7.  Convert the extra closet into a sewing/hobby center.  Install a custom-cut countertop and a little task light… “Viola!” You are done.

8.  Or, maybe you are not done….Why not literally “Knock Her Socks Off” and build her a bigger closet?!

Whether you are building a new closet or updating an existing one, there are specific rules for lighting an enclosed closet space.  The National Fire Protection Association’s National Electrical Code (NEC) sets standards for safety:

Because closets contain flammable material with limited ventilation, strict building codes dictate that specified lighting fixtures must be installed 18” to 24” from walls depending upon which lamp source is being used.  Surface mounted and recessed fixtures must allow for 6”-12” of clearance from any storage space, such as shelving or clothing rods.

♦Of course,these standards are not a problem for Mariah Carey whose closet is as big as a bedroom!

One of the latest changes to the NEC code is the addition of LED (light-emitting diode) fixtures.  LED lighting may cost a bit more, but energy-savings, greater illumination and safety features will prove to be well worth the investment over time.  The quality and adaptability of newer LED lighting makes it an excellent choice for closets and dressing rooms.

9.  Don’t leave Mom in the dark!  Create a cozy corner with a new den floor lamp so she may relax and read, while you watch the ball game! Try a lamp with full-spectrum lighting to elevate her spirits.

10.  Reward yourself:  Clean out the garage and carve out a space for a workshop that is all your own!

People are investing more into floor covering, cabinetry and shelving to make the most of their garage space.    Fluorescent fixtures, track lighting and simple portable lamps are making their way into upgraded organized garage systems.

Basements are excellent spaces for storing things you don’t want taking up space on the main floors of your home. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long before the basement becomes a bit of a catch-all and gets crowded. The lack of proper lighting and the walls in general don’t make the space very appealing, so it seems like the only thing it is really good for is hiding your storage. What if you could add spruce up the basement, even just half of it and make it a little more inviting? Would you do it? An electrician in Los Angeles can help you transform the dark space into one that looks beautiful and is filled with light. The team at The Electric Connection wants to help you do just that.

One of the biggest problems you will find in a basement is the lighting. It is either way too dark or way too brightly lit with some garish shop lights that will blind you if you look directly at them. The lights tend to leave a yellow glare on everything and it is just unpleasing overall. Imagine being able to step down those stairs into a room with carpeting or vinyl, paint on the walls and beautiful lighting that gives the room an inviting feel. Your Los Angeles electrician can really do that—the lighting part of it anyways. Really, the lighting is one of the most important details. It can make or break a space.

Basements are tough to work with because of the lack of natural light and the low ceilings. In order for the space to look big and bright, recessed lights should be installed by an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners will love how much light there is in the space. Another perk is they are not going to lose any ceiling space. The lights are recessed right into the ceiling so you don’t have to worry about your tall friend hitting his head. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your basement lighting installation.

The National Weather Service is predicting a lighter hurricane season than normal this year, but that doesn’t mean everyone shouldn’t be prepared. As we’ve seen in the very recent past, it only takes one major storm to make landfall and throw everything into chaos. One of the best ways to prepare for a major storm is to make sure you have a properly maintained standby generator. Consumerreports.org has some excellent advice for those who are looking for or who already own standby generators—read on for some great tips!

Depending on what you plan on running in the event of a power outage, you’ll need a different size of generator:

Midsized standby generators (5k – 8.5k watts): standby generators of this size can power the refrigerator and sump pump as well as most lights in your home, a portable heater, computer, and heating system.

Large standby generators (10k to 15k watts): large standby generators can power everything a midsized standby generator can, along with a small water heater, central air conditioner, electric range, clothes washer, or electric dryer (although not all at once).

While we don’t often feel the brunt of major hurricanes around here, we still live in a risky area and it’s important that proper precautions are taken. Here is a list of hurricane preparedness tips from Ready.gov:

Before the hurricane:

When a hurricane is likely in your area:

During the storm:

After the storm:

We don’t often experience major hurricanes in our area, but it’s still important to be prepared! Kolb Electric sells and installs Generac generators, so if you want to be extra prepared this hurricane season, call us today!