Monday, April 25, 2016

Lighting Transforms Any Room

Professionals Help Brighten Your Home For Summer


Something about warmer weather makes us all want to make a change. Changing your lighting is the quickest way to completely transform a room. Adding recessed lights, a chandelier or a couple new fixtures can create a whole new feel to any room. Nipper Electric is a family owned business that has been providing reliable electrical services in the Virginia Beach area for over 18 years. We can add just the right touches to change any room in your home or business.  Some of the lighting services we offer include:


bright living room



  • Chandelier Installations

  • Lighting Upgrades

  • Ceiling Fan Installations

  • Recessed Lighting Installations

  • Rewiring

  • Ceiling Fans with Lights Installations

  • Track Lighting


Nipper Electric can handle any lighting job big or small. Our experienced staff can even guide you in choosing the perfect light for your room or home.


Measuring Light


hanging light bulbsLight can be soft, bright, warm, cool, dim, focused or diffused, just to name a few. Lighting techniques can create textures, change wall color, add depth or warmth to a room.


Before choosing the perfect lighting plan for your special space, you should understand how light is measured. Lights can be measured in lumens, kelvins or watts. It can get confusing. But for lighting brightness, you’ll want to pay attention to how many kelvins each light has. The higher the kelvin measurement is the closer the light is to natural sunlight.


Changing Colors


Do you have a room color you aren’t fond of, but you’re just not ready to paint the whole space? Lighting with kelvin measurements can actually help you change the color of the room.


  • Cooling down – Add lighting with a mid to high kelvin range, around 4000 kelvins. These lights cool down the color of the room.

  • Warming Up – Wanting to make a room a little warmer or cozier? Use lights with a low kelvin measurement, around 2,500 kelvins. These lights create a warm glow on walls.

  • Natural Wonder – Do you enjoy natural lighting? Use a high kelvin bulb between 5000 and 6000 kelvins. These bulbs create a bright but cool glow, similar to natural light.


Transforming Your Space


Once you understand the importance of lighting degrees, you can use layers of fixtures to transform any room.


  • light lampReading Nook – Turn a favorite corner of any room into a cozy reading nook by using task lighting and unique lamps with warm bulbs and shading. The layered effect can help you see the page and avoid glare.

 


  • Craft Spaces- Work areas and craft spaces need task lighting. Recessed lights, track lights or pendant lights with medium to high kelvin ranges will create the perfect focused light that will add purpose to your room.

 


  • Dining Rooms- Dining areas should be softly lit with ambient lighting. However, if your dining room doubles as the bill center or after school tutoring spot, you need to include options. Track lighting, pendant lighting or recessed lighting can be layered with wall sconces to handle soft lighting and task lighting. Use dim to medium kelvin lights and layer them so you can go from homework to romantic dinner easily. Dimmers especially help in dining areas.

  • Bath Rooms- Bathroom mirrors need focused lighting, but soaking in the tub calls for something a little softer. To achieve the perfect bathroom lighting add sconce lighting on both sides of the mirror and a chandelier over your tub. Recessed lighting and track lighting are also very popular for bathroom lighting. When a dimmer is added, the room can go from makeup prep to bubble bath with the turn of a switch.

 


Professional Installations By NipperElectric


Whatever room you choose to brighten, Nipper Electric is here to help. Our fast, reliable service can turn any room or spot into a retreat. We use clear cut pricing to keep you within your budget. Call us today at 757-842-1710 to get your spring project started today! Or you can make an appointment online while you start designing.



Lighting Transforms Any Room

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Dock Electrical Wiring

Get Professional Dock Electrician in Norfolk, VA


marina with docked boatsEveryone knows that electricity and water do not mix. Electrical wiring near water can be dangerous, difficult and confusing.


Nipper Electric has the knowledge, skill and experience for all your dock electrical needs. We are a family owned business that has proudly served the Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake area for over 18 years. Some of our Dock Electrical services include:



  • Boat Lift Wiring

  • Dock Motor Lifts

  • Shore Power Pedestal Wiring

  • Marina Power Pedestal Wiring

  • Marina Electrical Maintenance

  • Dedicated Circuits for Power Boats

  • Dock Lighting

  • Dock Electrical Maintenance


Our experienced and licensed staff can get your dock safely wired for electrical and leave the boating up to you.


