Seattle Commercial & Industrial Electrical Contractor
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27 Oct 2020
holiday lights

Safety Guide for Holiday Lights

Holiday lights instantly transform a home during the holiday season. In 1882, the very first holiday light was created and homeowners have been decorating their homes with holiday lights since the 1930s. Now, there are numerous variations for holiday lights in style, size, and color selections to participate in the festive spirit. With so many selections, which lights are the best and safest lighting options for your home? Explore our blog to discover the best and worst holiday lights with valuable safety tips.

Best Option: LED

The best choice for holiday lights are LED lights. Not only are they energy efficient, but they have a long life cycle and are safe. Today’s LED light strings also last approximately 50 times longer than incandescent light bulbs and draw very little electricity. Another benefit is LED lights increase safety with a lowered risk of a possible fire as they produce minimal heat. Best of all, though LED lights cost more than traditional incandescent lights, you will be saving money in the future as LEDs use less energy and do not need to be replaced as often.

Worst Option: C-9 Retro Bulbs

C-9 light bulbs are typically large with a bright light and retro aesthetic. The downside to these light bulbs is they get dangerously hot and use a great deal of energy. For your own safety, you need to periodically check C-9 bulbs for excess heat production due to the possibility of a fire or electrical short. If you plan to use your holiday lights all night, you can expect your energy bills to increase.

Check Older Incandescent Light Strings

Consumer Reports recommends carefully examining older incandescent light strings before using them.

  • Check for frayed wires
  • Make sure wires are still pliable; not brittle
  • Hooking many strings together risks power overload

It’s normal for incandescent bulbs to feel warm.

Safety Tips:

  • Never nail or staple light strings to roofs, walls, and/or baseboards (this can impair wire insulation)
  • Hang lights over nails for exterior lighting, use hanging clips for interior lighting
  • Use a timer for holiday lights to help reduce energy usage or dangers of a fire
  • Make sure to use outdoor lights outdoors and indoor lights indoors- exterior lights will produce too much heat for indoor usage and in order to use lights outdoors, they must be weather-resistant (double check to see if lights are safe for both outdoors and indoors)

Kirby Electric is a Premier Electrical Contractor Serving the Greater Seattle Area

As Seattle’s premier electric company, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial lighting. We provide top electrical services that best fit your building’s needs and present energy management solutions. Such solutions provide economically and environmentally beneficial services. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.

10/27/20 This post has been updated to include new information about LED light strings.

16 Sep 2019

5 Reasons to Switch to LED Lighting

5 Reasons to Switch to LED LightingMany businesses have discovered the benefits of lighting retrofits for their offices, factories, and warehouses. There are many incentives for companies to upgrade. To start with, the United States and governments around the world passed laws to phase out incandescent light bulbs, but there are many other important reasons to upgrade. The top 5 reasons to switch to LED lighting from incandescent lighting include these facts: LED lights last longer, they cost less to use, they’re fully recyclable, they reduce carbon emissions, and rebates help companies retrofit for less.

LED Lights Last Longer

First, an LED light bulb can last 25,000 hours or more. This is 25 times longer than a traditional incandescent light bulb. According to energy.gov, it’s a life of “more than three years if run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” And this is just one reason why LED lights are a great business investment.

LEDs Cost less to Operate

Also, LEDs don’t get hot like old-fashioned light bulbs. All that unnecessary heat production is really just wasted energy. In fact, according to the government, LED bulbs can cut energy use “by more than 80 percent”.

LED Lights are Fully Recyclable

Older incandescent light bulbs aren’t recyclable. By contrast, LED bulbs are fully recyclable. Also, LEDs don’t contain mercury and other harmful materials like fluorescent lights (CFLs). However, both CFL and LED light bulbs can be disposed of safely in special recycling bins located at local retail stores.

