The MD, DC, and VA area is known for getting slammed with violent and powerful thunderstorms that produce severe lightning. Electrical surges, which are caused by lightning, can wreak havoc on your expensive electronics and appliances.

A lightning strike that hits a power line several miles away from your house can impact all your electronic items. Whole-house surge protection is the best option you have to protect your home electronics and wiring from the damage caused by lightning strikes.

Everyone from the National Fire Protection Association to the Institute for Business and Home Safety recommends the use of whole-house surge protection. As a homeowner, the good news for you is that protection is readily available, and even top-of-the-line solutions are affordable. The gold standard in whole-house surge protection is a two-tiered system—a whole-house surge protective device, or SPD, installed at the circuit breaker box, and plug-in SPDs on individual outlets. A whole-house SPD can protect against up to 40,000 amps of current flowing into your home from the outside; normal household power is between 200 to 300 amps. When an electrical surge occurs as a result of a lightning strike, the device detects the excess current and safely diverts it through the house’s grounding path. Whole-house surge protection provides homeowners in MD, DC, and VA peace of mind when a powerful thunderstorm passes the area.

Whole-house surge protection can typically be installed in a home for around $200—it’s an easy job for a top electrician. The cost of replacing electronic equipment in an average home is a whopping $8,000, and it may be even higher for homes in MD, DC, and VA. Whole-house surge protection is cheap insurance against electrical surges caused by lightning strikes. It provides a layer of protection to all the electronic items in your home.

To ensure complete safety, Kolb Electric recommends that you allow a qualified, experienced electrician to complete the wiring for whole-house surge protection—there are several steps involved that are best left to a professional.

If you require surge protection wiring or want a full whole-house surge protection installation, contact Kolb Electric.

Lighting has come a long way in the last several decades. We are no longer forced to endure the same, boring light fixtures and bulbs. There are plenty of new designs that provide more light while using energy efficient bulbs. In fact, the lights are so much brighter than the old-fashioned incandescent bulbs, it can be a little too much for some situations. Bright light is great at times, but other times you don’t need to see every inch in the room and just need a soft light to allow you to watch television, eat a meal or relax while surfing the net on your laptop. This is a downside to the CFLs and LEDs that are trending in the lighting world. An electrician in Los Angeles has a solution for your lighting needs. The team at The Electric Connection can help explain it a little better.

Now, you probably remember the dimmer switches that were very standard in construction throughout the 70s and into the early 2000s. Those switches lost some popularity as the CFL bulbs gained in popularity. CFLs are not meant to be used with a dimmer switch in most cases. Keep in mind, there are some that are specifically labeled as dimmer switch capable. This meant people were stuck with the bright light or no light at all, explains an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners can upgrade their old lighting fixtures to those that use LEDs and take advantage of the cost savings and flexibility of dimmer switches once again.

Dimmer switches are an excellent way to save money on your lighting bill says a Los Angeles electrician. Combined with energy efficient LEDs or CFLs and you can make a dramatic difference on your electric bill each month. It is important you only buy bulbs that are specified for use with a dimmer. Your electrician can explain more about the risks of using non-approved lights in the fixtures attached to a dimmer. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your dimmer switch installation and take back control of your lighting.

It’s a new year, and many of us have resolved to finally do what makes us happy. To stop coming up with reasons not to do the things we want. Of course, this time of year also brings many to the crippling realization of just how much they spent over the holidays, and how much they need to save in the new year.

Good lighting, beautiful lighting, new lighting in your home can really work miracles for the space’s look and feel, and even your own well-being. But, when trying to save money, springing for new lights can feel like too much of a luxury. How do you know when it’s worth it?

We’ve put our heads together here at Pegasus Lighting to come up with the 8 best reasons you should say YES! to a lighting upgrade:

1. You’re wasting money. 

Show off your style and freedom of choice with superb outdoor hanging lanterns and light fixtures from “All American” home lighting and furnishing vendors.

Hanover Lantern, Hubbardton Forge and Northeast Lantern feature outstanding designs manufactured exclusively in the USA and infused with American pride.

HANOVER LANTERN

Hanover Lantern with roots near historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania brings in the endearing elements of small town USA.  Trusted Old World values live on in their custom made-to-order outdoor lighting compositions.

Hanover Lantern’s commitment to creating an American-made, quality product is highlighted in their cast aluminum outdoor lighting products and accompanied by superb accessories, including mailboxes and address signs. Featured on the finest homes, businesses and resorts throughout the United States and Canada, Hanover Lantern is now a Philips Company.

