Improve Energy-Efficiency and Increase Ambience

Everyone’s been going “green” for quite a while now, so it’s no surprise that the latest advancements in outdoor lighting provide more LED options than ever before. Not only do most homeowners now prefer the cooler tones produced by LED lighting, they last far longer than traditional incandescent lighting. Research has shown that, in a residential setting, LED lighting lasts up to 25 times longer and uses 75% less energy. And you’re not limited by design or function, either; LED options are now available for landscape lighting, spotlights, accent lighting, and more.

It’s All In The Timing

Lighting that operates on a timer is not only convenient, but it also can save on energy costs. If you’d rather not concern yourself with manual operation, timed lighting is a homeowner’s dream come true when it comes to your home’s exterior. Motion-activated lighting is also a time-tested method of adding security to your home. If any unwanted guests visit your property, whether of the human or wildlife variety, they’ll instantly be encouraged to leave the premises.

Options That Illuminate… And Entertain

If you frequently enjoy outdoor entertaining during the warmer months, consider outdoor lighting that brightens your seating areas far into the evening! Of course, you’ll want to light up your porch or patio, but also consider adding lighting options throughout green spaces, around fountains, directed toward fire pits or fireplaces, or any other areas in which you plan to entertain guests that make them feel cozier and more secure.

Be Safer & More Secure

Not only should your outdoor lighting be beautiful, it also serves a very important function – increasing overall safety and home security. Consider options for walkways, driveways, garages, and your backyard. Not only will outdoor lighting deter potential criminals, it also helps prevent falls and accidents. Recommendations for areas where outdoor lighting may not currently exist on your property include outdoor stairs and dark corners surrounding your home’s exterior. Landscaping areas and plant beds should also be enhanced with lights that are directed toward your home for additional security.

Staley Electric loves working with homeowners to design a creative, functional, and energy-efficient outdoor lighting plan for homes throughout Arkansas! If you’re looking for electricians to handle old home electric repair, switch repair, or any other electrical solutions, call Staley Electric at (501) 565-3006 or visit our website to learn more!

The right lighting fixtures can do wonders and transform an ordinary home into a summertime oasis — all while increasing your security, home value, and, most importantly, peace of mind. 

But before you pull out blueprints or drive down to your local home improvement store, take a moment to consider the risks associate with a DIY job of this scale. Hanging string lights on the roof is one thing, but outfitting a large outdoor space with lighting for better surveillance and aesthetic value is a whole other thing. 

A professional electrician has the tools and experience to ensure your outdoor lighting is upgraded to your liking, in minimum time with maximum efficiency, and safely. Let’s take a look at how the pros do it best. 

Style and Technique for Outdoor Lighting

An outdoor lighting company provides more than electrical skill; there’s also the artistic aspect, somewhat like stage lighting. When the sun goes, down and the outdoor lights come on, you don’t want awkward crisscrossing long shadows from floodlights and path lighting that’s hard to follow. We can create lighting that provides full coverage and elegant effects, highlighting your home and outdoor features. 

Technical Design and Installation

Even an experienced homeowner who’s read the electrical code and has experience with wiring will likely miss some of the unique aspects of outdoor wiring that experience and training have taught us. Chances are you understand why you need GFCI outlets like those in your kitchen when you’re wiring outside, but how do you prepare for lightning strikes? Flooding? Vermin and insect damage? Unexpected digging? We have the knowledge and experience to design your system to last and be safe.

Long-Lasting Professional-Grade Fixtures and Wiring

We have access to equipment from our wholesalers that isn’t typically what home stores offer. This gives us the opportunity to do a better job for you — one that lasts longer and offers better security and aesthetic appeal.

Plan for Project Success by Hiring Staley Electric

Our insight and experience are something that isn’t available at the DIY store, and it’s a big part of the successful electrical projects we complete. We’ve been doing home and commercial wiring since 1951 and completing projects ranging from outdoor lighting and power to power panel upgrades and whole-home generator installation. Give us a call and find out how we can make your project a win for you and your family.

However, it’s essential to keep safety in mind when preparing to string up holiday lights. If you’re wondering if Christmas lights are a fire hazard, the answer is yes. While these beautiful indoor and outdoor lights can add a bit of much-needed cheer to the holiday season, they can also cause home fires, electric shocks, and nasty cuts.

Follow these five holiday light safety tips to keep you and your family merry—and safe—this season.

