Check out our top 10 picks for the most enchanting crystal chandeliers of the year.  These timeless designs are destined to become heirlooms in the finest homes around the world.  More than that–the crystal chandelier has taken center stage in the modern lighting industry with LED illumination and a variety of creative interior design applications.

From master bedroom closets to kitchen island lighting, crystal chandeliers are celebrated for their sheer elegance and energizing aura.

“Maya” from Cristalstrass, seven tiers of good luck!

“Valencia” from American Brass and Crystal, made exclusively in America with a fantastic array of customizable finish and crystal options!

“Da Vinci” from Geometrix by Schonbek, colored crystal from Schonbek continues to dazzle!

“Florale” from James R Moder, Imperial crystal blended with the whimsical beauty of nature!

“Primo” from Elegant Lighting with Swarovski crystal for the classic traditionalist!

“Original Classics” from Bar Del International feature Swarovski Spectra crystal and colorful accents such as Grapes with Green Leaves!

“Marquise” from Fine Art Lamps, hand-cut or smooth polished–these crystal elements sparkle like diamonds!

“Renaissance” from ELK Lighting, a Sunset Silver finish infused with polished lead crystal is magnificent!

“Byanca” from Savoy House, the Mohican Bronze finish draped with crystal beads makes for a breathtaking standout!

“New York” from Trump Home, lighting design combined with rich sophistication and the unmatched excitement of New York City!

LED light bulbs and fixtures are the best alternatives for many reasons.

LED lights are available in several shades of white. These shades are referred to as a bulb’s correlated color temperature (National Institute of General Medical Sciences, states that, “Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness in an organism’s environment.”

According to writes, “Several studies have documented the importance of light in reducing depression, decreasing fatigue, improving alertness, modulating circadian rhythms, and treating conditions such as hyperbilirubinemia among infants. Further, the presence of windows in the workplace and access to daylight have been linked with increased satisfaction with the work environment.” Windows are the best method of accessing daylight, but cool white LED lights along with the right color temperatures at the right times, can have the same effect on the body.

Warmer color temperatures lead to the release of melatonin, which causes drowsiness. This is appropriate during bedtime hours, but causes problems for those who need to stay awake, such as overnight nurses and doctors. Introducing natural or cool white light to hallways, operating rooms, and nurse stations can help hospital staff, especially overnight workers, feel more alert and energetic.

EPA has a list of cleanup procedures, such as having everyone leave the room, opening a doors or windows, shutting off heat and air-conditioning systems, and other specific instructions.

Fluorescent and incandescent bulbs also emit low doses of UV radiation that can damage not only facility materials but can also damage skin and eyes. According to a CBSLA.com discusses the results of another study that had similar findings. In this article, it is said that, “. . . exposure to the (fluorescent) bulbs could lead to premature aging and cancer.”

Continued UV exposure is also harmful to the eyes. A LED lights won’t flicker or emit any color spikes. Color fluctuations and flicker can cause negative effects, such as headaches and dizziness. When used for hospital lighting, LED bulbs and fixtures can improve overall health and eliminate the possibility of additional health risks posed by fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.

Seeing colors as they truly are is critical in health care environments. Inaccurate color rendering of skin or blood could lead to a misdiagnosis or failure to see signs of infection or jaundice. The spectral graph below can be helpful in understanding the advantage of high-CRI light sources. Lights with a low CRI will show fewer colors while high-CRI lights cover more of the spectrum. A light source’s ability to show more colors increases its accuracy in revealing the true colors of people, objects, and surroundings.

FreemanWhite, a health-care-focused design firm reports, “. . .light fixtures with a high CRI . . .  help caregivers assess rashes, lesions, and skin pigmentation.” They go on to say, “In the interest of avoiding liability claims, better lighting quality can enhance a caregiver’s ability to diagnose correctly, identify reactions, prevent secondary infections, and minimize readmissions.” High-CRI LED lights can also help prevent medication errors.

Another method of LED hospital lighting control is the use of occupancy sensors. These sensors will save money beyond those that result from reduced energy consumption. Sensors will also extend the life span of bulbs and fixtures even further by turning them off when no one is in the area. These sensors are best suited for low-traffic areas.

Although the holiday lighting season is still at least a month away, you are probably already digging around and planning your decorations for the season. Maybe you have already pulled out some of your Halloween decorations that require electricity and realized you are going to need some work done before it is time to pull out the twinkling lights. A Burbank electrician has some tips for you before you start plugging in your lights this year. If you have any questions, you can call The Electric Connection for help.

One of the most important rules of stringing lights together is not to connect more than three strands of lights. Doing so could overload the circuit and cause the breaker to trip. If you have a shortage of outlets, consider hiring an electrician. Burbank residents can have outdoor outlets installed that are designed to withstand the weather. The additional outlets outside are handy to have all year round. You won’t have to worry about running extension cords.

Speaking of extension cords; only use cords that are approved for outdoor use. Do not use cords that are damaged or have some of the protective insulation covering missing in areas. Wrapping the area with tape to compensate is never a good idea. Invest in the proper extension cord. A cord with several outlets is helpful. However, do not get carried away with hooking up numerous strands of lights are large yard ornaments. If the breaker trips, it is a sign the outlet is overloaded. Move some of your lights to a different outlet.

Outlet power stakes are a great option and many of them are equipped with timers and remote controls that allow you to turn on your lights without ever stepping foot outside. The power stakes are designed to protect the outlets from wet weather.

If you are ready to get your home ready for another holiday season filled with pretty lights, give The Electric Connection a call today.

With summer on its way out, it is time to prepare for the colder months ahead. There are plenty of options you have when it comes to keeping your home warm. One of the main decisions you have is choosing between electric, propane or natural gas. Each has its benefits, but fossil fuels are increasing in price every day. Electric heat is easy and inexpensive and offers a variety of options.

Your electrician in Beverly Hills is here to explain the different ways you can use electric heat to keep your home warm and comfortable this winter. Electric furnaces are one of the most common methods, but there are also ways to add additional heat in certain rooms without heating the entire house. The Electric Connection has the electricians on hand to answer electrical heating questions you have.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are easily plugged into any outlet in a room that needs additional heat. They heat up a small space rather quickly and are equipped with thermostats to regulate the temperature in the room. There are various sizes of heaters you can purchase depending on the size of the room.

Radiant or Underfloor Heating

This particular type of heating is energy efficient and is quickly growing in popularity. New home construction is an ideal time to have this particular type of heating installed. It involves heated water running through tubes underneath the flooring. The heat rises, warming the room.

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are a safe, clean way to get the look of a real fire without the mess or the work. Fans on the fireplace push the warm air into the home, keeping it warm. These will require an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners can rely on The Electric Connection to complete the installation process in a safe and timely manner.