Last updated 1 year ago
Your home’s or business’ electrical system is perhaps the most important of all utility systems. It’s what helps you stay connected to the world, cook and store food, run basic business operations, enjoy entertainment, and make everyday life more comfortable. One of the biggest threats to the safety of your electrical system is power surges. But what exactly are power surges and how can they affect your electrical system? Read on to learn more about power surges in your home or business.
What are power surges?
Power surges are short bursts of electricity that are caused by changes in your electrical system. They can be caused by many different factors, including natural events like lightning strikes. However, the majority of power surges occur because of problems with electrical equipment in your home or business, particularly high-voltage equipment such as air conditioners, elevators, and refrigerators. Power surges in these instances occur when an appliance demands lots of energy at once. This sudden demand sends a burst of electricity flowing through your entire electrical system.
What are the effects of power surges?
Power surges can cause very serious damage to your electrical systems. Normal electrical systems in residential and commercial areas produce 120 volts of electricity. When surges occur, voltage in your electrical system can shoot way past this level. This leads to electrical overload, causing your computers, televisions, kitchen appliances, and even circuit breakers or outlets to become damaged or even catch on fire.
How can you protect against power surges?
The best way to protect your home or business from electrical surges is to invest in a main service panel suppressor and other surge protection devices. These devices can be installed by your electrician to regulate the flow of electricity throughout your home or business to ensure safe voltage levels. If you experience a power surge, your panel suppressor and surge protectors will block the power surge from reaching your sensitive electronics, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars in damaged equipment.
To learn more about preventing power surges from affecting your Denver-area home or business, contact McBride Lighting & Electrical Services. Visit us online or call (720) 250-9777.
Last updated 1 year ago
Electricity can be produced and transmitted to your electrical devices in many different ways. In fact, there are two kinds of electrical current you encounter on a daily basis: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Here’s a look at the primary differences between AC and DC electricity and where you can find examples of both.
DC Electricity
Direct current electricity was the first type of electricity that was mass produced in the United States. DC electricity is characterized by electrons moving in one direction through a circuit. Thomas Edison helped to pioneer the distribution of DC electricity in the late 1880s. By 1887, Edison ran 121 DC power stations throughout the United States. However, DC electricity was very limited in range and would lose power as it traveled farther from the power plant.
AC Electricity
Around the same time, George Westinghouse introduced alternating current electricity. Instead of pushing electrons in a single direction continuously, AC electricity moves electrons back and forth through a circuit. This makes long-distance distribution of electricity much more efficient and prevents dramatic power losses.
Applications of AC and DC Electricity
Both DC and AC electricity are still widely used today, but in different applications. Since AC electricity is able to travel long distances while maintaining power, it is the standard current for power grids in the United States. Homes and businesses throughout the Denver area are powered with this kind of current. Shorter circuits, such as those connected to batteries, solar cells, and generators typically provide DC electricity.
For expert electrical services for your home or business, contact McBride Lighting & Electrical Services today. We serve the entire Denver area with expert lighting services, repairs, and installations for residential and commercial applications. Visit us online or call (720) 250-9777 to learn more about our services.
Last updated 1 year ago
Neon signs are a great way to grab the attention of passersby around your business. These lights are much different from normal everyday lights that you use throughout your home or business, and are made using special techniques and materials.
This interesting video will show you how neon lighting is made from start to finish. You’ll learn how neon gas, argon gas, and colored glass tubes are used to create over 80 different colors of custom neon signs. See how the glass tubes are shaped and electrodes are attached by watching this fascinating clip.
For expert neon sign repair and maintenance services in the Denver area, contact McBride Lighting & Electrical Services. Call (720) 250-9777 to learn about our residential and commercial electrical and lighting work.
Last updated 1 year ago
For additional information on electrical work and landscape lighting for your home or business, follow these helpful links to great online resources. Call McBride Lighting & Electrical Services at (720) 250-9777 for professional electrical contractor services in the Denver area.
Last updated 1 year ago
The lighting you use around your home or business serves many purposes. In addition to illuminating your property for aesthetic and decorative purposes, lighting increases security and enhances visibility. If you have a dark lawn or landscaped area, you may not gain much benefit from a few select lights. Landscape lighting is a natural solution to keep landscaped areas well-lit and enhance curb appeal. The following types of landscape lighting will offer many benefits to your home or business when professionally installed by an experienced electrician.
What Constitutes Landscape Lighting?
Landscape lighting is any type of secondary lighting that is used to brighten up landscaped or hardscaped areas of your residential or commercial property. There are many different types of landscape lighting to consider. Popular options include lighting for gardens, pathways, driveways, swimming pools, steps and staircases, and much more. Landscape lighting can use a combination of spotlights, ambient lights, and even motion-activated security lights.
What Are the Benefits of Additional Lighting?
Landscape lighting serves several purposes. When integrating into hardscaping, including walkways, driveways, and staircases, landscape lighting can be used to help guests and customers easily and safely navigate your property. Increasing visibility via pathway and staircase lighting will ensure that customers don’t slip, fall, or walk over your landscaping. Additionally, landscape lighting is a great security measure; in fact, OSHA recommends lighting as an effective crime deterrent. Adequate landscape lighting increases visibility throughout your property, discouraging vandals and assisting customers.
Your home’s or business’s landscape lighting also creates a unique and exciting visual effect. Although your landscaping can be appreciated without light during the day, it won’t be as visible at night. Landscape lighting lets customers and guests to your home or businesses appreciate your landscape at all times of the day and night.
To learn more about the benefits of landscape lighting, contact McBride Lighting & Electrical Services, Denver’s premier electrical and lighting contractor. Visit us online or call (720) 250-9777.