Boat Dock and Marina Electrical Wiring


boats in marinaOwning a boat is a way of life for many of us here in the beautiful Virginia Beach area. There are so many opportunities to get out on the water, either on inland lakes, ponds and creeks or on the ocean. Just like your car, a boat needs a safe place to be stored when it’s not in use. Docks and marina’s provide excellent shelter, protection and easy access to waterways. Docks and marinas require specific electrical wiring that is suited to the water, weather and electrical needs of the equipment used. Dock or marina electrical wiring should include:



  • Weatherized Wiring

  • Waterproof Wires, Cords, Junction Boxes and Plugs

  • Careful Installation with Grounding

  • GFCI Outlets for Areas With Multiple Uses

  • Appropriate Weatherproof & Waterproof Lighting

  • Matching Plugs and Receptacles

  • Reverse Polarity or Overheating Alert Systems


Electrocutions near docks and marinas occur mainly due to poor or shoddy wiring or a lack of preventative measures like alerts or GFCI outlets. A trusted professional electrician like Nipper Electric can help you create a safe environment for your dock or marina. Proper dock electrical wiring will maintain your boat’s condition and keep your family safety.


Professional Boat & Dock Electrical Installations


Healthy Boats, Safe Water
Boats require care and maintenance to keep them running. There are many ways to help keep your boat healthy and running, here are just a few devices to consider while you are planning your dock.


  • dock lightingBoat Lifts- A boat lift will prevent corrosion of your boat and its wires, cut down on the wear and tear from the elements and marine life. Motorized boat lifts are the most popular and some even come with remote controls for easy use.

  • Shore Power Pedestals- This equipment provides a place to plug in your boat while it’s docked. You can then use the electricity to power your boat’s appliances like stoves, televisions or sound-systems on your boat without running your boat.

  • Dedicated Circuits- These circuits have been dedicated to running only your boat or dock wiring. This creates less confusion, overheating or dangerous electrical wear and tear.

  • Dock Lighting- One of the most important things you can do for your dock is to provide plenty of good light for early morning, evening and even night boating and safety.  Recessed, track or pendant lighting all work well to help keep docks lit and safe.

Poor installations or poor maintenance can cause big issues for docks and marinas. Crossing wires during installation disrupts the grounding wire which can lead to electrocution. Overheating can occur from using the wrong plugs for a receptacle and create corrosion, fires or shocks. Nipper Electric provides professional installation and maintenance to help you avoid these issues.


We perform maintenance, inspections, repairs and installations on docks and marinas. The only thing we don’t do is wire or drive the boat. Call us today at 757-842-1710 or schedule an appointment online while you get your fishing tackle ready. We can’t wait to wire your dock and get you safely on the water.


 



Dock Electrical Wiring

Monday, April 18, 2016

Is it Time to Switch to Solar Power?

Solar Power Professional Installations Lowers Summer Costs


solar sign in the fieldSummer is almost here and that means energy costs are on their way up? If you haven’t made the switch already, you might be asking yourself if solar power is practical for you and your home or office.


Nipper Electric can help you answer all your solar power questions. We have been a trusted Virginia Beach electrician for over 18 years. We can help you with solar power questions or concerns.


We offer the best Solar Power service with:



  • Skilled electricians who have experience installing Solar Power Panels for homes and businesses.

  • Knowledge in Solar Power installations and equipment.

  • Bringing the best in equipment and practices through our partnering with Convert Solar.

  • Electricians that carry state licenses in Electrical, Master Electrician, and Class B Contractor.

  • Warranties on labor.


Our skilled and licensed electricians have experience with all types of solar installations from homes to big businesses. We can help you as you make the switch to solar power.


Why Switch to Solar Power?


There are many reasons people choose to switch to solar power. Here are just a few to consider:


solar panels on the roof


  • Environmentally Friendly Energy – Solar power is one of the cleanest energy sources. It is also one of the most sustainable and renewable green energy sources. The sun emits enough solar energy to power the entire globe with power to spare.

