We get a lot of calls for fluorescent light repair here at Expert Electric. But before calling, always remember that if your fluorescent light fixture is burnt out or flickering, first change the bulbs (fluorescent tubes) to see if this corrects the problem and also save yourself some money. If you are not comfortable changing the bulbs due to location or any other safety concern, we would be very happy to help you. If your fluorescent fixture still does not light up after changing the bulbs then the problem is most likely faulty ballast, or less commonly a possible wiring issue.

Fluorescent light is the product of two components: the lamp and the ballast. The role of the ballast is to boost voltage for short duration; the ballast will then maintain a constant applied limited current to properly operate the lamp. You must use the proper ballast for each type of fluorescent bulb. Bulb types are T12, T8, and HO. While it is tempting to install higher efficiency fluorescent lamps (like T12s or T8s), we must pay special attention to the type of ballast installed in the light fixture or those bulbs will not operate properly.

The ballast technology has improved a lot in the last 15 years.  If you are not upgrading your ballast you won’t see the potential energy savings that efficient fluorescent lighting can provide. The new electronic ballasts operate differently from older electro-magnetic ballasts. They don’t just save you money but out-perform magnetic technology in several ways.

Higher Efficiency: New electronic ballasts provide you with more light and cost less to operate, saving you money and helping the environment. Dimming is also easier with electronic ballasts.

More Control: Electronic ballasts can be manufactured to under drive or overdrive the lamps they support, producing more or less light. This allows you to adjust which areas need more light and which need less light. The lighting pattern can now be changed due to work patterns and specific lighting requirements.

Dimmer Switches: Dimming is also easier with electronic ballasts. Preset your dimmer and it can cut your light by 50% and this will save you money as well.

Less Heat Emission: Electronic solid-state ballasts produce less heat than electromagnetic type ballast. What this means is if you are operating cooling equipment, such as food coolers or air conditioning during summer the electronic ballasts will help you save on cooling costs.

The best part is that with the higher frequency electronic ballasts, there is no flicker or buzz. There are many benefits to high efficient ballasts and we recommend you take advantage of them.

We all know how important electricity is. Our lives wouldn’t function as well, or if at all, without it. Whether it is watching the news on television and surfing the internet, or playing games on consoles and ironing clothes, even tasks as simple as cooking would be a problem should electricity go out. It is important to have a clear understanding of everything that could go wrong and to have emergency kits near electricity sockets. Because as they say, with great power comes great responsibility. Pun intended.

But just because there are so many things that could go wrong when electricity is in question, doesn’t mean you should panic. Statistics show 80% to 90% people panic and are unable to stay calm when there is an electrical emergency.

The people who refuse to panic and keep their cool will assess the situation in a calm sensible manner which will enable them to think clearly and pick a correct action plan. We all have seen disaster movies and know that the first guy to be killed is the one who panics the most, whereas the one who stays calm and takes control makes it through to the end.

Now, do not make the error of thinking that those who stay calm are not afraid: they are. Fear and panic are two different things. It depends on your ability to stay calm and not let the situation overwhelm you into not thinking sensibly and in turn making rash decisions that have consequences. Here are some examples of electrical emergencies that could occur:

We shouldn’t take electricity for granted and should be aware of the dangers it brings. We all know that electrical shocks are not to be taken lightly as everything depends on its severity. A light shock can cause slight discomfort and a severe shock can cause severe burns to the heart causing heart failure.

Modern electrical circuits are well fitted with circuit breaker fuse systems. Should a fault develop, the switch automatically trips itself. Most homes have trip switches, and they are located either on or near fuse boxes and fuse boxes are near electricity meters. Should a switch trip itself, it is in your

best interest not to panic. The first thing that you need to do is to find the trip switch and switch is back ON. That should do the trick. And if the problem still persists, you should call a certified electrician. In fact, calling in an electrician is better than taking a risk yourself.

In case of a power cut, check the trip switch, as well as wiring and appliances. If you think everything is OK with these things, it is clear that this is a problem beyond your control and calling in a certified electrician is the best course of action. It is important to keep in mind that you shouldn’t try to fix this problem and wait for the electrician to come in and deal with the problem, so that you and your family stay safe.

These are a few basic electrical emergencies which can occur unannounced. Being mentally prepared for them is important so that you don’t panic. Most importantly, keep the number of a certified electrician on hand to ensure you can place the call the moment the emergency occurs

It is better to be prepared for a power outage than to have to scramble when one actually happens. Having a drawer, a small space in a cupboard or even a rubber tote filled with the supplies you will need when the power goes out is a good idea. Your Beverly Hills electrician suggests you keep at least one flashlight and some backup batteries, a battery-powered radio, matches and some emergency candles along with sturdy candleholders in your kit. These are just a few things you will need to get you through an outage. You can call The Electric Connection to learn about some other things you may want to keep in your kit.

Once the power goes out, you will want to grab your kit, especially if darkness is falling or it is already dark. If it is daylight, you can take care of these things without needing any light. As soon as the power goes out, you want to go about protecting your sensitive electric equipment. Smart TVs, computers, laptops and so on are very sensitive to electric surges. They need to be unplugged from the wall until after the power comes on and seems to be staying on. Don’t rush right over and start plugging stuff in the second you see the lights come on. It is not uncommon to have the power hiccup a few times before there is a steady stream.

You will also want to turn off any appliances and lights that may have been at the time of the outage. This will help cut down on a surge coming into your home and potentially causing serious damage. If this does happen, you will need to call your electrician. Beverly Hills residents can call The Electric Connection if there have been any side effects from a power outage.