Working With The Best Houston Outdoor Lighting Company

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Best Professional Houston Lighting Design

‘Flow’ Is the Key To Success

We here at Robert Huff Illuminations specialize in whole house LED lighting replacements and upgrades in order to achieve the results you desire. Although we are able to handle all electrical lighting jobs, both large and small, having the entire job done at the same time definitely has some distinct advantages to it.

Transitions

Most people have had the chance to see a planetarium – it really is an incredible adventure. However, one thing that is very consistent among all of them is you never walk into the theater directly. There always is some kind of long path through various displays where you are able to watch and learn about the night sky’s different features. So why is this done?

Your eyes need a few minutes to adjust from light to dark. If there wasn’t a built-in delay, then you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the show as much as you move through areas that got progressively darker. This applies to your house as well. In this types of situations, you need professional landscape lighting in Houston.

Well-designed lighting must flow from one place to the next in a way that even if different rooms are lit in ways that are dramatically different, it won’t be a visual shock to you. You don’t want to go from your low-light media room out into blazing lights in the corridor. This will disturb your viewing experience every time you enter or leave the room. The lighting would also have to be subtle in an adjoining bathroom, so that dazzled users don’t stumble around.

Lighting in Houston Is A Skill

This might all seem like common sense, however, it really is skills that takes years of experience to develop. The first part is really knowing how to design; another part is being intimately familiar with the Electrical Code, and the final piece of the puzzle is being familiar with all of the different modern LED options and how they all work together.

It’s fine to have an avant-garde designer. We are able to work with them. However, if you have ideas of your own, we can turn them into a reality, or show you some alternatives that may be even more exciting. Just don’t settle for cheap amateurs. Their work will just need to be correct after it becomes apparent how many shortcomings there are.

Call The Professional Outdoor Lighting Experts in Houston

Now that we have been in business for almost forty years, we have learned from experience that all of the individual components need to go together and that there are other elements that should never go together. It is often a safety issue, but even more frequently it is a matter of pure functionality. Ultimately, it all comes down to money and doing things right the first time always costs less.

See how happy our customers are with the stunning results they get. It might be a bit embarrassing being loved this much, but we are willing to do little blushing to help ensure you make the best decision! See our Testimonials.

Stunning lighting wins awards and looks fantastic because it has been designed and integrated to work together as a synergistic whole. Our company specializes in bath LED lighting replacements and upgrades to achieve your desired results. It functions properly, looks amazing, and will save you money!

Contact us now to start your project! Visit our blog for more lighting tips and tricks!

Compare & Contrast: Exterior Or Interior LED’s For Lighting in Houston

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Interior versus Exterior LED Lights for Houston Lighting

Make the Right Choice

LED lights offer complete brightness as soon as they are turned on. This is similar to filament or incandescent light bulbs we have had since the late 19th century. The same is not true for Compact Fluorescent bulbs or CFLs. In some cases, these take more than a minute to turn on to provide complete brightness.

The filaments in bulbs are weakened from thermal expansion and contraction when they are turned on or off. They become prone to burning out when they are put through this constant action. With CFL bulbs their lifetimes are shortened when they are turned on and run for less than 15 minutes. They use up more power and the result of all the on-and-off cycles shortens their lifetimes significantly.

Durable

LED bulbs do not go through these problems. They are also not made of glass. This means that they are not fragile and they do not get so hot that they explode from thermal shock if they are exposed to drops of water or rain suddenly.

Outdoors

For outdoor applications, these bulbs are especially suited to providing superior lighting. They are tough, weather resistant and offer better lighting than you are getting from traditional light bulbs. They also use a smaller fraction of power than traditional bulbs do which means they save power and money.

More importantly, if your family spends summer nights outside or you like entertaining in the evenings, these LED lighting sources do not emit UV light. There are some bulbs that are designed to emit ultraviolet light but most do not.

This means that LED lights are invisible to millions of insects outside. They do not attract moths, bugs or other insects. Imagine how much nicer any barbecue or outdoor party – including a wedding – might be with LEDs.