Philips Company, the largest lighting manufacturer in the world, has put their name behind Hanover Lantern and lives up to their slogan: “Tailor Made to Fit Your Style.”

HUBBARDTON FORGE

Hubbardton Forge Lighting fosters an environment infused with collaborative energy as designers, engineers and craftspeople work side by side free to connect, explore and create.

Housing “The Modern American Blacksmiths,” Hubbardton Forge is the oldest and largest commercial forge in the country with a team of over 200 people creating hand-forged compositions infused with timeless beauty and artistry.

A company that is accessible and always responsive to special design requests and individual decorating requirements, Hubbardton’s strong commitment to outstanding design and the development of energy-efficient lighting solutions is showcased in every piece.

Structural integrity in heavy gauge steel, durable finishes, hand-welded arms and shafts, and premium grade internal components ensure products last for generations.

Pioneers of environmental cleanliness and innovative manufacturing processes, Hubbardton light fixtures are composed of raw steel from a high percentage of recycled materials and a state-of-the-art powder coating finish free of hazardous waste and toxic chemicals associated with liquid finishes.

Resistant to rust and corrosive elements, creative works from Hubbardton Forge Lighting lend splendid illumination to your indoor and outdoor lighting design.

In addition to awe-inspiring outdoor hanging lanterns and light fixture designs, skilled artisans at Hubbardton Forge also create unique home décor items, including mirrors and bathroom accessories.

When you own a Hubbardton Forge pendant, lamp, chandelier or outdoor hanging lantern, you own a piece of Vermont-made art of enduring value.

NORTHEAST LANTERN

Handcrafted light fixture compositions from Northeast Lantern come to light right in the state of New Hampshire.  Light fixture designers and craftsmen are trained by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to present a finished product in a clean and green manner.

From the classic “Colonial” collection to the modernistic “Midtown” collection, light fixture designs from Northeast Lantern represent the enduring spirit of American life.

Enjoy reasonably priced outdoor lighting fixtures made of solid brass and copper from Northeast Lantern.  Northeast Lantern products are custom designed with unique variations in hand-applied natural finishes.  Outdoor hanging lanterns and light fixtures will darken and weather over time; retaining their beauty, they will never rust, peel or chip.

With the exception of glass, Northeast Lantern guarantees all products for life.

Enjoy the best of America; check out new “Boston” and “Concord” collections from Northeast Lantern.

From Generation to Generation, Hanover Lantern, Hubbardton Forge and Northeast Lantern Continue to Provide the Best

Keep your stars and stripes shining true with top quality outdoor hanging lanterns and outdoor light fixture designs.

Celebrate July Fourth Weekend with these American Beauties…

New from Northeast Lantern

The “Independence” outdoor lighting collection.

New from Hubbardton Forge

The “Modern Prairie” collection 36-5710

New from Hanover Lantern

B9976 “Four Sided Series” outdoor hanging lanterns

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or shop 1800lighting.com to view the finest in home lighting and accessories.  Celebrate your American pride and enjoy spirited new designs from Hanover Lantern, Hubbardton Forge and Northeast Lantern!

We have already had a taste of what the summer weather promises this year. With rising energy prices and hotter than normal temperatures just around the corner, it is time to start thinking of alternatives for keeping cool this summer. One way you can stay cool and comfortable without spiking your electric bill is with the installation of a ceiling fan in each room. A Burbank electrician, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you stay cool by taking care of the installation for you. This way, you can rest easy knowing a professional electrician has taken care of all the wiring and it is done safely and the right way.

Ceiling fans go a long way to keeping you cool despite the fact they don’t actually produce cold air like an air conditioner would. The cool breeze that is created with the rotation of the fan blades can make you feel much cooler and keep you from heading to the thermostat and cranking up the air conditioning on those really hot days. By using a ceiling fan to keep cool in combination with your air conditioner, you will save yourself a lot of money. Not only are you saving money on your electric bill by reducing the demand on your air conditioning system, you are also saving money on repairs that will be needed due to working the AC unit too hard.

Because there is some electrical wiring involved with the installation of a ceiling fan, you will need to hire an electrician. Burbank residents can opt to have fans placed in each bedroom, the living room and the dining area. This will help circulate the cooler air throughout the home. The fans can typically be installed in place of the light fixture in the center of the room. The cost of a ceiling fan is extremely affordable and well worth the investment. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule you ceiling fan installation.