Trick or Treat: An Electrician’s Halloween

Happy Halloween!

What do you get when you cross an electrician and Halloween? Bad jokes, cool costumes and amazing Halloween themed light shows, of course! We cruised the internet to see what we could find so we could share some of the more interesting (or not) with you.

Q: What did the skeleton say to the vampire?
A: You suck!

Decorating With Electrical Tape

Among the many creative uses for that roll of electrical tape the electrician left behind is this Creepy Front Door!

Coolest Homemade Electrician Costumes!

Lightbulb

Lightbulb and Switch

Outlet and Plug

Ceiling Fans

Electrical Shock

Smoke Detector

Ceiling Fan

Smoke Detector

Awesome LED Halloween Costumes

Glowy Zoey’s LED Minnie Mouse Halloween Costume

Mouse Family

Tron

DJ

• Mouse Family at Walt Disneyworld
• Tron v2.0 (Instructables)
• DJ’s Light Up Costume (Instructables)

Halloween Light Shows

Halloween Light Show 2010 – Thriller (Michael Jackson)
Set to Michael Jackson’s pop hit Thriller, this fun light show features singing pumpkins, tombstones and, of course, lights!

Halloween Light Show 2011 – Party Rock Anthem
Singing pumpkins? Of course! And the RGB LED lighting synchronized to The Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO will get your feet tapping!

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Nisat Electric Reviews & Licensure
Nisat Electric is proud to maintain three different categories of electrician licenses in the State of Texas: Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician and Journeyman Electrician.  Please, take a few minutes to check out our reviews and licensure in the State of Texas and you will understand why thousands of customers entrust their electrical installation and repairs to Nisat Electric!

Visit our website or call Nisat Electric today at (214) 536-5555!

SERVICE AREAS

Allen • Carrollton • Fairview • Frisco • Lucas • McKinney • North Dallas • Plano • Prosper

CALL US

(214) 536-5555

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BOO! Energy Vampires & Phantom Loads

BOO! Energy Vampires & Phantom Loads
Halloween is the time of year to remind you that Energy Vampires and Phantom Loads lurk throughout your home and business year round! You can save money and conserve energy by taking measures to reduce these areas that suck valuable resources.

What Are They?
Energy vampires are appliances or other devices that draw energy, aka phantom loads, when they are plugged in but not in use. This includes electronics that require standby power to run such as clocks, coffeemakers and cable/satellite units. Alone, each device doesn’t cost that much but consider the cumulative effect of several devices drawing phantom loads over the course of a year. This can add up to significant cash vanishing from your bank account!

Unplug!
While it’s not realistic to unplug devices that feature clocks and timers due to the necessity of resetting lost data as a result of power loss, you can easily unplug laptop, tablet, cell phone, camera and power tool chargers when not in direct use.

Use Advanced Power Strips
An Advanced Power Strip manages vampire load for you so that when you turn off devices such as your TV, your entire home theater system including DVD player and game console, turn off as well. Use an Advanced Power Strip for any cluster of electronics you want to control with the flip of a single switch or the click of a remote control.

Choose ENERGY STAR® Products and Save!
ENERGY STAR® qualified electronics offer the same features and technology as non-qualified products, but they use less energy.

Green Computing
Another step you can take is to activate the power management feature available via your computer’s operating system. This will allow you to reduce energy usage and costs by putting the computer into a low-power “sleep” mode when you aren’t using it. A simple touch of the mouse or keyboard will “wake” the computer up in seconds.

You can also set your system to “hibernate” which puts your open documents and programs on your hard disk and then turns off the computer. Hibernation uses less power than sleep (and protects unsaved files from any power interruptions), but takes longer to wake up.

Enabling power management features on your computer could save you anywhere from 100 to 600 kWh per year depending on your computer usage. These savings are equivalent to anywhere from $9 to $54 per year at 9 cents per kWh.

Easy, step-by-step instructions to activate power management on your computers are available via Energy Star here.

Realistic Savings
According to the ENERGY STAR® program, the average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices in standby mode and chargers that are not in direct use. For those that think this insignificant in terms of your bank account, consider this: on a national basis, standby power accounts for more than 100 billion kilowatt hours of annual U.S. electricity consumption and more than $10 billion in annual energy costs.

Need A Licensed Master Electrician?
Give us a call at (214) 536-5555 when you need an electrician for electrical installations or electrical repairs in your home or business and discover why we have so many positive online reviews! Click on the icons below or visit our website for more information.

Nisat Electric Licensure
Nisat Electric is proud to maintain three different categories of electrician licenses in the State of Texas: Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician and Journeyman Electrician.  Please, take a few minutes to check out our licensure in the State of Texas.

Visit our website or call Nisat Electric today at (214) 536-5555!

