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.

The Backup generator installation cost is a concern for many who are thinking about getting an emergency power source installed. Many people, especially those that live in areas prone to natural disasters, would like to get a backup generator. However, they hesitate to pull the trigger when they think about the amount of money involved. The benefits of installing a backup generator are many and varied and often justify the backup generator installation cost for those at high risk of suffering a power outage. These advantages are more extensive than you might realize; so, we have laid them out for you in this article.

Some people think of backup generators as luxury items, but they can be lifesaving necessities. For example, a house in a frigid climate may lose electricity due to a severe snowstorm. If this happens, the homeowners will lose electric heating without a backup generator. A backup generator can prevent a life-threatening situation making the backup generator installation cost money well spent.

Other essential mechanisms need to keep running, like sump pumps and septic systems. Some homes even have a water system that is dependent on electricity. In addition, some people have medical devices powered by electricity. Obviously, a backup generator would be essential in this situation.

A backup generator could support other critical systems. For example, a home’s security system usually has a battery backup, but the batteries may run out in the event of an extended outage. This lack of power could be a real problem, as looting sometimes occurs in such situations. Though the worst probably won’t happen, if peace of mind is important to you, you should consider getting a generator to ensure safety.

In times of hardship, such as during a natural disaster, it is important to keep spirits up. A backup generator can provide a means to do this. It can power a TV or computer to allow entertainment and communication. The morale boost from having a link to the outside world can be vital, especially in an extended power outage. Of course, you shouldn’t use a backup generator primarily for such luxuries, but doing do sparingly can have a positive effect.

Smoke detectors are very crucial pieces of safety equipment in your home and it is now also mandatory in NSW that residential properties have at least one smoke alarm on every storey. Not many people are aware of this, but a large percentage of fires in homes cause massive destruction because the smoke detectors didn’t function the way they should have.

The unfortunate fact is that we almost always take these fixtures for granted; we get them installed and rarely even notice they are there on the ceiling until they get set off accidently or when their batteries go dead. Improperly installed smoke detectors or even poorly-maintained ones will only end up letting you down exactly when you need them.

It’s important that you make smoke detector maintenance a part and parcel of your regular home maintenance routine. There two main types of smoke alarms used on residential properties:

These have minuscule quantities of radioactive material that reacts to the particles that are emitted when a fire breaks out, and that sets-off the alarm. These alarms are extremely effective in the detection of fast-flaming fires in which there isn’t too much of visible smoke.

These have photocells with a light beam that shines away from the cell. If smoke enters its test chamber, the smoke particles scatter some of the light; this hits the cell and triggers the alarm. These types of smoke detectors are ideal for detecting smouldering/smoky fires, which is how residential fires typically are.

Regardless of the types of alarms installed on your property, it doesn’t take more than a few minutes annually to ensure that these devices are in a working order at all times. The few steps you should take are:

Aside from the regular maintenance, it’s also very important that you consider how many smoke detectors you have and how they are powered. The best way to increase the effectiveness and safety of these devices is to upgrade your home’s smoke detection setup. The things to focus on are:

The holiday season is a magical time, when everyone’s spirits lift and goodwill is shown to all. This buoyant mood is magnified by the sparkling Christmas lights we use to decorate our homes and with it comes the rise in energy use as a result.

Don’t let rising energy costs prevent you from decking your home in the finest lighting fashions of the season. Instead, follow these tips to reduce energy use during the holidays.

LED lights are highly energy efficient. Compared to a string of traditional holiday lights, a string with Energy Star LED bulbs uses up to 90 percent less electricity, and the light LEDs produce is just as bright.

Another advantage is that LEDs won’t burn out. Due to their high durability, you won’t spend the first hour of stringing lights hunting down and replacing burned-out bulbs. Using these lights indoors, you won’t have to worry as much about fire hazards because they run much cooler than incandescent bulbs.

LEDs not only save energy, they come in a marvelous array of twinkling, fading light effects to make your holiday display sparkle. Traditional light strings have given way to LED ropes, spotlights, and even laser light shows.

There’s no need to light your display when no one can appreciate it. Instead of burning the lights all day and night, just turn them on when it’s dark and the neighborhood is busy. This way, everyone enjoys the display and you save energy.

By automatically controlling your lights, your energy savings can be even higher. Instead of relying on your memory to turn the lights on and off, use an automation system, such as HomeWorks from Lutron, to do it for you. Such a system offers benefits beyond turning lights on and off; it can improve lighting use throughout your home and provide added exterior security.

Even a modest display of holiday lights can consume a lot of energy. You may choose to only light your Christmas tree, but you can do it economically. However, because of the latest advances in energy-saving lights, you don’t have to limit yourself to a few lights on a tree.

Hang strings of LED sparklers from the eaves, trim the evergreen in the front yard, and install a few lighted reindeer or a Santa Claus on the lawn. Get into the holiday spirit without breaking the bank and contact Bryant Electric Service today for your lighting needs.

Having smoke alarms is one of the essential ways you can protect your family in your home. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has estimated that nearly 70 percent of those who perish in a house fire were in homes where there was no smoke alarm. Additionally, it is estimated that nearly one thousand deaths per year could be prevented by installing smoke alarms in every home. Learn more about the considerations you must make regarding smoke alarms and then call a Los Angeles electrical company, such as The Electric Connection, to install this important device today.

Building Codes

There are building codes that mandate the installation of smoke alarms. These are developed at both the state and local level. Since there are so many codes and requirements you must keep in mind, it is recommended that you find an electrician in Los Angeles that has a thorough knowledge of NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm Code as well as these local ordinances.

Location

It is important not only to have a smoke detector, but also to install enough and install them in a proper location. It’s important to install the number of smoke detectors that are required in your area. Additionally, connecting the detectors, means that there will be an early warning if a fire breaks out in another part of the home. When working with an electrician, Los Angeles residents should request that the detector be mounted on the ceiling or high on the wall.

Power Source

A smoke alarm can operate on batteries, electrical systems or a combination. An alarm that operates on both is most desirable, since it protects you even if there is a power outage or dead battery situation. Testing your smoke alarm regularly is vitally important to make certain it will be there for you when you need it.

If you want to talk to a Los Angeles Electrician about installing a smoke alarm system in your home, visit us at ElectricConnection.com or call us at The Electric Connection today.