Across the U.S. approximately 4,400 people are injured and an additional 400 die each year resulting from electrical hazards annually. Add in electrical fire, and you have what results in an estimated $1.6 billion in property damage each year. Could these accidents have been prevented? When it comes to electrical safety, what you don’t know can hurt you.

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. A GFCI is required in any areas with an increased risk of shock due to electrical hazards, such as water. In order to protect you from electrical hazards, a GFCI monitors electrical current, turning off an electrical circuit when it detects an imbalance - current flowing along an unintended path. Think of a GFCI as a small, extra-sensitive circuit breaker built right into an outlet to protect you against electrocution – even in outlets that are not grounded. GFCIs are currently required for use in:

Note: Never use GFCI outlets with refrigerators, freezers, or other appliances, as they could trip without your knowledge.

AFCIs stand for arc-fault circuit interrupters, and they protect you from electrical dangers, but of a different variety – those that create heat via arcing. Examples include a rodent chewing on a wire, driving a nail through a wire, or a device overheating where it is plugged into the wall. AFCIs detect this arcing, shutting down outlets before damage can occur. They are not found in wall receptacles like GFCIs, but instead are easily incorporated into your home or business’ main service panel in the form of specialized circuit breakers. AFCIs are required in:

Though you may have an older home or business where building codes do not require these outlets, proper home safety does. Regular outlets and circuit breakers are designed to protect the house's electrical system, not people. With these devices being so easy and inexpensive to install, why wouldn’t you want to protect yourself and others from the unnecessary electrical hazards overlooking them presents?

As of 2014, the National Electric Code (NEC), the nation’s singular code for safe electrical installation, has added the following standards for the safety of your home or business:

All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in a laundry room now require GFCI protection, whether or not a sink is present.

As dishwashers age, the risk of electrical shock increases, thus the latest requirement for GFCI protection on all dishwashers, whether they use a receptacle outlet or are hardwired in.

As of 2014, the NEC has recently added kitchen and laundry areas to the list of areas requiring AFCI protection. This includes all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying not just outlets but also devices found in these rooms.

Shocked by how inadequately prepared for electrical hazards your home or business is? Don’t get burned by ignoring the need for these inexpensive, potentially life-saving devices. Contact Mr. Electric® today.

Now is the time to consult with the lighting professionals at Capitol to prepare for the holiday season. With free shipping and the guaranteed lowest prices, this holiday season may be more brilliant than ever.

1.  Fulfill all your FANtasies! Indulge in comfort and superb air circulation with super savings on the latest indoor and outdoor ceiling fans.

“Dyno” Energy Smart fan from Minka-Aire with LED light kit

2.  Enjoy the sweet light with Swarovski and Schonbek.

“Jazz” recessed fixtures from Swarovski deliver a magnificent color array;  Be the first to showcase the future trend in illumination.

3.  Go Uptown with a New York designer and Quoizel Lighting.

Designer Sergio Orozco’s “Uptown” collection includes the “Sutton Place” chandelier, a timeless classic contemporary design.

4.  Personalize with handmade treasures and heirloom-worthy illumination from Lladró.

“Naturofantastic” candleholder features traditional golden highlights in signature handcrafted porcelain from Lladró.

“Lithophane” from Lladró offers LED Energy Smart illumination in a fashion-forward porcelain chandelier.

5.  Welcome the wall flowers with Currey and Company.

“Fairytale” wall sconces from Currey and Company offer a whimsical delicacy in Italian Gold Leaf-Pink finish with crystal drops.

6.  Be chic and dashing with pendant lighting from LBL and Tech Lighting.

“Rock Candy” from LBL Lighting features textured glass candle covers in a myriad of fashionable colors, including Blue Steel (pictured above).

“Modele” from Tech Lighting brings world-renowned EGIZIA lighting design from Italy.  Famous silkscreening on hand-blown Italian glass are available in a fantastic array of artistic combinations for an unforgettable illuminating presentation.

7.  Make a great first impression with new outdoor and landscape lighting from Kichler and Hinkley.

“Silver Coral” outdoor wall lights from Kichler Lighting will not go unnoticed.

“Sutcliffe” from Hinkley Lighting presents a perfect blend of old and new in this updated early American colonial lantern.

8.  Sing “Troy” to the World with new ceiling light fixtures.

“Canary Wharf” pendant light from Troy Lighting brings your illumination to new heights in more ways than one!

9.  Go swinging in Garden City with Hudson Valley.

“Garden City” wall swingers from Hudson Valley are fashionable and functional–a must-have in the well-decorated home or office environment.

 10.  Support your hometown heroes with Hubbardton Forge.

“Almost Infinity” table lamp bases from premier brand, Hubbardton Forge, are available in a choice of custom-designed finishes. Exclusively made-in-America from the finest craftsmen at the original iron forge in Vermont.

To view the latest in home lighting and accessories and for more designing ways to illuminate your Thanksgiving feast, visit with the lighting professionals at Capitol Lighting or 1800lighting.com.

Capitol Lighting Gives Thanks to Priceless Patrons with Promotional Savings All Season Long!

Add to your Thanksgiving holiday with the latest lighting designs from Quoizel, Lladró, Swarovski and Currey and Company.  Capitol Lighting invites you to take advantage of promotional pricing on masterful works of art, including grand chandeliers, elegant bath lighting, fans for all seasons, as well as mirrors and home accessories. Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or shop on-line at 1800lighting.com to custom design your holiday illumination.

This world is full of danger. Every where we turn there is another risk, but as long as we follow the rules and respect the safety guidelines, things are generally okay. One of the things we know is dangerous, but never really think about how dangerous it can is electricity. Electricity is a part of our of our life in every little thing we do. We tend to take electrical safety for granted. An electrician in Beverly Hills is here to tell you that while technology and various codes and guidelines have made it relatively safe, it is important to follow the guidelines that have been established regarding electrical safety. The team at The Electric Connection wants you to be safe as well.

Here are some electrical safety tips your Beverly Hills electrician wants you to know and follow.

1-Never overload an outlet. Outlet additions that allow you to plug three items into one outlet instead of just one are risky. Don’t use an extension cord to plug in several items on one outlet for an extended period of time. If you need more outlets, consider have more installed by an electrician.

2-Do not use indoor extension cords outside. They are not insulated well enough to withstand the elements. An electric short can happen resulting in fire or electrocution.

3-Extension cords should not be placed in pathways. Stepping on a cord will break it down and possibly cause the wiring to short out or a person could be electrocuted. Extension cords should be laid against a wall or use a cord protector to keep the cord from being damaged.

4-Water and electricity do not mix! If you do not have GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bath areas, consider having them updated by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will be adding a layer of safety in an area where electricity and water are at an increased risk of coming into contact with each other.

Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your new outlet installation or outlet upgrade.