Category: Lighting

Lights Flickering? We have the solution!

Posted on | by K Hopkins

Flickering lights are almost impossible to ignore. They can be very annoying and dangerous if not solved. Flickering lights can be fun and raise no cause for alarm if the lights in question are decorative lights.

Here is why your lights are flickering and the possible solutions to restore your peace of mind.

Something to do with the bulb
Flickering lights may mean an issue with the light bulb, and this can occur in several ways.

Loose bulb – A loose bulb is probably good news because it means the problem is a poor connection. This usually applies when you have one flickering light. Turn off the power and use a gloved hand to unscrew the bulb carefully and then screw it back in.

Fluorescent bulbs – With fluorescent bulbs, it is almost normal to experience a brief flicker for about a minute after the light is turned on. To avoid this, you can replace your fluorescent bulbs with LED lights.

Faulty bulbs – Faulty or burned out bulbs can flicker as a sign that they need replacement. If a new bulb works better, then problem solved.

Dimmer switch – A dimmer switch comes in handy for lighting control and comfort but the bulb connected to this switch must be compatible. An incompatible bulb may flicker or you may even experience strobe light. Simply replace the flickering lights with a compatible one.

Outlets and Switches
Most lights are hard wired to a wall outlet or switch. Check the outlets for any sign of fault or wear. Flip the switch on and off while listening closely and observing the changes. If the outlets or wall switches are the culprits, a replacement will solve the problem.

Wiring
When it’s none of the above, then you must consider a problem with the wiring of the fixture itself. Sometimes this can be fixed. Weigh your options if a repair is a better choice than a replacement.

Surges
Minor power surges can cause lights to flicker. These surges can occur when a demanding appliance comes on or during lightning strikes. This may not be a cause for alarm but over time it can become dangerous for your lighting system. A professional electrician can inspect and proffer a solution in this case.

A sign of outdated wiring
Flickering lights can be a sign of outdated wiring in the home. They show that your system is unreliable and needs an upgrade. This is not something you can troubleshoot or handle on your own. It can only be confirmed by an electrical technician.

Do You Need An Electrician to Install a Chandelier?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

chandelier installationChandeliers are valuable lights admired for the elegance and lighting quality they bring to a room. Any chandelier can add glamour and beauty to a home or even a commercial building. They come in various sizes, shapes, and designs. Some people believe that chandeliers are for high ceilings and dining rooms. A chandelier is actually quite versatile as it can be used in any part of the home and with both low and high ceilings.

There is a common debate people have about the installation of a chandelier. Some believe it can be a simple DIY process because a chandelier is still a light fixture. Others acknowledge that it is an electrical matter and should be handled by an electrician. Going DIY on your chandelier installation will save you cost but it is not safe or ideal. Any mistake can disrupt your entire electrical system or affect all the fixtures in the home or building.

A standard electrical box which is present in any light fixture installation can hold only 50 pounds. Regular chandeliers weigh more than that; hence it is necessary to determine if you need a support system before finishing the installation. It is almost impossible for a homeowner to do this. So, the best option is to hire a professional electrician. The electrician can handle any size of chandeliers and their wiring needs.

How to choose an electrician for your chandelier installation
Although you need an electrician to install a chandelier in your home, you must also take precautions when hiring. The wrong choice can lead to mistakes and regrets. The electrician you hire must be experienced and licensed. This is important because chandeliers are delicate and you must be familiar with their diversity to install them properly. Do a background check on the electrician and ask for references you can check out. Ensure the electrician is insured. Usually, you do not require a permit to carry out this installation but if the nature of your task demands a permit, then ensure the electrician has them.

Finally, consider the cost. The cost of hiring an electrician for this installation varies. Most electrical technicians charge per hour and the hourly cost is between $40 and $100. You may pay a total quote of between $300 and $2000 depending on the hours spent, size of the chandelier, and service provided. Remember to ask the electrician about the hardware to be used, cleanup, and estimated time needed.

Reach out to us at The Electric Connection
We know how delicate and yet majestic chandeliers are. Our professional, licensed, and experienced electricians are experts at a chandelier installation. We complete the job swiftly and ensure there’s little to clean up afterwards.

