We have already had a taste of what the summer weather promises this year. With rising energy prices and hotter than normal temperatures just around the corner, it is time to start thinking of alternatives for keeping cool this summer. One way you can stay cool and comfortable without spiking your electric bill is with the installation of a ceiling fan in each room. A Burbank electrician, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you stay cool by taking care of the installation for you. This way, you can rest easy knowing a professional electrician has taken care of all the wiring and it is done safely and the right way.

Ceiling fans go a long way to keeping you cool despite the fact they don’t actually produce cold air like an air conditioner would. The cool breeze that is created with the rotation of the fan blades can make you feel much cooler and keep you from heading to the thermostat and cranking up the air conditioning on those really hot days. By using a ceiling fan to keep cool in combination with your air conditioner, you will save yourself a lot of money. Not only are you saving money on your electric bill by reducing the demand on your air conditioning system, you are also saving money on repairs that will be needed due to working the AC unit too hard.

Because there is some electrical wiring involved with the installation of a ceiling fan, you will need to hire an electrician. Burbank residents can opt to have fans placed in each bedroom, the living room and the dining area. This will help circulate the cooler air throughout the home. The fans can typically be installed in place of the light fixture in the center of the room. The cost of a ceiling fan is extremely affordable and well worth the investment. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule you ceiling fan installation.

From twisted to swinging, the top 5 LED pendant lights award the most sophisticated styling and sensational lighting effects.  Here are our top picks from the Dallas Market Center…

1.  “Swing” from WAC Lighting’s Modern Forms

“Swing” from Modern Forms presents a playful, yet powerful geometric filled with sparkling Art Glass encased in Polished Chrome.  These 10-inch mini pendants may be artistically grouped in a linear or circular pattern to deliver superb LED illumination.

2.  “Manette Grande” from Tech Lighting

“Manette Grande” from Tech Lighting adds a sleek and versatile sophistication to this contemporary cylindrical composition.  A myriad of finish options, including Antique Bronze, Black and Satin Nickel,  combined with custom mix-and-match hand-blown glass in a choice of Clear, Smoke or White makes for a winning presentation.

3.  “Helix” from Hubbardton Forge

“Helix” from Hubbardton Forge is magnificently twisted and tastefully tapered in this minimalistic contemporary style.  Superb finish options include Natural Iron, Mahogany and Burnished Steel for a classic ensemble to highlight interior design schemes from retro-casual to modern-formal.

4.  “Masque Grande” from Tech Lighting

“Masque Grande” from Tech Lighting delivers gently diffused illumination in a modern-contemporary 22-inch Energy Smart pendant.  The blown glass shade is available in choice combinations:  Clear-White, Smoke-Black and Smoke-Gray with finish options in Black, Satin Nickel or White for a cleverly defined and robust illumination.

 5.  “Light Spheres” from ELK Lighting

“Light Spheres” from ELK Lighting dazzles with hundreds of LED light sources within Chrome plated glass balls and a laser-cut Stainless Steel frame.  Floating elegance and remarkable illuminating effects bring this pendant light to the top of the A-list.

The Dallas Market Center, home of the American Lighting Association (ALA), is the most complete wholesale merchandise resource for home decor and the lighting industry.  Attracting buyers and exhibitors from around the world, the Dallas Market Center is where the “best of the best” introduce new products, including the latest giftware, decorative accent pieces, garden accessories, and–of course–outstanding LIGHTING designs!

Electrical installation testing is a practice that has become more important over time. This is due to the increasing complexity of installations in both commercial and residential spaces. When it comes to electrical work, the top priority is always going to be safety. This focus is the reason electrical standards and wiring regulations exist in the first place. Electrical installation testing serves the purpose of identifying any possible deficiencies. These shortcomings could be areas in which an electrical system doesn’t meet regulations.

It’s important to have older electrical systems looked over to ensure they’re still in good working condition. At the same time, new installations need an inspection to make sure they conform to today’s stringent standards. You might also feel inclined to have testing done if you’ve recently purchased a building with preexisting installations. If you’re curious about what makes electrical installation testing so complex, or if you’re wondering why only a professional should be doing it, read on for more information.

There are different phases of an electrical installation to keep in mind. The first step is to perform a visual inspection, which is exactly what it sounds like — an expert will confirm the permanently wired electrical components are compliant with safety regulations. He or she will make sure there are no outward signs of damage, and that the required safety measures are present.

After the visual inspection, electrical testing begins. This is where having a qualified individual working becomes even more critical. Everything from specialized training to safety-oriented clothing is necessary for this aspect. In fact, non-authorized people might have to keep a certain distance away from the testing itself.

The testing will cover a building’s wiring, as well as its various components. This can include electrical panels, outlets, distribution boards and lighting. Essentially, the examination covers all systems that conduct electricity within a building. The electrician will use the tests to make sure every necessary precaution is in place to reduce the risks of injury or death due to electrical shock.

In some cases, the testing will call for exploratory work to complete the job as effectively and safely as possible. Parts of the system might need to be temporarily shut off for this. This means you should make sure you don’t have something important — and electricity-based — going on while the installation testing is taking place.