Almost everything that we use on a daily basis operates on electricity. Every modern convenience that we have become used to relies on this fundamental utility. Without having a constant and reliable supply of this incredible technology, the world as we know it would grind to a screeching halt. In order to provide this powerful utility to our devices, two different forms of electricity have arisen: AC and DC.

AC means alternating current. This is the type of electricity that is used most frequently in devices that require a lot of power to operate. DC means Direct Current. It is most frequently found in devices that do not require a large amount of electricity to operate.

What’s The Difference?

DC was the original form of electricity that was generated by Thomas Edison. This form of electricity will send its current in a single direction only. This forms a direct loop. In most cases, DC current is only used in devices that use batteries. This means that any device that you have in your home that uses batteries operates on a DC system. When we charge these batteries, they transform the AC current from your wall into DC current.

AC power is the most common type of electricity, and is the form that your electrician in Burbank works with most frequently. The way that alternating current has been designed, it can move in both directions at the same time. This means that current will be present at every single point on the grid at any given time. If you use electricity from the power grid, then you plug into AC current every single day.

While you may not always think about it, having this reliable AC current is paramount to our everyday lives. For any further questions, or for help with any electrical issues that you have, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a technician at The Electric Connection. We also have a variety of additional resources available in our website at www.theelectricconnection.com.

• True to form

• Tailored and elegant

• Clean lines and natural hues

• NEW and Exciting!

A burst of crystal, metallic ribbons, streamers and champagne glasses, if this contemporary winner from Corbett Lighting does not set the scene for a good time, you need to find a new playgroup!  Finished in Modern Silver, “Party All Night” from Corbett Lighting is cutting-edge contemporary with the fun and flair of whimsical style.

“Aleeka” from Kichler Lighting is a swirling mix of concentric circles and shaded orbs.  A fascination of motion with a Classic Pewter finish simply and elegantly defines modern-contemporary style.

“Starfire” from Maxim Lighting takes xenon illumination to the next level. Polished Chrome and Beveled Crystal deliver a sparkling exuberance that is exciting and unique.

“Barclay” from Savoy House exudes strength and an edgy, trend-setting style.  The Gilded Bronze finish, mesh drum shade and cascades of  handcrafted chain brilliantly integrate Mediterranean and industrial characteristics.

“Jennings” from Crystorama showcases classic contemporary in an intricately designed metallic shade.  The Polished Nickel geometric cutout is attractively illuminated around the crisp linen drum shade.

“Pearla” from Eurofase combines LED light sources, a polycarbonate diffuser and a hand-polished chrome finish.  Like a strand of fine pearls,  this contemporary whirl of illumination is substantial and opulent.

“Travis” from Hudson Valley presents an ultra glamorous sophistication reminiscent of the “Golden Age” of cinema and Hollywood Regency style.  Sleek and elegant, prisms of cut glass encase candle holders for a fascinating play of illumination.

“Quill” from Hubbardton Forge is a marvel of rectilinear and planar geometry with branching structures and feather-like plumes in a Vintage Platinum finish.  LEDs and infinitely adjustable horizontal or vertical cable offer a fantastic array of hanging options and lighting effects.

“Corfo” from Eurofase offers a playful visual symposium like a crystalline rainfall embedded in Chrome coils.  Decorative light sources emanate a dazzling illumination within this powerful lighting design.

“Flagship” from Access Lighting makes a show-stopping presentation.  Metal panels, robust peripheral light sources and a powerful downlight offer ideal illumination, handsomely designed with timeless, contemporary grandeur.

The Dallas Market

Professional lighting consultants from Capitol Lighting have meticulously reviewed hundreds of showrooms filled with the latest LED innovations, as well as contemporary dining room fixtures, portable lamps, outdoor lights, ceiling fans and chandeliers from elite lighting manufacturers around the world, including top vendors in the US, Europe and Asia.

My wife and I are the happy parents of a sixteen-month-old boy. Having a kid has turned out to be every bit as wonderful and exhausting as our family and friends told us it would be. We can see why everyone we knew with children, including our own parents, told us with that knowing smile, “Your life will never be the same.” They were right. There’s never a dull moment, is there? Every day presents new challenges and responsibilities.

For example, a couple hours ago, my son was screaming at his grandma for taking a bite of his banana. Nap time soon? Sheesh.

3. Use an In-Wall Night Light

Instead of that old incandescent night light just begging to be pulled out of the wall by your young one’s inquisitive hands, consider a safer and greener alternative. LED night lights will safen and cozy-up baby’s room in elegant and energy-smart fashion.

