Up/Down LED Panel Light that provides usable downlighting and ceiling accent lighting simultaneously. Without any visible bulbs, this dimmable light panel delivers 5,400 lumens of natural white illumination through a transparent lens with a frosted center. The LED panel lasts five times longer than fluorescent panels and can be used for many applications, including suspended office lighting, pool table lighting, restaurant lighting, decorative or painted ceiling illumination, and retail shop lighting.

Low-energy LED lighting technology is the wave of the future. Are you still in the dark? Let us help you separate the facts from the hype surrounding this increasingly popular lighting option.

LEDs Last Forever

Like all light sources, LEDs will fade slowly over time. Depending on operating conditions, well-designed fixtures can retain 70 percent of their initial light output for 6 years, or 50,000 hours or more. If you run them 24/7, they'll last you twice as long as fluorescents and many times longer than incandescents.

The total cost of LED lighting over time can be significantly lower than conventional systems. Though initial fixture costs may be higher, LED fixtures have a longer useful life, are more durable and reliable requiring less maintenance and material costs, and use far less energy than their fluorescent and incandescent cousins. Annual lighting costs can be reduced by up to 80 percent, and payback on your investment can often be achieved in less than three years.

Waiting will cost you more in the long run. Lighting is often one of the greatest energy expenses of a business. Incremental price declines in LED technology will be more than offset by paybacks in energy savings. It does not pay to wait.

LEDs have been in widespread use for over a decade. LEDs have earned their place as a reliable lighting technology, having been used in critical safety applications and rapidly gaining popularity for industrial use thanks to their cost effective, efficient, sustainable, high quality light. Their impressive durability makes them a top choice for high intensity industrial applications such as manufacturing operations, warehousing, maintenance, and more.

LED lighting does not contain mercury. However, fluorescents and compact fluorescents (CFLs) contain hazardous mercury.

Thanks to advancements in technology, LEDs are ideal for these applications. A wide range of fixtures – from low to high lumen outputs – are available today, allowing for the selection of lighting perfectly matched to suit your specific business needs. Placement is essential to proper optics, so be sure to consult a professional to plan effective light placement.

LED lighting is “cooler” than other lighting colors.The blue hue of LEDs does vary from the yellow tones of traditional lighting. However, customers frequently cite an improvement in lighting quality and effectiveness following upgrades. If you have concerns, consider another hue in the ever-expanding variety of LED colors now available.

Well-designed LEDs offer convenient, targeted dimming settings. Quality matters. Well-designed LEDs can provide gradual dimming across many more increment than their competitors, offering targeted settings for the perfect combination of convenience, ambiance and energy savings.

LEDs don’t use magnetic ballasts – they use electronic drivers. Well-designed drivers don’t require replacement. Light bulbs, like incandescents, fluorescents, and halides, use magnetic ballasts that wear out over time, particularly with frequent on and off switching. LEDs do not share these characteristics because LEDs are semiconductors, not light bulbs. They require electronic drivers for managing power delivery. Look for electronic drivers with well-designed, integrated control features for the maximum in efficiency and functionalities - like dimming, sensing, and auto on and off capability.

Well-designed LEDs function beautifully in a wide range of temperatures. LEDs performed at least as well as fluorescents and HIDs in temperature tests conducted by independent labs, particularly in cold environments where other lighting technology suffers. However, quality matters. Opt for lighting that is carefully designed to manage heat dissipation – regardless of the climate you will operate them in.  

Well-designed LEDs manage glare and light placement with optics. Well-designed optics minimizes a direct sightline to LEDs, as well as glare, and color temperature for these applications is also excellent.

Don’t let old lighting technology leave your business burned out. Upgrade to LED lighting with the help of Mr. Electric® today.

Like upgrades in the cell phone industry, the electrical industry has developed great new ways to serve and protect home owners. One of the best inventions of the past few decades is the GFI outlet.

What is a GFI outlet?

GFI stands for fault circuit interrupter. In layman’s terms it is the little button that sits between the two outlets in a double wall outlet. Some of these have a red test button and white set button and others have two white buttons.

What this means for those who have these new breakers is that instead of blowing a fuse or tripping a circuit breaker during an overload, the button will pop out and there will be no electricity in that outlet. It also will react if an electrical device comes in contact with water eliminating the possibility of shock.

You will find these safety devices around areas that may be subjected to damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, hot tubs, swimming pools and outside plugs.GFIs are installed on electrical outlets to regulate power and direct currents. In most areas they are required by code to be placed in strategic areas.

What could be wrong?

There could be several different issues. However, we need to inspect a unit. It is not an answer we can readily answer over the phone. It could be the actual receptacle and it could be wiring leading to the receptacle. It is not a DIY job. This is a job for someone who knows how to cut the current so there are no live wires and investigate wall deep.

Underwriter’s Laboratories, LLC says, “By installing GFCIs in every home in the United States, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than two-thirds of the approximately 300 electrocutions occurring each year could be prevented.”

A working unit could save your life or the life of one of your family members. You want a license, bonded professional to handle this repair.

Things to tell your electrician

There are things you can check prior to the arrival of your service professional which may give him a head start on repairs. Are all other outlets in the area active or not? Have you checked your circuit breaker to see if it has not shut down the zone?

There is another thing to keep in mind. If you have an older home or condo you can have new GFI’s installed where you need them – in the bathroom, kitchen or wherever. It is an investment in the value of your home and your peace of mind.

Outdoor lighting provides a number of functions for a home, including the fact that you can have parties outside at night. They also allow you to complete many tasks, such as taking out the trash or cleaning up your yard, more safely. But possibly their best use is as a deterrent to crime.

Home security experts often cite outdoor lighting as one of the most effective ways of fortifying your home against home invasion. The reasons are fairly straightforward: Outdoor lighting prevents burglars from operating in darkness and sneaking up to your property undetected. Anyone thinking about targeting your house for a robbery will think again knowing that they can't maneuver with flood lighting everywhere.

You have a couple options when it comes to installing outdoor lights, which have both advantages and drawbacks: