ELECTRICAL

A.) Rough Electrical
Rough electrical is defined as all wiring, boxes and electrical panels permitted inside the walls,ceilings an floor cavities. Normally most houses in the Bay Area are wired in non-metallic cable in plastic called romex. Some houses in the Bay Area are still wired in the old style called knob & tube with fusible panels. And in some areas some houses are wired in MC cable wire. All of the types of wiring described above are good when wired according to local building codes. All types and sizes of electrical panels should be under the guidance of an electrician, architect or electrical engineer.

B.) Finish Electrical
Finish electrical is the completion of the installation of all electrical devices such as switches, outlets, dimmers and plates. Also the completion of the installation of all lights interior and exterior. And finally the completion of all electrical sources such as the electrical service breakers and panels.

C.) Lighting
Your main concern for lighting should always start with safety in mind. A well lit house will always help prevent accidents for the young and the old. Residential lighting is governed by Title 24 energy calculations in California. The type of lighting in areas like the kitchen and bathrooms are governed by each cities building codes. Usually a fluorescent type of lighting must be a percentage of the lighting of these areas. There are also local codes to the placement of lighting on the exterior of a house. For example; there must be light placed at each door leading to or from the entry or exit of a house. And also there are codes to follow, in order to safely light the drive-up to and along driveways leading to garages and the entry of a house.

1.) Interior
Interior lighting selection is governed by a lot of different needs and functions of a particular room. Different types of lighting is needed in a kitchen,bathroom and living area. And sometimes the installation of a dimmer may make the whole difference in lighting a room. We describe lighting as three functions. One, being ambient lighting or general lighting, which can be surface, recessed, track or fluorescent lighting. Two, being task lighting for working areas, like the kitchen and bathrooms. These types of lighting can be best served through surface lights. Three, being what is called in-between lighting or general lighting. And this type of lighting can be served with either recessed, track, surface or fluorescent lighting.

a.) Recessed
Recessed lighting has become the most popular lighting of today. The recessed lighting size most commonly used is from 4 inch to 7 inch diameter openings. The special uses besides general lighting used with recessed lights are wall washing, accent lighting and grazing. Recessed lighting trims can cost very moderate to very expensive. One of the most important issues involved in getting the best lighting from recessed lighting is the type of bulb used with the recessed can and trim. All recessed light cans should always have listed on the can what wattage and type of bulb can be used for the particular light can. This is to satisfy safety and fire regulations.

b.) Surface
Surface light fixtures are defined by type and all come with different features. There are two most common types of pendant lights. A light fixture that hangs down from the ceiling with a chain or cord. These type of lights can be used for general lighting or to light up a particular table or work area. Another kind of pendant light is a chandelier. This is usually a light with 5 or more light bulbs. This fixture can run into the very expensive category if one wishes to capture the most beautiful of designs. Then there is the flush ceiling fixtures. These surface type lights can be used to decorate and light a room. Or one can find styles that are hardly noticeable but provide great general lighting. Then there are wall sconces that can decorate a wall. This type of light is often used just to accent a wall or ceiling with the correct lamp source. Designers often use a decorative surface light fixture to replace the need to purchase a piece of furniture. And last but not least there is the track ceiling fixtures. With track lighting one can combine general lighting and accent lighting. Track lighting is offered in line voltage and low voltage designs and hundreds of lamp holders choices. Lamp selection is very important in attaining the maximum efficiency of each lamp holder.

2.) Exterior
Exterior lighting takes in all lighting on the exterior of the house itself and all lighting on the lot of the house. Which includes driveway and landscape lighting. Lighting on the house itself can be recessed or surface type lighting. All surface lights must have a seal of approval for exterior use. More than anything they should always be weatherproof for safety. All recessed lights used on the exterior must be used in well protected areas from moisture, such as under overhangs and all covered areas, like porches and patios. There are many building code issues involved with exterior lighting. For example; All exterior doors must have a light fixture within six feet of door opening. The most popular exterior light used today is the motion-sensor light. They are easy to install and the owner can control the light to go on at a particular time. Or to the desired sensitivity to motion as you wish, for safety from intruders or animals.

D.) Type of Lamps
The color of a light bulb or a light fixture globe or shade greatly affects the mood of a room. Lighting that is yellow is warm, while blue-tinged and white light is cool. Incandescent lighting produces warm light. Most fluorescent lights produce a cool or cold light effect.

1.) Incandescent Lamps
Incandescent lamps are available in many shapes, sizes and wattages. The most popular of these lamps are the A-lamps which can be used in more lights than not. The wide variety of lamp holders with reflectors, cones, baffles and adjustable trims are used with down lighting.Task lighting and accent lighting require R and Par lamps.This type of bulb will cover whether you need to use a spot or flood type lamp. Meaning the amount of light beam spread one desires.

2.) Low Voltage Halogen lamps
Low voltage lamps last longer than incandescent lamps and use far less energy. These halogens can only be used with low voltage light fixtures.

3.) Fluorescent Lamps
Fluorescent lamps are five times as energy efficient a incandescent lamps. Fluorescent lighting is very economical but viewed as a harsh and cold lighting.

4.) HID lamps
High Intensity Discharge lamps are used in areas requiring high levels of light with low maintenance. Metal halide is the most popular lamp used indoors. It is defined as a bright white lamp. High pressure sodium lamps generate the most light per watt, but it is a yellow light that is used on the exterior in commercial applications.