Category: Professional Electric Blog

Light adds more than just brightness to your home. It helps power and elevate your space as quickly as flipping a switch. From LED bulbs that will help save you energy to a retrofit design or recess lighting, the choices are endless. Find out which fixtures are customizable for your home with a new light switch and take control over your home’s lighting today.

 

Light/Smart Switch Dimmers

Change the mood and ambience of your home in an instant with a light dimmer. Unlike a traditional toggle light switch that only allows one form of brightness, the light dimmer switch can be adjusted to the amount of light you want from a low intensity to its highest. You can choose the type of system you want depending on the number of watts and fading you prefer. For even more control, choose a smart dimmer that can be connected to your Wi-Fi and controlled through your smart devices such as Google Assistant for easy on and off commands. They can also be programmed to a set timer with a remote.

Proximity/Sensor Switch

Save energy by making the switch to a proximity switch. It detects motion through its sensors and works excellent with LED bulbs. It saves energy by automatically turning off the lights for those moments when you forget to. The convenience of going into a room and the light turning on automatically and turning off when you leave is perfect for high-traffic areas in your home, such as living rooms and hallways or in your place of business.

The Photoelectric Switch

The photoelectric switch works best for outdoor use, such as on your porch. It turns on when it detects darkness, eliminating the hassle of searching for a switch in the dark. This automatic function is the same function that you commonly see on street lights, and you can easily have it installed outside your home or workplace as well.

Touch Switch

We saved the best for last because this switch requires only a tap of your finger and is the latest form of advanced lighting technology. The touch switch also functions as a three-way operation system, making it easy to control another room’s lighting.

 

While changing a light switch may seem easy theoretically, it is essential to install them properly with the help of our professional electricians. For safety reasons, different outlets may require rewiring, especially if they are outdated or have specific electrical specifications. We also will gladly install new outlets if needed.

 

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama, look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Tis’ the season for giving the ultimate gift for the techie in your life this holiday season. Thanks to Professional Electric, we’ve got you covered on all the essential electrical needs for your techie this year. From lighting to heating, cooling or repairs, read about it here and give the gift of giving.

Automated LED Lighting

Deck their halls with LED lighting. We offer light fixtures for both commercial and residential lighting plus outdoor lighting, as well. Installation or modifying lighting is where our professional team does all the work and where you will see your techie light up their eyes in awe! After all, LED is the most commonly used choice because of its energy efficiency and reduction in costs compared to regular lighting. If they have a basement, the automated lighting can add the chill ambiance to their bar area or man cave. Or elevate their personal office space into a brighter sophisticated room.

Electrical System Upgrade

Out with the old and in with the new! Tired of hearing the annoying little beep sound coming from the smoke alarm because of low battery? Surprise them with a smoke detection system that is hardwired instead. Not only will you do them a favor, but you can save their lives while at it. Any old wiring or electric panels in need of a repair is always a great gift to give because you help prevent a fuze and with any safety issues. Is their refrigerator not cooling correctly? Do they still have two-prong ungrounded outlets or need GFCI outlets? We can fix it all!

Heating Functions

Don’t let your techie fall into winter blues and give them the gift of warmth instead. Their A/C unit may require some rewiring, or you may want to add heated coiling for their underground heating floors. Maybe their oven hasn’t worked for months, and you miss those pizza nights together. If their water doesn’t come out hot as it should, they need a water heater repair or thermostat upgrade. There are many things in homes that properly function with electrical work, such as heating functions. We want you to know that those little details matter, and if fixing it is a problem, our electricians are here to fix anything from simple to complex issues.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric!

Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

If you own a home or a business, there will be a time when you will need electrical work done. Whether it might be installing new light fixtures or a complete rewiring of the property, you want to hire the right person for the job. Do you hire a licensed electrician or a handyman your best friend recommended? They are both equipped to do the job, but what should you consider as a consumer? Here is everything you need to know about hiring a handyman versus an electrician.

