If your old electrical panel is no longer functioning properly, it can be endangering your home and everything inside it. Read on for the various warning signs you should be looking out for.

Even an old electrical panel is an improvement over fuse boxes (these can no longer keep up with the energy demands of today’s households), but if it’s getting to be a bit too old, you may need to look into replacing it. The panel is responsible for taking power from the main line outside and directing it through your electrical system.

The electrical panel also disconnects circuits when there is too much current flowing through — this is what protects you from hazards like electrical fires and damaged appliances. If you’re not sure you need to replace your existing setup, we’ve put together some of the warning signs that will indicate whether or not it’s time to move on to a new panel:

Transforming a basement into livable space is a big deal. It requires a lot of planning, work and execution. If you have a basement, you have a lot of space down there that you could be using to entertain, as bedrooms or simply to add value to your home. When done correctly and up to code, your basement can count towards the total square footage of your home. Every additional square foot adds anywhere from $50 to $200 to your total value depending on where you live. An electrician in Glendale, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you get that remodel underway and up to code in no time.

Basements are generally already wired with electricity, but the lack of walls, ceiling and more than a cement floor are an issue. Once you add flooring and put in a ceiling, the ceiling height tends to be a bit smaller than the average. However, it is still functional and as long as it meets the building code, you can make it work. Now, basements tend to be dark, but you can change that with the installation of recessed lights by an electrician. Glendale homeowners will not have to worry about losing any head room with these lights because they are flush with the ceiling.

You can add several lights that will really brighten up the space. Whether you are transforming your basement into a den or the ultimate game room, you want to preserve as much ceiling space as possible while providing plenty of light. If you are dividing the area into separate rooms, your Glendale electrician can add the wiring needed for the outlets as well as the light switches needed to operate the lights in each space. A basement remodel is a fun project that is rewarding and will provide an excellent return on your investment. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your lighting installation.

Large foyer chandeliers and pendants make a true design statement, while providing plentiful illumination for the perfect introduction to your home or commercial space.

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Foyer Chandelier

Whether you live in a cozy cottage or expansive mansion, fine lighting shines through more than any other home accessory or decorative piece.  A well-chosen foyer fixture creates a welcoming atmosphere, lending ambient illumination and decorative appeal to your home entryway.

1.  To achieve the desired effect, you need to size and install your foyer fixture properly.  A large foyer chandelier or decorative pendant fixture is especially enchanting if your home contains a defined foyer area with a raised ceiling or a glass picture window over the front door.

2.  To determine whether to use a semi-flush fixture, hanging pendant light or multi-tiered large foyer chandelier, you must know your ceiling height. The overall height of a foyer fixture should allow for a clearance of at least 7 feet from the floor.

3.  In a two-story foyer, if there is a window above the front door, center a larger foyer chandelier so that it may be seen from outside.

4.  If the foyer is extra-large, the addition of complementary wall sconces will supply additional illumination. Sconces should be installed 60 inches from the floor and at least 6 feet apart.

5.  Create a seamless flow by coordinating your large foyer chandelier with matching flush or semi-flush fixtures in hallways and powder rooms, or carry a unique design theme throughout by pairing an expansive foyer chandelier with a mini-chandelier in the powder room or extended archway.

The newest Corbett model, “Inertia” is a one-of-a-kind fixture, complete with polished stainless steel prisms and crystal.

This illuminating work of art by Jeff Andrews is prominently featured in the Kardashian’s “Dash” store in Los Angeles, California.   The “Inertia” fixture is provocative and stunning; with a 48-inch frame and eight lamps, this large foyer chandelier embodies a striking and sophisticated design.

The Kardashian family chose to feature the spectacular “Inertia” from Corbett Lighting to enhance the chic feel of the store and provide an eye-catching illumination for their clientele.

Maybe you’d like to put a little star power in your home entryway with a large foyer chandelier? Luxury lights and the latest decorative foyer chandeliers await customers at Capitol Lighting.   Receive one-on-one guidance with professional lighting experts who will help you find the perfect foyer fixture for your home or commercial space.

Find the exquisite “Inertia” series at Capitol Lighting stores or visit 1800lighting.com.  At Capitol, Corbett Lighting is a top-seller, and now with celebrity recognition.

Photo via Kickstarter.com

Bosua didn’t design this light with merely lethargy in mind – its technological advancements also have the potential to improve your wellbeing. Here are a few things you can do with the LIFX:

While some of these features may seem silly or impractical (I’m sure not everyone reading this has robot dance parties on the regular) I believe there are 2 notable features that make this LED worth a try:

1. Energy Savings. For the equivalent brightness of a 60W incandescent, this light only uses about 10 watts of energy. Plus, by programming it to turn off when you’re gone and dim automatically, you can save even more energy with minimal effort. The creators also say the LIFX will last up to 25 years, so you won’t need to replace them for a very long time.

2. Changing Colors. While at first, turning your lights from blue to red to green might seem a little superfluous, if you spend long periods of time indoors under the same white, bright lights, it can start to mess with your circadian rhythms. Studies like Photo via Kickstarter.com

And if you ever lose your phone, don’t worry, because these lights still work with standard switches too.

The LIFX project is funded through Kickstarter, and light bulbs will start shipping in March of 2013.