one very recently, with harmful consequences as a result. Power loss is a very real risk when it comes to these strong storms, too. Perhaps you’re thinking “a couple hours won’t make a huge difference, we’ll be fine!” However, the thing about power outages and blackouts is that they are unpredictable, and may last days rather than hours.

A portable backup generator is great for many purposes—a camping trip, to be used in a small studio apartment, or for use in a home that you’re renting and do not have permission to install a whole-house system. Outside of these events though, you simply aren’t going to have an efficient means of power backup without a whole-house generator. Portable systems don’t last as long and are not as effective as their whole-house counterparts.

It is important to remember that in addition to having your whole-house generator professionally installed and repaired, that taking care of it requires a professional as well. This is the only way to ensure that you get the most out of your system and that it’s ready for anything winter may bring. You may think that because your generator is rarely in use, it’s okay to skip maintenance—but this is exactly opposite from the truth.

Why do electricians and electric companies insist on using copper wiring above all else? It turns out that copper wiring is the best material for the job, based on its various properties. For example, copper is extremely malleable and ductile; in addition, it also comes with very excellent electrical and heat conductivity. It can be considered virtually perfect for wiring because it is rustproof and robust. Since it has these properties, copper wiring is able to carry an electric current over a much longer distance than other sorts of wires. While copper has a number of uses—it is used from everything as a constituent of different metal alloys to a construction material—its most popular use is in the electrical industry and for creating wires.

Under-Cabinet LED Lighting Kit is available for purchase that contains a plug-and-play LED light strip, push-button dimmer, remote, 12V power supply, and connection accessories. If you want to build a custom kit, follow the steps below the diagram to ensure that you get everything you need.

3. Select a dimmer or controller

For single-color LED strip light setup

Select the power supply large enough to operate the amount of LED strip light you need to use. If you want to control the brightness of your light strips, you will need a Single-color dimmer shown installed with a non-dimmable power supply

For color-changing LED strip light setup

Follow the instructions above for the single-color light strip setup. However, instead of a dimmer, use a RGB color-changing light strip installation

4. Use an LED amplifier for long runs of strip

Depending on the strip chosen and its maximum run (the number of strips that can be installed consecutively before needing amplifiers), you will need to install an light strip interconnect cables. It is best to purchase a length of strip that is more than your application requires. For example, if your project requires 8 1/2 feet of strip, we recommend purchasing 9 feet of strip to ensure that you have everything covered.

By Clarissa Allison | May 20th, 2016

As nice as it is to have a professionally made, artisan crafted item proudly displayed in your living room, being creative and producing a work of art on your own has a unique appeal. If you need a cool project to try your hand at this weekend, take a look at the following 4 best lighting hacks you can make at home and their professional counterparts!

The Sparkleball!

The sparkleball project is a quick and easy way to create mood lighting for a party, holidays or fun and eclectic home decor. It takes just a few items that you likely already have laying around the house to create this dazzling disco ball.

The Fredrick Raymond  Twelve Light Polished Chrome Frosted Cubes Glass Up Chandelier

The Mason Jar Lantern!

Pinterest wedding boards and hipsters may be the genesis of the popularity behind the mason jar light phenomenon. It’s an easy and fun idea with beautiful results!

Professional Counterpart: The LBL Lighting 573 Mason Classic Line Voltage 120V Pendant

The Wine Bottle Candle Holder!

In this green age, upcycling items that you’d normally throw out is not only common, but expected. Check out this fun video on how to make beautiful and romantic hurricane candle holders with your empty wine bottles.

Professional Counterpart: The ELK Lighting 14040/1 Vintage 1- Light Chandelier in Dark Rust

The Spoon Lamp!

Professional Counterpart: Lite Source EL-50077 Bubbles Crystal Flush Mount Lamp in Chrome