LED streetlights are great for the environment. They consume much less energy than standard high-intensity discharge (LED streetlights. What some cities have failed to consider, however, is that while LED streetlights are capable of emitting different colors of light, not every color should be used in public outdoor spaces. Bright blue-rich white light can cause some issues for residents, local wildlife, and night sky visibility. When it comes to streetlights, the warmer the color/correlated color temperature (

studies showing that it can even aid in IBS as well as migraine and cancer prevention.

Throughout the day, light changes from a warm white color at dawn to natural white then to a cool white in the afternoon, back to natural white, and eventually to an ultra warm white color at sunset. Our bodies are used to this cycle of light. Artificial lights that deviate from the natural lighting cycle can throw off our circadian rhythms. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences states that, “Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness in an organism’s environment.”

According to healthybuildingscience.com “. . . different types of light trigger different physiological effects. Blue/white light, akin to a bright midday light, suppresses melatonin and increases serotonin, this light is great for activity. Conversely red/orange light triggers melatonin in preparation for going to sleep. If everything is in balance, the body will generate dopamine, serotonin, cortisol and melatonin in the right quantities at the right time of day.”

On their website, the IDA cites important information from a report, this happens “. . . because blue light scatters more within the human eye.”  While it’s not directly causing harm to someone’s health, glare decreases driver safety and can lead to traffic accidents.               

At night, blue light used outdoors can also wreak havoc on ecology. Introducing light with a CCT that’s close to daylight essentially changes the daily cycle that plants and animals are used to. They depend on this cycle of light and dark for hunting, reproduction, sleeping, migrating, and protection. Nocturnal animals have suffered greatly from cool white light at night; the IDA

Because blue light has a larger reach, cool white LED lights used outdoors at night can contribute to light pollution, or brightening of the sky. This decreases the visibility of stars and can have a negative effect on astronomical research. If cool white LED lights are used, they should be shielded or aimed directly downward to prevent light pollution.

Warm white LED street lights and parking lot lights—with a CCT of 3000K or less—are a much better option for public outdoor areas. They emit a much smaller portion of blue light—which is unnoticeable to the eye—and are currently the best options available for street lighting.

Click the photo below to see our line of warm white LED streetlights.

hazardous location lighting.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Electric Code (NEC) 70, defines hazardous locations through a system of classes, divisions or zones, and groups that products must be labeled as to be used in those areas. Hazardous area classifications are based on the general type of substance or material that is present in the area, the likelihood that it exists, and more detailed specifics, such as ignition temperatures and combustible properties.

Class I:

A Class I hazardous location contains flammable gas, liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors that can be present in quantities large enough to create an explosion.

Typical locations include airplane hangars, vehicle paint shops, commercial laundromats, and gas plants.

Class III:

This type of location contains easily ignitable fibers or flyings in the air but that aren’t likely to be in suspension in amounts large enough to cause an explosion.

Typical locations include textile mills, cotton mills, and sawmill facilities.

explosion-proof LED lights that are safe for use in a variety of hazardous locations. Click each photo to see details, including a complete list of classifications and certifications.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us toll free at 866-590-3533. Our customer service and technical support teams are available from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT on Friday.

As you look around your home, you probably see a long list of little things you would like to do to make it better and safer. It is all a part of home ownership. It is exciting to take something that is very basic and mold it into something that is as much a part of your family as the dog or cat. It is only normal you would want to protect your home and the family that resides in it. The Electric Connection can help you do just that.

Homeowners can have hard-wired smoke detectors installed in their home by an electrician Los Angeles residents probably already know how important it is to have at least one smoke detector on every floor of the home, but there is a big difference between hard-wired and battery operated detectors.

The hard-wired varieties are interconnected. This means when the one in the kitchen goes off, the one in the master bedroom upstairs will also go off. Doesn’t that just make sense? It can be difficult to hear an alarm when doors are closed or the television is on. You need detectors that give you precious seconds to get your family out of the house quickly and safely.

Another benefit to this particular type of smoke-detector is the reliability. As long as the home is powered, the detectors will work. There are battery backups as well in case of a power outage. Because the devices are wired directly into your home’s main power, you will need somebody trained to work with electricity. Los Angeles electrical work can safely be performed by the experienced and professional staff at The Electric Connection.

If you would like to learn more about these devices or would like to schedule an appointment to have yours installed, give us a call today.

There are many possible reasons your lights may flicker from time to time:

Because there are so many possible causes for flickering lights, it is best to have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical systems to determine the exact cause, especially if the problem persists. Depending on the nature of the problem, there could be the potential for additional issues to arise if it is ignored.

Give us a call today so we can help keep your home safe and in working order.