There are many advantages to using LEDs for outdoor use. Usually, LED lights are too bright to consider using for indoor use. They can also be a waste of resources because LED lights are weatherized and are more expensive than indoor LED bulbs are. Whatever your needs for outdoor lights, the professionals at residential landscape lighting Houston can help design the perfect arrangement making all your outdoor events better.

Indoors

To make your home feel cozier, it helps to know how Kelvin temperature of light works. The ideal range could be between 2700 and 4000 in a den, great room, living room or dining room. This depends on your color choices and your décor, of course. If you are using lights to spotlight a work of art, you might want to use what is called phantom daylight lighting of 5700 K to make all the colors in the work come out beautifully.

The years of experience that we have with this type of lighting have given us the skills to orchestrate it in any home. Lighting blends seamlessly to expose the beauty of your art and your home. Visitors will never notice the lights, just the beauty, the colors and the subtle tones and textures of your décor as you intend it to be. Visit our Gallery of Fine Art Lighting to see samples of our work.

Any installer that does not know the difference between Kelvin temperatures and various LEDs are not worth working with. Without the right amount of experience, training, and education, you are not getting the help of true lighting experts.

Amateurs can also underload circuits which cause problems and sometimes hazards. They try to use conventional dimmer switches or power supplies not suitable for the task. This causes flickering, buzzing, and humming all of which lead to revisits for things to be changed and fixed.

Call or contact Robert Huff Illuminations about getting your project started today!

Houston Landscape Lighting To Wow Your Audience

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Create A Show-Stopping Home With Outdoor Landscape Lighting In Houston

If you are like most homeowners, you probably don’t want your house to look bland and boring, blending in with all of the others around it. Instead, you want your home to be a reflection of your own personal style, giving it a unique look that sets it apart from all of the other houses in your neighborhood.

Even if you live in a row of cookie-cutter homes, most of the houses probably have their own unique style. Once you walk through the front door, you may find that some homes are decorated in a sleek, modern style whereas others have ornate furnishings or traditional decor. Still, others might incorporate designs inspired by exotic locations or cultures throughout the world.

Your unique style is what sets your home apart from others. Once you identify your style, you can use it to create a home that perfectly reflects your tastes and personality.

Over the years, lighting technology has undergone some major changes and innovations. In the earliest days of electric lighting, Edison bulbs were considered to be on the cutting edge. The amount of light that they put out was similar to the light put out by a modern day 25 to 40 W bulb. At the time, people were hesitant to focus their eyes directly on the bulbs because they were afraid of damaging their eyes with the bright light.

Even though that amount of light might seem dim today, at that point in time, people were used to relying solely on gaslight or candles. When electric light bulbs were introduced, they were considered to be a miraculous invention. The amount of light that they produced and their reliability made them far superior to other lighting methods of the time.

Continued Advancements In Lighting Technology

Over the years, lighting technology has continued to change and evolve. Incandescent bulbs are now considered to be outdated, largely because they waste so much power compared to other lighting options. Not long ago, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) were introduced, providing a more energy-efficient lighting source. Unfortunately, these bulbs had a lot of drawbacks. Not only did they burn out relatively quickly but they had to warm up for a long time before they reached their maximum level of brightness. Additionally, they contained mercury, posing a health and safety risk if the bulbs were broken.

Today, light emitting diode (LED) technology has completely transformed the world of lighting. These bulbs have incredibly long lifespans, making them an energy-efficient option. They also eliminate many of the problems associated with other types of bulbs.

LED Bulbs Lead To Artistic Innovations

The introduction of LED bulbs led to a number of artistic innovations in the world of lighting. Despite their incredibly small size, these tiny bulbs were capable of producing a tremendous amount of light. This led artists to look for new ways to use the technology in both interior and exterior design.

For instance, traditional recessed lights were problematic, simply for the fact that they got so hot. Once LED lights were introduced, however, that problem was eliminated, making recessed light fixtures much safer and more energy-efficient. Thin strips of lighting could be installed in tight spaces such as ceiling coves, creating artistic lighting effects. The color of the light itself could be changed to match the surrounding decor. In fact, it was no longer even necessary to change the bulb if you wanted to change the light color thanks to color-changing LED technology.