LEDs Reduce Carbon Emissions

If LED lighting was completely implemented in the United States over the next two decades, it would save “$250 billion in energy costs, reduce electricity consumption for lighting by nearly 50 percent and avoid 1,800 million metric tons of carbon emissions,” according to the U.S. government.

Rebates Help Offset Replacement Costs

Puget Sound Energy offers a business lighting incentive program to help offset the cost of LED lighting implementation. The pros at Kirby Electric can help you with your project.

Find Out More

These are just 5 Reasons to Switch to LED Lighting. There are many more. Find out how retrofitting with LED lighting will benefit your business and the planet. Contact us to see just how much you can save by installing LED lighting in your business or to get a quote.

About Kirby Electric

Kirby Electric is a premier Seattle electrical contractor specializing in commercial and industrial electrical contracting. As your local commercial electrician, we can help with any electrical needs when it comes to upgrading older buildings, including equipment hook ups, rewiring or relocating panels, and lighting upgrades. We also work with electrical companies like Puget Sound Energy, Tacoma Public Utilities, Lakeview Power and others that will provide a rebate for upgrading to a more efficient lighting upon approval of the project.

 

17 Jul 2019
LED Panel Lights

Benefits of LED Panel Lights for Commercial Businesses

For commercial buildings or workshops, panel lights are common bay lighting fixtures discovered in ceilings. In contrast to individual light bulbs, panel lights feature a combination of lights to produce an even distribution of light. If it is time for new or improved panel lights for your business, we highly recommend utilizing LED panel lights. Read on to discover why LEDs are a favorable choice for the workplace.

The Importance of Proper Lighting

For offices, buildings, or workplaces that utilize fluorescent lighting, it is time for an upgrade. According to a study by The American Society of Interior Designers, nearly 68% of employees are dissatisfied with their workplace lighting. Unfortunately, this is most likely due to poor fluorescent lighting placed above that causes aggravating and bothersome health issues for employees. On top of flickering lights and improper lighting color, fluorescent lighting can lead to eye strains, neck pains, stress, anxiety, headaches, migraines, and lack of concentration.  Fortunately, implementing LED lighting is a leading solution to improve lighting conditions and office environments with excellent benefits.

  1. Excellent Quality of Light

First, LED panel lighting reduces the physical and mental side effects of fluorescent lighting due to its exceptional light quality. LEDs provide a balanced, equal distribution of light throughout the entire space or designated area. Most importantly, LEDs for all lighting solutions are also safe.  Compared to incandescent light bulbs, UV lighting from LED lights are harmless. Plus, LED lights will emit less heat and do not have mercury. Above all, employees will feel more productive, less stressed, and will feel safer with new LED light panels.

  1. Going Green Means Saving Green

There is no better feeling than saving—whether if it helps the environment or relating to finances. LED light panels will make your business more “green” and eco-friendly. Also, LED lighting is more energy-efficient than fluorescent lighting. Even with greater light quality, LEDs lose less energy and use less electricity. Plus, energy savings correlates to saving money. Overall, implementing LED panel lights can save your business up to 90% energy savings. Invest in the best!

  1. Long-Lasting, Durable

On top of saving money, one of the best parts about installing LED light panels is the increased longevity of LED bulbs. There will be less maintenance and worry with LED light panels as they have an estimated lifespan of 100,000 hours. Compared to other less efficient light bulbs, LEDs last 100 times longer than incandescent bulbs and approximately over 12 times longer than compact fluorescent lighting solutions. Therefore, LEDs have less lumen depreciation. Therefore, the quality of light will diminish over a longer period of time, instead of abruptly failing to work like other light bulbs.

  1. Smarter Lighting Solution with LED Panel Lights

Lastly, take control of your workplace atmosphere by adjusting lighting when necessary. Need to adjust the light based on different settings or areas in your workplace? LEDs can include smart technology to control brightness and timed usage. Dim the lights if necessary with wireless control. Save even more money by scheduling when lights should go on and how bright they should be at any given time of the day. Providing adjustable LED panel lighting can show your employees that their workspace and health matters. Thankfully, the concentration will be focused more on the task at hand, and not on the eyes.

