With the nights cooling off and the air getting crisper, our thoughts begin to turn to warm woolen socks and crackling fires, mittens and hot chocolate, fresh apple cider and warm pumpkin pie, thick cozy sweaters take the place of tank tops and we lovingly unwrap our favorite leggings and boots.  Ahhh, Fall!

And with the change in Seasons, we notice pumpkins sprouting up in all kinds of odd places.  Grocery stores.  Big Box stores.  Online.  In Facebook feeds.  The holidays are set to begin and people are primed and ready to start singing Noel and dragging crumbling boxes of holiday decorations down out of the attic!

But before you plug those puppies into your sockets, let us share with you some resources to help make your holiday not only MERRY, but also VERY – Safe.

Findings from a 2013 ESFI consumer survey indicate that more than 86% of Americans decorate their homes as part of their winter holiday celebrations.  Almost two-thirds of respondents use electric lights in their indoor decorating scheme, while more than half use lighted decorations outside their homes.  More than 60% of those who decorate their homes for the holiday utilize at least one extension cord.

• Holiday Safety Short Video – Over-decorating your home can cause undue stress on your home’s electrical system.  Your home was designed to accommodate a certain electrical load, and overloading your equipment can have disastrous consequences.  Check out this amusing short video!
• Buyer’s Guide: Purchasing Tip Sheet – Give your loved ones and yourself the gift of safety. Here is a helpful tip sheet for purchasing new holiday lighting and electric decorations that can help keep your family safe!
• Christmas Tree Safety Tips – Follow these basic safety guidelines to help prevent electrical and fire hazards related to the use of Christmas trees. A
• Candle Safety Tips – Candles start almost half of all home decoration fires. They are beautiful and their smell can add that perfect holiday ambiance!  Click the link to see how to use them safely!
• Connect to Safety: Cord Safety Tip Sheet – Cords of all kinds need to be properly inspected, used and stored to reduce your risk of a fire.  Follow these tips to help you keep cords out of sight but also safely on your mind.
• Childproof Decorating Tips – We recommend taking the following safety precautions to ensure that this special time of year does not result in a decoration-related tragedy.  Please take a moment to review these child-specific safety tips.
• The Right Light: Holiday Lighting Safety Tips – When planning and implementing your lighting design, keep these holiday lighting safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of property damage, injury or death.
• Prepare with Care: Pre Holiday Tips – Planning and preparation is essential to reducing your stress during the holiday season.  While we can’t help you manage your budgets, guests, and travel arrangements, we can help you plan and arrange for safe holiday decorations.
• Indoor Lights and Electrical Decor Safety Tips – While decorative lights and other electrical decorations add to the splendor of the season, they can increase the risks of fire and electrical injuries if not used safely.
• Outdoor Decoration Safety Tips – Take steps to protect your home and family from electrical and fire hazards related to outdoor holiday decorations with these quick tips.
• Wrapping Up the Holidays – Start the New Year off right and get a head start for next holiday season with these important post-holiday safety tips.

For more information on Electrical safety, please visit:

Electrical Safety Foundation International

When you first brought home your squirming little bundle of sunshine, keeping them safe seemed reasonably simple.  Correctly install your car seat, lay them on their back to sleep in their bumper-less crib and never drop them!  Keeping baby away from choking hazards was easy, since they only drank liquids and stayed where you put them when they were set down.

But NOW your baby has grown into an intrepid toddler!  And as charming as their uncoordinated first steps may be, they also herald the beginning of a much more dangerous time in your child’s development.  Toddlers are FULL of seemingly limitless curiosity.

Your child may also be teething – which means that everything that fits WILL find its way into his or her mount – including unprotected power cords and plug ends.

As they learn to walk, toddlers often – well, toddle.  They sway from side to side and often lose their balance and will grab anything close by and take it down with them.  Easily tipped over large appliances such as TVs should be bolted securely to the wall or placed in a stable base tall enough to prevent your toddler tipping it over during a fall.

