Most people are familiar with smoke alarms or detectors as they are requirements in all commercial and residential buildings. But how do they work? And how do you ensure that they are functioning at their top performance?  If properly maintained, smoke alarms can and have been proven to save millions of lives in the case of a fire.

In general, there are two different types of smoke alarms.

Ionization means that the device is equipped with two plates that create a charge. When smoke passes between these plates, the charge is interrupted and forces the alarm to sound. In contrast, a photoelectric smoke detection system works similarly but is equipped with a light beam. When smoke passes in front of the light, the alarm sounds. Each function is beneficial in different instances and because of this, one is not necessarily better than the other. It is, however, recommended to have one of each of these functions on each floor of your home and in high-risk areas such as the kitchen or near fireplaces or heating appliances.

To ensure your family’s safety, it is recommended to check your smoke alarm once a month. In order to do so, you can simply push the test button on the smoke alarm. If it does not sound the alarm, you should check the battery and replace it immediately. You could also light a match near the smoke alarm to ensure that it is functioning at top performance.

For more tips and assistance with your smoke alarm maintenance, contact one of our electricians at Expert Electric – 604.681.8338.

If the bulbs in your fixtures aren’t easily replacable, you may need to buy new ones if you want to upgrade to more energy efficient lighting. Ultimately it will be worth the up-front investment either way, since you can save so much both in your energy bill and in replacement costs when you use LEDs or other similarly long-lasting solutions.

While some people like to own a house as soon as possible, it isn’t always practical. If you live in a rental, never fear! With just the right amount of ingenuity, you too can experience the joys of great lighting. Even if you aren’t allowed to tamper with the hardwiring, you can add more temporary fixtures such as battery operated puck lights under your kitchen cabinets or some really trendy plug-in lamps.

By Spencer Cutright

Crowds are packing amusements parks this summer as they look to let out their inner adrenaline junkie. With more than 400 amusement parks and 786 roller coasters in the U.S., there are plenty of rides to choose from. Mr. Electric® presents our favorite list of the top five roller coasters with gut-wrenching drops, jaw-dropping loops and stomach turning speeds that are sure to give surge to your summer.

This menacing roller coaster in Jackson, New Jersey at Six Flags Great Adventure, is not only the world’s tallest roller coaster, but also the world’s second fastest. Riders are launched at 128 miles per hour and reach a height of 456 feet before plunging back down to ground level.

Featuring the world’s largest loop, this Six Flags Magic Mountain coaster in Valenica, California catapults riders at 66 miles per hour before being sent into a massive 160-foot loop.

This high adrenaline coaster is packed with twist, turns and loops. Located at Sig Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Texas, riders reach top speeds of 70 miles per hour and must endure a 145-foot loop, a cobra roll, two corkscrews and even a zero gravity roll.

The first roller coaster to ever use floorless trains, this Busch Gardens Williamsburg coaster features two Immelmann loops, two vertical drops and a splashdown. The coaster also reaches a top height of 2,005 feet and a top speed of 71 miles per hour.

Located at the world famous Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, this coaster sends riders on a terrifying 300 foot drop, two tunnels, three overbanked turns and reaches speeds up to 93 miles per hour.

We hope you have an electrifying time and enjoy these rides as much as we do. As always, remember to call on your friendly neighborhood Mr. Electric for any summer electrical needs.

Our hope is for Light Reading to be a place you can come for inspiration and guidance as you plan your next lighting project.

The thing is, we are incredibly inspired by our readers!  Your kind words, and contributions to “11 Beautiful Photos of Under Cabinet Lighting”

11 Beautiful Photos of Under Cabinet Lighting: This one definitely falls under the “inspiration” category, but it can also be helpful if you’re trying to determine what type of under cabinet lighting is your favorite for the kitchen. Puck? Linear? LED? Fluorescent? Be prepared to gaze at dreamy kitchens. “How To Have Great Lighting In a Rental”

Here’s How To Map Out Your Recessed Lights (An Infographic): Those who decide to add recessed lighting to a new or existing home are presented with a seemingly impossible task – laying them out on a blueprint. This infographic will clue you in on what every lighting designer knows about recessed lighting placement. You’ll be ready to install in no time. Read More >>

A 9-year, $3.8 billion study conducted at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in collaboration with the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University found “a 47 percent reduction in the combination of death, heart attacks, and strokes” in those who practiced transcendental meditation daily. Does pretending to breath in light still sound weird?

I also encountered a study found that “Meditation provides a good starting point for learning and creativity.” The researchers assert that “There are strong pedagogical reasons for including meditation as part of the daily experience of pupils of all ages and abilities.” The study concludes that “Meditation is a proven means for stilling the mind, encouraging mindfulness, and providing optimum conditions for generative thinking and reflection.”

I’m sold. But, you know what? I’m also “sold” that drinking kale juice every morning would be great for me. That doesn’t mean I do it. Meditation, I’m convinced, is GREAT for you and for everyone. I really believe that. But how does one meditate? And when? And what will people think of me if I stare into the dark center of a candle’s flame daily?

For me, the benefits of meditation outweigh any concerns, and using the candle light solved the problem of how to meditate. I think it would be cool to stare at the dark center of a flame for a few minutes per day. Better mood? Increased focus? Better thinking and reflection? Less risk of heart disease? Yes, I think I’ll sign up.

You know, it goes without saying, but light is truly amazing.