Home Security and Outdoor Lighting

by | 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.

 

Outdoor Landscape and Security Lighting Farryn Electric

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.

Signs of Heat Damage in Ceiling Fixtures

by | Jan 12, 2021 | Electrical Safety, Residential Lighting

Next time you change a lightbulb in your ceiling-mounted light fixture, aka boob light in your hallway, bathroom, or kitchen please do yourself a favor and check for something that you may have overlooked in the past – heat damage. The use of incandescent lightbulbs with high wattage is a common culprit for the damaged ceiling light fixtures that are sometimes seen in older homes.

 

How Can a Ceiling Light Fixture Develop Heat Damage?

Sockets accept bulbs of many different wattages, so a 75-watt bulb could have been used in a light fixture that was only meant for a 60-watt bulb. Since the closed design of many ceiling-fixtures traps the heat, the brighter bulb generated more than the ceiling fixture was designed for, and that leads to damage. Fortunately, it’s relatively simple to check for damage.

 

5 Common Signs of Heat Damage:

  • Burned or melted plastic sockets
  • Wires that are exposed or missing insulation
  • Brown burn marks on the fixture housing
  • White-colored wires that have turned brown
  • Wires repaired with electrical tape and loose or damaged brackets.

If you see any of these telltale signs of heat damage it is a good idea to give us a call at Farryn Electric so that we can help diagnose the extent of the damage and install a safer light fixture for you and your family. Your safety is our #1 priority!

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Virtual Learning Space Setup Tips

by | Sep 8, 2020 | Residential Lighting

girl helping her brother with homework

As we navigate the prolonged time at home having our children virtually learning while some of us are working from home in conjunction with the chaos of multiple children, it will be significantly important for you and your child/children to have a dedicated workspace for productive learning. The workspace you chose should be a space you and your student(s) create together to ensure that it is an environment that promotes excitement and productivity for learning.

 

Here are some things to consider when setting up a learning space:

  • Appropriate height seating for your child’s size
  • Ensure that the wall mount desk/writing desk is the proper height.
  • In a space that promotes minimal noise and distractions.
  • Well-lit space with as much natural light as possible, if natural light is not an option than task lighting can be added to the area.
  • Spacious enough for your child(ren) to work on projects and have room for their computer.
  • Easy access to outlets as devices will need to be charged.

If you are working with multiple children in your family, consider giving each child their own cart with supplies.  We have 3 tier carts that we purchased on amazon.com for $40.00, 1st tier is set up with their office supplies – markers, pencils, erasers, calculator, dry erase markers, post-it notes, etc, 2nd tier is set up for their current binders and whiteboard, and the 3rd tier for the extra pads of paper and any additional supplies that are not needed at this time. This will promote a sense of ownership to their workspace and help them stay organized and focused. I also encourage every mom out there to invest in a good quality “water bottle” as I already tipped over water this morning almost destroying 2 laptops!  

All learning material should stay in this dedicated workspace, just as they would at school, so if possible, set this dedicated space away from the common areas of the home that you use for relaxing and other family activities. If you would like our help installing convenient outlets or task lighting, simply give us a call or use our contact form.

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Electrical Safety Tips for Older Homes

by | May 7, 2020 | Electrical Safety, Residential Lighting

Electricity has become such a standard part of our daily lives that it is often taken for granted, but electrical failures are a leading cause of home fires every year. Homes with aging electrical systems are at increased risk for electrical fires. It’s important to note that all electrical work in your home should be performed by a licensed electrician in accordance with local and national codes. Follow these safety tips to identify and prevent electrical hazards.

Reasons to Get an Electrical Inspection

  • Your home is 40 years old or older
  • You purchase a previously owned home
  • Your home has undergone a major renovation
  • You have added major new appliances in the last 10 years

Warning Signs

  • Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers;
  • A tingling feeling or slight shock when you touch an appliance
  • Outlets and/or switches that are warm or make crackling, sizzling, or buzzing noises
  • Flickering or dimming lights.

Circuit Breakers and Outlets

  • Consider having your circuit breakers replaced with arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which provide enhanced electrical fire protection by detecting dangerous arcing conditions.
  • Make sure all electrical panel circuits are properly labeled. Always replace fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size and amperage.
  • Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets in areas where electricity is near a water source, like in the kitchen and bathroom.
  • Every month use the TEST buttons to check that GFCIs, AFCIs, and smoke alarms are working properly.
  • Routinely check cords, outlets, switches, and appliances for signs of damage. Do not use damaged electrical devices.
  • Do not overload outlets with too many devices or appliances.

Cords, Plugs, and Lights

  • Do not use extension cords on a permanent basis, and never use them with major appliances.
  • Never run electrical cords under rugs or carpets.
  • Do not pinch cords under furniture or in windows/doors.
  • Always use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture

If you are concerned about your home’s electrical safety or are interested in having peace-of-mind that your electrical system is safe. We would be happy to provide you with a comprehensive electrical safety inspection. Please give us a call. 

 

 

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