Sacred spaces deserve exceptional care. From serene sanctuaries and chapels to busy fellowship halls and community kitchens, places of worship need flexible, reliable power. Dr Electric helps churches, synagogues, mosques and temples across Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland create inviting, safe environments while respecting architectural heritage and sacred purpose. We deliver quiet precision and code‑compliant solutions tailored to your congregation’s needs.
Create a welcoming atmosphere with energy‑efficient lighting. Upgrading to LEDs can cut lighting energy use dramatically; one church reported that LED fixtures reduced maximum lighting energy use to just 30% of the previous total. We design layered lighting—general, accent and stage—for worship, concerts and holiday celebrations. Scene controls and dimmers allow you to adjust lighting for sermons, choir performances and candlelight services.
Control light levels with precision. Smart dimming systems offer programmable “scenes” and automated adjustments. Energy codes require manual controls with dimming steps between 30% and 70% of full power, and automatic controls must limit automatic‑on to no more than 50% and shut lights off within 30 minutes of vacancy. We implement these controls to save energy and support the mood of each service.
Community spaces host receptions, Bible studies and youth programs. We provide dedicated circuits for commercial kitchen equipment and restrooms, with GFCI protection, and design flexible classroom power and lighting. For on‑site cooking, NFPA 96 requires that cooking equipment be protected by a hood and fire suppression system. We integrate these systems with your building’s fire alarm and ensure code compliance.
Exterior lighting welcomes congregants and deters intruders. We upgrade parking lot lighting to LEDs and install motion‑activated security lights and cameras. UGI EnergyLink notes that transitioning to LED lighting significantly reduces energy consumption and that LEDs have a longer lifespan, cutting maintenance costs. We also provide power for illuminated signage and EV chargers where desired.
Houses of worship may be historic landmarks. Our electricians protect stained glass, antique woodwork and sacred art while upgrading wiring. NFPA 101 requires illuminated exit signage and emergency lighting along egress paths. We design discreet installations that preserve aesthetics and meet safety codes.
Places of worship are assembly occupancies and must meet strict life‑safety codes. NFPA 101 requires a minimum of two exits for spaces with occupant loads up to 600 and three exits for 600–1,000 occupants; exits must be within 200 ft of any point and equipped with panic hardware, illuminated exit signage and emergency lighting. Houses of worship holding 300 or more people must have a fire alarm system; newly constructed facilities with over 300 occupants require a fire sprinkler system. Any cooking equipment must be protected by a hood and fire suppression system according to NFPA 96. We design dedicated circuits for sound and video equipment, use surge protection to protect AV gear, and install backup generators and battery systems for emergency lighting and critical circuits. Our team follows ADA accessibility guidelines for switch heights and NFPA 72 and NFPA 25 for fire alarm and sprinkler maintenance.
Energy costs can strain congregational budgets. The National Council of Churches reports that an average congregation can save $8,000–$17,500 per year by employing energy‑efficient products. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that $17 billion could be saved annually by U.S. building owners and tenants through lighting upgrades, and if all 300,000 worship buildings cut energy use by 25%, over 5 million tons of CO₂ emissions would be avoided. LED fixtures provide long life and low maintenance, and lighting controls further reduce usage. We also size and install generators and UPS systems to ensure continuity during outages, providing peace of mind for services and events.
Bring light and safety to your worship space with expert care. Improve your lighting with care and precision—contact Dr Electric today for a sanctuary power and lighting consultation tailored to your congregation’s needs.