Building Codes and Permits

Anytime you are having work done it’s imperative for you to know the local building codes and what permits are needed. A handyman, who typically performs many trade skills, may or may not follow through with securing the proper permits for the job. This could result in costly fines left for you to pay. A certified electrician will be more familiar with building code requirements and securing permits.

 

Safety Concerns

It’s easy to think that anyone who is familiar with electrical work knows what he or she is doing, right? While a handyman may have some experience in electrical work, it’s the licensed electrician who has undergone the hours of education and training needed to do the job safely. A certified electrician also knows the protocol for the right safety measures, the proper tools to use and how wiring is done in homes. Electricians are also required to stay up to date on the latest safety standards and building permits. In some states, it is the law to hire a licensed electrician for the job. Electrical trade unions have lobbied lawmakers into passing laws that require a certified electrician to do any electrical work.

 

Cost

Many individuals think that hiring a handyman will help save money on an already expensive project. In reality, it’s the licensed electrician who may be more reasonable than you would think and a better financial choice in the long run. In order to save top dollar on a project, get multiple estimates from electrical companies. This will give you a better idea on what the electrical work should cost.

Liability Issues

Did you know if an unlicensed handyman is hurt while on your property that you are held liable? This could cause the cost of your premiums to skyrocket, meaning more money out of your pocket for your project. A licensed and bonded electrician must have his or her own insurance policy in place before performing any work.

Trust your gut when it comes to hiring the right person for your electrical needs. In the end, cutting corners may end up costing you money! Go with the pros from Professional Electric for your next project. We have a staff of licensed experts who won’t leave you in the dark.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama, look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

The little voice inside your head isn’t always enough to remind you of tasks to complete. We’re human. We forget things. Luckily, there are devices like Google Home that act as our personal assistant and can cater to our every need. Ah, the power of technology and voice command! Read and learn about some of the many things you can control with your Google Home. Hey Google…

Reminders/Calendars

Your day is set with the help of Google Home reminders and calendars. Customize them to your schedule, and Google will do all the rest. It can even give you any notifications you may have missed. Lose things easily? Simply remind Google where you will place your wallet for the day (for example, on top of your bookshelf) and ask Google where you left it later on. Google knows the answer! No more forgetting important appointment dates, times and items. You can even add events as they come up on to your calendar.

Search Anything and Everything

Curiosity can strike at random moments in our lives. There is no such thing as a stupid question for this device. Google Home can look up facts, calculate numbers, repeat recipes, spell words, find locations,  make animal sounds… the list goes on and on. So don’t be shy, Google has your back. Ask away!

Shop and Track

Shop until you drop in the comfort of your home. Make a shopping list and even reorder frequent purchases. Ran out of milk? Add it to your grocery list and have Google read your shopping list whenever you need to know what you need. Track your packages to ease your mind by asking, “Hey Google, where is my package?”.

Book a Hotel/Info on Flights

Besides the obvious voice commands such as “Play music” or “Call mom,” Google Home can also book a hotel in specific properties near your area. If you need to find a flight, book a trip, know the prices of flights or even check on your flight, your travel questions come in handy as Google Maps is proudly integrated into the device. Need an Uber to pick you up to catch your flight? No problem because it orders one for you.

Smart Home Devices

Set the mood in your home by controlling the lights and temperature to your liking. You can be specific by saying, “Turn on bedroom lights only,” or “Raise temperature to two degrees.” You can also change television channels and ask entertainment questions such as “what was the Bears score yesterday?”.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama, look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Are you considering adding light dimming options in your home? If so, it’s definitely an addition to your home with a lot of pros. Light dimming switches allow voltage to be adjusted to a light fixture so, if you want a fainter light in the room for reading or watching TV, you can adjust the settings. Or, if you want the room to be well lit, you can have the light turned all the way up! Choosing to add light dimming switches to your home is a safe and efficient decision that provides your home with plenty of benefits. Keep reading as we discuss the benefits of adding light dimming options.