The best piece of advice for baby/child proofing your home is to change your perspective and see your home from the perspective of a toddler.  Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around your home.  Do you see any electrical outlets that look like fun to stuff forks in?  Or any cords that look tasty that would feel great on your gums?

Electrical outlets should all be covered by furniture or electrical outlet covers for safety.

Outlet plugs can keep children safe when nothing is plugged in, but what about when you’re using the outlet? Some outlet covers are designed with this in mind, and feature a box that covers the entire outlet plate while allowing room for a plug. Cords feed through holes in one side, letting you keep electronics plugged in without making the outlet vulnerable. There are similar covers designed for power strips.

If you have cords running along walls or across floors, they need to be modified with child safety in mind as well.  Babies and children can pull or chew on those cords, and they’re even a tripping hazard for adults. Use rubber or plastic strips called duct cord covers to conceal these cords under smooth humps that protect the cords and make walking safe.

For an added sense of security, contact A1 Electrical and we will be happy to come and conduct and electrical safety walk through of your property to point out and address any potential toddler electrical safety issues.

After a long afternoon spent splashing and floating in the pool, there’s nothing like firing up the grill and throwing on some thick rib eye steaks and vegetable skewers.  There is no more beautiful view than a lazy summer sunset while you enjoy your dinner.

To extend the time you can spend pool side and enjoying the amazing outdoor living available to us here in California, selecting the proper lighting for your outdoor kitchen is extremely important.  You want to be able to take advantage of every moment that the season has to offer!  And the temperatures remain pleasant and warm well into the evening hours.

There are three main types of lighting you will want to consider:

Task lighting (for areas where you will be cooking)

Ambient Lighting (for areas where you will be eating)

Safety Lighting (for walkways)

Task Lighting

Task lighting is the lighting needed to see while you are seasoning that perfect steak or chopping those tender delicious ripe summer time fruits and vegetables!  You need proper lighting to bone out a chicken or fold a foil packet. This lighting should be bright, but not bright enough to destroy the overall ambiance or create a harsh lighting experience.  Depending on your backyard kitchen, you may choose recessed can lights to perform this function.  They are durable and do not call attention away from the beauty of your surroundings.  remember, whatever lighting you choose to use, be sure it is rated for outdoor usage.  Even if you have a roof or overhang, you want to choose a light that can safely operate in damp conditions.

You need to make sure that there is adequate lighting at the grill area.  Your resident grill master must be able to see when the food is properly cooked.  Grill task lighting can be accomplished with either Halogen or LED bulbs. The most important thing is that you get a nice, bright white light—this will help you see most clearly and ensure that the food coming off the grill tastes good, is presented well, and most importantly, is safe to eat.  Also, make sure any cabinets have adequate lighting so they can see their spices and ingredients.  You would not want a steak seasoned with sugar instead of salt!  Or cayenne pepper instead of black pepper! This can also be done with LEDs, which can be installed under lips in the cabinet so you won’t be able to see the lights themselves—just the glow they cast. Such lighting can enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor kitchen area while making it easier to see what you’re doing while cooking.

When those rib eyes come off the grill, you need a safe, lit area to sit and enjoy them.

Proper lighting is the KEY to enjoying long lazy summer days in the Sacramento Valley.  If you are considering building or renovating your outdoor kitchen, please contact A1 Electrical at 916-482-3400.  We would be happy to help design, provide and install any lighting you need to make this Summer the best one yet!

Ready to take your home to the next level?  One of the most exciting home modifications to make is the addition of a spectacular home theater system.  It is perfect for parties or family relaxation and provides hours of entertainment as well as financial returns on your investment.

A home theater system can range from simple (think a TV with comfortable seating) to the elaborate (custom theater seating, enormous flat screen TVs and elaborate surround sound systems – not to mention a pop corn cart and rack of candies!).  Whether you are going for a decadent theater experience or a more modest family style home theater, there are some common components to consider when planning your addition.

