CRI) of 82 to show the true colors of objects and surroundings.

A rocker switch allows for two levels of light, but the fixture can also be dimmed with an electronic low-voltage (ELV) dimmer. Up to 10 under-cabinet fixtures can be joined in a series with our interconnect cables. The low-profile white aluminum fixture has 120V AC operation and is designed to last 30,000 hours—three times longer than equivalent fluorescent fixtures.

A beautiful deck is something that should be enjoyed long after the sun goes down—which is why it’s important to have the right kind of deck lighting! From a purely functional point of view, deck lighting serves three purposes:

But when it comes to the right type of lighting for your home, deck lighting can do so much more! The key is to design a lighting system that performs all three of the above tasks while enhancing the look and feel of your deck. Rather than flooding the deck with simulated sunlight, integrate accent lighting with posts, railings, stair risers, and other elements to create an inviting after-dark atmosphere.

Low-voltage deck lights – the most common types of deck lights, low-voltage lights are a safer alternative to line-voltage, posing almost no risk of electric shock. Electrical connections with low voltage lights are simpler, requiring neither a permit nor a license to install.

Disadvantages of low-voltage deck lights are that they require a transformer, and unless they are divided into more than one run of wiring, they share the same 12V of power—which, if you have a lot of lights, can reduce the brightness.

Line-voltage deck lights – line voltage deck lights are brighter, but their installation is more strictly enforced. All connections must be made in an approved electrical box, and any cables run in the open must be enclosed in a proper conduit. Line-voltage deck lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Solar-powered deck lights – because solar deck lights require no electrical connections, timers, or switches, you won’t need to drill routing holes, run wires, or make connections to install them. What you will need, of course, is steady sunshine—usually six hours per day, according to manufacturers. Sunlight charges the lights’ batteries, which mean they are typically limited to post-cap features, although lanterns, string lights, and recessed solar lights are available.

The solar batteries will need to be replaced every 500 charges or so, but fortunately doing so is fairly easy.

Once you’ve decided which type of deck lighting you want, it’s time to choose how you want that lighting installed. An ideal deck lighting design makes use of all three styles of lights: post-cap, side-mount, and recessed lights.

The largest and most prominent fixtures in the accent deck lighting category, post-cap lights sit at the top of your deck posts, usually at the top and bottom of staircases and at intermediate posts along the perimeter of the deck. Post-cap lights are available in a variety of colors and styles to match your deck, and most manufacturers make dummy post-caps, which are unlit and allow for some space between light sources.

Side-mount deck lights can be installed on the side of posts instead of the top. Side-mount lights can be beneficial if your posts come to eye level when guests are sitting down, as post-cap lights could shine light directly into peoples’ eyes.

Recessed deck lights are the perfect example of how to accent a deck without overlighting it. Recessed deck lights are installed in holes drilled in the stairs or the floor of your deck to provide lighting while being almost perfectly hidden during the day.

Incandescent Deck Lighting – incandescent bulbs are widely available in several different shapes and wattages, and because they are relatively inexpensive, replacement is quick and easy. They cast a softer, warmer glow than LEDs, but consume more energy, making them less efficient and shortening their lives.

LED Deck Lighting – because of the complex housing and circuitry involved, LED lights tend to be more expensive than incandescent lights. They tend to be more than worth the cost however, with vastly improved lifespans (10,000 to 100,000 hours) and high efficiency with almost no heat production. The trade-off is that unless mirrors or reflective surfaces are used, the light output is focused narrowly in only one direction and can be harsh on the eyes in contrast with a dark backyard.

The right type of lighting can make all the difference for your deck. For outdoor lighting installation in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, call Kolb Electric today!

We’re excited to announce that we now offer Printed LED Panel Lights for custom backlit signs, trade show and exhibition displays, product advertisements and branding, mobile displays, logos, and so much more! Our user-friendly panel building tool lets you configure a panel in four easy steps. Simply choose your ideal panel size, upload or select an image, edit your image, and choose a frame. You’ll be able to see your panel as a finished product with all chosen options. Compatible accessories will be listed before you reach the checkout page.

There are many aspects of our Printed LED Panel Lights that make them unique. Check out the information below to see why they’re so special.

We offer three types of panels: wall-mount, stand-alone, and 12-volt. These LED panel lights are available in a variety of sizes and are designed specifically for their intended applications.

Stand-alone panels come with a plug and a wire enclosure box. They can be used almost anywhere for any purpose from backlit signs for product showcasing and branding to window signage and custom logo displays on desks and shelves. These panels are available in 2′ x 2′, 2′ x 4′, and 1′ x 4′ sizes.

Time, experience and technology are constantly improving the way we do things. This includes how we build homes. We need electricity in our homes, but at times, it can prove to be dangerous. Because of this, we are constantly learning new ways of making electricity in the home a little safer. New guidelines and updated code requirements are designed to make homes safer, but older homes that were built more than 30 years ago are still using outdated wiring methods. An electrician in Beverly Hills can help you determine what kind of wiring is in your home and whether or not it is outdated and in need of updating. You can rely on The Electric Connection to tell you what you need in order to make your electrical wiring as safe as possible.

An initial inspection will need to be done to verify the condition of the home’s wiring. There is a chance it has been updated at some point. One of the biggest hazards that may be lurking behind your walls is cloth-insulated wiring. This is typical in homes built before 1950. The cloth breaks down over time and leaves wires bare and prone to electrical fires. If this is the case and the cloth insulating the wires has become brittle, it is important to have the home rewired.

Beverly Hills electrical codes do not typically require homes with outdated wiring to be redone, but it can save you a great deal of money on your homeowner’s insurance as well as give you peace of mind that your home is not a fire risk. If you are not sure about the status of your current electrical wiring, call for an inspection. An electrician, like those at The Electric Connection, can give you the details you need to make an informed decision about what to do.