Give Your Lights a Thorough Check

If you’ve been waiting all year for the holidays, you’re probably eager to unpack those lights and get to stringing. Before you go wild decking the halls, don’t forget to test and check your lights. During your inspection, keep a lookout for loose or frayed wires, cracked sockets, wires jabbing through the insulation, or missing insulation altogether.

When you see lights that are damaged or need replacing, the best thing to do is purchase new sets. Seeing as damaged Christmas lights are a fire hazard, you can easily find reliable lights at a home improvement store. The investment could save you from experiencing electric shock or a fire that causes severe property damage.

Invest in High-Quality Lights

Don’t settle for the cheapest lights you can find—even if they happen to be especially pretty. When purchasing new lights, look for:

• LED lights with epoxy lenses
• No loose connectors
• Built-in timers
• Fuses at the plugs
• Sets with 22-gauge wiring (minimum)

If you’re eager to up your safety this holiday, consider LED lights. LED lights are cool to the touch compared to incandescent lights and can even help you waste less energy.

UL Safety Certification

Look for holiday lighting that boasts a UL Safety Certification. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent product safety certification organization recognized globally for setting safety standards. When you see the UL certification, you know that these types of lights meet certain specifications for safety.

Follow the Labels on Your Lights

Ensure that the lights you’re using are designed for their location. Whether you’re stringing lights outdoors or indoors as tree lights—or both—remember not to mix them up. This is an essential holiday light safety tip since indoor lights can never be outdoors!

Indoor lights aren’t insulted like their outdoor counterparts, which means they can quickly become a hazard when coming in contact with snow, rain, or any moisture.

Don’t Overload Your Extension Cords & Circuits

Many manufacturers highly advise plugging only up to three sets of holiday lights into one extension cord. Otherwise, you can risk overheating and causing a fire. Additionally, manufacturers recommend stringing no more than three strands of incandescent lights together to avoid overheating.

Your home’s holiday lighting and electrical system go hand in hand, so it’s crucial to keep holiday light safety tips such as these in mind.

Connect Outdoor Lights to GFCI Outlets

Another holiday light safety tip is to use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupting (GFCI) outlets when stringing up the outdoor lights to make your home’s exterior shine. These outlets are specific for outdoor lights, and if your lights happen to overload, the outlet will cut the power before your home’s breaker trips.

Since Christmas lights are a fire hazard, you want to take extra precautions wherever you can. When you use GFCI outlets, you can further safeguard yourself against electric shock and other dangers.

The Season For Safety & Joy

When the holidays come along, it can be easy to focus only on the merry and bright offerings of the season. Nonetheless, it’s vital to keep these holiday light safety tips in mind and keep you and your family safe throughout the holidays. Christmas lights are a fire hazard, so it’s never a bad idea to be overly cautious about fire and electrical safety.

If you have any electrical issues in your home that need fixing, Staley Electric services all residential electrical needs in North Little Rock, AR. From replacing a bad outlet to replacing electrical panels, we can help ensure your home is up and running to ensure a safe and joyful holiday. Call us today to see what our electricians can do to help boost your holiday light safety!

Exterior lighting comes in all different shapes and sizes. While there is so much to choose from, you may not know where to start. Are you looking to create a certain type of outdoor atmosphere? Is your main goal to entertain guests, or would you prefer to put a spotlight on your beautiful garden? If you need help finding the right solution for your needs, we have some outdoor landscape lighting tips that can help.

Much like the interior of your home, exterior lighting can make or break the look you’re aiming to achieve. Fortunately, making a plan and understanding your needs can make finding the perfect lighting easy. Let’s discuss five top tips for how to choose outdoor lighting.

Make a Plan 

Although decorating any part of your home is fun and exciting, there’s no reason to rush when choosing outdoor light fixtures. In fact, taking your time and writing down measurements are some of the top tips for how to choose outdoor lighting. You don’t want to accidentally buy light fixtures that look too big on your wall or out of place in your landscaping.

Do you want to add lighting to your front porch? Consider measuring your front door. You’ll want to find light fixtures that are only one-third of the height of the door.

Know Your Lighting Needs

When learning about outdoor landscape lighting tips, it’s important to note that not every type of outdoor light fixture has the same purpose or durability. For starters, there are two main types of exterior lighting that you should know about: wet-rated and damp-rated.