Simple:

Elaborate:

The most crucial components of any home theater system are:

Home Theater Lighting

WE LOVE LIGHTS!  Considering our love for all things electrical, this is not surprising.  When it comes to home theater systems there are several types of lighting to consider.

First, you should think about how you want your lighting arranged.  Where do you want to draw attention?  Do you want up lighting to draw the eye up towards a decorated ceiling?  Do you want down lighting to illuminate custom carpeting and prevent trip/fall hazards?  Recessed lighting in long rows is a popular choice for all over ambient lighting.  Would you like lighting along the pathways that lead to the entrance/exit/restroom so guests can easily find their way during the feature without having to turn on a bright light?  Dimmer switches are also a great idea for a home theater lighting installation.  Nothing says “Shhh, the movie is starting!” like slowly dimming the theater lights.

Types of light fixtures – to fully customize your home theater, be sure to take a look at all the options you have available for lighting. These include:

Wall Sconces:

Recessed Lighting:

LEDs:

Rope Lighting:

Visual Equipment:

After lighting, wiring and projectors should be your next concern when building your home theater. Keep long wires organized and out of site with cable tidies and make sure to label everything clearly so you know what goes where.

In-wall wiring is something to be handled with caution. It’s best to call an electrician to fit your in-wall wiring. To be safe in the home, in-wall wiring should be well-insulated and kept out of reach of children and drafts.

If you decide to go with a projector instead of a TV, make sure you choose a good brand that will fit your wall or screen size. This is key: a projected image that is too small won’t fill the screen, but if it’s too large it may extend beyond the wall.

Sound Systems:

Your sound system will make or break your home theater experience. A good sound system won’t be too loud or too quiet. Instead, it should fill the room with good quality sound to make your guests feel like they’re really in a theater (or in the movie!).

Seating:

Your home theater system should reflect your personal style and the overall feel of the theater experience you are trying to create.  But above all else – IT SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE!  Theater seating ranges from traditional fold-down style seating to individual plush recliners, couches or chaise lounges.  Whatever makes you comfortable!

Want to install a home theater system?

You can put literally anything you want in your home theater system. So when you’re ready to set it up, call A1 Electrical! We offer home theater wiring installation and can help set up your lights and wiring to create the ultimate viewing experience.

See some examples below – and get inspired!

Live in the Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove area? The weather is getting warmer and summertime is fast approaching.  It is time for trips to Folsom Lake, BBQs in back yards, hours spent lazily drifting on a pool float or down the Sacramento River.  But with all of the fun and excitement of Summer, there are several possible electrical safety issues that become more prevalent as the weather heats up.  A1 Electrical wants to make sure you and your family all enjoy a safe and happy Sacramento Summer!  Here are some tips for your family this season:

Around the House Summer Electrical Safety Tips

Electricity and water DO NOT MIX!  Summertime means more time spent in and around the pool and sprinklers.  Electrical devices should never come into contact with water.

Keep all electronics, electrical toys and appliances away from water at all times.  This includes swimming pools, water slides and bath tubs.  Keep your electronics FAR away from the pool’s edge.

Be SURE that all electrical connections to your pool/spa are well grounded.  The residential electricians at A1 Electrical can inspect or upgrade your pool or hot tub wiring to ensure your family’s safety this Summer.

Make sure all major appliances are connected directly to a grounded outlet – not via an extension cord.  This includes washers, dryers, refrigerators, wall AC units, large fans or any other high-energy usage gadget.

Make sure that outlets in any of your “wet rooms” (rooms where water is available- such as kitchens, bathrooms or bars) have GFCI outlets installed.  These outlets provide an added layer of protection.  They cut power to themselves when they sense electricity flowing improperly (such as in the presence of water) and can help save you from dangerous or deadly shocks.

Never use any appliance with a frayed or damaged cord!

STAY SAFE OUTDOORS TOO!