As lighting consultants, we work with homeowners to find ways to incorporate the latest lighting innovations into their homes. When you hire us, we work with you to come up with a lighting plan for your home that is not only attractive but that also captures your own personal style.

Let Us Help You With Your Indoor And Outdoor Lighting Needs

After years of helping homeowners create beautiful outdoor landscape lighting in Houston, we have in-depth knowledge of all of the latest lighting technology. Not only can we help you choose the right type of lighting technology for your project but we can also help you choose the right color of light to create the mood that you are going for. All that you have to do is examine some of the photos in our gallery to see some of the ways that we have helped our past clients. Spend some time reading through our customer testimonials or checking out some of the lighting design awards that we have won and you will quickly see why working with a qualified and experienced lighting company like ours makes so much sense.

Quality That You Can Trust

When you hire a company to design lighting for your home, it is important to know that you are getting service you can trust. Our licensed electricians have the knowledge and experience to do the job right every time. Don’t take a risk by hiring an unknown company. Instead, choose a company that has the experience and expertise to help you get the results you are looking for.

Our business is headquartered in Houston. We work with clients in all of the surrounding areas including Bellaire, Southside, Royal Oak, Heights, River Oaks, Memorial, and West University. Additionally, we also serve many other cities in the state of Texas including San Antonio, Midland, Dallas, El Paso, Austin, Beaumont, and College Station, just to name a few.

No matter what type of lighting solutions you are looking for, we can help. If you are ready to take your indoor or outdoor lighting to the next level, please feel free to reach out to us today to discuss your project. Contact Robert Huff Illumination now to speak with one of our representative about your new project! Visit our blog for more outdoor lighting ideas!

Finding The Right Outdoor Lighting in Houston For Your Patio

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Getting the Best Outdoor Patio Lighting

There is something magic and inviting about patios for a get-together of all types. From small picnic tables to larger functions around burn pits and BBQ grills, the outdoor area makes a great place to entertain. Taking the time to combine the right tones from today’s most impressive lighting designs can change an outdoor patio from simple to simply spectacular.

Bringing a good lighting option makes the location more livable and an extension of your indoor home life outdoors. The options you will find at Robert Huff lighting options are innovative, high-quality and complementary to other lighting aspects that you may already have in play.

Start Simple

Use simplistic lighting designs to create special pools of light for beauty and functionality. Specific lighting features can be used to illuminate doorways and passages. Other touch-style lighting options can be used to illuminate stairways and stepping stones. The right lighting element can then tie all the others together into one attractive outdoor lighting system.

Complete the Look

Take the look a step further by looking beyond the need for lighting to something special in your garden or landscaping that you would like to illuminate. A water feature like a pond or waterfall is one such example. Another idea is to use the lighting to illuminate and accentuate an architectural aspect of your building.

A Total Space

To add some attractive final touches to your outdoor living space, consider adding some special lighting elements to your walkways and paths. These aspects cast the entire outdoor area in mystery and beauty as the sidewalks and path add a sense of adventure and dimension to even smaller outdoor areas. Path lights do much more than just provide some light to see where you are going. They add a measure of distance and even an artistic touch as they can be used to enclose the entire outdoor area.

Improve the outlook of your living space with a completely new selection of improved and innovative outdoor lighting fixtures and solutions. You will find that every family function from a simple family dinner to a larger and more involved dinner party is better with the right lighting choice. If you need some help on getting the look just right, talk to your friendly Houston residential outdoor lighting experts at Robert Huff Illumination.

Call or contact us today for more information!

Watch Where You’re Going With Houston Outdoor Lighting

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A Homeowner’s Guide to Path Outdoor Lighting in Houston

The night sky is absolutely gorgeous with its twinkling stars and beautiful moonlight. Unfortunately, there are only a few nights a month that the moon and stars are bright enough to light your way. Outdoor path lighting helps you be able to safely get from point A to point B after the sun goes down. Whether you are traveling to your front door from your driveway or going to the pool, outdoor path lighting makes all the difference. These low-voltage lights are not bright enough to spoil your nighttime view; however, it will keep you safe.

