Planning on an exciting and colorful lighting display this holiday season? Whether you have grandiose plans of intricate illumination design, or you just want to wire up your tree, hanging lights can present a few hazards to the unprepared. Electrical safety may take a backseat for some, but to the experts at Kolb Electric, nothing could be more important! Protect yourself and your home with these light hanging tips.

As you may expect, much of electrical safety has to do with the product being used. Keep these tips in mind when selecting your lighting choices this year:

If you plan on hanging wiring above eye-level, odds are you’ll be using a ladder. Remember these tips when hanging your lights:

Have any questions or concerns regarding your holiday lighting this year? Contact us today at Kolb Electric! We provide industry-leading solutions for all of your electrical needs, and bring only the very best in service and skill to our consumers!

You have probably become so used to smoke alarms you rarely even notice they are in a room. That means you don’t notice when they are not around either. Or if they are working properly or placed in an appropriate place. Smoke alarms are one of those things that we ignore until we burn toast and remember we have them. Then they become an annoyance and the batteries are popped out with the intention of replacing them once the smoke has cleared out. Unfortunately, because they are so easily forgotten, they are often not replaced. An electrician in Glendale, like those at The Electric Connection, has a few facts to tell you about smoke alarms. These facts remind us why those little white discs in the corner are so important.

1-Smoke alarms need to be replaced every ten years. Most people assume they are good forever.

2-30 percent of home fires are in homes that have expired smoke alarms or no smoke alarms at all.

3-It is imperative you test your smoke alarm every month. A Glendale electrician points out it takes less than a minute to complete this potentially life-saving task.

4-Batteries should be replaced in each smoke alarm every 6 months, regardless if they are working. Fresh batteries are best.

5-Opting to go with at least one hard-wired smoke alarm on each floor is a good option. These will be installed by an electrician. Glendale homeowners can rest assured they will always have protection whether the batteries are fresh or not.

6-Every bedroom in the house should have a smoke alarm. A smoke alarm should be on each floor as well. 66 percent of homes do not have the minimum number of smoke alarms recommended.

If you would like to add another layer of protection and have hard-wired smoke alarms installed, give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your installation.

Can you smell that? It’s grilling season in Bethesda, and the succulent aroma of grilling meats and sides is wafting through the air! But before you break out the electric grill and get to cooking, our Bethesda electricians would like to weigh in on a matter of pressing importance.

To our team at Kolb Electric, nothing is more important than providing superior services to our patrons. Except, of course, the safety of said consumers. An electric grill is the perfect tool to get the seared meat you crave, but it can be just as dangerous as any other piece of equipment if handled improperly.

Need electrical wiring for your Bethesda home? Contact Kolb Electric today!

Most grill safety is entirely precautionary, so you needn’t worry that our tips will spoil your fun. It’s all about preparedness:

Our Bethesda electricians can ensure your gill, wiring, outlets, and electrical panel are all fit for service, so you can cook with confidence this summer season! Our service and skill are unmatched, and we guarantee your complete satisfaction.

With July ending and August coming around the corner, summer is cooling and that means it is the perfect time to go camping! Taking a camping trip before the start of the school year and the business that comes with the fast approaching holiday season will give you and your family the opportunity to relax and chill out. Make your camping adventure stand out this year and check out some of these camping tips!

What to Bring on a Camping Trip

With any luck, each camping trip proves to be a unique experience. There are many wonderful things that nature has to offer. But, no matter where you’re headed, a few things should always come with you. Below is the “short list” of camping essentials that should always be packed:

The tent is the focal point of most camping trips. If you’re a beginning camper, there are a couple of different tent tips to remember. First and foremost, practice pitching your tent before you head to the campsite. Being able to do it quickly and effectively is extremely valuable. When looking for a place to set up, always look for a “natural bed” of soft, flat soil – but avoid the bottom of hills or valleys. Finally, always set up a tarp below your tent to avoid potential damage or water-logging.

Campers can also benefit from a few non-specific outdoor principles. Rule number one, no matter the time of year, is to dress in (or at least carry) layers. It’s the easiest and most effective way to control your body temperature. Secondly, learn how to use a GPS or map and compass. No matter how familiar you are with a certain wooded area, getting lost among acres of similar-looking trees is very easy. Finally, practice basic outdoor skills such using and sharpening a utility knife, tying various knots, and building a fire. It’s this knowledge that separates the amateurs from the seasoned campers.

Budget for a Camping Trip

Like most anything else, budgeting for a camping trip is easiest when you start big and work your way down. First, decide upon an amount you can afford, and make a resolution not to exceed it. Then, begin to factor in the larger expenses – things like food, gas, necessary equipment, and campsite fees. From there, work your way down to smaller items until you come close to the spending limit.

As that line is tested, you’ll have to make the nitpicky decisions that ultimately determine your trip’s bottom line. For instance, you could eliminate that traditional fast food stop on the way there in favor of pre-prepared sandwiches. Little decisions such as these tend to add up in the grand scheme of financial matters, especially when it comes to discretionary spending.

Now that you know the basics of camping, what to bring, and how to squeeze outdoor adventure into your budget, nothing is left to keep you from hitting the woods! Enjoy one last “hoorah” before the busy season starts to stress you out.