Stay safe outdoors with these simple safety tips from the electricians at A1 Electrical:

NEVER approach an electrical substation or downed power lines for any reason whatsoever.  If you see someone enter a dangerous area, do not follow them!  Call 911 immediately for assistance.

Never play near or touch a power line with any part of your body, toy, stick or any other object.  ALWAYS assume that power lines are active and dangerous.

Play with kites and air born toys well away from power lines.

Advise your children against climbing trees that are near power lines.

If you have any questions about our summer electrical safety tips, contact us at 916-482-3400.

Stay safe this Summer!

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal while also adding a layer of security is by installing outdoor lighting.  These lights can be used for safety – to prevent trip hazards and allow you to navigate outdoors at night time .  They are also beautiful and can highlight the features of your property that you are the most proud of.  They also play an important role in the security of your home – a well lit home is less likely to be targeted by thieves and other criminals.

What Outdoor Lights Should You Install?

The choices you make in outdoor lighting depend on what your goals are for the area.  Are you looking to improve safety and visibility?  Is it mainly for security purposes?  Or are you seeking to highlight a sculpture or particularly stunning rock outcropping or tree?  Are you looking to draw attention to your gardens?  And how many hours per day do you anticipate your lighting to be operating?

If you want to leave the outdoor lighting on day and night, you may want to consider energy efficiency as a larger factor when selecting your outdoor lighting.  This means choosing a lower voltage bulb.  A1 Electrical has experts on hand that can help you select the Outdoor lighting that is best for your Sacramento home.

If you choose to have your lights on a timer, or a motion sensor, the efficiency may not be as important to you.  Perhaps your choice will depend more on personal style.

A few things to keep in mind if you are choosing to install outdoor lights for landscaping purposes:

Keep it low-voltage:  Your yard generally needs only to be dimly lit to make a visual impact. Bright lights are simply not necessary.   Keeping the voltage low will keep your energy bills manageable.

What do you want to illuminate?  There are two kinds of outdoor lights – uplighting and downlighting.  Just like they sound, uplighting is pointed from the ground upwards, while downlighting shines down towards the ground from a high position.  Most people use a combination of both to highlight their favorite landscape features.

A1 Electrical offers outdoor lighting that will increase your home’s:

Beauty – landscape lighting can be used to showcase interesting features in your home’s architecture or your yard! At A1 Electrical, we can design and install outdoor lighting that will illuminate and call attention to your landscape at night. Landscape lighting is a fully customizable way to improve the look of your house after the sun goes down, particularly if you enjoy entertaining or you want to improve your home’s curb appeal.

Security – dark spots in and around your yard can be dangerous, particularly if they are around entry points into your home. With low-voltage landscape lighting, you can shine a light on potential problem areas in your home and deter intruders late at night!

Safety – in addition to keeping your home safe from intruders, low-voltage outdoor lighting can make walking around your yard safer. It can be used to light up stairways, paths, etc. to prevent tripping and injuries.

To learn more about A1 Electrical’s outdoor lighting installation services in California, contact us today! 916-482-3400

Many people only go to the doctor when they are sick.  They only go to the dentist when they have a tooth ache.  They only go to the mechanic when their car won’t start.  But in reality, it is always best to keep up on regular maintenance and learn about new innovations in the field from licensed experts every once in a while so you can stay on top of any repairs before they cause serious damage.  Routine oil changes can prevent overheating which causes your head gasket to fail.  Regular cleanings can prevent tartar build up and tooth loss.  Annual health checkups can help prevent debilitating illnesses or at least diagnose them early for the best prognosis.

Much like the aforementioned professionals, an electrician can help you prevent future problems by conducting simple tests and upgrades that will save you money and hassle in the long run.  So, don’t just call us when you already have a problem! (Although we will certainly be here to help you when you DO!).  Call us any time for a home visit.  We can conduct a basic safety inspection and identify and resolve small problems before they become big, dangerous problems!  We can also advise you on ways to save money each month on your electrical bill – ranging from small, easily implemented changes to larger investments in your future electrical such as the options provided by Solar Panels.  Our electrical contractors are available any time to assist you with your electrical services in Sacramento California.