We Can Help Install LED Panel Lights for your Business Today

As Seattle’s premier electrical contractor, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial lighting. We provide top electrical services that best fit your building’s needs and present energy management solutions. Such solutions provide economically and environmentally beneficial services. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.

17 May 2019
bay lighting

High Bay Lighting vs Low Bay Lighting for Your Business

Every business facility requires specific lighting solutions based on environment and safety. Bay lighting offers well-distributed lighting to open spaces in large buildings. Keep in mind; it is important to identify which choice of bay lighting your building may need based on height. Discover key differences between high bay lighting and low bay lighting to properly light your business.

High Bay Lighting

Generally found in industrial and commercial environments, high bay lights are intended to be installed 20 feet to 40 feet above the floor in high-ceiling, open areas. For maximum efficiency at the height, they are placed, high bay lights will require specially engineered reflectors while LED high bays will need specifically engineered lens angles. As a result, the reflectors or lens angles will minimize wasted light and will make sure light will hit the floor.

Low Bay Lighting

For residential homes, retail, and public buildings, low bay lighting is the best lighting solution. They are intended to be placed in ceilings under 20 feet above the floor (generally 12 feet to 20 feet).  Also, low bay lighting feature lens angles to help position lighting in designated areas.

Are They Interchangeable?

No. High bay lights and low bay lights are meant to be used in their designated environments. While there are no major consequences, using high bay lights in low ceilings will cause overpowered brightness. On the other hand, using low bay lights in high ceilings will decrease overall visibility.

Choose Smart: LED Bay Lighting

Maximize your lighting efficiency by using light-emitting diode (LED) bay lighting. LEDs are the most energy-efficient light bulbs to date. Plus, they are more durable, cost-efficient in the long run. They also provide better light quality than any other lighting solution. Best of all, LED bay lighting will enhance visibility for warehouse workers to improve safety conditions. Unlike fluorescent and HID lights, ease your mind of replacing LEDs because they have a longer life cycle.

Kirby Electric Can Find the Best Lighting Solutions for Your Business

As Seattle’s premier electric company, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial lighting. We provide top electrical services that best fit your building’s needs and present energy management solutions. Such solutions provide economically and environmentally beneficial services. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.

04 Apr 2019
warehouse lighting

Best Lighting Solutions for Warehouses

Lighting has a direct physical and mental impact in the workplace. For one, proper lighting improves safety conditions by reducing accidents in warehouses. However, it is important to combine both natural lighting and correct electrical lighting to improve workplace conditions and employee health. Read on to discover the benefits of proper warehouse lighting.

Understand Warehouse Space

It is imperative to know your warehouse landscape. By figuring out which lighting solutions are necessary, this will save you time and money, by. Certain areas may feature more natural light than others, which requires less need for artificial lighting. Typically, windows, doors and loading docks will not need extra lighting. Regardless, it is important to understand how to correctly fill in the shadows where it gets dim. For example, the ceiling is the most imperative space to implement lighting. Warehouses that feature high racks will require more illumination as the material is closer to the roof.

Electrical Lighting: Three Light Sources

Warehouses generally feature three types of lights:

  • Metal halide: A quality white lighting solution that has been utilized since the 1990s and is typically found in stadiums and parking lots
  • Fluorescent lighting: Less expensive, but not as efficient as LEDs
  • LED lighting: The most energy and cost efficient lighting solution in warehouses and industrial settings

We encourage implementing LED lighting out of all lighting types based on efficiency. Fluorescent lighting may be cheaper, but LEDs consume less energy and last much longer, reducing energy costs in the future. Also, LEDs are becoming more prominent because its lighting can be adjustable and easily dimmed when necessary.

Color Matters

Lighting color is an important component, especially for warehouses. Every warehouse will experience different seasons and weather conditions based on location. Change lighting when necessary to avoid employee discomfort. Employees need to see properly, while being able to easily read labels and recognize materials. The best solution and light color for this is natural light.

