A common concern for those involved in home renovations or purchasing a new home is, “What is the state of the electrical system in the walls”. Some homes may not have had construction or renovations done since the original – this means the original wiring is still in place. Having original wiring in place can be concerning, especially if it is aluminum wiring. This type of wiring is commonly found in older homes and can be very dangerous. Read on to find out what you need to know about aluminum wiring and the dangers associated with it.

In the 1950’s to 1970’s, many homes were being outfitted with aluminum wiring. The reason for this was because the prices of copper (material normally used for electrical wires) had increased and the use of aluminum would undercut the high costs. Aluminum is also much more conductive than copper and was used in larger industrial/commercial electrical lines like power grids and airplanes.

Despite the reduced cost and increased conductivity, aluminum wiring has many potential issues. Aluminum wiring is much softer than standard copper wiring. This means that it is vulnerable to being broken, cut, and damaged which can leave live electrical wires exposed. Another issue is that when aluminum rusts, it is not as conductive as copper. Copper that rusts can remain conductive and continue its flow of power. However with aluminum wiring, rust in wiring will impede the flow of electricity and can cause a number of other issues. Aluminum also expands and contracts when it becomes hot. This constant flux in size will result in the wires loosening themselves and connections become loose. For all of the above listed reasons, aluminum is prone to overheating and electrical fires.

If you are unsure if there is aluminum wiring in your home, we have listed a number of warning signs that can indicate a hidden problem

Although any light will help alleviate the strain on your eyes while looking at a screen, there is a right and wrong type and location for the light to have the best effect. As mentioned earlier, bias lighting is placed behind your screen to establish a brighter field of view so that your eyes aren’t constantly trying to find a balance between light and dark. Bias lighting illuminates a room without creating glare or reflections on your screen, shining directly in your eyes, or affecting how you see contrast and colors. Other sources of light, such as ceiling lights or lamps, can do all of the above.

If light is shining onto your screen, there’s going to be a noticeable difference in how the picture appears. Colors won’t be as vivid, and the screen might be hazy. In an attempt to remedy the situation, you could adjust the brightness and contrast. However, these adjustments will decrease the life span of the bulb or LEDs in your screen. The adjustments will also result in increased energy consumption along with a higher electric bill.

Adding light behind your screen instead of in front of it will eliminate any color or contrast issues. Dark scenes or colors will look richer against a white illuminated background. The picture below demonstrates how dark colors are lost against a dark background.

howtogeek.com, “. . .  you want a bulb temperature that is as close as possible (if not identical) to the reference point used in the industry that both manufactures the screens you’re looking at as well as creates content for said screens and that’s 6500K.” He goes on to say that, “The bulbs (be they CFL or LED) inside your HDTV or monitor are calibrated to 6500K, the film and digital video shot is color corrected to have a 6500K white reference point, and the editing suites where content is edited and worked on have 6500K bias light.”

So what exactly does 6500K mean? Correlated color temperature (CRI). CRI refers to how accurately a light source reveals the true colors of objects, people, and surroundings and involves a distinct testing method with comparisons to incandescent light or daylight. A light source with a CRI close to 100 shows colors very similarly to how daylight or incandescent light shows those same colors. To get the best picture, you’ll want bias lighting with a CRI as close as possible to 100.

We carry LED strip lights that are great TV backlighting options and will help you achieve the best picture on your screen.

Our variable color temperature controller and remote. The strip also has a CRI of 91, which will show screen colors accurately. This strip can be purchased in 3.28- or 16.4-foot lengths that can be cut and connected where needed with strip light connectors.

Another great option is our 6500K LED strip with LC2 connector. It has a CRI of 79 and is available in 1.64-, 3.28-, and 16.4-foot lengths. The peel-and-stick strip can be cut and connected where needed with compatible strip light connectors.

A kit in cool white is also available and is a convenient bias lighting solution. It has a 6500K color temperature, 79 CRI, and includes everything needed for installation—power supply, dimmer, remote, connectors, etc.

The strip lights listed above have peel-and-stick adhesive backings and can be cut or ordered in lengths to fit every screen size; strips are marked with designated cut lines. If you don’t order a kit, you will need a power supply and can purchase a controller with remote for dimming.

An easy installation method is to use a continuous length of strip around the back of your screen. For a cleaner look, you can cut the strips at all four corners of your screen. If you plan on cutting your LED strip lights, you will need 4 connectors (already included with the kit). All compatible installation supplies will be listed under the accessories tab on each product page. The following instructions explain how to install LED strip lights by cutting them into sections. Note that installation methods will differ depending on the strip you choose.

1. Cut your LED strip lights into lengths that fit the back of your screen. Because we offer different lengths, you might be able to order separate strips that will fit all four sides of your screen.

