The United States is the world’s second largest producer of electricity. Our country alone consumes about 20% of the world’s total electricity supply. A great deal of this consumption is done by commercial and industrial customers, who often have larger spaces to power than homeowners do.

Do you get a headache each month when the electric bills comes in the office mail? Paying utilities for your workplace can be an additional financial strain for businesses. Learn how to conserve electricity, maximize energy efficiency, and save on costs for your company.

On a related note, have employees utilize the sleep setting on their computers if they use them for work. If you are planning to step away from your computer for several minutes but will return to it later that day, sleep mode will save power while it’s still on. It’s much quicker than shutting the machine down completely and restarting it when you need it again. However, it’s a good idea to completely turn off computers at night. Not only does it give your computer a break, but your electric bills will decrease as well.

Saving electricity doesn’t have to be difficult! For any other commercial electrical services in Austin, such as security lighting, surge protectors, and track and area lighting, call Bryant Electric Service today.

We’ve added a new line of 

Using 316 marine-grade stainless steel and polycarbonate lenses, the 60-, 120-, and 180-watt LED boat lights resist damage from shock and vibration. Hardware is included for surface-mounting on a variety of transom types, and the LED lights must be completely submerged to function properly. To prevent failure due to out-of-water use, a built-in temperature protection circuit powers the lights off if they reach 194 degrees Fahrenheit. The underwater boat lights operate within a wide 9-32V DC range and are designed to last 50,000 hours.

Smoke detectors (smoke alarms) are one of the most important safety devices in your home. If your home has well-maintained smoke detectors, the chances of your family surviving a house fire are greatly increased. From 2003 to 2006, 66% of fatalities due to house fires occurred in homes without working detectors (National Fire Protection Association).

Most homes have smoke detectors, but many times they are not located properly or are not working due to lack of maintenance. Of course, a smoke detector in the wrong location or one that no longer works because it has a dead battery provides no protection for your family. The Electric Connection, a fully licensed, bonded and insured electrician in Burbank CA, knows the most current code rules for smoke detector placement and they can install or replace your smoke detectors for you.

Maximizing Protection

Your family will have maximum protection if:

Can I install them myself or should I have my Burbank electrician install my smoke detectors?

You can purchase battery-operated smoke detectors from a hardware store and install them yourself. (If you decide to install your own smoke detectors, check your local building code for placing them.) For detectors that are wired into your electrical system, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that detectors be installed by a qualified electrician. The Electric Connection, a local electrician in Burbank, can often schedule an electrical service call appointment for the following day.

Are they expensive?

Depending on the type of detector you decide on, they can run from $10-$40 each, not including installation costs. You can often get a ballpark price over the phone for installation pricing from a Burbank electrician.

How should they be maintained?

Most detectors start “chirping” when batteries have run down. In addition, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing them monthly. They recommend:

Are your detectors properly positioned?

The guidelines given here can help you determine if existing smoke detectors are properly positioned. If you are going to install battery-operated ones yourself, follow the placement requirements of your local building code. In general, it’s recommended that you have a smoke detector:

Within these general guidelines, detectors should be placed where smoke can be readily detected — high up on walls or on the ceiling (smoke rises) and at a distance from windows, fans, and vents that might blow smoke away from the detector.

If the smoke detector is wired into your electrical system, it should not be on a circuit that can be turned off with a wall switch. It’s always best to consult with a licensed Burbank electrician when it comes to hard wire some detector installations.

If a smoke detector is placed too close to a kitchen stove or shower, it can be triggered unnecessarily by steam or normal cooking smoke. Better to move it to a different location that also meets general safety guidelines and your local building code.

If you are uncertain about placement or need help with installation or battery replacement, call a qualified electrician in Burbank, such as The Electric Connection or visit our website.