Wet-rated lighting is what it sounds like — it can be installed in places that are directly hit by rain and moisture. Think wall lights and various types of landscape lighting. On the other hand, damp-rated lighting cannot be installed where rain and other types of water will touch it. This type of lighting can handle a little dampness or moisture, but certainly not for long periods. Think ceiling lights and ceiling fans.

Along with choosing between damp vs. wet-rated lighting, you will want to consider the beam angle of your spotlights if you wish to install any. Wide beams are excellent for spotlighting landscaping and stone structures, while narrow beams are recommended for spotlighting statues and taller trees.

Put Safety First

Safety is a critical component of outdoor lighting and something many homeowners focus on. Is this also a main concern of yours? If so, you’ll want to survey your yard and find areas that could use extra illumination. Path lights and security lights can provide much-needed peace of mind, especially if your yard is cast into shadow or difficult to navigate at night.

There are many tips for how to choose outdoor lighting, but throughout them all, safety should never be overlooked. When you remember to put safety first with your residential outdoor lighting installation, you can avoid an unwanted injury or security risk.

Determine Your Desired Style

When learning outdoor landscaping lighting tips, know there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every home. There are many lighting designs to choose from, but do you know which design fits your style?

For instance, outdoor wall lights can come in various styles. If you have a modern home, you might want to choose a design that’s sleek and minimalistic. If you’re going for a more rustic look, it’s best to consider a design that’s more traditional.

Consider Every Possibility

Installing the right exterior lighting is no small task. However, our tips for how to choose outdoor lighting are not quite over yet. It’s also important to look carefully at your landscaping and hardscaping to ensure that you meet all of your needs. For example, don’t overlook architectural features like retaining walls.

While you may think of retaining walls as only for practical purposes, highlighting them with accent lighting can transform an outdoor space in unexpected ways. Plus, illuminating these structures can provide additional safety.

Let Staley Electric Handle Your Outdoor Lighting Needs

Whether you’re planning to host summer get-togethers or want to increase your family’s safety, exterior lighting can make a notable difference. Combined, these five outdoor landscape lighting tips will allow you to meet your goals and more.
At Staley Electric, our landscape lighting services can help you create a charming outdoor ambiance while putting your safety first. We offer everything from motion sensor lighting to lighting that you can conveniently control from inside your home. Contact us today to see what our electricians can do for you!

Has outdoor lighting been on your mind recently? We’re here to show you why an installation can be well worth the investment. Let’s discuss the benefits of landscaping lighting below.

Enhance Your Curb Appeal

Many homeowners will say that landscape lighting is worth it because of the beauty and illumination it adds to their properties. With the right light fixtures, you can highlight the architectural features of your home, which can take your curb appeal to the next level.

For example, when you install landscape lighting in your garden, you can draw attention to your vibrant flowers. At the same time, positioning flood lights in front of stately trees can create a feeling of depth. When you emphasize the best parts of your property, this can also increase your home’s value — which is certainly one of the most notable benefits of landscaping lighting.

Maximize Your Living Space

If you’re still wondering if landscape lighting is worth it, you’ll want to think about how much time you spend outside. Do you want to enjoy the outdoors more but end up going inside when the sun sets? This is unfortunate, as it can be great to spend time in the fresh air at night, especially when the weather is warm and comfortable. The good news is that a landscape lighting system can make your outdoor spaces more accessible at night.

When your outdoor living spaces are properly illuminated, you can enjoy a family game night or dinner outside rather than in your kitchen. This way, you can take full advantage of your property and all it has to offer.

Highlight Outdoor Hazards

If you have a family or frequently host guests, then you know that having a well-lit home is essential. With the proper lighting, you can ensure that no one gets hurt tripping over an unseen step or unexpected obstacle. The same can be said for outdoor landscaping lighting.

It’s pretty safe to say that the walkways and structures outside your home are complex. There are various pavers, railings, steps, and hazards like swimming pools that can be an accident waiting to happen. When you schedule a lighting installation for the outside of your home, you can rest assured knowing that your family and friends will be safe as they walk around your property. Added safety is certainly one of the most noteworthy benefits of landscape lighting.

Improve Your Security

Your family’s safety is important — but so is their sense of security. If you’re worried about potential break-ins, many homeowners will say that landscaping lighting is worth it for the extra layer of protection it provides. It’s believed that well-lit properties are less likely to be burglarized than those with little to no illumination.