Light Fixture Installation Services Near Me

Posted on | by K Hopkins

We often see light fixture installations as the easiest tasks of an electrician. Hence, most people try to do them without professional help. A light fixture is described as an electrical device containing an electric lamp. They usually come with an installed switch for users to control the light. For light fixtures to work, they must be connected to a power source. Common examples are your ceiling lights, chandelier, outdoor lights and so on.

An experienced electrician can install any light fixture you need in your house or commercial building. Here are some types of light fixtures installation services.

Recessed light fixture service
This type of light fixture is usually installed above the ceiling with about 6 inches clearance and insulation to avoid the effects of condensation. The insulation is important for recessed lights because lights can heat up and with one above the ceiling there is little exposure to air like other fixtures.

Recessed lights are different from other lights as they do not spread. They send a narrow band of light in a single direction. Recessed light installations are ideal for task lighting, ambient lighting, or accent lighting.

Architectural light fixture service
Architectural lighting refers to lights integrated into a room’s structure. They are of 3 types which are cove, soffit, and valance. Cove lights are installed in areas like a ledge or shelf. Soffit lighting is located on a corner or edge of the ceiling. While cove lighting bounces on the wall, soffit lighting washes the walls with light. Valance lighting is usually placed over a window or high up on a wall. It is located in either glass, metal, or wood. Its rays also bounce off the walls. Architectural lighting is vital in every home or building and is used as ambient lighting.

Other types of light fixtures include track lights which are mounted from the ceiling. The fixture is linear; that is along a track, adjustable, and commonly used for task lighting purposes. Under cabinet, lights are installed under kitchen cabinets for better illumination with kitchen tasks. There is also pendant lights and chandeliers which are decorative and illuminate a large area.

Choosing an Electrician for Light Fixture Installation Near You

All electrical installations should be carried out by an electrician. Mistakes made by an amateur or inexperienced homeowner with the installation can lead to burning wires, electrical hazards, damaged fixtures, faulty fixtures, and much more. Here are the steps for choosing an electrician near you for light fixtures installation services.

  • When installing chandeliers, always choose an electrician with similar experience. Chandeliers require an expert to be properly mounted and functional. They are different from traditional light fixtures, so care should be taken in this area.
  • Perform a background check on the electrician you hire. If you are hiring from an electrical company, you can look to their portfolio, reviews, and website to get a feel of their work.
  • Ensure the electrical technician is licensed by asking for a copy of the license. This is important to avoid do-overs at extra cost.

New Lighting Installation in Your Home

Posted on | by K Hopkins

recessed lighting installationAn electrical contractor will always tell you that good lighting is everything. These are not empty words as both homeowners and store owners can agree. The benefits and functions of light in any location are numerous. It is one of the primary reasons we use electricity. Lighting illuminates a space to give you clarity and vision, but in contemporary times they do even more. Lights can boost your business in a commercial building. They can improve security, productivity, and efficiency. Also, studies have shown that lights can be associated with good mood and a relaxed mind.

Lighting installations are performed by electrical technicians. These installations range from simple tasks such as light fixtures to more complex installations like recessed lighting. To give you some insight, here are different types of new lighting installations.

Track lighting
Like the name sounds, track lighting involves more than one light installed along a fixture. These lights can be controlled to light up any general direction. This makes them efficient. Track lighting can also add beauty to a place because of their unique placement.

Recessed lights
These lights are installed in the ceiling but are different because the fixtures cannot be seen. You can think of recessed lighting as a bulb pushed into the ceiling till all you can see is the light emanating from a circle above. There are a variety of recessed lights but you should hire a professional electrician to install them.

Wall lighting
Wall light fixtures protrude from drywall. They have to be hard-wired into your home. People mostly use wall lighting for aesthetic purposes. They also offer a wide variety in design.

Pendant lighting and Chandeliers
This is the category for chandeliers and other dropping light fixtures. They light up any space but also have decorative functions. Chandeliers have several forms and are often called premium lights. They might not drop to the ground but their exotic structures add length to these lights. Pendant lighting and chandeliers should be chosen and installed carefully because they are very visible and can set a theme for their location.

Under cabinet lights
You would want under cabinet lights installed in the kitchen to aid you during food preparation. They can also be any size and shape.