Invite Natural Lighting

We highly promote taking advantage of natural lighting. Open up windows and blinds, but make sure they are maintained and kept clean. Control how much lighting comes in and out by implementing blinds and shades to adjust natural lighting in the warehouse.

Studies show daylight can boost productivity and employee happiness. Plus, natural lighting stimulates a calming atmosphere, which reduces stress. Furthermore, the use of natural lighting is said to improve employee attendance and also reduce the risk of illnesses.  Not only are mental pressures and tensions reduced, but natural light can also reduce energy bills by using less energy for lighting solutions.

What is the Right Warehouse Lighting for Your Business?

Whether inviting natural light or utilizing electrical lighting, it is most important to select proper warehouse lighting. Ignoring employee and workplace needs for proper lighting solutions has its repercussions as it negatively affects productivity and overall employee satisfaction. Also, light is an important aspect of vision. Vision is approximately up to 85% of one’s perception of the world. Dim or harsh lighting can affect employee moods and perception of work, while causing headaches and eye strains because the eyes need to work strenuously in order to see. Overall, choose lighting based on your warehouse environments and employee needs.

Kirby Electric is a Warehouse Lighting Expert

As Seattle’s premier electric company, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial lighting. We provide top electrical services that best fit your building’s needs and present energy management solutions. Such solutions provide economically and environmentally beneficial services. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.

04 Dec 2018
holiday lighting

Office Lighting Safety Guide During the Holiday Season

From a variety of styles, sizes, and colors, holiday lights are one of the most common office holiday decorations. For safety, it is important to realize which lighting options are best for your office. Plus, holiday lights will also require a source of power with the proper use of power strips or extension cords. Prevent potential office hazards by discovering our office lighting safety guide during the holiday season.

Best Holiday Lighting Option

LED lights are the best choice for holiday lights. In comparison to incandescent light bulbs, LED lights are energy efficient. For one, they use up 75 percent less electricity and last essentially 25 times longer. Most importantly, they are safe to use. Plus, utilizing LED lights reduces the risk of potential fires as they emit minimal heat. Spending a fortune already on holiday gifts? LED lights cost more up front, but last longer than other bulbs. The average rated life is up to 50,000 hours!

Lighting Tips

  • Avoid nailing or stapling light strings (to walls, roofs, etc.) to prevent impaired wire insulation.
  • Place lights over or above nails for outdoor lighting. Utilize hanging clips for indoor lighting.
  • Use a timer for holiday lighting can help prevent fire hazards and reduce energy consumption.
  • Use indoor lighting indoors, outdoor lighting outdoors (check packaging for usage instructions).

Power Strip vs Extension Cord

Holiday lights are often placed in unconventional places, such as ceilings or walls. Thus, several power sources to power office lighting may be required. Thankfully, that is where power strips and extension cords come in hand. For optimal safety, understand their differences. One, a power strip is an individual segment of a cable with one plug on the end with a row of sockets featured on a plastic box. Two, an extension cord is much longer and contains two or three plugs. Additionally, it is imperative to understand that power strips can be utilized for a period of a few days. Extension cords should only be used for hours on end.

Power Strip Holiday Tips

  • Avoid overloading power strips with major home appliances (space heater, oven). They are intended for small loads of power.
  • Do not exceed the maximum voltage on a power strip to avoid catastrophic electrical fires and malfunctioning appliances.
  • Abstain from overuse to avoid defecting devices. Power strips are not an efficient replacement for electrical outlets.
  • Always check for a surge protection device. This helps preserve equipment if a short/surge occurs.
  • Lastly, avoid plugging power strips and extension cords into each other to prevent weakening equipment, device impairment, and worst case scenario—an office home.

Note: All it takes is staying proactive about lighting hazards. Also, pay attention to voltage ratings to remain safe during the holidays. Remember to not overuse and to time or turn off holiday lights when necessary. Happy Holidays!

