While incandescent light bulbs are popular, they’re quite dangerous. Incandescent bulbs have high-temperature gasses inside, and these gasses can react dangerously with external air. If your incandescent bulbs are in a cold room, they might create a combustion nightmare. Keep them away from drapes, beds and other upholstery items.

Wall outlets installed near sinks, faucets and bathtubs can propose dangers. Make sure your outlets are installed away from any water sources, as they can create electrical hazards. If need be, your technician can reinstall them in a different location. Pay close attention to any outlets in your home’s bathrooms and kitchen.

Chewed, frayed or plain old electrical wiring can create a fire hazard. While most worn out wiring will be exposed, some lengths may be hidden within your walls. Keep your pets away from exposed cords, and reduce the chance of fire before it’s too late. Additionally, contact a professional for an annual wiring checkup.

Commonly, homeowners max out their power strips. If you have a lot of electronics and appliances, you might be overloading your power strip’s electrical availability. If this happens, it’ll spark—creating a fire hazard. Even if you need to plug in your appliances, you can remove any flammable materials away from your power strip, reducing any dangers while maintaining household functionality.

You have probably heard about electrical safety since the time you can remember. However, because we are so used to using electricity and having it around us all the time, we rarely stop to really think about it. Complacency can be dangerous. It is important to take a step back and really look at your home and surroundings. Are there any electrical hazards looming? Are you practicing safe electrical habits? An electrician in Burbank has some quick tips for you to practice. You can always call The Electric Connection to learn more and ask more in depth questions about electrical safety.

1-Only have electrical work in your home completed by a qualified Burbank electrician.

2-Plug large appliances like refrigerator, oven and microwave directly into an outlet.

3-Use GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bathroom area. These should be installed by an electrician. Burbank residents can protect themselves from electric shock in areas where water is present with this type of outlet.

4-Don’t make extension cords a permanent solution. If you need more outlets, have some installed by an electrician.

5-Don’t plug more than one heat producing appliance i.e. toaster, space heater, coffee maker, into an outlet at the same time.

6-Have all remodel work completed by an electrician.

7-If you are buying a new home, have it inspected by an electrician first.

8-Only use lightbulbs that are appropriate for a light fixture.

9-Ensure electrical cords are not damaged or at risk of being damaged from being run across walkways or smashed in doors.

10-If you experience a tingling feeling or small jolt when plugging in an appliance, stop! Don’t use the appliance until you can have the outlet inspected.

These are quick, basic tips that can actually prevent serious injury. If you have any questions or need an electrician to complete some work or an electrical inspection, give The Electric Connection a call today.

Holiday season takes on a life of its’ own and we are in the thick of it.  One more gift to buy, one more light to shine, one more guest to add to the table…   Take precautions to make sure you know just who and what you are inviting into your home.

Illuminate your home to the fullest, but know your lighting facts and be safe.  Check all lighting products for safety and buy all lights and electrical supplies from a reputable dealer.

Look for lighting showrooms that are backed by the American Lighting Association (ALA).  Check for a certified UL-Mark on all lighting products.

Decorative strings of holiday lights, Christmas Lights and novelty lamps from Bulbrite are of the best quality…

Get to know your lamps and lighting for a Safely Illuminated Holiday Season.

1.  The item has been evaluated and tested by certified-UL engineers to meet all UL safety requirements.

2.  The product is ensured against the risk of fire and electric shock as long as all safety instructions are followed according to the package directions and proper usage.

3.  UL’s green holographic label indicates that a product is for indoor-use only.

4.  UL’s red holographic label indicates that the product may be used indoors or outdoors.

5.  UL evaluates decorative lighting strings in accordance with the requirements described in the UL/ANSI 588, the standard for Safety of Seasonal and Holiday Decorative Lighting.

The Wonderland of Christmas pier lamp from Meyda Lighting is UL-approved for both indoor and outdoor usage.

The ANSI designation indicates that the American National Standards Institute approves the UL Standard as the American National Standard.

Elegant crystal table lamps from Schonbek are enchanting.

Accent lamps in crystal from Schonbek bring exquisite colors and sparkling brilliance to the table.

Find the best light fixtures and lamps for your holiday celebration at Capitol Lighting showrooms or visit 1800lighting.com, an ALA member showroom and company.  Lighting showrooms that are affiliates of the American Lighting Association (ALA) will only carry lighting products that have been tested for safety and are certified with the UL-Mark.