Tips for Choosing Lighting Installations in the Home

  • Always consider the ceiling height when deciding what installations to use. Low ceilings work better with recessed lights and not pendant lights.
  • It is important to know your lighting installations plan before construction of your home. This way the structure doesn’t deprive you of the fixtures you desire. However, if you live in a rented apartment, your choices might be limited to following the already provided structure.
  • There is no rule against infusing creativity in your lighting installation plans. Discuss your ideas with the electrical contractor to know if they are possible.
  • Ensure that you think of function before aesthetics. Hence, your first lighting installations should be exterior lights, basement lights, lights in the stairs, and so on.

Recessed Lighting Installation

Posted on | by K Hopkins

pot lightingRecessed lighting are also known as downlights. They differ from regular lighting that drops from the ceiling. Recessed lighting is installed within the ceiling and only the shining light can be seen. They appear as a light shining from a hole in the ceiling.

These lights vary in size and shape like regular lights. They comprise of two visible parts called the trim and baffles. Trim refers to the metal or plastic circle that fits on the ceiling helping to secure it. The baffles are the inner insert that helps to reflect the light. The shape and form of the baffle would determine how the light is reflected.

A lot of buildings use recessed lighting instead of other types of lighting. Their installation requires an electrical technician to avoid problems. You can hire an electrician that offers recessed lighting installation near you. These lights are unique and suitable for movie theatres, stores, kitchens in homes, shower stalls, even schools.

The benefits of recessed lighting installations

  • Waterproof
    Unlike other light fixtures, recessed lighting are waterproof. This makes them suitable for a water-intensive environment like shower stalls. When they come in contact with water, they do not go bad or pose a threat.
  • Always in style
    As more houses are built, manufacturers continuously come up with new products or designs. Some light fixtures are recognized as relics of the past because later models replaced them. Recessed lights are different because they are unusual and trend-proof. They do not go out of style and this makes them a good option for commercial buildings.
  • No visible fixtures
    This is a valuable benefit of recessed lights. They make ceilings look neat and organized as the fixtures lay hidden within the ceiling. Other types of lights such as lamps and dropping ceiling lights have exposed fixtures which can be dangerous and give the ceiling a busy appearance.
  • Full room illumination
    Lights sometimes can reach only a limited space when installed, but with the proper recessed lighting installation near you, the room can become fully illuminated. This is highly beneficial.
  • Suitable for low ceilings
    There are some parts of the home such as basements, with a low ceiling. Regular light will not be suitable for such rooms. Recessed lighting is an ideal option for low ceilings because they occupy less space but illuminate the room as needed.

Why you need a professional for recessed lighting installation near you
There are DIY methods available for homeowners or property owners to attempt installing recessed lights themselves. However, it is always better to call an experienced electrician from The Electric Connection for your electrical services.

Recessed lighting has to be properly installed to ensure they are secured to the ceiling. There is also the matter of insulation. Some recessed lights need to be covered with insulation to prevent the heat given off from starting a fire or other problems. An electrical technician will professionally complete the installation within stipulated electrical codes. This guarantees durability and allows you to seek the opinion of the electrician for the appropriate recessed lights to install.

Where to Find Lighting Installations in My Area

Posted on | by K Hopkins

lighting installationLighting is the use of light for aesthetic or practical effects. There’s the need for adequate lighting all around us. Lighting can be from natural or artificial light sources. However, during most hours of the day, daylight is used to illuminate buildings.

Lighting installation primary refers to the use of artificial light such as lamps, light fixtures, and so on. It requires the expertise of an electrician to be placed or installed properly in the home. Lighting installation can most times require an established process. This consists of:

Auditing
The electrical technician would carry out an inspection or survey on the home or property to determine its complete lighting needs. This includes the exterior and interior lighting requirements, energy saving needs, aesthetic needs, practical lighting requirements, security lighting, and much more.

Consultation
After carrying out a survey on the property, the electrician would inform you on what is best for your lighting installations. From the audit, the electrical technician can determine what works best for your home and give you enough details to make informed decisions.

Lighting Installation
Following the consultation and your decisions, the lighting installation project will begin. A professional electrician would acquire the needed tools and materials to complete the installation process in a suitable time. Regardless of if your home is small or large, the procedure remains the same from auditing to installation. However, every home or buildings has its unique and specific lighting needs. Which is why an initial audit is necessary.