Energy Efficient
In this day and age, so many of us are searching for home additions that are energy efficient, for anything that helps the environment and our bank account. By dimming a light, you save up to 98 percent more energy, and up to around 10 percent off your energy bill. Plus, reducing the amount of wattage used by the bulb will cause it to last longer, saving you additional money on light bulbs and reducing the need for more lights to be produced around the world.

Lighting Controls
Who wouldn’t be in favor of being able to control a room’s lighting by pressing a button? The more modern light switch dimmers now come with remote controls that allow you the ability to control the lighting. Kiss the days goodbye where you flipped a switch to turn lights on or off. With light dimming options like these, you can set the tone in any room.

Fluorescent Lights
You can dim fluorescent lights which causes the bulb’s color to have a cooler look. However, dimming fluorescent bulbs will not cause them to last longer like incandescent bulbs. It’s still less expensive and more convenient.

Last Longer
When you install light dimming options, you can expect bulbs to last longer. By dimming your lights at least 25 percent, you’ll save 1/5th of the electricity. The softer you have the lights fading, the longer the lamp will last. This could provide an additional three or four years to one that may last only six months.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

It’s always good to have an emergency plan in place, especially during hurricane season. Protecting your family and home is essential, but did you know your electrical system needs protection as well? During a storm, your home’s electrical wiring, devices and appliances could suffer serious damage in the event of a power surge. Find out more about what you can do to protect your home’s electrical system during hurricane season.

Install a Power Surge Protector

Power surge protectors are always good to have on hand for your electrical devices. A surge protector saves your fuses, outlets and devices from damage in the event of a power surge from lightning or disruptions at nearby power generating facility or a transformer blowing. There are two main types of surge protectors to consider: primary and secondary. A primary surge protector is connected where the power enters the home and is installed by a licensed electrician. Its main purpose is to protect the whole house if the power suddenly goes out. A secondary surge protector is much smaller and plugs into an electrical outlet. It can help protect any device such as a television, computer, phone charger, etc.

Disconnect the Electricity if You’re Evacuating

If you need to evacuate, it’s important to disconnect the electricity to your home before you leave. To do this, pull the main breaker that supplies power to your home. The breaker box is normally located in the utility room or garage. Disconnecting the power is a good way to keep surges from entering the home which could cause major damage.

Unplug Electronics and Appliances

You do not have to be in a hurricane’s path in order to experience its effects. High winds, lightning and thunderstorms all occur when a hurricane is near land. If you are staying in your home, take the time to unplug sensitive electronics like your computer and router. If you want to disconnect entire rooms, consider pulling breakers in your breaker box. The breaker box should be labeled with which breaker goes to which room.

Secure Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting fixtures such as hanging pendants can become dangerous, projectile objects during the high winds of a hurricane. If a hurricane is headed to your area, remove any outdoor lighting that could easily detach. This also includes patio string lights and insect zappers.

Don’t be left in the dark! Protect your home this hurricane season by implementing an emergency plan for your electrical items. It will give you peace of mind in the event a hurricane does hit your area. Consult with the experts at Professional Electric for any electrical concerns you may have about your home.
Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

The new Smart Home wave has been urging people to purchase newer and more technologically sound devices for everyday use in their homes. Some are anxious to upgrade their home because it makes their house seem a lot cooler whenever guests visit. Others refuse to spend their hard-earned money on what they believe is an unnecessary device that is complicated to use. What if transitioning to a smart home has less to do with the cool effects and confusing devices and more to do with saving money over time? Investing in smart devices can be a great way to save money on the everyday expenses that many stress about.

The average household spends about $2,000 a year on utility costs, and 12 percent of that accounts for a home’s lighting. The most common method of turning off lights that aren’t being used is still a manual switch. Unfortunately this method is only as effective as the homeowner, who may or may not be forgetful. However, entirely changing the type of lightbulb can save homes a lot of money. LED lights use 80 percent less energy than traditional fluorescent or incandescent lights.

Besides the fact that LED lights use less energy and last longer, they can also be integrated into a smart lighting system for your home. With smart lighting, you are able to control the lights from anywhere in your house with an easy-to-use app and save money by turning them off wherever you may be. Keep your lights on only when you need them and savings will start showing up in no time.