Installing exterior lighting in critical places — such as the front door, garage, and the more hidden corners of your yard — can help safeguard your home. Because of this, high-quality lights can be well worth the money in the long run.

Choose Staley Electric for Professional Landscape Lighting

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. As such, you shouldn’t overlook the many benefits of landscaping lighting and what they can do for you. From increasing curb appeal to strengthening your security, there are many reasons to consider illuminating the exterior of your home.

If you think landscape lighting is worth it for your specific needs, don’t hesitate to call Staley Electric! We’re proud to be a trusted company since 1951. Our professional team can help with all of your electrical services, from electrical home automation to landscape lighting in Little Rock, AR. We offer many options, including energy-efficient fixtures, to bring your vision to life.

Are you ready to take your home’s exterior to new heights? Contact our electricians today to get started with your landscape lighting design!

Understanding Indoor vs. Outdoor Lighting

At first glance, lighting may seem straightforward. However, the difference between indoor and outdoor lighting goes beyond their installation locations. These distinctions are crucial for safety, energy efficiency, and the longevity of your lighting fixtures.

1. Design and Durability

The most apparent difference between indoor and outdoor lighting lies in their design and materials. Outdoor lighting fixtures are built to withstand harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. They’re often made from durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic, with special coatings to prevent corrosion and damage — especially in wet locations. In contrast, indoor lights are designed with aesthetics and interior décor in mind, featuring a wider range of materials, including glass, fabric, and less durable metals that are not meant for exposure to harsh external elements.

2. Safety Standards and UL Ratings

Safety is paramount when it comes to lighting. Outdoor lighting fixtures must adhere to higher safety standards due to their exposure to wet and damp locations. They’re often UL-listed for wet or damp environments, ensuring they’re water-resistant and safe to use under various weather conditions. Indoor fixtures, meanwhile, are typically UL-listed for dry locations, indicating they’re not designed to handle moisture and should not be used outside.

3. Bulb Types and Energy Efficiency

The choice of bulb is critical in both indoor and outdoor settings, impacting energy efficiency and longevity. Outdoor lights often use LED bulbs or incandescent light bulbs designed to perform in cold weather and resist temperature changes. These outdoor light bulbs are built to be more durable and energy-efficient, providing long-lasting illumination in outdoor spaces without frequent replacements.

Indoor light bulbs, on the other hand, have a broader selection, including LED lights, CFL bulbs, and fluorescent lights, allowing for a balance between energy efficiency and aesthetic preferences in indoor spaces like living rooms and utility rooms.

4. Functionality and Aesthetics

Outdoor lighting serves a dual purpose: enhancing security and adding aesthetic value to outdoor spaces. Security lighting for homes is critical, as it can deter intruders and help ensure safe navigation in the dark. Path lights, exterior lights, and other outdoor lighting fixture options are designed for specific purposes, from illuminating walkways to highlighting architectural features.

Indoor lighting, conversely, focuses more on creating ambiance and complementing the interior design. From accent lighting in living rooms to task lighting in kitchen areas, indoor lights are crucial for setting the mood and functionality of indoor spaces.

5. Installation Considerations and Location Specificity

Another significant difference between indoor and outdoor lighting is how the lighting fixtures are installed. Outdoor fixtures must be properly sealed and grounded to protect against water ingress and electrical hazards. The location, whether directly exposed to the elements or under a covered patio, dictates the type of fixture and installation method. Indoor fixtures, while not facing the challenges of weather, still require careful consideration regarding placement, wiring, and compatibility with home décor.

Crafting the Perfect Atmosphere With Staley Electric

Choosing the right lighting for your home, both inside and out, can significantly affect its atmosphere and functionality. Understanding the difference between indoor and outdoor lighting is key to making informed decisions that ensure safety, enhance aesthetics, and promote energy efficiency. Whether you’re looking to light up your outdoor areas to extend the hours of enjoyment or create a warm and inviting indoor space, the expertise of Staley Electric can guide you through every step.

Illuminate Your Space With Expertise!

Don’t let the complexities of indoor vs. outdoor lighting deter you from achieving the perfect ambiance for your home. Staley Electric specializes in both security lighting for homes and a wide range of indoor lighting solutions.

Whether you’re in need of an electrician in Little Rock, AR, or seeking advice on the best lighting practices for your home, our team is here to assist. Schedule your lighting services with Staley Electric today, and let us help you illuminate your spaces perfectly!