Geeks everywhere rejoice. July 13 is “Embrace Your Geekness Day,” a day that allows geeks to show off their knowledge of video games and technology.  The word “geek,” as defined by Merriam Webster, is “an enthusiast or expert in a technological field or activity.” To celebrate “Embrace Your Geekness Day,” Mr. Electric has five old technologies modern geeks should be thankful for.

Ever since being patented by Alexander Graham Bell as an “apparatus for transmitting vocal or other sounds telegraphically” in 1876, the telephone soared as a must-have technological household item. The invention of the telephone, along with computer technology, eventually led to the invention of the smart phone. Geeks everywhere can thank Bell for their latest app.

The original purpose of the modern computer was to carry out mathematical and logical operations automatically. The year 1939 brought about the first electric computer for routine use.  In 1973 computers with graphical interfaces, keyboards and a mouse were sold commercially. Research and development allowed for several other uses of computers. By the mid 1990s, home computers became commonplace, and a surge of web users began after 1994.

The first generation video game consoles appeared in the 1950s but could not be connected to home televisions. In 1972, Magnavox released the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game system. Future generations would bring about the Atari, Nintendo Entertainment System, PlayStation and Xbox, leading tech geeks to celebrate over saving Princess Peach and conquering Tetris.

Although originally sold in low numbers, televisions have been commercially available since the late 1920s. Black and white consoles were the norm until 1972, when color television sales overtook black and white console sales. Continued research and development over the years have seen an increase in screen sizes, flat technology and exponential increases in picture and sound quality.

The Internet is one of the most influential developments to help people get their geek on. Research commissioned by the Federal Government in the 1960s led to the present day Internet. The first message sent via the Internet was between UCLA and Stanford University in 1969. Evolving from there, the Internet would enter homes, schools and businesses by the mid 1990s. Mr. Electric encourages you to embrace your geekness on July 13 and give thanks to all of the tech geeks who came before you.

By: Sarah Trocolli

Father of electricity Nikola Tesla was known for being brilliant, quirky and driven in his pursuits to understand electricity, and after many experiments, Tesla eventually laid the ground work for the modern day Alternating Current electric supply system. As a tribute to Tesla and all the dads around the world, Mr. Electric® presents a few kid-friendly experiments exploring the basics of electricity for a fun Father’s Day activity. The kids can explore electrons, static electricity, voltaic batteries and other simple components of electricity – all under the safe supervision of their dads.

Level of difficulty: Easy

What you need: A dark room, fluorescent light bulb and a comb or woolen scarf.

What to do: Run the comb through your hair or through the wool scarf at least 20 times to let the electrons build on the comb. Then turn out the lights and hold the comb to the bottom of your florescent light bulb and watch the electrons charge the bulb. This is great for learning about electrons, and it can be a fun magic trick! For further explanation, click here.

Level of difficulty: Easy

What you need: Cornstarch, vegetable oil, mixing bowl, large spoon, balloon, and a measuring cup.

What to do: Blow up the balloon, tie it and then rub it on your hair. Mix a fourth cup of cornstarch and a fourth cup of vegetable oil into a mixing bowl, and then put the mixture on a spoon. Hold the spoon with the mixture on it near the balloon and watch the mixture gravitate towards the balloon. This experiment looks like a gooey monster stretching to touch the balloon, and it is a fun way to learn about static electricity! For further explanation, click here.  

Level of difficulty: Moderate

What you need: Distilled white vinegar, five pieces of copper wire, five galvanized nails, ice tray and one LED light

What to do: Wrap five nails with five pieces of copper wire and place them separately in the ice cube tray filled with vinegar. Create a circuit by placing the end of the copper wire not wrapped around the nail into the ice cube tray next to it until each section has one nail and one copper wire in it, and then place the LED light in the tray. You have just created a Voltaic battery! For further explanation, click here.

Level of difficulty: Challenging

What you need: Eight D-sized batteries, mason jar or other clear glass, electrical tape, pie pan, scissors, toilet paper tube, mechanical pencil refills and two sets of small alligator clips.

What to do: Connect the batteries positive to negative to create train of batteries. Place the toilet paper tube in the center of the pie pan and using electrical tape, attach the alligator clips and mechanical pencil refills to the tube. Place the mason jar/glass over the tube and connect the other end of the clips to the batteries. After the batteries have a few minutes to charge the circuit the mechanical refills will begin to glow and you will have a DIY light bulb. This is a great way to show that household items can be used in an innovative way. Exercise caution, as this experiment exerts heat and can cause the glass to become very warm. For further instruction, click here.

We hope these electrical experiments provide an enjoyable experience for dads and kids to spend quality time together while learning lots and having fun. Thank you to all the fathers who enlighten children and empower the thinkers of tomorrow. Happy Father’s Day from everyone at Mr. Electric!