Alongside a smart lighting system, smart security devices can save you money and give you peace of mind. Having the ability to turn on your security system with a push of a button can save money in two different ways. Each year, approximately 1.4 million homes are burglarized, with the average loss being just over $2,400. When insurance companies have to pay out claims, rates usually go up as a result.

Another option that saves even more money, many insurance companies offer discounts on monthly premiums if you have a security system installed. By minimizing the risk of a claim, you are able to save money.

One of the biggest budget savers that you can have is a smart thermostat. Your home’s heating and cooling system accounts for half of your utility bills. With a smart thermostat you no longer have to sacrifice being comfortable in your home in the winter or summer due to astronomically high electric bills. A smart thermostat can save homeowners up to 12% on their heating and cooling bills, according to a Vivint-commissioned study by WattzOn. The system’s Smart Assistant uses GPS, in-home sensors and your city’s climate to auto-adjust your temperature and help you save money even when you’re not home.

Understanding the difference between AC and DC power is important for professionals and laymen alike. We want to keep you safe at home and work as well as shed a little light on power sources we all encounter every day. When you understand how these currents provide power to everything around us, it’s both fascinating and helpful in your own projects. However, we understand how confusing this can be. At Professional Electric, one of our goals is to help these types of complex topics to be more clear to everyone. Today, we will break down the difference between AC and DC power.

Thomas Edison invented DC power which prevailed in the 1800s. At that time, large factories and assemblies ran off this type of power which became expensive and inefficient. Enter the advent of AC power which allowed for greater efficiency and productivity. AC power technology was brought into the U.S. in the late 1800s by Westinghouse and drastically changed the way power was distributed in our society.

What is DC Power?

DC stands for Direct Current. Just as the name implies, DC power directs the electrical current in one direction only. This is referred to as unidirectional, “one direction”. If you enjoy working on projects as a hobby or for work, you may know much about DC power because many DIY projects run off DC power. With that, they can also be converted to AC power if needed. More on what exactly AC power is below! What items run off DC power? Below is a list of three commonly used items that run off DC power:

• Cell Phones
• Hybrid Vehicles
• Flashlights

What is AC Power?

AC stands for Alternating Current. Westinghouse invested in AC technology and brought it to the forefront in 1891. By contrast to DC power which sends the electrical current in one direction only, AC power alternates the electrical current intermittently. Along with the direction of the current, the power of the voltage also changes. AC power technology is what most people find in supplying power to their homes and standard office buildings. Here are three other common places you will find AC power:

• Household lamps
• The power outlets in your office or home
• Household appliances like toasters

Over time, it has become possible to convert most DC power supplies to AC power supply for ease of use. However, certain adapters are needed and not using the correct one is dangerous.

We hope we have made understanding the difference between AC and DC power supplies both interesting and educational. Remember, do not try to convert one to the other without the proper conducting system. It’s very dangerous with a risk of electrical fire and shorting out your item.

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama or if you have questions regarding either DC or AC Power look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!

Mother’s Day is creeping around the corner and you need to make sure you have the best possible gift to show her how much you appreciate all the hard work she does for you and your family. Mother’s Day is a celebration, a celebration of how amazing your mother is to you and it is a way to show your mother just how thankful you are of that fact.

Sadly, finding the right Mother’s Day gift can sometimes be a little pesky. Jumping from various item to item till you find what you think she will get the most out of. Well this guide will aid in showing you what you could get for your mother on this very special day. Specifically, mothers who love technology!

Netflix gift card

With the thousands of shows and movies at the low rate Netflix offers, a gift card to this service is a must for any mother that loves her television shows and more! A simple $30 Netflix subscription card will give your mother 3-months of this service, this will give her the ability to test out a new service and decide if she wants to continue paying for it after the 3-month period. Netflix subscriptions cost $7.99 a month regularly and can be streamed and accessed on basically any device out there.

