffic or be tripped over. If you can avoid using a lot of extension cords, it is a good thing. Your Pasadena electrician can help you do just that by installing multiple outdoor outlets around the yard and the house. This will allow you to plug your lights and decorations directly into an outlet without worrying about an extension cord. It will look better and be safer.

For those who like to go big, you have probably run into tripping breakers when somebody in the house wanted to use the microwave or run the furnace. If you have to sit in the dark inside the house while your light display is running outside, you probably need to call an electrician. Pasadena homeowners who do elaborate light displays should consider having an additional panel or dedicated breaker to run the lights. This ensures your lights will always be on—inside and out. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your holiday home lighting upgrade.

New Home Construction Requires Electrical Contractor

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_07_5New home construction is a dream many families have. There is a great deal of satisfaction to picking and choosing the layout of your home and adding elements that are specific to your family’s needs as well as your own decorative tastes. There are plenty of contractors who will give you the freedom to have a say in the planning stages, including what electrician company is hired to complete the work. Home construction has many elements. You will need plumbers, electricians, framers, painters and landscapers. Having a say in the hiring decision ensure you are getting the chance to choose the best company possible. At The Electric Connection, we understand your desire to check references and see our work.
Some of the things that an electrician will be required to do for your new home construction are as follows;

*Install the electric panel. This is the hub of the electricity to your house. The electrician will ensure it is adequate for your home.

*Install the proper wiring for large appliances like the refrigerator, washer and dryer.

*Complete the wiring needed for outlets and switches. Wiring will need to be properly installed to pass inspection. The electrician will ensure the wiring is tight and secure to each of your outlets and switches.

*If you are having a standby generator installed, the electrician will take care of that as well.

*If landscaping is a part of your new home construction, your electrician can take care of installing and hooking up your outdoor lighting as well.

These elements may not look like much on paper, but the electrical wiring in a home is one of the most crucial elements. It is absolutely essential the work is completed by a competent and experienced electrical contractor to ensure the home is safe. This will also reduce the risk for future service calls. Give The Electric Connection a call today and see what we can do to help you fulfill your dream of new home construction.

Fall Outdoor Lighting with Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

electriccon_09_2The air is changing, the kids are back to school and it won’t be long before we embark on the busy holiday season. With the rush to get the kids to school, attending various sports events and keeping up with life in general, your landscaping and upkeep will likely take a back seat. With summer coming to an end, outdoor barbecues and family football games will be few and far between. However, on those rare events when you do have some downtime and want to enjoy the outdoors, you will need outdoor lighting. Your electrician in Beverly Hills can help you with that. The team at The Electric Connection knows how important your time is and is ready to help you take care of your outdoor lighting project.

With the fall and winter seasons, daylight is in short supply. Having adequate outdoor lighting becomes a necessity. It isn’t something you can actually do without. A Beverly Hills electrician can complete the installation of electric lights around your landscaping and in areas where there is high traffic. Your front walkway area, driveway and back patio or deck are all places that will be a little safer and more inviting with light. Lighting up your shrubs is also a safety measure that ensures animals and humans are not lurking in the darkness.

Solar lights are quick and easy, but they simply do not provide the steady, bright electric lights that are installed by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will appreciate the clean look a professional installation brings. The ease of having a timer installed on the lights is another benefit to hiring an electrician. A timer ensures the lights are on when you get home. You don’t have to walk through the dark to turn them on. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your outdoor lighting installation.

Updating the Kitchen with Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

cap_09With fall on the horizon and all of your outdoor duties winding down, it is time to take a look around the inside of your house. Fall and winter means there will be plenty of opportunities for indoor entertaining. Your kitchen is the center of that entertainment and you will want to have it in excellent condition as you prepare for holiday feasts and celebrations. A kitchen upgrade, update or remodel is an excellent way to get you ready while improving the value of your home. You will of course need an electrician in Los Angeles to help you with your kitchen update. The team at The Electric Connection is familiar with all aspects of remodels and upgrades and ready to help.

There are plenty of little things you can do that will give your kitchen a more modern look while making it more functional. You don’t always have to go with a huge remodel that includes putting in new cabinets and countertops.

*Lighting is a huge factor in the overall look and feel of a room. A Los Angeles electrician can replace old lights and add new ones that brighten up the space while making it look brand new.
*New appliances are another way to give a kitchen an entirely new look. With new appliance installation, it is a good idea to have the old outlets and breakers inspected by an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners will want to make sure their new appliances will last a while and having the proper electrical connections will help.
*Hardware on the cabinets is another quick and easy trick to making a kitchen look a little different. This is a quick job you can do yourself in just a few hours.

*Adding LED lighting under the cabinets is an excellent way to brighten up your countertops and give your kitchen a whole new look.

Kitchen upgrades are always appreciated by the cook in the house. Anything to make meal prep a little easier and enjoyable will be accepted with gratitude. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your kitchen upgrades.