Here are a few quick and easy fixes that will save you money on your electrical bill each month!

Light Fixtures:

If you are considering a dramatic remodel to update an existing room – reconsider!  Have you thought about simply updating the paint and light fixtures?  You would be surprised WHAT A DIFFERENCE you can make with just a can of paint, a little elbow grease and snazzy new light fixtures.  It can take a dated, dingy room and make it a bright, clean and airy space or a plush, glowing oasis.  There are so many styles of light fixtures available to choose from to provide lighting ranging from dim mood lighting to bright, vibrant white light.  Let us help you reinvent your drab old room!

mid century modern light fixtures

Ceiling Fans:

Ceiling fans can not only LOOK GOOD in your space, they can also help reduce your heating and cooling bill significantly.  Fans improve air flow and can help keep you comfortable without relying so much on an energy-expensive heating/cooling system.  There are a huge number of ceiling fan designs and styles to choose from, including those that double as lights. Fans circulate air and keep things from getting stuffy and hot in the summer months, and stuffy and cold in the winter months!

Bathroom Fans:

Adding or upgrading exhaust fans is an oft-overlooked home improvement job that can actually make your home much safer and more comfortable.  Bathrooms help ventilate your bathroom and remove the moisture from the air after you take a shower.  This prevents damage and inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria and molds.  Some fans even include heaters to make your bathroom more comfortable, and/or lighting to brighten your space.

So, give us a call today so we can schedule a time to come and inspect your home.  We can assist you in finding any electrical problems before they become catastrophic or simply redesigning your lighting to improve the look of your space along with the energy efficiency.  We can also install stylish and functional ceiling fans in almost any room to help lower your heating and cooling bill.

Check out what a difference a little paint and some new lighting can make!

A1 Electrical 916-482-3400!  We service the greater Sacramento area and have electricians waiting to assist you today.

American homes today support a much different lifestyle than back in the 1950’s.  Our power consumption has skyrocketed with the advent of home computers, big screen TVs and appliances.  The average American today uses approximately 14,000 kwh (kilowatt-hours) per year.  This added load on an older home’s electrical system can be more than the system is able to handle.  It is certainly more than it was designed to do!

Here are some questions to ask when you are considering upgrading your electrical panel:

How many AMPS is your current panel?  Is it less than 200?

Do you ever hear noises – such as crackling – from your fuse box or feel excessive heat?

Does your current panel have screw-in fuses?

Do your fuses blow regularly?

When you use more than one appliance, do you trip the breaker?

Do your lights flicker or dim when you use appliances?

Do you require more outlets than you currently have?

Do you have to use multiple extension cords?

Are the computers protected by a dedicated circuit?

Do your electrical devices not currently run at full power?

Are you planning on any ad-ons or conversions that could require additional electrical capacity?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions – it may be time for a new Electrical panel!  If you live in the greater Sacramento area including Rocklin, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Folsom and Davis – A1 Electrical can provide you with an estimate and bring your electrical system up to date.  Not only will you no longer be plagued by the inconvenience of tripping breakers and flickering lights – you will sleep better at night knowing that your family and home are safe from potential electrical fire risks that are inherent in using older electrical equipment.

What Could Happen if I Don’t Get an Electrical Panel Upgrade?

In 2007, approximately 170 people in the United States died in the workplace as a result of fire or explosions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Experts agree that an outdated or inadequate electrical panel is a fire waiting to happen. The dangers associated with an outdated electrical system can be drastically reduced simply through an electrical panel upgrade.

Electrical panels are the heart of any electric system. You can help protect your family or your employees by upgrading your electrical panel.

Give A1 Electrical a call.  We would be happy to come take a look and help you update your electrical system so you can keep your home and family safe,  We service all areas surrounding Sacramento including downtown, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, Elk Grove, Rio Linda and Antelope.  916-482-3400!