SERVICE AREAS

Allen • Carrollton • Fairview • Frisco • Lucas • McKinney • North Dallas • Plano • Prosper

CALL US

(214) 536-5555

NISAT ELECTRIC ON THE INTERNET

         

101 Uses for Electrical Tape

Part of ensuring our customer’s satisfaction is to carefully clean up after every project so there is no dust left behind and any furniture or other objects that were moved are put back into place. There is, however, one item that is often overlooked: electrical tape! Most likely because it can very easily roll underneath furniture without notice, electrical tape can be left behind.

In case you’re wondering what to do with that electrical tape the electrician left behind once your cat tires of using it as a hockey puck, we wanted to give you a few ideas. Although it is not as versatile as duct tape, it has many applications that are not electrical related. We couldn’t actually think of 101 alternative uses but that makes for a better blog post title, don’t you agree?

About Electrical Tape
First invented by 3M, electrical tape is a pressure-sensitive tape used to insulate electrical wires and other materials that conduct electricity. It is composed of either plastics, vinyl or fiberglass cloth. Vinyl is the most popular composition as it stretches well and provides long lasting protection.

Available in a wide variety of colors, black is typically used most by electricians. Other colors are generally used to indicate a special purpose: red, blue and white are used in low voltage applications for sheathing. Brown, orange, yellow and gray are used with high voltage, green indicates Earth grounding and green with yellow stripes is used in cases of isolated grounding.

Because electrical tape is generally easily torn by hand, can be written on and typically pulls away from surfaces cleanly it is often used for non-electrical applications such as labeling and for creative craft projects.

Alternative Uses for Electrical Tape
Due to its flexibility, ability to remove cleanly and the variety of colors available there are several non-electrical uses for electrical tape.

• Theater Productions: Securing stage lighting cables & marketing positions on the stage during rehearsals.
• Sports: Soccer and football players use it to keep their shin guards from sipping. Rugby teams have been known to tape their ears back to prevent cuts and abrasions.
• Musicians: Drummers in marching bands use colored tape to wrap their drum sticks; this not only makes the sticks more durable, but also draws attention to them when playing. Many musicians also wrap their fingers before a long session or performance to help prevent blisters.
• Organization: Electrical tape is great for color coding and, because you can write on it, labeling purposes.
• Rubik’s Cube®: Perfectly replacing the original stickers when they begin to peel.
• General Repairs: Electrical tape has been used to repair anything and everything including bicycles, computer components, etc.

Craft Projects
Highly creative people who think outside the box have discovered many crafty uses for electrical tape. Some leave us scratching our head wondering, “Why?” Among the ideas we found in a brief online search:

Love These Love Letters!

Kate Spade Inspired Black and White Striped Box

Canvas Painting

Elsie’s Washer and Dryer Makeover

Picture Frames

Decorating Easter Eggs

General Craft Projects

• Really Cool DIY Lighted Letters
• Decorating Easter Eggs
• Abstract Canvas Painting
• Stripes & Dots Washer & Dryer Makeover
• Furniture Makeover
• Kate Spade Inspired Black and White Storage Box

Creating Wall Art with Electrical Tape (Beginners)

• Create Basic Geometric Wall Art
• Electrical Wall Art Picture Frames & Accents

Creating Wall Art with Electrical Tape (Pro) 

• Bird: A bird spanning the corner of a room. The artist spent over 300 hours working on this labor of love. You can see his blog post here.

• Woman: Another amazing piece of wall art depicting a woman. This piece was reportedly created freehand.

• Wall Mural: If you’re REALLY ambitious you could try something like this wall mural shown in a time-lapse video. Wonder how long this took to create?

Wacky Uses for Electrical Tape
We actually don’t recommend electrical tape for this type of application. This should be considered a good example of what not to do with electrical tape.

Why??? Electrical Tape Wallet

WARNING: It is extremely important to note that duct tape, highly popular for it’s many uses, is NOT a safe substitution for electrical tape in electrical related applications.

Get Your Own Electrical Tape!
If you would like Nisat Electric to leave behind a roll of electrical tape during your next electrical repair or electrical installation, visit our website for more information.

Nisat Electric Reviews & Licensure
Nisat Electric is proud to maintain three different categories of electrician licenses in the State of Texas: Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician and Journeyman Electrician.  Please, take a few minutes to check out our reviews and licensure in the State of Texas and you will understand why thousands of customers entrust their electrical installation and repairs to Nisat Electric!

SERVICE AREAS

Allen • Carrollton • Fairview • Frisco • Lucas • McKinney • North Dallas • Plano • Prosper

CALL US

(214) 536-5555

NISAT ELECTRIC ON THE INTERNET

         

Search For Missing Chandelier

Have You Seen This Chandelier?
Believed to be in someone’s home or barn, the chandelier is described as brass and glass composition and measures 8 to 10 inches tall and 40 inches in diameter. The brass metal work has an intricate floral leaf pattern. It has one large globe in the center set below ten smaller globes. Manufactured for either electric or gas illumination, all ten smaller globes are topped by a small gas fixture.

The chandelier has been missing from the Missoula County Courthouse in Montana for over 50 years. Parties involved in the restoration of the courtroom where the chandelier went missing would like to return it to its original location. An exact replication of the missing chandelier would cost $20,000 to $30,000.

