Category Archives: electrical

Integrated technology

Get ALL of your Technology Working Together!

Homes and businesses today rely on integrating technology, including phones, TVs, data men at workcabling, and electrical wiring.  In spite of what you may read online, a certified electrician is the best person to design and install a comprehensive system that will meet all of your needs.

We can step in upfront to assist with the initial design for your business, a tenant build-out, or your home. We can also fit a wiring system into an existing home or business.

An interesting recent project we did for a telescope observatory in Mt. Airy included running a 30-amp feeder out to a subpanel that we installed in the observatory and installing receptacle circuits in the dome according to the builder’s requirements. We also installed a second conduit for a Cat5e data communications wiring and installed jacks in the dome for the computer hookup.

“When I managed the Regus Business Center in Frederick I had a customer that needed a remote TV set-up with special electrical connections in his office.

 “I immediately recommended Little Sparkie Electric because I needed someone I could trust. It was a complex job that also required making connections to electrical boxes in other parts of the building and coordinating with the building manager.

“Catherine knew what she was doing – I didn’t have to worry about anything – she did a wonderful job for my client.”

— Jean Wright, former General Manager, Regus Business Centers

Our services include:

  • New construction, tenant fit-outs, remodeling, additions, basement finishing, bathrooms, kitchens – you name it!
  • Troubleshooting and repairs
  • Air conditioning/appliance circuits
  • Additional receptacles
  • Backup generators – installation, maintenance, and repair
  • Baseboard heaters
  • Basement wiring
  • Bathroom exhaust fans
  • Boiler circuits
  • Breaker replacements
  • Ceiling fans
  • Home theater systems
  • Move existing telephone jacks
  • Install new telephone or data jacks
  • Assist with television cabling services, such as cable TV or satellite service
  • Electric vehicle chargers
  • GFCI outlet replacement
  • Indoor residential and commercial lighting
  • Occupancy and motion sensors/lighting controls
  • Outdoor residential, commercial and parking lot lighting
  • See more

Let us know if we can assist you with any of your home or commercial electrical projects! [email protected] or 301-606-5181.

Outdoor lighting

Consider these lighting options to enhance your summer evenings

As twilight approaches and the air cools, it can be delightful to enjoy the outdoors on a beautifully lit outdoor patio and deck. But it’s important to get your lighting done right – not too bright – but enough to move about safely and enjoy your landscaping and/or guests.

The trick to getting a well-lit outdoor patio or deck is directing the light just where needed. Overhead lighting options can include sturdy string lights, lanterns, candlesOutdoor lighting and torches, landscape lighting and fire pits! Don’t forget dimmers to control the brightness of electric lighting.

Lowes recommends that you have a game plan for your lighting, and Little Sparkie Electric can help you create your plan. For a smaller area, you may want to create an intimate setting by grouping lanterns and candles. You can also add landscape lights to the patio perimeter and any pathways from the patio to the house.

If your yard gets direct sunlight, we may recommend solar landscape lights. Low-voltage or LED lights are other options. Deck and stair lights also add ground lights while adding extra safety.

If you have a larger space, you can use lighting to define the different areas. Outdoor outdoor lightsstring lights work great draped from a pergola or gazebo and create a fun party atmosphere. A fire pit provides warmth on a chilly night and a secondary place to gather. Use spotlights or floodlights to illuminate trees and shrubs, and to put the finishing touches on your outdoor retreat.

Hire a licensed electrician

No matter which option you choose, be sure to hire a licensed, experienced electrician for the job. Here’s why:

• To check that your outdoor connections are safe and secure. You also may need to add additional outdoor receptacles or a dedicated circuit to your electrical panel, which should definitely be done by a licensed electrician.

• To ensure proper installation that won’t overload the circuits of your home or business.

• An electrician can recommend the most cost-efficient options.

If you’re ready to install landscape lighting and would like help from an electrician, contact us to discuss some options or call 301-606- 5181.