If you are looking for outdoor lights that are brighter and offer more control than your typical solar path lights, look no further than the LED or halogen lights. These lights last longer than incandescent lights and are more energy efficient. Once we design your outdoor path lighting, you will be able to enjoy a lit up walkway without worrying about costs, replacement lighting or burnt out light bulbs.

Every Landscape is Different and Should Be Designed that Way

Our professional outdoor lighting specialists’ focus on making sure that all of your outdoor paths are effectively lit for your safety. In order to do this, our specialists will schedule a complimentary consultation where they will discuss your goals for the project and any challenges that they may be facing. They will determine how to place path lights so that the safest route is illuminated, even in uneven areas or through the thick greenery.

Do you have children? If so, the professionals will ensure that areas, where toys may be located, are illuminated. This will help prevent guests from accidentally running into toys and tripping or damaging your child’s toys.

Even if you do not have a defined walkway made of pavers or concrete, our specialist can help. We offer a number of different lights to illuminate both the perimeter of our landscaped beds as well as your defined walkway. The best path lighting will ensure that your pool, hot tub, driveway, garden, and walkway are illuminated to ensure your safety throughout the year.

Call or contact Robert Huff Illumination & Houston Outdoor Lighting to get started on your project! Visit our blog for more outdoor lighting ideas!

Residential Outdoor Lighting Ideas For Your Houston Home

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Houston Residential Outdoor Lighting Designs

Our passion is residential outdoor lighting Houston. Here, we are always trying out new ideas that are both innovative and creative. They show off the beauty of the great outdoors. Come, explore our ideas on residential lighting to get inspiration for your next design.

Bring The Inside Outside

A lot of our contemporary lighting fixtures appear to look much like the stylish indoor lighting you’re used to. From pendant lights to modern floor lamps and even drop lights, we can help you to design and create your own ideal outdoor lights. Your outdoor area will look both chic and unique. If you have a design aesthetic that you want to show off, you may want to focus on some of this inspiration.

Consider Both Safety And Security

With our innovative designs, you don’t have to sacrifice your safety for style. There is a way to get the best of both worlds. Consider LED lights along the path. Your guests will appreciate being able to see along the way. Your architectural lighting and landscape can all double as security lighting on your property. this way, intruders will be seen and your family and friends can navigate to and from your home safely.

Set The Mood

What mood do you want your outdoor space to show? Quiet? Fun and exciting? How about relaxing? Regardless of whether you’re hosting the most fabulous pool party, or just relaxing in the great outdoors, you can still create the ideal ambiance with your outdoor lighting. There are many great adjustable solutions that will allow you to design your outdoors and set the mood. We can help you to design the ideal outdoor spaces.

Remember: Less is Always More

When it comes to residential lighting, less is always more. You don’t need the brightest or the largest, you simply need to subtly accent the best features in your outdoor areas. You can use simple lighting which is far more effective at showing off your yard. Designers can assist you in your lighting as you go.

Call or contact us today with any questions you might have. Visit our blog for more outdoor lighting tips and tricks.

Reasons To Hire A Professional Outdoor Lighting Company In Houston

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Why Hire A Professional Houston Outdoor Lighting Company

Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting is a Houston outdoor lighting company with over 20 years of experience in the exterior lighting industry. We have seen and worked with it all; from the hippest fixtures and trendy installation techniques to the latest in lighting technology. We strive to stay ahead of the rest by ensuring that we are abreast with the current trends in the industry; that’s how we manage to be and remain the best exterior lighting experts in Houston.
Lighting has become an increasingly popular décor option, something that has seen a rise in various companies such as landscapers and pool construction companies include it in their services. Working with such companies may not be such a bad option since you already have them working on something else, but they may not deliver the very best lighting installation. As such, we highly recommend working with experts in exterior lighting and here’s why:

• Design When it comes to architectural landscape lighting systems, the primary objective is the accentuation of the property. The lighting system will inject vibrant architecture with various color and texture options that ensure a well-distributed illumination with no dark spots. An inadequately done system design will result in uneven illumination that leave certain areas of the home with no light. A proficient outdoor lighting designer from Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting knows which fixtures work best where to give the perfect lighting presentation.

• Fixtures Outdoor lighting fixtures differ in their form and function. Some may offer dim lighting while others may have a high output; other may work in harsh environments with no issues, and some can even last for years. We are always keen on the products we use to ensure everything is of the highest quality, runs on low voltage and of the best lighting tech such as LED fixtures with everything done based on a design that lasts for years. We recommend LED lighting because it is made of nontoxic materials, generates an array of pleasing colors, and offers an extended bulb life.

• Service And maintenance over the 20 years of working in the exterior lighting industry, we know and appreciate the need for a proactive maintenance of outdoor lighting. It is the only way that ensures the lighting systems look and perform at their peak levels. Normal outdoor activities such as gardening and mowing the lawn will disrupt or damage the lighting system. Therefore, you should hire a Houston outdoor lighting company that understands the need for periodic maintenance as part of their services. That is what we at Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting strive to offer all our clients in Houston because we take great pride in the performance of our exterior lighting systems.

Call for more information today.

About Christmas Lighting in Houston & How To Stay Safe

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Things You Need To Know About Christmas Lights

Thanksgiving has come and gone and families all over the world are busy getting their homes decorated and putting up electric Christmas lights. Christmas lights are a standard outside and inside most American homes.

When it comes to Christmas lights, there are probably many things you don’t know about them. With Christmas just around the corner, we thought it would be a good idea to share some things about Christmas lights that are not so well known, in addition to some energy-saving tips that can help you save money during this upcoming holiday season and well into the future.

Candles were the first Christmas lights. We previously covered the history of Christmas lights, however, it is still worth going over a few interesting facts that you might not be aware of about the tradition of Christmas lights.

Candles were attached to evergreens and used in windows for Christmas celebrations for hundreds of years. It has been claimed by many that the tradition of using candles to light Christmas tree was sparked by Martin Luther during the 16th century in Germany. This was, of course, a big fire hazard. But that was all that they had to use.

In 1882 the very first electric lights appeared on a Christmas tree. Two years later, Edward H. Johnson, Edison’s partner, became the first individual who used electric string lights for illuminating a Christmas tree. Johnson’s Christmas tree was hand-wired with around 80 blue white and red electric lights, which could easily be seen by people passing by.

In 1895 President Grover Cleveland became the first president to have electric lights on the Christmas tree in the White House. In 1889 Benjamin Harrison became the first president to have a Christmas tree at the White House, but it was Cleveland who was the first president to have multi-colored electric lights used for decorating the Christmas tree. That really helped to introduce this idea to the general public. People were still concerned about electricity being dangerous and the possibility that dangerous fumes would get into the house through wires and lights.

It took some time before electric Christmas lights started to be used by average Americans. The first commercial made Christmas lights were produced as strands that had 8 lights and made by General Electric Company (GE). These lights were called “festoons” by GE. By 1900, it was very common for businesses to have lights strung up around their buildings and in their windows. However, most homeowners couldn’t afford outdoor Christmas lights.

Over the years, as Christmas lights started becoming more affordable, they began to make their ways into residential houses. However, even as late as the 1930s, candles were still commonly used on Christmas trees and in windows.

Electric Christmas lights had pretty much become the standard by 1950. After prices became more affordable, candles were replaced by electric lights by families since they were long lasting and safer.

Once electric string lights had become affordable and safe, families began to use them on pillars, doorways, railings, mantles, and along the peaks and eaves of their houses.

Today, it is estimated that around 150 million sets of lights are sold in the U.S. each year. Smithsonian reports that the lights help to illuminate more than 80 million houses and consume around 6% of the country’s electrical load each December.

Candles still cause fires and electric lights continue to be dangerous. It is estimated by the CPSC that over 15,000-holiday decorating injuries take place during the months of November and December.

It is estimated by the NFPA that an average of 200 house fires is started each year by Christmas trees. Lighting or electrical distribution equipment are involved in about 40% (two out of five) Christmas tree home fires.

Excluding Christmas trees, another 840 home structure fires take place over the holiday season. Candles cause over 1/3 of house structure fires that take place during the holiday season. The top three days when candle fires in homes take place are Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

You can help to prevent home fires from occurring by inspecting electrical products before they are used, learning basic ladder safety, unplugging Christmas lights before you leave home, and making sure your Christmas tree is kept well-watered. You can recycle your holiday light sets instead of throwing them away. An outdoor lighting Houston professional can provide you with even more lighting tips to keep you and your family safe.

Old Christmas lights can be recycled and you can also look for deals on new LED lights. See if there is a recycling program for Christmas lights at your local home improvement store. Some stores might offer discounts and/or rebates on new Christmas LED lights.

Over the long run, LED lights are cheaper and better. Although the upfront costs of LEDs are higher, they use about 70 to 90% less energy, are more durable, last a lot longer, and less prone to overloading circuits and burning out. Incandescent lights cost about $10 for lighting a Christmas tree over one holiday season. However, LEDs cost only around 25 cents to light a 6-foot Christmas tree for 40 days at 12hours per day. When these savings are multiplied by lighting up your whole house over the holiday season, it becomes a very significant cost savings.

Call or contact Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting if you have any questions regarding starting a new outdoor lighting project! Merry Christmas and happy decorating!

Ensure That Your Houston Indoor & Outdoor Lighting Are Up To Safety Standards

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Christmas And Holiday Fire And Electrical Safety Tips

To help ensure that you and your family have a very safe as well as Merry Christmas, we want to share some very important safety tips that you need to be aware of for the holidays.

Holiday Fire Statistics

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that:

  • 38% of house fire deaths and 30% of all house fires occur during December, January, and February.
  • Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are the leading three days for candle fires in the home.
  • Lighting equipment or electrical distribution was involved 40% (two out five) Christmas tree home fires.

In 26% of all Christmas trees as well as 80% deaths, there was some sort of heat source, like electrical equipment or a candle, that was too near to the Christmas tree. Every year from 2011-2015 fire departments responded to around 840 home structure fires that started with holiday decorations, excluding Christmas trees. Whether caused by electrical equipment, an open flame, heating or cooking, during this time of the year fires are more severe and more frequent. In particular, Christmas tree fires are very damaging, causing serious injuries and fatalities per fire increasing fivefold.

In addition to fires occurring in the home, decorating injuries and falls also occur frequently during the holiday season. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reports:

  • An estimated 5,800 people are treated every year in hospital emergency rooms to treat injuries that they sustained from falls that involved holiday decorations.
  • Another 4,000 individuals are taken to emergency rooms to be treated for injuries that involve extension cords.

That is why we recommend that you hire a Houston outdoor lighting professional for outdoor light and Christmas displays, along with learning extension cord, ladder, and lighting safety.

Christmas Electrical And Fire Safety Tips

Before hanging your mistle and check the final names off of your Christmas list, make sure you go over the following electrical safety and holiday fire checklist so that all of your family members, guests, and home are kept safe:

  • Check your extension cords, electrical decorations, lights, switches and outlets for directions on how to use them properly. Never use any frayed or damaged electrical devices or ones showing exposed wiring. Get rid of any damaged or worn electrical equipment. Look for an electrical device recycling program at your local home improvement stores.
  • Whenever you are buying electrical devices, make sure to check to see if the device has been tested by an independent testing laboratory, like Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Intertek (ETL), or Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
  • If you notice any outlets or switches smelling strange or that feel warm when you touch them, call an electrician immediately and don’t use them. Shut the power off at the breaker box to that circuit until an experienced electrician has inspected it.
  • With incandescent lights, don’t every connect over 3 strings together. Make sure to follow the instructions from the manufacturer at all times, and don’t ever connect more strings of lights together than are stated on the package.
  • Don’t attach several extension cords together.

Keep in mind that extension cords are just temporary solutions. So call a licensed electrician if you need to have more outlets.

  • Before you go to sleep or leave home, turn your Christmas tree lights as well as other electrical decorations and blow out all of your candles.
  • Every 30 days, test your ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). All outdoor outlets need to be equipped with GFCI protection.
  • Make sure you are very careful whenever you are around power lines and learn basic ladder safety. Before climbing, always look up first, and stay 10 feet away at least from power lines. If you have trees around power lines that need to be trimmed, contact your local utility company (upon rest they should be able to come out and trim your tree).
  • Avoid overloading your circuits. Make sure your Christmas lights are not tripping the breaker. Make sure you know how to replace blown fuses and reset your breaker safely. If the fuse keeps blowing or the breaker keeps tripping, call a licensed electrician immediately.
  • Keep all decorations and items that could potentially burn 3 feet away at least from all heating sources and open flames, like cooking equipment, fireplaces, and space heaters.
  • If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to check the level of water every day and water the tree as needed.
  • Never use electricity close to water.
  • Don’t sleep with electronic equipment such as cell phones underneath your pillow. Don’t ever leave space heaters, candles or fireplaces on when one is there.
  • Never run wires or cords underneath furniture, rugs, carpets, or through doors and windows. Don’t nail or staple cords, lights or any other types of electrical equipment.
  • Every 30 days, test your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors. Install CO and smoke detectors on each level of your house and outside of every sleeping area. Replace the batteries if your alarm starts to make chirping sounds.

Some carbon monoxide is produced by all fuel-burning processes. In large amounts, it can even be fatal. Never grill indoors! It is estimated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that around emergency room-treated injuries due and 20 deaths due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning result from using a charcoal grill.

Don’t ever attempt to do electrical work yourself. An experienced and licensed electrician should always be hired to do electrical work.

For more information, contact us or call Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting today!

Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting Addressing Home Electrical Safety

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Electrical Safety Tips to Consider for Your Home

When you are looking to change up the electrical systems in your home, you may think that you can and should just dive right in and work on it yourself. While you may be fully capable of doing most construction work yourself, elec trical systems can be complicated and dangerous if you are not an expert.

Before you jump right in and start changing out indoor or outdoor lighting in Houston or trying to rewire your entire project yourself, you should get to know a few basic electrical safety tips to help you out in the process. Then you can be sure that you are as safe as possible whether you decide to do the work yourself or hire someone to do it for you.

Understand Different Types of Outlets

Whether you are looking to install a new outlet, replace current ones, or you just happened to notice that you have a lot of things plugged into a single outlet, it can be helpful to understand the different types of outlets that you may find in your home.

If you have an older home, you may have noticed that many of your electrical outlets, for example, only have two slots for prongs rather than three. These are known as ungrounded electrical outlets and can be quite dangerous.

Grounding an electrical outlet means to give it a safe way to return to the ground in the event of an overloaded circuit or power surge. Essentially, it is a protective barrier that can prevent fires, shock, and damage to the appliances or other items plugged into your outlet.

These older two-prong outlets lack that grounding. It is not enough to just plug in an adapter to these outlets. You need to replace them with grounded three-prong outlets, which requires rewiring in your home as the grounding element must be wired as well.

Label All of Your Circuit Breakers

On a dear day, when there will be little chance of a lightning strike or other power surge, you may want to take the time to get to know your home’s circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is a box of switches usually found in the basement or utility room of your home.

It is the central hub inside of your home for your electrical system, and each switch is for specific appliances or areas of your home. If your circuit breaker is not already labeled or the labeling is unclear, it is time to add labels to your circuit breaker box. Turn on the lights and, if possible, appliances in your home.

You can have a family member help you find which area of the house turns off as you flip each breaker (or you can go around the house and look for yourself). Then, label each one with the appropriate label (i.e., living room, master bedroom, etc.).

Knowing which area of the house is attached to each circuit breaker can help you when you do electrical work throughout your home. To rewire a lighting fixture or change outlets, you will need to shut off the electrical current that goes to that area of your home to avoid shock, fire, and injuries.

Having those circuits labeled will make it easier to remain safe no matter what electrical projects you work on throughout your entire home.

Now that you know a few key safety tips to utilize when you are doing electrical work throughout your house, you can be sure that you are doing everything in your power to remain as safe and injury-free as possible. Even if you have a professional come to help you with your electrical work or outdoor lighting, these tips can help keep them safe as well.

Call or contact us today to start your project! Visit our blog for more lighting tips!