Advances in technology have made LED lighting one of greenest sources of light available. They have become more and more popular over incandescent and CFL lights. But what exactly are LED lights? An LED lamp or LED light bulb is an electric light that is used in light fixtures the produces light using light-emitting diodes.

Benefits of LED Lighting

There are lots of good things about LED lights. Other than the fact they use 75% less energy than traditional ones, they last 25 times longer. What’s making them even more popular is the lower prices that we are seeing. They are just about the same price as traditional incandescent and CFLs. They are actually the outcome of a 100 year old scientific oddity that turned into a multi million dollar product. Originally, they were only able to emit a single color or frequency of light, but newer advancements have made them available in an array of hues.

Energy Efficient LED Light Bulbs

LED bulbs are more efficient. An LED bulb compared with a 60-watt incandescent can produce the same amount of light using just 10 watts, with less heat production. They last a lot longer, but not forever. Because there is no heated filament of unusual gases, the bulbs will last more than three years if left on 24/7. That’s pretty impressive! They are also easy to use in many applications and environments, making them a great option for homeowners and businesses alike.

Future of LED Lighting Technology

By the year 2030, LED lighting is projected to compromise 75% of lighting sales. Over the next couple of decades, they will contribute to 10% of the cost in an average energy bill. LEDs are also expected to reduce energy consumption by 50%, which translates to a whopping $250-billion in energy savings. LEDs are also projected to reduce carbon emissions by 1,800 tons, but these numbers will only happen if Americans make the switch to LEDs.

LED Color Temperature

Kelvin temperature will determine the lighting hue you will get with LEDs.
• Under 2,000K. This is a good option for ambient illumination. They provide a dim glow that resembles candlelight.
• 2,000- 3,000K. A soft white, slightly yellow-hued glow is provided with this temperature and is ideal for living, dining, bedrooms and outdoor living areas.
• 3,100- 4,500K. Provides bright white light that is perfect for kitchens, vanities and in offices and workspaces.
• 4,600- 6,500K. This will provide bright blue-white light that mimics daylight and works well for display areas and workspaces that need bright illumination.
• 6,500K+. This illumination is commonly seen in commercial environments as it produces a bright blue hue.
• Variable. Users can use dimmable, color-changing smart bulb options to easily tailor their lighting needs with their mobile device of other smart devices.

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We all want to save money. An easy way to do it is to switch to LED lighting. Not only do LED lights use less electricity, they are also cooler than incandescent light, which means you’re less likely to get a burnt finger or combustion. They are also sturdier because they are made with epoxy lenses, not glass, making them less likely to break. For more information on LED lighting, contact Sentry Electric.

It is safe to say that people rely heavily on the electrical system to work in their home. Where we can get back for short intervals, we need the power to ensure the refrigerator/freezer is preserving food or possible medicines, the heat for the dead of winter in Connecticut, or even important medical equipment that can mean the difference between life or death. Should the power go out, it can be a challenge to determine how long to expect it will last; 10 minutes or 10 hours, it can be hard to say. Additionally, loss of power in conjunction with a burning smell or a smoking outlet are indications there is a hazardous electrical fire. In some situations, it can be difficult for homeowners or even business owners to decide whether their needs require the assistance of emergency electrical services. Today, we at Sentry Electric would like to share why your Stamford & Fairfield County home or business might need emergency services.

Emergency Electrical Procedure & Response Plan

For the issues previously mentioned, you will want emergency electrical services. Take these steps first before you call for an emergency electrician:
1) Check the neighborhood, especially the next-door neighbors to see if they have power loss as well or if it is just your home. The utility provider is likely experiencing difficulties if the neighbors and/or neighborhood has a power outage. Call city utility company to find out the details.
2) Should the power outage only be affecting your house, go to your main breaker and reset it. If the power is not restored, call an emergency electrician.

When to Call an Emergency Electrician

Do not hesitate to call for emergency electrical services for any of the following:
Smoking Outlets– Smoking power outlets are potentially seriously dangerous. This is typically the beginning of home electrical fires. If you notice a smoking or burning power outlet apply the following steps:
– Never touch the smoking outlet. It is likely to have resistive electricity surging through it that will electrocute to anyone that makes contact with it in addition to it being very hot.
– Immediately check the main breaker and if there’s no smoke or damage present, flip it off. If there is smoke coming from the breaker, don’t touch it and evacuate the home.
– Prioritize calling the fire department 1st and wait for them to take care of the problem.
– After the fire department has concluded their duties, call for an emergency electrical service.
Heater Stops Working – Connecticut winters can be brutal. If you lose power to your home alone and we are in weather that requires the heater/furnace for survival, call emergency services to see what can be done to restore the power. Homes that house children or the elderly are vulnerable to freezing conditions.
After Hours Electrical Emergency – Electrical problems do not always occur during business hours. If your electrical needs are crucial and cannot wait until normal business hours, most electricians have an emergency line for customers to get assistance.

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Electrical outages can equally during a warm sunny day with no warning and are not exclusive to bad storms. We at Sentry Electric understand the need for emergency services and will help you in the event you need an emergency electrician.