Kirby Electric is a Premier Electrical Contractor Serving the Greater Seattle Area

As Seattle’s premier electric company, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial lighting. We provide top electrical services that best fit your building’s needs and present energy management solutions. Such solutions provide economically and environmentally beneficial services. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.

18 Sep 2018
lighting

Indoor vs Outdoor Lighting: Are They Interchangeable?

When lighting needs replacement in the office, it is important to pay attention on whether the light bulbs are for indoor or outdoor use. Outdoor light bulbs are more variable. Typically, they are interchangeable for indoor and outdoor use. In contrast, indoor lights are not designed to withstand outdoor temperature changes. Discover which light bulbs are for indoor or outdoor use, or both.

UL Rating

First, the best way to figure out whether a light bulb can be utilized outdoors is by discovering the UL rating. Generally, most lighting fixtures are rated and tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Also, UL has a specific rating for particular locations as well. Below are the different locations and with the corresponding UL rating:

  • UL Listed- Dry Locations: labeled: “UL Listed”
    • includes living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways, kitchens, most bathroom areas
  • UL Listed- Damp Locations: labeled “Suitable for Damp Locations” or “Suitable for Wet Locations”
    • includes bathtubs, showers, indoor pool areas, utility rooms
  • UL Listed- Wet Locations: labeled “Suitable for Wet Locations”
    • used both wet indoor and outdoor locations
    • includes gazebos, walkways, open patio and decks, outdoor dining areas

Note on damp rated products or fixtures. Utilize in outdoor areas only when they are fully covered and not exposed to water. For example, a covered patio.

Safe Light Bulb use for Specific Locations

Discover which types of light bulbs can be used indoors, outdoors, or both:

  • LED Lights: used both indoors and outdoors
  • Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: used indoors and outdoors
    • check the max temperature the bulb can endure from its packaging for outdoor use
  • Incandescent Flood Light Bulbs: used both indoors and outdoors if not in contact with water
    • used outdoors: incandescent flood light bulbs created to withstand elements
  • Halogen Spotlights and Flood Light Bulbs: used indoors and outdoors
  • Xenon Bulbs: used both indoors and outdoors (double check packaging for particular use)
  • Metal Halide Light Bulbs: used indoors and outdoors

Contact Kirby Electric to Inspect Your Office Today

As Seattle’s premier electric company, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial electrical solutions. We provide top electrical services such as, lighting retrofitsemergency service repairspreventative maintenance, and electrical inspections that best fit your building’s needs. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.

 

 

12 Jul 2018

What Causes Office Lights to Flicker?

Occasionally, offices can experience flickering lights. While this many appear normal, flickering lights can cause distractions. If this happens often, improper lighting can cause headaches, deplete energy, and eventually turn dim. Initially, why or how does this occur? Read on to discover why your office lights may be flickering.

One Bulb Flickering

Is there only one light that flickers in the office? LEDs and fluorescent lights tend to flicker more than other types of lightbulbs, therefore, it could be a normal issue. However, it does not hurt to be proactive. First, check if the light is screwed in or properly inserted in the light socket. Safely remove the lightbulb and screw it back in. If everything appears to be fine, the office light may be reaching the end of its lifespan. It may be time to invest in new LED lights.

Single Circuit Flickering

Flickering lights can also be a result of an overloaded circuit. Too many appliances plugged in on the same line can cause a power shortage. Plus, it could be possible the circuit wire is outdated. Typically, this issue commonly happens in old office buildings or residential homes that have outdated wiring that is not up to industry standards. If your office continues to experience flickering down the road, or the circuit breaker is not working properly, it may be time to hire a professional electrician for an inspection.

Office Building Flickering

Flickering lights that extend beyond a single room or circuit means there is a bigger issue to resolve. When an entire office experiences flickering lights, there could be a problem with the cable connections to an even larger power source. Protect your employees and office building by contacting a professional electrician to handle this large scale issue. Especially, since this problem can result to a fire hazard.