Additional details about this missing chandelier are available in the local newspaper.  Anyone with information about the whereabouts of this fixture is asked to contact courthouse officials as soon as possible.

Nisat Electric Reviews & Licensure
Nisat Electric is proud to maintain three different categories of electrician licenses in the State of Texas: Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician and Journeyman Electrician.  Please, take a few minutes to check out our reviews and licensure in the State of Texas and you will understand why thousands of customers entrust their electrical installation and repairs to Nisat Electric!

Visit our website or call Nisat Electric today at (214) 536-5555!

SERVICE AREAS

Allen • Carrollton • Fairview • Frisco • Lucas • McKinney • North Dallas • Plano • Prosper

CALL US

(214) 536-5555

NISAT ELECTRIC ON THE INTERNET

         

Pet Lighting! Who Knew?

Poochlight LED Collars & Leashes
Not our area of expertise but interesting nonetheless. Turns out there are LED leashes and collars available to help keep you and your pet safe after dark. Since Nisat Electric customers are like family, we wanted to share more information about these potentially life saving products with you. Be sure to check out the cute video below!

We recently stumbled upon the Poochlight by Squeaker. They make both collars and leashes that incorporate LED technology for illumination so that both are brightly lit in the dark. The most obvious and potentially life saving benefit is greater visibility, thus reducing the likelihood of being hit by a car or cyclist.

The collar by itself would be a very useful tool in locating pets that take advantage of an open door and run off for a solo jog around the neighborhood! This actually happened to me recently when I was pet-sitting for a neighbor; unfortunately, Harley was not wearing one of these glow in the dark collars at the time and it took two hours to find the furry Lothario visiting a few four-legged ladies way down the street!

The Poochlight comes with a thirty-day guarantee. It has dual pair LEDs in optical fiber strips and features three nighttime flashing modes. The battery life lasts over ten hours and includes rapid USB charging capability.

Have you used the Poochlight? Post a comment or drop us a note and let us know if it lives up to its potential!

Additional Poochlight Information

• Squeaker’s website.
• Live demonstration of Poochlight in action during this news interview with veterinarian Dr. Chris Brown (aka Bondi Vet).
• Product review by Pretty Fluffy, The Ultimate Guide for the Discerning Pet Owner.

Just For Fun
Check out this bulldog outfitted in Poochlight accessories as he struts his way down the sidewalk to the tune of the Bee Gee’s classic hit Night Fever! This handsome guy learned a thing or two watching John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, that’s for sure!

Say It Isn’t So!
You’re not already a Nisat Electric customer? Oh, no! How can that be? Give us a call the next time you need an electrician for an electrical repair or electrical installation and discover why we have so many positive online reviews! Click on the icons below or visit our website for more information.

Nisat Electric Reviews & Licensure
Nisat Electric is proud to maintain three different categories of electrician licenses in the State of Texas: Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician and Journeyman Electrician.  Please, take a few minutes to check out our reviews and licensure in the State of Texas and you will understand why thousands of customers entrust their electrical installation and repairs to Nisat Electric!

Visit our website or call Nisat Electric today at (214) 536-5555!

SERVICE AREAS

Allen • Carrollton • Fairview • Frisco • Lucas • McKinney • North Dallas • Plano • Prosper

CALL US

(214) 536-5555

NISAT ELECTRIC ON THE INTERNET

         

Visually Stunning Lighting by Alison Berger Glassworks

Architecturally Inspired Masterpieces
Every now and then Nisat Electric has the opportunity to install truly unique lighting. Designed by extraordinary artists for the sophisticated eye and, more often than not, the unlimited budget, the phrase “light fixture” is insufficient for such masterpieces. We recently discovered the work of Dallas native Alison Berger; her blown glass light fixtures are visually stunning.

Scripted Pendant by Allison Berger

Alison’s training in architecture is evident in the clear lines of her pendant and chandelier lighting. While her focus is not primarily on lighting design, there is no denying her incredible talent at combining form and function to create simple, yet elegant, lighting pieces using the highest quality crystal with industrial metal connections and form. Read more about Alison’s glassworks and lighting fixtures in this story in the LA Times and visit her studio online.

Lighting: Sophisticated, Stylish and Versatile Home Design Element
For the average homeowner it can be difficult to know exactly where to install or how to position light sources so they serve as useful task lighting or provide the desired dramatic effect that will enhance artwork or improve the mood of a room. Nisat Electric can help eliminate the mystery related to choosing and installing light fixtures in your home or business. Visit our website for more information.

Nisat Electric Reviews & Licensure
Nisat Electric is proud to maintain three different categories of electrician licenses in the State of Texas: Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician and Journeyman Electrician.  Please, take a few minutes to check out our reviews and licensure in the State of Texas and you will understand why thousands of customers entrust their electrical installation and repairs to Nisat Electric!

Visit our website or call Nisat Electric today at (214) 536-5555!