Losing power during a storm is always frustrating, particularly during storm season. But if you ask the best Frisco electrician how to prevent power outages, his answer is likely to be the same every time—during severe storm season, power outages are inevitable. However, you don’t have to go without power. Without an alternative power source, you’re likely to stay in the dark, but your best Frisco electrician can assure you that, with a generator, you never have to go completely without electricity.

Gas-Powered Generators — Are They the Answer?

While gas-powered generators have been the norm for some time, and they have proved to be a reliable means of keeping electricity on in the midst of a power outage, homeowners have found that owning one may not be without its problems. For instance, homeowners who live under a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) may find that there are restrictions prohibiting them from owning a gas-powered generator simply because the HOA may not allow generators to be placed outside of a home. This renders a gas-powered generator obsolete, since it can’t be placed inside your home due to the fumes. Those who live in apartments or condos face a similar challenge, as they may lack the outdoor space necessary for a gas-powered generator.

If you think this limits your options for power during an outage, however, don’t fret. Indoor generators may be just the ticket for you and your family to keep power on while the rest of the neighborhood’s electricity stays off.

Indoor Generators — An Eco-Friendly Solution

Indoor generators bring with them a myriad of benefits that go beyond keeping your lights on. Built specifically for indoor use, an indoor generator is a safe alternative power source that you can feel good about using.

Rechargeable. Indoor generators use batteries for power, so all you have to do is plug them into an existing power supply to charge. In the event of a power outage, power will stay on seamlessly as the unit picks up where the outage left off. In addition, some generators can be charged with wind and/or solar power, so you can charge your unit without being plugged into the grid. Fully charged, an indoor generator can keep you powered anywhere between 2 hours to seven days.

Gas-free. Because the generator is battery-powered, there are no fumes to worry about and no gas to burn off.

Custom-made and easy to store. Depending on the indoor generator you choose, they can be customized to fit the décor of your home, keeping your home looking neat while also making it simple for you to store your unit.

Simple to install and affordable. Indoor generators are more affordable than you might think, and they are easy to install, so you can have peace of mind right when you need it.

You don’t need to be the best Frisco electrician to recognize the benefits of an indoor generator.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, more than 30,000 non-fatal shock accidents happen every year. Electrical shock is relatively easy to prevent if you know what to look for and what to avoid. With some basic knowledge and safety training, you won’t become a statistic. Read some of our quick tips below to find out how you can protect yourself and others from accidentally receiving an electrical shock.

Wall plates and light switch covers are not just there to make sockets look better–they keep debris out of the sockets and shield fingers from exposed wires. Never stick your hands or a metal utensil into a wall socket; the currents from an electrical shock can cause injury or even death.

Educate yourself on how the fuses, circuit breakers, and wires are set up in your home. This simple step can prevent injury and also allow you to know the limits on where you can plug in powerful tools and appliances. In addition, it can be helpful to match light bulbs’ wattage to your lamps. You can usually see the recommended maximum wattage printed around the light bulb socket. It’s wise to use light bulbs with equal or lesser wattage so you don’t overload the lamp wiring. It’s also good to know if your house is wired with aluminum or copper wiring, because these metals handle heat differently.

Any electrical equipment that sparks, gives out small shocks, frequently short circuits, or has frayed wires is not safe to use and may need to be fixed or replaced. If any wires are sticking out from the wall, don’t tamper with them. Have an electrician inspect the wires first, especially if they appear damaged.

When storing cords, don’t let them twist or get into haphazard knots or else they may tear. Tuck them away somewhere that small children can’t find them and pets can’t chew on them. Many hardware stores sell cord organizers to make this easy for you.

Try to avoid having too many heavy appliances plugged in and running from the same outlets or power strips. This can lead to overheating, a blown fuse, or an electrical fire. Use extension cords sparingly and try to limit their use to temporary arrangements when doing work around the house. If you’re constantly in need of extension cords, you might be better off just having another outlet installed.

Never leave electrical appliances somewhere they can easily fall into sinks or bathtubs. If an appliance accidentally falls into the water while plugged in, turn off the power to that circuit before you remove the object from the water. Then let the appliance fully dry and ask an electrician if it’s still acceptable to use. Store outdoor electrical appliances in a dry place where they are safe from rain, hoses, or swimming pools.

If you are working with electricity around the house, turn off all appropriate power sources and wear protective gloves and/or boots. Remove any metal jewelry and don’t wear clothing that could get caught on a wire. If you’re the one doing the work, do not assume that someone else has turned off the power sources. Always double check for yourself for your own safety.

Don’t hesitate to call a professional with questions if an electrical job is intricate or beyond your scope. A tiny mistake can lead to serious consequences, so hire a licensed electrician for any complicated or dangerous jobs.