Contact Kirby Electric to Inspect Your Office Today

As Seattle’s premier electric company, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial electrical solutions. We provide top electrical services such as, lighting retrofitsemergency service repairspreventative maintenance, and electrical inspections that best fit your building’s needs. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.

18 Jan 2018
resolutions

3 New Year Resolutions for Your Office Electrical System

As 2018 has arrived, setting goals and resolutions are meant to improve personal development. Have you considered any improvements on your lifestyle by creating resolutions for your office and business? With electrical systems, common goals focus on reducing energy bills and figuring out what to replace or update. Consider our three simple resolutions to help keep your business’s electrical system in optimal shape this year.

Shut Down Computes After Work Hours

Computers use a considerable amount of energy during work hours. As a business, you probably have multiple, dozens, or even hundreds running at the same time. Are computers left on after work hours? If so, your business could be potentially wasting an extensive amount of money just by leaving computers powered on. Turning your computers or running devices off during afterhours is one solution to be mindful of energy savings. Need to leave your computer on? To save energy, one solution is to leave computers on “sleep mode”.

Update Outdated Bulbs for LEDs

Business owners should highly consider LED light bulbs for their office. While LEDs may cost more upfront, your energy bills will not suffer. In fact, they use 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs. LED lights also last 35-50 times longer in comparison. Want to improve safety in your office? LEDs emit little heat and the danger for an electrical fire is greatly reduced.

Reduce Total Energy Consumption

The start of the year is the best time to ponder about ways to reduce bills and overall energy consumption. Below is a various list of ways to reach that goal:

Note: Remember, being mindful and aware of can go a long way in the present and especially the future. Make sure the electrical system electrical tips and usage is up to date with energy efficient appliances and items. Start and end the year saving money and/or cutting down bills by eliminating over usage of electricity and keeping up with necessary maintenance. Happy New Year!

Kirby Electric is a Premier Electrical Contractor Serving the Greater Seattle Area

As Seattle’s premier electric company, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial lighting. We provide top electrical services that best fit your building’s needs and present energy management solutions. Such solutions provide economically and environmentally beneficial services. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.

17 Nov 2017
lighting

The Impact of Lighting on Workers and Productivity

Workers today are spending more of their time in the office. While investing more time at work can be beneficial, are workers productive? Companies that recognize the factors that help drive productivity get more out of their employees, which results to better service, effort, and higher revenue for a business. Lighting is one component in the office that has an on one’s physical and mental state. Explore our blog to see how lighting has a direct impact on workers and their productivity.

Color Temperature Effects on Workers

Different light temperatures influence our work environment.  Lower color temperatures (warm colors) are typically used in intimate settings to help create an atmosphere of comfort and ease. Mid-range color temperatures are generally implemented in conference rooms to bring a welcoming presence, but the coolness can help bolster alertness. Lastly, high color temperatures that are “cold” colored are utilized in rooms where employees can brainstorm. This type of lighting has the ability to improve alertness and mood and reduce fatigue.

Blue Light: Best Choice for Productivity

High color temperatures/cooler colored lights are the most beneficial for employee productivity. Sun light, or natural light is favorable for workers stuck in the office all day. From the beginning to the end of the day, natural light has the potential to decrease depression and negative thoughts and boost one’s mood and energy. Plus, blue light bulbs have the capability to reduce eye strain and melatonin. A lowered melatonin will help workers be alert as melatonin is what helps control your sleep and wake cycles.

All in all, the best area to implement blue lighting is in areas or rooms where employees brainstorm or host meetings. This will help them feel more excited and engage in discussion or sharing ideas.

Call Kirby Today to Improve your Office Lighting

As Seattle’s premier electric company, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial lighting. We provide top electrical services that best fit your building’s needs and present energy management solutions. Such solutions provide economically and environmentally beneficial services. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.