It’s good to have an electrician who both understands lighting design and can install the best types and fixtures for each area of your home.

There are three types of “layers” of light used in a home. Which layers are best for each room? That depends on the room and the size and function of the room. As a rule of thumb, it takes two layers of lights to illumine a room. Sometimes simply adding a layer of light can dramatically increase the quality of light and set a desired mood.

Ambient lighting is general lighting that provides a comfortable, foundational level of light for every room.

Task lighting is common in the kitchen, office and bath, giving direct light for detailed work such as reading, cooking, or applying make-up. Unique fixtures are often required, or simply desired, for task lighting. These include track lighting, under-cabinet lighting and work lamps.

Accent lighting is a secondary source of lighting used to spotlight interesting features such as paintings or decorations. Accent lights also help fill in the rest of the room where ambient light can’t reach. Recessed lighting receptacles are often used for accenting– as are track lighting and wall sconces.

Call AJ’s Electrical for help with lighting design: from ideas to installation.

The primary reason for an electrical inspection is safety– and the peace of mind that comes with the reduced risk of fire and electrocution in your home. It can also mean cost relief, not just from high hydro bills, but also from steep insurance premiums.

Insurance companies like safe homes. Safe homes mean fewer fires and resulting insurance payouts. Often, insurance companies will reduce your insurance premiums if a professional electrical inspection is done. Sometimes when you switch insurance providers, your new provider will ask for a home electrical inspection from a licensed electrical contractor. It can even happen when you’ve had the same provider for a number of years, often after a claim– or if your home is more than 30 years old.

Even aside from the insurance premium savings, it’s best to ensure the safety of your home and family with annual preventive inspections to ensure that the wiring, circuit breakers, and outlets are up to date and that there is no overloading.

Safety, peace of mind, and potential monthly savings on hydro and insurance are all good reasons to contact us today at AJ’s Electrical. Call, email, or fill out our online contact form.

There are many benefits having outdoor lighting. The number one reason: safety and security. It can also add ambiance and curb appeal.

Some considerations before installation:

How far from the fixture will it illuminate your property?

If you need widespread light– for a backyard or driveway, for example– you’ll need something with high lumens. A small area like a porch needs lower lumens.

LED or incandescent lighting?

LED lights cost three to five times more money up front but they are much more energy efficient. This saves you money in the long term on your electric bill and replacement bulbs. With an incandescent bulb, 90 percent of the energy is converted into heat, not light. You’ll change an incandescent bulb 20 times before you’ll need to replace an LED bulb. The bottom line: $1 light bulbs are one of the main reasons many hydro bills are high. Spend more on an LED light, pay less in the long run.

Motion sensor lighting

Motion sensor technology ensures that you don’t need to keep your lights running continuously. This saves on hydro bills prolongs the life of your bulb.

AJ’s Electrical can advise you on the safest and most cost-efficient solutions for outdoor lighting, and provide professional installation. Contact us today.

Why should you have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in your home? The primary reason is it prevents electrocution.

GFCIs are essentially “smart” outlets that constantly monitor electrical circuits and shuts them off automatically when a dangerous situation exists. You’ll commonly see GFCI outlets with their familiar “reset” water or moisture is present.

GFCI Protection is mandated by the Canada Electrical Code for receptacles near sinks bathtubs, or shower stalls, for example. AJ’s Electrical is familiar with the legal and safety requirements of the Code. We can advise you where they are required by the Code, as well as suggest other areas where it would be wise to install GFCI outlets.

GFCIs can be tested with built-in test button to confirm functionality on a regular basis. However, CFCIs may not operate correctly if they are wired improperly. It’s important to allow a professional to install and test each CFCI to verify correct operation. AJ’s Electrical has the expertise and experience you need for proper installation.

It’s important to know that a GFCI cannot remove all risk of electric shock or fire. In particular, a GFCI alone will not detect overload conditions of the many varieties of short-circuits. AJ’s Electrical will professionally install, test, and explain the functions and limitations of GFCI protection for your safety. Contact us today.