by Summer McAnally | Jan 7, 2022 | Backyard Lighting, Exterior Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Residential Lighting
Outdoor lighting can effectively enhance your protection at home. A well-lit home can help discourage potential intruders, minimize hiding spots, and increase your overall sense of safety.
Coming from an electrician with over 20 years of experience in the field, a key tip in security lighting is that you don’t want to over-illuminate your home. Too much lighting can put your home at risk! It could potentially draw unwanted attention and allow others to see your valuables.
To prevent your home from becoming a potential target for intruders, I am going to explain how you can improve outdoor lighting to enhance safety and security.
What kind of outdoor lighting do you need?
Another option for your security lighting to think about is how they will function. Do you want to invest in smart or motion-sensor capabilities? Smart lights allow you to control settings remotely via cellphone, Alexa, Computer, or tablet; or you can pre-set timers to turn lights on or off during specific times for when you are home or away. Benefits also include reduced energy costs and instant notifications on your smartphone if motion is detected.
Where should you install lighting?
After you’ve decided on your outdoor lighting equipment with a Farryn Electric Technician or with our help purchasing your own, we can help you tactically place lights around your home. Some areas to consider:
- Above garage doors, front, and back entrances.
- Along walkways and driveways.
- Backyard gathering areas like patios and decks.
- Near landscaping like trees and bushes.
If you would like to learn more or have questions about product and placement, please give us a call at Farryn Electric 484-316-0449 to discuss your home’s outdoor lighting needs.
by Summer McAnally | Jun 9, 2020 | Electrical Safety, Exterior Lighting, Outdoor Lighting
Ready or not, Summer is here, and we are still under quarantine and social distancing due to COVID-19, which means spending more time outside and in your new backyard swimming pool. While electrical safety is important year-round, we think this is a great time of year to review some pool safety tips. To have peace-of-mind and protect you and your most asset, your family! Here are some things to keep in mind.
Pool Safety Tips
- Use only battery-operated products around the pool that are waterproof or water-resistant.
- Be mindful of overhead power lines. Your pool should not be installed within 25 feet of overhead power lines and long-handled poles and tools should be kept away from them as well. You should also keep these tools and poles held as low to the ground as possible.
- Always avoid touching any electrical items when you are wet or are touching wet surfaces. Especially if you are barefoot.
- Keep electric cords, wires, and appliances at least 5 feet from the water.
- Regularly inspect your pool lights for cracks or mold on the inside of the lens which could show signs of a leak.
- Make sure all outdoor receptacles are covered and are GFCI protected. These offer the best protection against electrocution. They should be tested at least once a month to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Have a licensed electrician inspect and upgrade your pool or hot tub wiring to ensure it is safe and meets NEC requirements.
It can be easy to overlook, but electrical safety is extremely important, especially around water. The electricians at Farryn Electric are safety experts. We can do a complete check-up on your pool’s pump, filter, heating, and lighting and make sure everything is working properly. Don’t miss out on time you could be swimming this summer and call us today!
by Summer McAnally | Apr 23, 2019 | Backyard Lighting, Exterior Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Residential Electrician
You may think landscaping should take precedence when planning out the exterior of your home. However, you can’t forget about the lighting that can help to highlight all of the amazing features of your home and its landscaping. When you fully understand the advantages of outdoor lighting, you will be able to choose the perfect lights to fit your home’s needs! The experts at Farryn Electric have come up with four ways your home and its landscaping will benefit from adding exterior lighting.
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by Summer McAnally | Jun 25, 2018 | Electrical Safety, Outdoor Lighting
Did you know that according to Electrical Safety Foundation International, home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage? The summer months are filled with fun outdoor activities with family and friends, but you should always be aware of the dangers of outdoor electrical usage.
Here are some tips to keep everyone safe this summer!
Around the Pool
Remember, water and electricity don’t mix!
- Keep all electrical cords away from water.
- Be on the lookout for underwater lights that are not working properly, flicker or work intermittently.
- Make sure all outdoor outlets have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) – Especially around the pool.
- Do not swim before or after thunderstorms.
Lightning
Remember, lightning most often strikes people who work outside or engage in outdoor recreational activities.
- Be careful if you get caught in a summer storm.
- Almost 100 people die each year from lightning related incidents, and another 500 are severely injured.
- If a thunderstorm is approaching, be sure to go indoors and stay there till the storm has passed.
- If there is no shelter, crunch low, with as little of your body touching the ground, and always with your feet together. If you have to move, hop on one foot to avoid providing a difference in potential between one foot and the other.