What Are Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights?

An outdoor motion sensor light will react to movement in its detection range. These lights use motion sensors, which detect infrared radiation — essentially, the heat emitted by people, animals, or cars. When movement is picked up within the sensor range and detection angle, the light activates. Motion sensor lighting works using either PIR (passive infrared) technology or microwave sensors. Some even combine both for better accuracy. 

These lights are adjustable, letting you tweak their detection angle and range to avoid unnecessary activations like your dog running across the yard.

This sudden illumination surprises potential intruders, making them think twice about sticking around. It can even stop pests from nibbling at your plants! At the same time, it provides you with better visibility of your outdoor spaces, so you can easily spot what’s going on without fumbling for a flashlight.

Motion sensor lights come in a variety of styles, from basic floodlights to more decorative fixtures that can complement the look of your home or business. The detection range and angle can also vary, allowing you to customize the coverage area.

Types of Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights to Choose From

Picking the right outdoor motion sensor depends on your needs. Let’s look at some popular options:

1. Wall-Mounted Motion Sensor Lights: Ideal for entryways, patios, and garages, these lights mount directly to walls and cast light precisely where it’s needed.
2. Floodlights with Motion Sensors: If you want broad coverage, floodlights are a great choice. These often come with powerful LED bulbs and a wide detection angle to cover large areas like driveways or backyards.
3. Solar-Powered Motion Sensor Lights: For a sustainable option, solar-powered lights charge during the day and use that energy to operate at night. These are perfect for areas without easy access to electrical outlets.
4. Smart Motion Sensor Lights: These integrate with home automation systems, allowing you to control them via smartphone apps or voice commands. Some models even sync with cameras for an all-in-one security setup.

Key Benefits of Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

Beyond the security aspect, outdoor motion sensor lights offer several other benefits:

Efficiency

Motion sensor lights only turn on when needed, rather than staying lit all night long. This can translate to significant energy and cost savings compared to leaving a light on constantly.

Convenience

You don’t have to worry about remembering to turn outdoor lights on and off. The sensors take care of that automatically, so you never have to come home to a dark property.

Safety

Well-lit outdoor areas are less likely to have tripping hazards or other dangers that could lead to falls or injuries, especially for elderly residents or guests.

Customization

With different styles, detection ranges, and brightness levels, you can find a light with a motion sensor that is the perfect fit for your property.

Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights

When selecting outdoor motion sensor lights, there are a few key factors to consider:

1. Sensor Range and Angle: Make sure the sensor can cover the full area you want to illuminate. Look for a wide detection range and a wide angle to maximize coverage.
2. Brightness: Brighter lights (800–1200 lumens) are better for security purposes, while softer lights (400–800 lumens) may be preferable for aesthetics.
3. Energy Efficiency: LED motion sensor security lights tend to be the most energy-efficient option, using far less power than incandescent or halogen bulbs.
4. Weatherproofing: Outdoor lights need to withstand the elements. Look for options rated for wet locations or with a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
5. Smart Features: Some motion sensor lights now come with connected features like smartphone controls, scheduling, and integration with smart home systems.

Combining Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights with Security Cameras

For the ultimate in home or business security, pairing outdoor motion sensor lights with security cameras is a powerful combo. When the motion sensor triggers the light, it can also prompt the camera to start recording, capturing any suspicious activity on video. This gives you visual evidence to review later or to provide to the authorities if needed.

The motion sensor lights act as the first line of defense, deterring intruders and alerting you to their presence. The cameras then provide an extra layer of security by recording what’s happening so you have a record of any incidents.

Prioritize Outdoor Safety with a Motion Sensor Security Light

When you want to protect your home, business, or property, outdoor motion sensor lights are a must-have tool. This is a smart, affordable way to enhance your security while adding convenience and energy efficiency. Paired with cameras or strategically placed for maximum coverage positions them as a key part of a well-rounded home protection plan.

So, if you’re serious about enhancing the safety and security of your outdoor spaces, be sure to explore the wide range of motion sensor light options available. Pair them with security cameras and other safety features for maximum protection, and enjoy the benefits of a high-tech surveillance system. 

Speak with Staley Electric today to learn more about our security and outdoor lighting solutions for your property in Little Rock, AR. We also provide electrical remodeling services so you can enjoy plenty of power to charge your safety and security needs.