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Electrical FAQ's: You ask, we answer.

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Below are some of the most commonly asked questions we've received. If you have questions you don’t see below, please contact us directly and we would be happy to help you!

I want to save money on my utility bills and lower my overall energy usage. Can you help?

Yes! We offer whole home energy consultations that can provide areas of improvement in your home. We can advise on LED retrofitting and panel upgrades that can mean less energy used and more money saved on your monthly power bill.

How much do you charge?
We offer free consultations for renovation, new construction, and energy management services. As we specialize in lighting and lighting control, we do not offer electrical troubleshooting, service calls or repairs. Call us today to find out more!

When is the best time to get you involved in my project?
As early as possible. If we become involved in the design or building phase of a project, then we can assist in the layout of needed power, as well as in the location of lighting.

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Is Your Office Lighting Negatively Affecting Business Performance?

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Written in partnership with our sister company, Wipliance

The modern workplace is undergoing a transformation. What used to be a one-size-fits-all environment is now becoming a more flexible and activity-based space to improve collaboration, focus, and comfort for employees.

Among these changes in the workplace is commercial lighting control. Lighting is considered one of the most critical factors in ergonomics, but this part of an office’s design is often overlooked, rushed, or sacrificed for style. Improper lighting can strain the eyes, cause headaches, lower productivity, and make it difficult for your employees to focus.

When you expand your use of lighting to optimize the wellbeing of your staff, you’ll positively impact your business’ bottom line. Read below to explore the benefits you’ll reap when you turn to natural lighting and tunable LEDs for your next office renovation in Bellevue, WA. 

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FAQ: Upgrading Your Lutron HomeWorks Illumination System to QS

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Shared from our sister company, Wipliance.com

If your home is equipped with a Lutron HomeWorks Illumination system, it may be time to upgrade to the newest total home control system by Lutron: HomeWorks QS. Lutron is always innovating to offer homeowners in Seattle, WA the best lighting and shading control solutions for their spaces.

By upgrading to HomeWorks QS, your Lutron lighting control system can achieve better performance, reliability, and aesthetics. But what exactly does an upgrade entail? Can you still use some of your existing hardware? How can you get started with an upgrade? We answer these questions and more below to help ensure your expectations are met before moving forward.

SEE ALSO: Quick Guide: Which Lutron Lighting Solution Is Best for Your Home?

What Is HomeWorks QS?

HomeWorks QS is the next generation of HomeWorks Illumination, which is Lutron’s legacy total home control system. A HomeWorks QS lighting control system offers the most comprehensive solutions for your home. Perfect for large-scale homes and expansive properties, HomeWorks QS works with an unlimited number of devices and can integrate with your shading, AV, security, HVAC system, and Ketra tunable LED lighting. It also features a wide range of beautiful designer keypads and dimmer panels.

My current Lutron system uses wired wall-mounted keypads. Can I use these with HomeWorks QS?

Your existing HomeWorks Illumination hardwired keypads can be carried over to your QS system, though it requires certain keypad link translators and software licenses to accomplish this. This option also requires continued use of 15V DC power supplies as opposed to 24V to avoid damage to devices.

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Why DIY Electrical Work is a Dangerous Idea

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DIY or Do-It-Yourself projects can be a great way to improve the value of your home and save money at the same time. But with certain repairs like electrical work, it's best to hire a qualified professional for an effective and safe repair. Hiring a professional electrician will save you time, money and hassle.

"I can do this electrical work myself and save money," you tell yourself. Homeowners can occasionally get a romantic idea of themselves as weekend warriors: trips to the home improvement store, researching tutorials on YouTube, and rolling up their sleeves to make their dream home a reality. There’s nothing wrong with any of that, until it comes to electricity. Electricity is inherently dangerous and if a job isn't done right, the danger of electrocution or fire is multiplied exponentially. The cost of hiring an electrician is far less than the price you pay if something goes wrong with your amateur electrical work. DIY'ers who venture into the electrical world as part of their home improvement projects rarely come away with a positive experience because DIY electrical work is a really bad idea.

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8 Benefits of LED Lighting

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The benefits of installing LED Lighting in your home or business are almost endless. LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are energy efficient, cost effective, and durable.

LED bulbs are the latest advancement in lighting, and offer a great alternative in replacing your current halogen or standard lights. Below is a list of ways that having OBOT Electric install LED lighting in your home can save you time, energy and money:

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4 Tips for Choosing a Qualified Electrician

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If you have a little knowledge regarding electrical work, you can easily change light bulbs and adjust your breaker when you've got too much plugged in. However, for pretty much any electrical work

If you have a little knowledge regarding electrical work, you can easily change light bulbs and adjust your breaker when you've got too much plugged in. However, for pretty much any electrical work beyond that, you need to hire a qualified, licensed, and certified electrician. This includes even the smallest of tasks, like installing an additional power outlet or light switch.

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