- Never seek shelter under a tree.
Extension Cords
Note: Extension cords are only a temporary solution!
- Never attempt to extend the length of an extension cord by connecting it with another extension cord.
- Check extension cords for any damage before using.
- Only use extension cords if they have been marked for outdoor use.
These are just a few of the dangers that could potentially cause a residential electrical fire hazard. However, to make sure that your home is completely safe, inside and out, Farryn Electric can also do a thorough electrical safety inspection of your home. Please call us today to learn more!
by Summer McAnally | Jul 29, 2016 | Exterior Lighting, Outdoor Lighting
The best way to brighten up your home and give your guests a warm welcome is to add exterior lighting. From landscape lighting to lampposts to walkway lighting, there are dozens of ways to show your home in the best light. When it comes to exterior lighting, Farryn Electric has the skills and experience to get your project done right.
The Many Benefits of Exterior Lighting
- Increase your home’s curb appeal – With the right lighting you can have your home stand out in the neighborhood, giving an inviting first impression and showing that your home is well cared for.
- Extend your living space outdoors – You don’t have to be driven inside from your deck or patio by the setting sun. Exterior lighting makes your yard and patio a functional part of your living area and creates a cozy atmosphere for entertaining.
- Add value to your home – Exterior lighting makes your home look well cared for and invested in. If you ever choose to sell your home, a stellar outdoor lighting design will add value and appeal to your home, increasing its salability. Farryn Electric can install exterior lighting at your home to present it in the best light.
- Highlight your home’s best features – The proper lighting can also bring attention to your home’s unique architectural details and landscaping. You can highlight specific trees or water accents, allowing you to enjoy your landscaping around the clock.
Call Farryn Electric for Your Exterior Lighting Project
Whether you want to illuminate walkways, highlight landscaping, or brighten up your porch, exterior lighting is an investment that will bring joy to you and value to your home. Farryn Electric is a fully licensed and insured family-owned business with a commitment to excellence. We do business the old-fashioned way: with respect for our customers and their homes, high-quality work, and friendly service.
But don’t just take our word for it – here is a review from one of our satisfied clients:
“Dan Namerow and his crew take pride in their work and it shows from start to finish. They are friendly, knowledgeable and clean. I have used Farryn Electric personally and have referred them to both family and friends. Nothing but glowing reviews from all.”
Glenn S., Wynnewood, PA
If you are looking for a skilled electrician to make your exterior lighting project a reality, call us today for a FREE estimate at 484-316-0449.
by Summer McAnally | Jun 12, 2016 | Electrical Safety, Outdoor Lighting
When people think of exterior lighting, they often assume the terms “safety lighting” and “security lighting” are interchangeable, but they have separate – though complementary – goals. The goal of safety lighting is to prevent injury by unseen hazards, while security lighting is meant to deter crime.
As exterior lighting experts, Farryn Electric assesses the individual needs of your home and combine safety and security features as needed.
Safety Lighting
Exterior lighting can add safety to your outdoor space in a variety of ways:
- Brighten walkways so people can navigate the area safely without worrying about stairs or tripping hazards.
- Zone lighting is useful for illuminating specific areas of your yard and landscape for safe nighttime use (such as a patio, deck, garden, pool area or outdoor seating area).
- You can also light driveways, garages and other entryways so your family and guests feel safe coming and going at night.
Security Lighting
A well-lit home and yard gives a feeling of security and vigilance. It also shows your property is cared for and well maintained. This discourages trespassers and thieves, who prefer homes that can be approached under cover of darkness. Illuminating entrance points – such as door and windows – makes it difficult for a potential burglar to break in unnoticed.
If you don’t want your exterior to be constantly illuminated, you can opt for:
- Lights with motion detectors – A dark yard can be instantly filled with light when someone enters, both keeping family and friends safe and deterring criminals.
- Lighting systems that run on a timer – You’ll never have to worry about coming home to a dark house, or forgetting to turn the lights on or off before bed.
- Lights that can be turned on by remote – Even if you have your lights on a timer, your lighting system can be overridden by remote control. Keep the remote on your nightstand, and you can turn on the lights without leaving your bed, scaring off prowlers or animals.
Choose Farryn Electric for All Your Exterior Lighting Needs
When it comes to service and quality, Farryn Electric is #1. We offer competitive pricing and promise to treat your home as though it was our own. If you’re considering an exterior lighting project, you can call us for a free estimate.
Call us today at 484-316-0449 to experience the Farryn Electric difference on your next exterior lighting project.
