• A Look Back at Trends in Kitchen Remodeling for 2016

    Home remodeling can be used to dramatically improve the appearance of many spaces throughout your home. If you are seeking home remodeling project that will boost your home’s style and appeal, you may want to talk to your electrician about hanging lights in your kitchen space . A new lighting design from an experienced residential electrician serving San Jose can bring new warmth, depth, and style to your kitchen. To achieve the best results from your kitchen remodel, you will want to research the latest kitchen remodeling trends. Here is a review of some of the most popular kitchen lighting trends for 2016. Trends in kitchen remodeling for 2016 in San Jose, CA

    Chandelier Pendants

    As you are picking out new light fixtures for your kitchen, you will want to select pieces that offer both style and illumination. If you are seeking statement lighting that is perfectly on trend, you may want to consider chandelier pendants. These elegant light fixtures are designed to hang from the ceiling and bathe the entire kitchen space in soft, beautiful light.

    Modern Centerpieces

    If your kitchen renovation is more modern than traditional, you may want to go with a contemporary centerpiece that will become the focal point of your design. In 2016, many interior designers used show stopping pendant lights and chandeliers that were constructed from sleek and modern materials. An oversized pendant light that is made out of sheet metal or wood will make the perfect complement to your modern kitchen renovation.

    Zone Lighting

    When you research this year’s kitchen lighting trends, you may also come across the term zone lighting. Zone lighting is used to describe lighting that illuminates specific spaces throughout your kitchen. Your meal prep area, for example, is a zone that will require both task lighting and ambient lighting. Recessed lights are popular choices for illuminating different zones throughout the kitchen. An experienced electrical contractor can answer any questions that you may have about the different lighting options that are available for your kitchen this year.

  • What to Know About Arc Fault Breakers

    Since most of a typical home’s electrical system is out of sight, most homeowners do not understand how complex or sophisticated it truly is. For example, one big aspect of the modern home electrical system is the arc fault breaker, also known as an arc fault circuit interrupter. This piece of technology is vital for protecting your home from electrical fires. Arc Fault Breakers Installation in San Jose, CA

    Importance

    To understand the importance of arc fault breakers, it’s important to understand the concept of arc faults. Simply put, an arc fault is when an arc, or electrical discharge, flows through an unplanned path. As you can imagine, this could lead to some pretty dangerous circumstances—including an electrical fire. An arc fault breaker is designed to detect arc faults and protect the circuit, thereby reducing the risk of an electrical fire, of which there are more than 40,000 a year in the U.S.

    Basic Function

    The average arc fault breaker is very sophisticated, and uses advanced technology to detect various types of arcing. Normal arcing occurs all the time when electrical appliances are turned on—these require no special action from the arc fault breaker. When an arc fault occurs, however, the arc fault breaker instantly recognizes the fault and interrupts the circuit, thereby reducing the danger. By contrast, conventional circuit breakers are only equipped to respond to overloads and short circuits. Arc fault breakers are now required by law for circuits feeding into electrical outlets in most rooms.

    Nuisance Tripping

    Though arc fault breakers are vital for safety, there are times when they overreact. In other words, an arc fault breaker may interrupt a circuit even when an appliance is being used safely and properly. This is called “nuisance tripping.” This occurs most commonly with older electrical tools and appliances that have motors with brushes. Vacuums and power drills are two such appliances. If your breaker frequently engages in nuisance tripping, have an electrician take a look and address the problem. You should know that arc fault breakers are being improved on all the time.