If you own or manage a business, you have probably noticed the equipment in the business is a little different than you would find in an average home. There is probably a lot more as well and things are much more sensitive. Because of this, you need an electrician in Glendale who can deal with commercial electrical problems. At The Electric Connection, you will find the right electrician for your business needs. Wiring schematics tend to be different for larger pieces of equipment and there is a learning curve involved. You don’t want to hire somebody who is still learning. You need somebody who can get your electrical problem taken care of right, the first time.

Along with hiring an electrician who is capable of working on more sophisticated equipment, businesses need a company that is reliable and will keep in line with a certain image. Often times, the electrician will be seen by customers. It wouldn’t do to have customers unsure of who the individual was or mistaking the electrician for an employee and causing a moment of awkwardness. You need a person who looks professional and is in a uniform that clearly identifies his or her position.

A few other important traits when it comes to hiring somebody to complete your commercial Glendale electrical work is the ability to be on time, reliable and to maintain a professional air while they are inside the business. They should be courteous to the customers as well as the employees. Because time really is money, it is imperative the electrician you hire shows up when scheduled and complete the work within a certain timeframe. If circumstances change and the electrician needs more time, communication is key to keeping the business running smoothly. If you need a commercial electrician who meets these criteria, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Cities like Colorado Springs, Denver, and Pueblo are constantly expanding and urbanizing—you can always spot a new neighborhood development on your commute to work. New homes are sprouting up all the time, and people are buying. However, sometimes new isn’t always better (or cheaper). There are a lot of great, older homes throughout Colorado cities, and are often a better choice when it comes to real-estate investments. If you currently own an older home, or you are considering purchasing an older home, you’re going to want to check for these common electrical problems that could cause issues in the future in terms of both safety and money.

Generally, homes that were built after 1940 are in the clear—they are usually safe and the electrical systems were installed up to code. Homes built prior to the 1940s should be evaluated, however, as many of the electrical wiring could have deteriorated or may not be able to power a home in this era of modern day technology and appliances. Regardless of when your home was built, it might be a good idea to have an electrician come out and evaluate the wiring systems in your home and ensure that your family will be safe. Here are some things that you can look for yourself when it comes to old wiring in old homes:

Old Cables

Metal cased, fabric covered, or frayed wires are signs that your wiring is outdated and unsafe. Many times during the early 1900s, electrical wiring was “protected” by metal jackets or canvas-like cloth, which can cause problems if the insulation in your walls has been damaged or aged, or even if the metal electrical cords were placed on inadequate grounding. If the wires get exposed, or start to fray in these two locations (next to insulation or on top of a poor electrical foundation) this could be a serious fire hazard waiting to happen. You know you need to call an electrician and get your wiring replaced when you can see any scorch marks on switches or outlets, when you see torn, damaged, or missing insulation, or when you see exposed wires that could potentially cause a fire.

ZINSCO and FPE Panels

Zinsco Panels

While popular around the 1970s, Zinsco panels are almost obsolete today. However, older homes can still have these panels as a part of their home’s electrical system. Not every Zinsco panel needs to get replaced, but it would still be a good idea to get it inspected, as these panels have circuit breakers that have been known to melt into the main bus bar and cause a fire.

FPE Panels

Federal Pacific Electric panels were distributed throughout thousands of homes in the 1950s to the 1980s, and have an unfortunate reputation of being extremely hazardous to the safety of you and your home. These panels have been known for their inability to trip the circuit breaker when the circuit is overloaded or short. When the breaker doesn’t trip, it instantly puts your home at a fire risk because the circuit is taking on much more than it can handle and has no way to shut itself off.

If you recognize either two of these logos on your electric panels in your home, call an electrician immediately to get them inspected.

Old Fuse Boxes—Below 100 Amps of Power

Houses built before the late 1940s and early 1950s were not expected to handle the amount of electricity that we use in modern time. That being said, the homes were installed with a circuit box that can only power 60 amp service (four fuses), or sometimes even 30 amp service (two fuses). This means that your older home may not be able to power all of the appliances and electronics that you have in your house. If your breaker is tripping constantly, or your electric bill is through the roof, this may be a sign that your older home needs an electrical inspection to update the amp-service. Older electrical panels are also at risk of starting a fire. If you are unsure whether or not your home is experiencing this, call an electrician to be safe, and they will be able to give their expert opinion on whether or not you need to upgrade your electrical panel in your older house.

These are just a few signals of outdated electrical work in an older home, but each one is a serious risk to the safety of you and your family. If you have an older house, be sure to get it checked out and evaluated for safety. The same goes for those who are looking to buy an older home in the Colorado area, as the electrical work could be outdated and dangerous.

The bathroom serves as a place for many different activities. Your morning and evening routines start and end here and you rely on it to keep you looking your best. The importance of this room comes with the need to keep it looking, feeling and smelling clean. The best place to start with a clean bathroom is to install a bathroom exhaust fan.

You have most likely seen a bathroom fan in the past. The switch to them can usually be found next to the bathroom light switch. The reason they are so common in bathrooms is because of the activity that happens there. A bathroom without an exhaust fan can be airtight and offer little to no air circulation. When you add a hot shower and running water to this mix, you have a significant amount of humidity and moisture. If you do not deal with this moisture it can lead to mold and mildew, which can affect your health. The exhaust fan sucks the air from the bathroom and draws in new air, eliminating moisture and humidity in the process.

You can see the urgency and need for having a bathroom exhaust fan installed. But here are a few more reasons you might want to consider having one installed.

In many areas it is a requirement to have a bathroom fan installed, but that is not always the case. If you have a bathroom in your home without a fan then it is time to consider installing one before the damage is done. Because of the high moisture in the air you want to make sure that the exhaust fan’s electrical work is done correctly to prevent contact of moisture and electricity.

To be honest, I’ve always liked the look of CFLs. Yes, there have been Image via Plumen.com

The light bulb itself does everything you’d expect it to. It’s 80% more efficient than a standard incandescent light bulb, and it’s expected to last 8 years. However, this isn’t a light bulb you want to hide behind some shade.

Lighting designers look to nature for organic, eco-friendly and sustainable artistic inspiration. Whether they are planning for interior and exterior lighting installation, a healthy blend of natural elements is always in style.

Bring nature indoors and out and get inspired by shopping nautical inspired lighting designs at Capitol Lighting.   The sea is a wonderful, natural inspiration and Capitol Lighting has a huge selection of nautical lighting from which to choose –over 300 designs and unique accent pieces!

When it comes to nautical lighting, Capitol Lighting offers everything from outdoor wall lighting to kitchen island lights. You don’t have to live by the sea to appreciate the essence of nautical lighting design.  Trend-setting finish options and appealing blue hues incorporated into the latest nautical lighting designs.  These lamps and light fixtures are timeless and classic, and they add a casual charm to both the traditional and modern home.

Whether you are shopping for kitchen island lights, outdoor wall lighting or outdoor pier lights, find hundreds of nautical inspired lighting designs at Capitol Lighting online or in one of our retail showrooms nationwide.