When it comes to many modern living demands, especially electrical needs, many of the older houses, condos, apartments, and so on, were not intuitive enough to ensure it could accommodate. With the multiple appliances lining homes, electrical devices that bring conveniences and entertainments, and other electrical systems that are frequently common in day-to-day living, there are plenty of gadgets that require a power source. The issue is these older homes, no matter what type, lack outlets. Trying to figure out a solution for the shortage of outlets can sometimes prove to be a challenge, especially if you are in a rental and the owner or property managers will not let you do any kind of permanent upgrades. Today, we at Sentry Electric would like to offer some ideas on what you can do when there are not enough outlets where you live.

How to Fix the Problem of Not Enough Electrical Outlets

1) Reduce the need for outlets or rotate. Some of the below solutions may not be an option or suitable to your preferences. You can always reduce your electrical needs and cut back on devices that are plugged in indefinitely. Additionally, not only will you free up outlets as you need them, but you can decrease your energy bill by simply not leaving unnecessary devises plugged in various areas of your home.
2) Multiply the plug in space. You can multiply one outlet by plugging in an outlet adaptor. For example, one paired out let can be transformed into 2 paired outlets with the plug-in adapter to multiply the outlets throughout your homes. Not only can you increase your outlets, but the bulky devices with transformers will be easier to plug in without blocking other outlets.
3) Let some of the tech offer support and pull double duty. Whether you are a serious gamer, or have a home office, your computer area along with your entertainment center is likely to be overwhelmed with power cords. Desktops, laptops, multiple monitors, printers, WIFI, and so on, all need their home plug-in for quick and convenient use. Let some of these devices pull double duty and support other power supply needs by taking advantage of a brick-attached device known as an AC Adapter Tap. Plugging in between your power cord and your AC Adapter brick, this gadget will give you 2 extra plugs.
4) Utilize extensions for your reach. Older homes have poor outlet placement and are often located in bizarre places. As a result, the outlet is readily available for use, but the reach isn’t. Use extension cords and you can avoid looking like a construction zone with the orange industrial cords by using the multi-lines, that come in more pleasing colors. If the plug in is more permanent, you can also use paintable concealers to cover the extension cords, keep people from tripping and avoid the eyesore of cords strung everywhere.
5) Install more electrical outlets. Install more outlets; if it is your own home, just get it done, if it is a rental, make sure you have permission from the landlord or property manager. Ensure you invest in an experienced electrician to do the work for you and consider having them install a couple more in common areas than what you currently need to accommodate potential electrical growth.

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Not only are these older ill-prepared to handle your outlets, but the circuit breaker is likely outdated and need an upgrade. To install new outlets and upgrade your circuit breaker, call the experts of Sentry Electric to get your home current with the electrical needs of modern living.

In every home there is a circuit breaker that is designed to prevent electrical injuries and fires, as a safety feature, though few realize their function. Designed to detect and stop excess current in its tracks, this mysterious device is electrically powered. The breakers will trip when they are overloaded or short circuit, which causes the circuit breaker to cut off the current to the problem line until the issue can be addressed safely. With that in mind, we at Sentry Electric would like to continue to share the fundamentals of the circuit breaker.

How Does a Circuit Breaker Work

In every home, the service panel contains a series of lever-operated circuit breakers that control and protect the circuits coursing through the structure. With the different size breakers in the box that are predetermined amperage loads, and each of the breakers are designed to shut off, or trip, during an electrical issue. The home and people inside are protected from electrical injuries and fires as the breaker trips once it has reached the limit, at which point the circuit opens to prevent the flow current to that specific electrical line or circuit.

What Causes a Circuit Breaker to Trip?

1) Ground fault: Typically, in areas with high moisture, such as kitchen or bathroom, but with GFCI are required by current electrical code for your protection.
2) Overloaded circuit: Extreme Christmas light display or dueling blow dryers can cause overload.
3) Short circuit: The short circuit is due typically to a wiring issue with an appliance for example due to the excess current being pulled.

Power Went Out; What to Do

Often found in the utility closet, basement, garage, hallway, or storage room, the circuit breakers are in a breaker box. If you are having a problem finding it, look for the electric meter outside the house, for safety and distribution, they are generally close. Should you lose power to an outlet or circuit breaker, first check to see of the circuit breaker was tripped. Once you know where the breaker box is, resetting the breaker is simple. The blocky switches mounted sideways have toggles, which should stand out when you open the door. As the toggles point towards the center, meaning they are on, and pointing outwards indicates the breaker is off, when the switch is in the middle, that is the breaker that was tripped. In order to reset the breaker, you have to flip the switch to the off position before resetting it to the on position. It will not reset if you do not switch it off first. If the breaker trips again right away, flip it off and call an electrician immediately.

Breaker Keeps Tripping; How to Fix

Understanding why the circuit breaker trips repeatedly is important. In rare instances, the breaker itself may be damaged. But generally, it could be cause an appliance is malfunctioning or the circuit breaker is overloaded with too many devices. In the event the circuit breaker trips continually, you see signs of sparks or fire, you smell a burning odor, or the breaker is charred, immediately shut it off and call an electrician. If you are unsure or doubt how to operate the circuit breaker, don’t and call the professional.

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No matter if your need repairs for your circuit breaker or feel you need an upgrade, call Sentry Electric and let our trained and experienced electricians assist you.