The living room seems a little dim, you think. Here’s the DIY solution you cook up: you head over to the hardware store, buy a brighter bulb, screw it into the nearest lamp and bask in the incandescent glow. Easy, right?Not exactly. Using a lightbulb with higher-than-recommended wattage for a specific fixture is known as overlamping. This seemingly innocent practice is actually surprisingly dangerous, and is one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States — right up there with candles, smoking and cooking mishaps.

Overlamping is one of the most commonly overlooked mistakes a homeowner can make, and it can be deadly. A 2011 electrical fire that killed 11 people in Brisbane — the according to home improvement blogger Taryn Williford. When you place an incandescent bulb with wattage that’s too high in the socket of a lamp that cannot provide the required electrical output, the ensuing heat and intensity of the bulb can scorch or melt the socket and the insulation of the lamp's wiring.  

Now you have prime conditions for arc fault. An arc fault occurs when a spark jumps through the air between exposed wires. This sounds dangerous, yes? It is — in fact, the National Fire Protection Agency and the National Association of State Fire Marshals electrical power. A CFL often has a tubular shape atop the familiar screw-bottom.

An LED (light-emitting diode) light is directional, rather than radiant. This allows the LED to use much less energy than an incandescent light or even a CFL. LEDs can also directly replace incandescent bulbs in some cases.

CFLs use a much lower wattage than incandescent bulbs and create far less heat, making overlamping situations far less likely. LEDs also use much less electricity and even remain cool to the touch. The risks of overlamping are negligible.

There are drawbacks to any lighting solution. Incandescent (even halogen) lights are energy inefficient. CFLs are made from materials that are terrible for the environment. LEDs burn out at a quicker rate. The right light for you is the light that makes you most comfortable in your home — and that’s a decision you need to make.

If you live in Maryland, Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C. and need schedule electrical repair service online now.

Electrical problems have the potential to cause serious injuries and property damage, and should never be ignored.   What may seem like a minor problem, such as a flickering light or a circuit that repeatedly trips could be an indication of a major problem hidden within the walls of a home or business.

Bring out the constitution in your house with top quality decorative lighting. Put your trust in the lighting experts at Capitol Lighting, and your American dream home will come to light.  With premier service and selection, Capitol Lighting is the place to find the most up-to-date home lighting strategies and applications, including expert foyer fixture installations.

Our three-step guide will help you custom-design a beautiful home entry zone with just the right illumination.

Expert Foyer Fixture Installation:

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom for more excellent lighting ideas and view the latest collections from the world’s most distinguished vendors. Enjoy promotional pricing on select merchandise, including these unique finds from Savoy House:

For over 35 years, Troy Lee and his crew at Savoy House have been providing design inspiration to the most discriminating designers and homeowners throughout the nation. A breathtaking array of thrilling new finishes, styles, and accent pieces masterfully brought to life by skilled artisans, awards freedom to create a unique vision at home.

“A retail icon for over eight decades, Capitol Lighting is the choice of purveyors of fine lighting. Committed to bringing their clientele the best the world offers in fine decorative lighting, Capitol’s superb management and sales staff does it like no else can do it. Come and experience the reason we at Savoy House Lighting are proud to proclaim Capitol Lighting as our home.” — Troy Lee – Chairman & President, Savoy House.

When Your House Calls, Capitol Lighting listens! From our House to your house, Capitol Lighting delivers the light.

Energy Smart concepts in home lighting make for a brighter future for America.  Join Capitol Lighting’s efforts to keep America moving forward, planning wisely for future generations, and illuminating the world with thoughtfulness and in good taste.

Top 5 Reasons to Become an Energy Smart American:

You’ll never sacrifice style and artistry with these energy-saving innovations from Savoy House:

*Energy saving CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs and uniquely crafted opaque glass are included with these fixtures to provide a pleasingly soft illumination.  NOTE:  If you use compact fluorescent bulbs on an incandescent fixture, the spiral glass of the bulb will be in plain sight if the glass of the fixture is clear.

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or call 1800lighting.com for even more ways to celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.  Just in time for CitiZENship Day, these new arrivals from Savoy House will bring out the ZEN in your home: