Most people would agree that proper lighting can transform indoor and outdoor spaces of every design, shape, and size. Beautiful home lighting not only keeps your property safe at night, but elegant fixtures and their proper placement can achieve the perfect ambiance, enhance curb appeal, and bring new energy to your interior design.
Homeowners should remember that working with electricity can be more complicated than it seems.
Five Essentials
Here are five steps to consider as you install or repair lighting around the home:
1. Locate your breaker box
Find your home’s breaker box and study it. This box is important because it controls the flow of electricity to your entire house. If you shut off the main breaker, electricity will no longer reach the circuits in your home.
2. Look for the label for the area you want to install a fixture in
Examine the breaker panel and the layout of your home’s electrical system. Each circuit breaker handles a specific circuit, often identified by the room it serves. For instance, a kitchen may have two circuit breakers: one for outlets and another for large appliances, such as the refrigerator.
3. Flip the breaker to the off position
Flip the breaker to the off position when you find the area you’ll be working in. This will protect you from electric shocks or any other accidents involving wires.
4. Confirm power is off in the area you want to work in
Purchase a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off. This will give you peace of mind that no live wires are present.
5. Have the right equipment
Wear insulated rubber gloves when working with wires during installation to protect yourself against electrical injury.
Outdated Internal Wiring
If the homeowner plans a DIY lighting project, things can sometimes go awry, especially if the home has old internal wiring. Even installing or repairing light fixtures with outdated wiring can pose fire hazards or lead to possible injuries.
Two-Pronged Outlets
Even swapping out old outlets or light switches for new ones can be challenging to install. Building codes change, and nowadays, electrical codes across America require the installation of new, safer three-pronged outlets. Old outlets that lose power or start sparking can cause fires or injuries.
Expert Electricians
You can install home lighting yourself, but unexpected electrical issues can occur. In the United States alone, electrical accidents that lead to fires account for approximately 500 deaths and over 1,400 injuries each year.
If you live in Eugene, OR, and are looking for a top-notch company in the industry, contact Excel Electric today for the best LED lighting services. LED technology is safe and bright, and our professional team can “Brighten more than just rooms!”