  • Reliable – Solar power is a reliable source of energy. You don’t have to worry about a storm knocking out the power or the sun being shut off. Solar power stores excess power to be used during off times, like storms and doesn’t rely on power lines that can be cut or damaged.

  • Create Local Jobs – Solar power installation and technician jobs cannot be outsourced. When you install solar power you are creating jobs in the community.

  • Durable – Since solar panels are stationary; they don’t come with pesky moving parts that can easily break. They also aren’t easily damaged by weather. Nipper Electric is a trusted electrician in the Virginia Beach Area, we can help you create durable sustainable solar power sources.

  • Solar Saves Money – After the initial installation, solar power can save you a lot of money. There are numerous rebate programs and tax incentives to help pay for solar installations. Eventually, you could be completely solar powered and get your energy for free!

  • Solar Makes Money – When your solar panels produce solar power, they can often generate more than you need. Utility companies will pay you for the excess solar power produced. They are also a solid investment, showing returns of 20% or even more.

  • Adds Value to Your Home – Solar power panels are no longer strange and new technology. They are popular additions to homes and business that add a lot of value to any property.

  • Provides Positive Advertising – As a business, solar can help show your commitment to your community and the earth. Consumers love green companies.

Start Saving with Solar Power Today!


money flying above solar panels


There are many reasons to switch to solar power, but it’s up to you to make the choice. Nipper Electric can help you decide which solar solution is best for your home or business. We use clear-cut pricing to help our clients stay within their budget.


Call us today at 757-842-1710 to get started on your solar power savings today!  You can even make an appointment online, we’ll do the rest.


 



Is it Time to Switch to Solar Power?

Monday, April 11, 2016

Tech Out Your Home

Professional Electricians Create Smart Home Shortcuts


smart home gadget iconsSmart technology is everywhere. Besides making life easier, smart technology can also save you money and time. Nipper Electric has been the trusted electrician Virginia Beach turns to for over 15 years. Some of the services we offer to tech out your home include:



  • Receptacle Installations with USB ports

  • Carbon Monoxide Smoke Detectors

  • Flat Screen TV Installations

  • Lighting Upgrades

  • Dimmer Installations

  • Programmable Thermostat Installations

  • Alarm Installations and Set-Ups

  • Solar Installations

  • Bathroom Exhaust Fan Installations

  • Ceiling Fan Installations

  • Remote Control Lighting Installations


Nipper Electric is proud to service the Norfolk area with green technology needs and the very latest this technology has to offer.


Top Tech for Smart Homes


smartphone controling the home gadgetsThere are apps or smart devices available for practically every part of your home. Some of the major smart technology improvements for homes are available right now.


  • 4K TVs – The newest in television technology are the brilliant and popular 4K Televisions. These TVs display pictures that use around 4 times as many pixels as a high-definition 1080p television. The pictures are sharp and life-like.

 


  • Smart TVs – Are offering more viewing possibilities with streaming or downloadable content. Nipper Electric is skilled with all flat screen TV installations regardless of which technology you choose.

  • Temperature Control – There are many options for controlling temperatures.
    • Smart programs that adjust temps from your phone remotely.

    • Air conditioners that respond to commands from smartphones or can use GPS to turn on air when you get close to home.


  • Lights, Lights, Lights – Light bulbs, sockets, and dimmers are getting smart.
    • Smart receptacles that control lighting.

    • Light dimmers programmed to slowly dim in the evening for relaxing sleep or slowly brighten in the morning as you wake up.

    • Light Sockets that become wifi hubs controlled remotely.

    • Lights that adjust automatically to situations


  • Smart Security – You can now program your home for safety with apps.
    • Locks can be programmed to recognize family members for easy entry.

    • Your security cameras can now be installed that come with facial recognition, protecting your home even more.

    • Carbon monoxide smoke detectors can now send alerts to you phone and distinguish between smoke or carbon monoxide.


Saving Time and Money with Smart Tech


The best thing about smart tech in your home is the amount of time, money and effort you save when you use them properly.  Most appliances in your home can be controlled remotely with a simple touch. You save:



  • dollar billsTime -You never have to run back to turn something off or lower the thermostat.