Importance of good lighting

Lighting is valuable to buildings, homes, workplaces, and so on. Its benefits can only be experienced when lighting installation is carried out by a licensed electrician.

Here are some benefits and the importance of good lighting.

Enhances productivity
Studies have shown that light can affect people in several ways. The most common effect is an increase in productivity. Workers can be greatly inspired, motivated, and encouraged by a well-designed lighting system in the workplace.

Adds value
A properly installed lighting system adds value to a home or building. It makes it appealing to potential investors and even regular home visitors. Lighting facilitates organization and beauty in any space. Well-lighted businesses experience more traffic than others because light increases desirability.

Security
Lighting plays a major role in the security and safety of any building. A well-lighted environment helps to deter intruders and give you a clear view of your surroundings. It can also contribute to alarm systems and other safety mechanisms in the home.

Energy Saving
With the right electrical technician, lighting installation can help to save energy cost rather than increase it. Lighting can be customized or installed to increase efficiency in the home or workplace while saving you from more bills.

You can get a complete and proper lighting installation service from a reputable electrical company or professional electrician. At The Electric Connection we can provide lighting installation services for any building. Contact us to get started and give you satisfaction.

Installing Recessed Lighting for Dramatic Effect

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles recessed lightingRecessed lighting can make an old room stunning again. By installing recessed lighting, you can make any room in your home look and feel brand new. Most people think you need to have access to the attic or tear up the ceilings to install new lighting, but that actually isn’t the case! With the help of a professional electrician, you can install recessed lighting in any room of your home.

If you’re thinking about adding new recessed lighting in your home but don’t want to create a mess, you’re in luck. A licensed electrician can help you get recessed lighting installed with no hassle at all. The only clean up necessary is a little bit of patching work. With a simple, small slot cut into the ceiling, an electrician is able to thread the wires through. This helps complete the project with minimal damage to your home.

Recessed lighting, or canned lighting, is a great way to accent different areas in a room. It’s great for kitchens to help illuminate different countertops but can be used in really any situation. This type of lighting is made of metal light housings that are installed just about the ceiling. The only thing visible is a small trim and a little bit of inner baffle. They are usually from 3″ to 6″ in diameter.

Canned lights are best used in situations that required illumination only, rooms with low ceilings, and in areas that require waterproofing. In addition to use in the kitchen, showers are a great place to install recessed lighting. It’s usually unwise to use them in situations that require a directional light or near insulation.

It’s best to discuss all of your concerns with your electrician before starting a new lighting project. They will help you understand what type of lighting is best in every area of your home. The electrician will tell you what you need and where you need it. When you work with a professional electrician, you can be sure that your next lighting project will be completed efficiently and correctly.

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing homeowners and businesses alike with expert electrical services for over 35 Years. We’ve built a company of highly experienced, certified electricians to serve your electrical needs.

Can Recessed Lighting Touch Insulation

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

recessed lighting installationA good look and design might not always be associated with efficiency. As homeowners, we want to be proud of our homes and we want to show them off to family, friends, and neighbors. The lighting in our homes should be modest unless you’re trying to display a beautiful lamp. The ideal range of an energy bill is low but that doesn’t mean we should cut corners.

Recessed lighting is a great choice if you want unobtrusive and energy efficient lighting but it can become very got. When turned on, a recessed light fixture produces a lot of heat inside the housing. This, in turn, makes the housing, which is located inside the ceiling, hot itself. Since recessed lighting is installed inside the ceiling, there is a chance that it may come into contact with insulation. This can often lead to fire hazards if not installed properly.

Fortunately, there is a solution. IC-rated recessed can lights are built with an outer wall that protects against any combustions that may occur if insulation were to come into contact with the housing.

What if you already have recessed lighting installed?

If you are unsure what type of recessed lighting you have installed and are worried it may be a potential fire hazard, it might be best to contact a local electrician. The electrician will be able to determine if the lighting you have is IC-rated, if it’s too close to the insulation, and if you need new lighting installed. You can also check yourself. Simply find the tag on the housing unit to see if it says “Type IC” or “Non-IC”. If you’re lighting is IC-rated, you are good to go. If not, you need to find out if it is too close to the insulation or not. If you have an accessible attic space, you can do this easily. If not, it may require a little more finesse.

