Monthly Archives: August 2014

Office Lighting

How to Light Your Office for Productivity

Ever wonder why you have a headache at the end of a day at the office?
It could be your boss again, but if it happens every day, there’s a good chance improper lighting is the culprit.

Somewhere along the way, we decided that bright, overhead fluorescent lights were the only way to light a common area. School and corporate office buildings are the worst offenders, and it greatly affects the productivity of everyone in the building.

So, what are some good lighting solutions for a workspace? Here are some things to consider:

Maximize Natural Light

Big windows are the best source of light available. Natural light is brighter than artificial light, but sunshine has the added benefit of enhancing workers’ moods.

Natural light also saves energy, making it the best economic choice, too.

Muted Overhead Light

Obviously, you can’t survive in an office on natural light alone.

When choosing overhead lighting, skip the big, buzzing fluorescent lights and opt instead for softer light fixtures. Not only does this add personality to your office, it reduces the harshness of overhead lights.

Task Lighting

In addition to natural light and soft overheads, task lighting for individual employees is essential. Lamps placed around an office and on employees’ desks will allow them to control the lighting they need.

Soft, But Not Too Soft

The name of the lighting game is balance.

The default of many office buildings is too much overhead, artificial light. That much light strains the eyes, but so does going too soft. Play around with different lighting options until you strike just the right balance for your employees and work tasks.

Need help designing the perfect light for your office? Give us a call a Schaffhouser Electric, and we’ll talk through all of your options with you.

 

Outdoor Lighting

How to Create Perfect Outdoor Lighting

Summer may be winding down, but here in middle Tennessee that doesn’t mean we stop grilling out and being outdoors. As the temperatures cool a little, it can be the perfect time to get your outdoor lighting just right for fall evenings.

Keeping the outside of your home well-lit will also contribute to the safety and security of your house and family.

There are many different areas to consider for lighting outside your home, and each one has unique challenges. Here are some of our favorite solutions for outdoor lighting.

Front Entrance

A well-lit front entrance is the the best way to greet your guests. Lights on either side of the door will illuminate the entrance area, giving your home a welcoming look.

If you have a porch, you can also consider hanging a few fixtures close the the ceiling. Recessed or chain-hung is best so the lights won’t hang too close to arriving guests.

Garage

If you have the space, hang a lantern or other fixture on either side of the garage door. Otherwise, place one fixture over the center.

Consider installing motion sensors with these lights. You can set them to turn on at dusk and off at dawn or to stay off unless they sense motion. This will conserve energy, while still giving you the security and light you need.

Paths and Driveways

Everyone loves well-lit paths and driveways.

Low level path lights, set along the perimeter of the driveway or path, will guarantee everyone’s safety as well as provide a warm welcome to guests. Many of these are solar powered and programmed to turn on at night and off during the day.

Decks, Porches, and Patios

These areas are perhaps the most used part of your outdoor living space, and there are several lighting options. Like the front door, place a lantern on each side of the door leading into the house. Then use any combination of mini-lights, path lights, and lanterns to create the perfect vibe for your outdoor living room.

Don’t forget the citronella candles to chase away those pesky mosquitoes!

Pools and Fountains

Lastly, don’t forget the pool.

Low-voltage or LED lights are popular for pools, but you can also install fiber-optic lighting in the pool itself. Floating and solar-powered lights are also nice options.

As with any electrical project, there are always building codes and regulations to think about. Contact us at Schaffhouser Electric, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about outdoor lighting.