  • The Planet – Your energy usage automatically goes down with these installations. The smarter you use them the more you help the planet

  • Your Money – Lower energy usage creates lower bills. In the case of solar, some power companies will pay you for the excess power you produce. There are also amazing rebates to cash in on when you use green technology.


Smart Technology Needs Smart Installations


Nipper Electric loves working with new technology, especially green and smart technology. We work hard to stay on top of new developments and bring them to our clients. When you come to us, you know you will get the best results in smart wiring. Call us today at 757-842-1710 for all your smart wiring needs. Or make an appointment online. We can’t wait to get you hooked up to the a lifetime of smart technology.



Tech Out Your Home

Monday, April 4, 2016

Landscape Lighting Brightens Up Your Home

Professional Electricians in Norfolk, VA Add Special Outdoor Touches


Our gardens and yards bring comfort and joy to our lives. You can share the beauty of that special nook or garden with the right landscape lighting. Nipper Electric can provide you with all your landscape lighting needs for your garden or outdoor refuge. Our experienced staff specializes in services like:


home outdoor ligting



  • Lighting for Walkways and Paths

  • Landscape Lighting Solar Options

  • Pool and Hot Tub Wiring

  • Accent Lighting

  • Water Feature Lighting and Wiring

  • Task Lighting


Nipper Electric is a family owned business that has been serving the Virginia Beach area for over 15 years. We can bring your home alive with beautiful landscape lighting.


The Great Outdoors Bring Health


From relaxation to entertainment to physical health, your garden or backyard can truly change your life. Some of the benefits from outdoor activities include:


hamock in the backyard



  • Lowers Blood Pressure

  • Improves Creativity and Focus

  • Improves Mood and Self-Esteem

  • Increases Vitamin D Levels Which Improves Health

  • Prevents Fatigue and Chronic Illnesses

  • Helps with Healing After Illness or Surgery


There is no reason these benefits should go away as the sun goes down. Adding the appropriate landscape lighting can extend your enjoyment.


Design With a Purpose


Spring is the perfect time to start considering upgrades to your outdoor lighting. The weather is perfect for spending time outside. As you start to think about your landscape lighting consider these questions:



  • What’s my favorite spot in the yard or garden?

  • What would I add to get more use out of my garden or outdoor space?

  • What’s my favorite feature of my home or garden?

  • What area would I like to spend more time in?


Once you’ve answered these questions, you can begin to see where you might need to add more landscape lighting.


Shine a Spotlight on Your Bliss


Landscape lighting deals with many aspects of your home or yard from security lighting to entertaining to accent lighting. When you’re considering adding lighting to your landscape it really depends on what you love.


Hobbies– If you have an outdoor hobby that ends when the sun goes down, it’s definitely time to add some outdoor lighting. The lighting here should be bright enough to work in, but not so bright that the light is glaring. A professional electrician like Nipper Electric can help you with the difficult wiring for places like:



  • Basketball Courts

  • Grilling Areas

  • Outdoor Eating

  • Gardening

  • Pools or Hot Tubs

  • Playgrounds

  • Fishing Docks


special outdoor lighting in water


Retreat Lighting- These special spots in your yard our garden can be lit perfectly to enjoy summer evenings or early mornings. The lighting here is soft but bright enough to use for reading or walking. Some of these places include:



  • Porches

  • Patios

  • Swings

  • Hammocks

  • Benches

  • Trails

  • Tree-Houses


Favorite Features– If there’s a favorite part of your home or garden you can show it off with the right lighting. Some of these features include:



  • Blooms or Plants

  • Architectural Features

  • Water Features

  • Trees

  • Sculptures


Feature lighting works to showcase special areas of your home to enjoy at night. These features can be lit with accent lighting, spread lighting, cross lighting, shadowing or silhouetting tools.


Leave the Lighting To Us


big house with all the lights onNo matter what type of landscape lighting you’d like to use, you can trust Nipper Electric to get the job done right. We work with you to create beautiful landscape lighting designs and to bring those designs to life. Call us today at 757-842-1710 to brighten up your garden, porch or backyard retreat. Or you can schedule an appointment online while you dream. We can’t wait to get started bringing new life to your home!



Landscape Lighting Brightens Up Your Home