Fitbit

One of the best fitness trackers out there, the Fitbit, is an ideal gift for any mother who is into fitness or looking to get healthier. This small little gadget is worn like a watch/bracelet and is able to track all of your activities, set goals, and so much more. Nothing shows you care about your mother and her health more than a Fitbit. This is one of the most accurate activity trackers on the market and you can’t beat the price they are offered at! Fitbit offers a wide variety of their product, ranging in prices and specs. If you want to go all out and get the best and most popular Fitbit, you would need to purchase the Fitbit Charge. This will cost you around $130, but as stated earlier, there are cheaper alternatives.

Mophie

With this suggestion, you have a large amount of items to choose from that would all be perfect for those mother’s who love their mobile devices. Mophie is a company that specializes in making wireless chargers, charging stations, phone cases with extra battery life and storage, and so much more. This is for the mothers that can’t stay off Facebook, loves taking pictures of their kids, and just uses their phone constantly, leading to a draining of the battery and a not-so-happy mother!

If your mother falls into this category, then you definitely need to check out Mophie’s website, they even have a special page dedicated to the products that your mother would absolutely love for her special day. There are various cases that are stylish and nearly double the phone’s battery life, there are also extreme protection cases that offer extended battery life as well. With all these products offered by Mophie to better your mother’s mobile device, you definitely can’t go wrong with checking out the website and buying something for your mother on her special day!

If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online atwww.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us onFacebook and Twitter!

We are available 24/7 for emergency services!

Mobile: (251) 473-5788  
Baldwin County: (251)  929-8957  

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Does your patio seem unkempt? Garden got you down? Is your outdoor dining furniture looking dingy? Maybe it’s time to spruce your outdoor space! It’s easy to get your home ready for spring by following these handy ideas.

Add LED Outdoor Lighting

It’s true when they say good lighting really sets the mood. It can enhance a nighttime party or illuminate a dinner al fresco. Today, LED has grown in popularity for many homeowners and has become the best lighting option for outdoor spaces. It is more energy efficient, more durable, produces less heat and LEDs are environmentally friendly. It casts a delicate glow instead of the harsh light of a normal bulb.

Repaint Your Space

Now, you don’t have to repaint the entire structure of your house to spruce it up. A fresh coat of paint on your front door will instantly improve your home’s look. Think outside the box and try an entirely new pop of colors such as red or turquoise. Repainting your front door will also protect it from warping and cracking due to heat exposure and the elements.  

Fill the Space With Furniture

It’s time to trade in those outdated plastic patio chairs for some fresh, new pieces. A bistro set is a perfect addition for small space and everyone can have a seat on an outdoor sectional. Add colorful pillows, blankets, rugs, lights and candles to complement your new pieces.

Add Some Shade

Pergolas have become the hottest trend for outdoor spaces, but what if you need more shade? Today, umbrellas come in a variety of styles, colors and sizes to keep you comfortably covered.

Freshen Up with Flowers

You don’t have to have a green thumb to freshen up your space with flowers. Ask an expert or research the best flowers to grow in your area. Find the ones that will bloom in the upcoming season for you and your guests to enjoy. Flowers are one of the least inexpensive and simplest options you can add to your home.

Fire It Up

Firepits are not only fun but they’re also functional! They cast a warm glow and keep you toasty on those chilly autumn evenings. They’re perfect for roasting hot dogs and s’mores to feed your hungry guests.

Storage Solutions

Now that your space is spruced up, where are you hiding your stuff? Purchasing stylish storage pieces will help hide your accessories and keep them protected from the elements. A storage bench also provides additional seating for guests.

These simple ideas will freshen up any outdoor space. With just a little time and money spent you’ll have the best looking home on the block! Call the experts at Professional Electric if you want to brighten up your space and enhance your home’s exterior. If you are in need of any residential or commercial electrical services or LED lighting in Baldwin County or Mobile, Alabama look no further than Professional Electric! Visit us online at www.ProfessionalElectric.biz and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We are available 24/7 for emergency services! Call (251) 473-5788 and remember, when it comes to your electrical needs, Keep It Professional!