A surge suppressor, commonly referred to as a surge protector, is a tool designed to protect electrical equipment from sudden increases in voltage. The suppressor works by limiting the voltage allotted to an electrical device, by grounding any voltage beyond the appropriate threshold.

Suppressors are often used in industrial settings with devices installed in communication systems, power distribution panels and process control systems. Smaller versions of suppressors are used in homes to protect household appliances from voltage hazards.  These types of suppressors are different from protecting plug strips that are commonly used for plugging multiple electronics into the same area.

It is that time of year again—the holidays are here and family is calling, the darkness falls early and our homes are starting to feel more like hibernation dens…. it is time to refresh our interior environment and get set for the winter months ahead.

Combat the oppressiveness that comes with the shorter days and decreased sunshine…bring in the light, uplifting accessories and comfortable décor to make your home or office space a more easeful and gratifying place to grow, work and dwell.

1.  Invest in the best lamps (bulbs) –instant on/off, quiet operation, dim ability and the most welcoming lighting effects are available in the latest energy-efficient LED, CFL and halogen light sources.

2.  Shaded fixtures—Dark Sky outdoor fixtures, as well as, decorative shades for indoor light fixtures make a huge difference in allowing for control and providing welcoming and soothing illumination.

3.  New LED reading lamps and desk lamps are designed to offer plentiful, focused illumination for the comfort and health of your eyes.

4.  Novel lighting controls and updated switches give you the utmost in convenience and energy-savings for all your lamps and light fixtures. In larger homes or offices, it is a good idea to install switches, novel  lighting controls and automated systems that may be digitally programmed and labeled.  This is also an energy-saver, as it limits the chances of you mistakenly turning on and off the wrong lamps and having to constantly think about which switch goes with which light.

5.  Work with the natural light streaming in through windows and skylights.  A couple of task lights and a single torch lamp may be all you need to provide comfort and illumination in rooms with generous windows and plentiful exposure to bright sunlight.

6.  Accessories such as comfy pillows and throws will not only dress up your seating areas and bedrooms, they are essential in blanketing your home with warmth both visually and functionally.

7.  Choose just the right occasional tables and whimsical furniture for form and function.  Look for dual-purpose accessories to make the most of your interior space.

8.  Candles, tea lights and mini portable lamps provide soothing illumination and create ambience for quiet relaxation and romantic lighting effects.

9.  Invest in LED night lights for hallways and bathrooms to supply energy-efficient security lighting and comfort.

10. Above all else:  Do not stress about getting everything done. Enjoy the decorating process and take your time to find just the items that help to define your space according to your specific needs and unique style.

The right illumination has been known to help us cultivate healthier habits whether it be eating more slowly or studying more intently.  Make it your intention this year to surround yourself in the right light.  Comfort is really the ultimate luxury and the right lighting is the key to comfort.

Satisfy your hunger for delectable design with novel accessories and light fixtures.  Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or 1800lighting.com to view the latest in comfort and control for the most luxurious holiday season ever!

If there’s one thing kids seem to love, it’s playing with everything around the house other than their toys—the more dangerous the better! Electrical outlets in particular are an endless source of fascination for young children, and according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, hospitals across the country treat nearly seven children for electric shock and burn injuries related to tampering with wall outlets each day. But buying childproofing devices for your electrical outlets can be a challenge, and if you don’t choose carefully they may not fit in your outlets or may be too easy for your child to pull out. So how do you choose?

There are two types of outlets commonly seen in homes—standard and decorator outlets. You can tell them apart by looking at the number of screws they have:

Different types of outlets have different requirements for childproofing materials, so figuring out which type you have is very important. Note that standard outlets will be able to use most childproofing methods—decorator outlets are a little more complicated, but the packages on the items you buy should list whether they are compatible. Remember that most items approved for decorator outlets will not work in standard outlets, and vice-versa, so choose carefully!

Outlet covers, which usually plug right into the outlet, are a good choice for outlets that have “fixed” items that are plugged in all the time, such as lamps or televisions, as well as areas that use large adapters like at the computer. Outlet covers are effective at keeping both infants and toddlers out of the outlets, which means they’ll last for a number of years. Outlet covers for both standard and decorator outlets can be purchased.

Unlike outlet covers, safety outlet plates replace your existing outlet plates and have a small sliding door that covers the receptacle when not in use. These work best for outlets that you have to repeatedly plug things into and unplug things from, such as a vacuum cleaner. They are also difficult for children to figure out and should be effective for many years.

Ideal for outlets that are kept out of site and rarely used, outlet plugs are usually easier for kids to figure out but are still good at preventing access to the inside of the outlet. The good news is that they can be used interchangeably in standard and decorator outlets.

Keeping your children safe is your number one priority, and childproofing your electrical outlets is a great way to do that. Damaged or malfunctioning outlets can also be a major safety hazard in your home, so if you need outlet repair in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, call Kolb Electric today!

Hudson Valley designs and manufactures distinctive lighting with a full range of finishes and glass options to satisfy even the most discriminating customer. Hudson Valley lighting products are impeccably designed, featuring outstanding quality and value. Designs of distinction and manufacturing of the highest quality are synonymous with Hudson Valley lighting.

Found in interiors of many of the most exclusive residential and commercial environments, Hudson Valley lighting products are meticulous in design and manufactured to exacting standards. Lighting styles range from traditional and vintage reproductions to high-end contemporary designs.

Doing work around the house without calling for help is a common point of pride for many people, but an amateur should never tackle an electrical panel installation — regardless of the bragging rights on the line. No amount of pride is worth an incorrect electrical panel installation, especially when you consider just how important and complicated this component can be. Additionally, you should remember that electrical work can be extremely dangerous for anyone who isn’t a professional.

This principle most definitely applies to putting in a new electrical panel. If you’re knowledgeable enough, you may be capable of replacing an outlet or switch on your own. For bigger jobs like this, however, it is critical that you bring in an electrician. Not only would you be in danger during the installation itself, but even small mistakes made during the process can lead to future risk of fires and electrocution.

Electrical code requirements control the size of a panel in a newly built or renovated home, and these rules can vary based on your location. There is a reason there are strict measures for electrical panel installation, and those reasons are clear when you consider just how important these panels are. Panels are essentially a central hub for the electrical system in your home. They are an important safety measure as well. The power that comes in from the electric company passes through your electrical meter, and then into the panel. The panel directs the electricity through your home.

Electrical panels use circuit breakers, which control the amount of current provided to an outlet. They also serve to protect your system (and home) from power surges. If the breaker identifies an excessive amount of current, it shuts it off and protects components from the overload. It does this in a fraction of a second. This keeps appliances safe and also protects your home from the risk of a fire.

An incorrect electrical panel installation undermines the safety measures of your panel. An inexperienced installer might accidentally connect a wire to a breaker designated to allow more current than the wire can safely handle. This means unsafe amounts of electricity would be passing through, and the panel would not be able to do anything about it. An overloaded wire could easily spark, which could then lead to a fire.

An electrical panel isn’t a component you want to worry about after installation. Unless you’re a professional, there’s no way you can promise this won’t be an issue after you’ve finished working. Beyond that, an experienced electrician can make sure the panel lasts for a long time.

By using sophisticated equipment and materials, as well as in-depth knowledge of local energy code requirements, a professional will be able to achieve a level of efficiency and quality that would be out of reach for any amateur. Your home will be better protected from future issues after thorough wire testing once the installation is complete. A new panel installation is an involved, intricate process, and it’s important that even the smallest steps are correct.