If you do not already have IC-rated recessed lighting and the fixtures are close to the insulation, you have two choices: remove the insulation or contact an electrician for help. Unfortunately, removing the insulation might not be the best solution as you are messing with your home’s environment. Contacting an electrician for advice is the best bet here. They will be able to provide you with solutions that best fit your needs and that will keep your home safe.

The Electric Connection has been installing all types of lighting in the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. We have technicians providing excellent electrical services all over the city. If you need recessed lighting installed or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Installing Recessed Lights in 2018

Posted on | by K Hopkins

recessed lightingWhen you think about installing recessed lighting, it might seem like a quick and easy process but in reality, there is a lot that goes into it. The first step is to choose the right recessed lighting for your room.

When looking at recessed lighting, there are two different components you need to consider – the housing and the trim. These can both be sold separately. The housing can be found in the ceiling and holds all the electrical components. The trim is what is seen below the ceiling and includes the style and the directional parts of the light.

The next thing to consider when installing recessed lighting is what you actually want the lighting to do. Speak with your designer or your contractor to set up a lighting plan. In this plan, you should decide what you want your recessed lighting to do. Are you looking to provide a general lighting for the room, highlight artwork, or add additional lighting to the already set up lighting? Recessed lighting is very flexible.

Choose your style next. Recessed lighting can be hidden but you can also use to show off the style of your room. You can choose the trim, shape, and style of your recessed lighting. From different colors to shapes, use your recessed lighting to complement other areas in your room.

Recessed lighting is a great choice for your home’s lighting system. A professional electrician can recommend the best set up for your situation.

The Electric Connection has been providing Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with electrical services for over 30 years. Our electricians are experts in installing every type of lighting on the market. Please contact us to get on the schedule!

3 Ways to Utilize Recessed Lighting

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

los angeles recessed lightingWhen you are considering what types of lighting to use in your home, it’s important to think about how best to highlight the best features of a room, create an atmosphere that is inviting, and improve the functionality of a room. You need to choose the best mix of lighting to give your room the most life. Recessed lighting is an excellent way to create an inviting and functional room that is sure to keep you and your family happy.

How is recessed lighting best used?

Recessed lighting has many functionalities and can be used in pretty much any room in your home. We have compiled a list of the three best ways to utilize recessed lighting. Read on to learn more!

Bathroom Lighting

When you think about lighting your home, you might overlook the bathroom. Common homes have one single light overhead which can be inadequate for lighting the different areas in your bathroom. Using recessed lighting in your bathroom can bring style and functionality to your space which can help you both relax and unwind as well as get ready for a night out.

You can use recessed lighting in the bathroom in more than just the ceiling. Place the light fixtures around a mirror to create the perfect bathroom mirror. When used with other types of light fixtures, recessed lighting can help create a very even and shadow-free lighting that normal ceiling light fixtures cannot.

Since recessed lighting has housings that can get wet, they are ideal for inside the shower or over a tub. Add an additional light inside your shower to see better when getting clean.

Dramatic Effect

If you have artwork you want to show off in your home, recessed lighting gives you the perfect opportunity to do so. Recessed lighting can give you that perfect dramatic effect when lighting photos or sculptures.

Certain fixtures have movable parts. With adjustable recessed lighting trims, you can angle the light in whichever direction you wish. This gives you more ways to light your home.

Kitchen Lighting

Many kitchens are very underlit leaving it hard to see when cooking or entertaining. Lighting can be an afterthought when you are focusing on creating the perfect kitchen setting. Recessed lighting can be the perfect solution for a kitchen’s needs. It can be placed overhead of a preparing area so you can have the best view of what you’re working on. Combined with other types of light fixtures, you can have the best kitchen around.

There are many ways to utilize recessed lighting in your home – these are just three examples. If you have any questions about the type of lighting needed for your home, consult with a professional electrician today.

The Electric Connection has been providing lighting services to the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. We would be happy to provide you with an idea of what best works for your home. Give us a call during business hours to speak with a specialist!