Are you still using incandescent light bulbs? Your electrician would recommend a different course. Efficient lighting technology has blown up in the last few years, and advanced technologies are just getting better. Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are at the forefront of modern lighting thanks to their inexpensive and long-lasting luminescence. Some of these new diodes are leading the pack in must-have lighting features, including smart home integration that you can control with your phone. Read on to learn more about the latest in LED technology.

Upfront Costs are Dropping

One of the biggest complaints about early LEDs was the price. Almost any LED will save you money over time compared to an incandescent bulb, since they use 25 to 80 percent less electricity and can last up to 25 times as long, but many consumers balked at paying the $35 or higher retail price for a single bulb. Newer models, however, can recreate the look of that classic 60 watt incandescent bulb with fewer LED panels, meaning they are cheaper to produce and sell for $10 or less.

Options are Expanding

Other common complaints about the first LED models were that the warmth of the light wasn't quite right and they didn't work with accessories like dimmers. With today's technologies, however, you can find LEDs that give off almost any color and lighting profile, allowing you to mimic the look and feel of your old incandescent bulbs or tailor your room to fit more eclectic tastes. Not every LED is compatible with standard dimmers yet, but many are – just check the label on the box to make sure.

Make it a Smart Bulb

Many new LED models are designed specifically to work with smart technology. That means you can control them from your phone no matter where you are, set up a schedule for them to turn on and off, and even have different colors or light intensities at different times. Newer bulbs are also optimized to work with your other smart home systems to move you closer to a goal of integrated whole-house control.

Turnkey Functionality

One of the biggest advantages of upgrading to LEDs is how easy it is. There's no need to hire an electrician to set up new wiring or fixtures – the bulbs screw right into the pre-existing bases, out of the box. If you want tips on how to make the most of your new lighting options and create the room profile that fits your home, however, don't hesitate to call up your local electrician for guidance and advice.

Part of home ownership is the freedom to do as you choose with your home. Painting walls a wild color of orange or adding new carpet are all things homeowners do to make the home fit their personality. These are minor things that can be done on your own over a weekend or two if you like. Then there are those bigger changes homeowners are typically keen to make. Whether it is knocking out a closet to make a room bigger or adding additional square footage onto the house to accommodate a growing family, a home is constantly evolving. However, there are some jobs that require a little more expertise than your cousin’s friend. You need the help of an experienced electrician in Burbank if you are planning any major home remodels. The team at The Electric Connection are the ones to call when you are ready to change up the interior of your home with a remodel.

Adding an entire new room, transforming a basement or updating a kitchen are all common remodels families will do to make home life easier. These things also add value to the home and can be an investment for the future. To protect that investment, it is important you use a certified electrician. Burbank homeowners who try to cut corners by avoiding permits and hiring unlicensed electricians are putting themselves at a huge risk.

Remodels will almost always require new wiring, updating outlets and fixtures and a host of other electrical related job. The overall safety of the home must be considered. Stay safe, protect your investment and make the call to a trained, professional Burbank electrician. The job will be done right and you will feel better knowing the wiring is up to code and has passed inspection. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your remodel consultation.

You might be a fan of their appearance, but aluminum light poles bring more to the table than just their looks. Whether you opt for squared or rounded varieties, these light poles have become more popular than ever. This is thanks to their impressive ratio of strength to weight, as they are sturdy while still being lightweight. Additionally, they feature a high resistance to corrosion. These advantages, coupled with their recyclability, make aluminum light poles a perfect match for sustainable projects and harsher environments.

Aluminum is a great material to use when you’re prioritizing strength and reliability. However, just as important as the variety of light pole is the installation procedure. If your poles don’t have proper installation, you could be losing out on the benefits of the lights. A sloppy installation by the wrong people compromises everything from the reliability of the lights to your safety.

Not all vibration is bad, but the destructive form of it can cause serious damage over time as cracks begin to form and then spread along the pole’s side. If the pole’s movements are not equal in either direction, it is simply usual sway, and therefore no reason for concern.

On the other hand, if it is constantly moving back and forth an equal distance, with the motion based at the center of the pole’s shaft and not on top, you’re seeing potentially destructive vibration. Eventually, this can lead to the pole shaft cracking and falling, breaking just above the part of the base where the weld held it together.

Several factors contribute to pole vibration. These include the pole shape, the surrounding environment and the installation. Whoever performs the installation needs to follow the appropriate guidelines for the size and type of pole, as each pole can handle a certain load. If your installer uses the wrong light fixture, destructive vibrations could be inevitable.

Every installation job will have its requirements, based on the client’s needs as well as the location in question. One aspect that doesn’t change, however, is the importance of safety. Light pole installations fall under the umbrella of electrical work, which is always a dangerous area for anyone who isn’t an expert. Any piece of electrical equipment improperly installed can become a safety hazard, and aluminum light poles are no exception.

Your installer must comply with local codes and requirements as applicable. As such, they need to provide proper electrical groundings. Failure to do so can be a serious violation of important safety regulations. Worse, it can lead to a very dangerous situation for you and anyone exposed to the light poles.

We, of course, love lighting. Layers of light help to brighten any space, highlight certain aspects of a room, and help set the mood. Justin Krutz, a blogger for Palatin Remodeling, sent us this guest post with interior design decorating tips to help you brighten your home beyond just lighting. Thanks Justin!

There are hundreds of empty homes on the market in any given area, but those homes generally have their own list of issues that need repaired. You have to put money into the home to make it suitable for you and your family and in many cases, it ends up being you compromise quite a bit just to get into the home. This is why many homeowners choose to have their home built by a contractor. Having a home built is a dream that is not all that hard to achieve with the many financial options available today. Once you get your financing secured, you will need to pick the various contractors for specific duties, like an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners can rely on The Electric Connection to get their home electrically ready for them.

There is undoubtedly a lot of work that goes into the pre-planning and then ultimately the building of a new home. Along the way, there are going to be a lot of areas where your input will be needed. It is your dream home after all and every detail matters, right down to where your electrical outlets go. An electrician in Beverly Hills can consult with you to get an idea of what kind of needs you have when it comes to your electrical appliances and the kind of technology you use.

If you have an electric car, it is important you talk with your Beverly Hills electrician and get your charging station all hooked up the right way. This applies to things like a hot tub or heated pool as well, which will all require the expertise of an electrician. It is easier and more cost-friendly to take care of these things now. Give The Electric Connection a call today and learn more about their new home construction services.