Having a detached garage or tool shed is a great asset for any Des Moines home. While many homeowners these days are accustomed to attached garages that make it easier to carry in groceries and for gathering the kids for soccer practice, detached garages provide a great deal of worth because they allow for storage of power tools, lawn chemicals, and other potentially dangerous materials that you wish to keep away from your pets and children. Additionally, a shed allows a place for messier projects to be completed as well as a spot for loud power tools to be used without disrupting the rest of your family. However, due to the complications of building and electrical codes, many homes with detached garages either do not have electricity running to the garage or have been wired in an improper way

At Electrical Gurus, we are experts in electrical installation. Whether you simply want to run enough electricity for one light or wish to have enough power to run a woodshop, a residential electrician can properly and safely get your detached garage or shed running with electricity. And in the event a previous owner took a shortcut to get power to the garage, we can properly manage your house wiring to make everything is up to code. When it comes to electrical installation, it is the best interest of you and your family’s safety to have it done the right way. Call Des Moines’ Top Rated Local ® electrician today at 515-446-7040 or contact Electrical Gurus online for service you can trust.

Power cables are the basic components of any electrical system. There are different types of cables that are available in the market. The choice of which specific cable types should be used for specific purposes is based on several factors, the most important of them being the technical specifications of the functions.

As much as you may be conversant with electric cables, it is possible that there are things about power cables that are new to you. Here is a brief outline of some of the things about power cables:

Many people believe that copper is a far better conductor of electricity than aluminium at all times. This is inaccurate. When it comes to matters of what type of conductor is better between these two metals, there are many factors that need to be taken into account.

The most important one of them is that conductivity in relation to cable wires is not merely a function of the measure of resistivity but rather a unique combination of the size of the cables and the insulation material that is used. Hence, in cases where super-high voltages have to be used over long distances, it becomes economical for one to use aluminium cables as opposed to copper ones.

It is common to hear people talk of the possibility of their current cable capacity to remain stable forever. Incidentally, this is a common misconception about electrical cables that people hold.

However, the truth of the matter is that the cable current capacity changes all the time and does not remain stable over the lifetime of the cables. These changes are usually caused by factors such as the prevailing ground or air temperature, the actual manner in which the laying has been carried out and the depth at which the cables have been laid.

There are several reasons as to why newly installed power cables do last as long as people expect them to. The first one is that since there are many manufacturers of electric cables, it is highly unlikely that all the power cables that you install will last for a specific period of time.

The second one is that there are many different types of power cables. A specific type of power cable is defined in terms of its capacity, durability, usage and other industry-specific characteristics.

The third one is that the extent to which a cable lasts heavily relies on the manner in which the installation is done. A poorly done installation may significantly shorten the life of a cable.

The armor that is used on your cable is not meant to help in protecting the cable against any chances of physical impact. On the contrary, if any type of power cable is exposed to a form of physical stress, it is possible that the damage to the cable arising from the impact is likely to be aggravated by the armor!

The changing seasons, like the changing characteristics of matter, present dichotomies and the challenge in life is learning to find a successful balance.  Cultivating the right lighting design is all about a successful balance. Our outdoor lighting how-to guide will help you to establish and maintain a splendid outdoor oasis to be enjoyed year-round.

Capitol Lighting Respects the Night with Champion Illumination

The trend toward outdoor living continues with expanding decks and patios and customizing outdoor kitchens for outdoor entertainment.  Also, fireplaces, fire pits, and space heaters are being added to extend outdoor living well beyond the spring and summer months.  To make these areas as comfortable, safe, and maintenance-free as possible, great lighting is key.

Capitol Lighting’s Expert Advice for Lighting Up Outdoors

The conditions are perfect for outdoor lighting installations. Learn how-to customize the perfect outdoor lighting design and : Follow along with our

1.  Consider the areas to be illuminated:

•General lighting for decks, porches and patios.

•Accent lighting for gardens, fountains, statues and unique architectural elements.

•Security lighting for walkways and driveways.

•Decorative lighting for home entry zones.

2.  Choose your power supply and be sure that all outdoor and landscape lighting fixtures are compatible with the system.

3.  Choose landscape lighting fixtures more for their lighting effects rather than their aesthetic appeal.  The decorative features of landscape lights should be secondary to the objects they illuminate. With a good lighting design, landscape fixtures will provide understated elegance to the outdoor environment during the day, as well as at night.

4.  Decide which system works best for you:  Low voltage lighting provides softer more luxurious illumination, while LED is extremely energy-efficient, low-maintenance and most durable.  Incandescent bulbs typically last 1,000-2,000 hours; fluorescent bulbs may last 10,000-15,000 hours; and, LED bulbs may last 35,000-50,000 hours.

5.  Make sure to power your lighting with the appropriate transformers and wiring. If you are thinking about adding to your outside lighting system, choose power sources that will accommodate the additional fixtures.

6.  Automated timers and motion- or heat-sensitive controls make your home appear occupied during the night and save on energy costs. Locate timers and controls in areas where they are easily accessible.

7.  All outside lighting fixtures and accessories must be selected to withstand the elements, including sun, humidity, rain, ice and snow.  Check that all items are waterproof and UL-approved for outdoor use. Copper, brass and composite fixtures are excellent for homes near the seashore where salty air may be a factor.

8.  Think about landscape lighting as part of your planning and construction in a new home environment.  Outdoor lighting designers should coordinate with landscape architects and electricians.

9.  Traditional wall lights such as wall lanterns bracketing main entryway doors help you to identify visitors and ensure their safety.  They are also appropriate for rear and side entrances and over garage doors. Be sure to select post lanterns and wall brackets that are proportional to your home.  When in doubt, size up.  Fixtures appear smaller from curbside viewing than most people would imagine. * *

10.  Take care to avoid glare and pointing fixtures into your neighbor’s property. Curb “light pollution” with shielded fixtures that focus illumination downward.  Most outdoor fixtures may be easily focused to light the environment for safety, security and aesthetics while protecting other areas from unwanted glare and profuse light. * * *

**Rule of thumb for sizing outdoor wall lanterns:  The height of the lantern should be based on the height of the door.  If brackets are to be installed on either side of the door, they should measure about one-fourth the height of the door.  If using only one lantern, size up to about one-third the height of the door.

***“Dark Sky” Compliancy and light pollution:  A man-made culprit, due mainly to poor lighting design, is a phenomenon called “light pollution.”  Light pollution is any adverse effect of artificial light, including sky glow, glare, light trespass, light clutter, decreased visibility at night, and energy waste.  Many of Capitol Lighting’s trusted manufacturers offer “Dark Sky” versions of their outdoor lighting products, which “collar” the light bulb around its base to block superfluous upward emissions of light.

Capitol Lighting’s professional lighting consultants will help you in selecting everything from timers and outdoor hanging pendants to path lights and post lanterns.  Work with the experts to devise fabulous landscape lighting designs and prepare your outdoor environment with quality security lighting customized to enhance the beauty of your home.