Chad – Page 32 – Turn It On Electric

Electrician, Residential

Setting up your home office to work from home

15Apr2020

As remote working technology continues to advance, it is becoming much more common for employers to allow their teams to work from home. If you are making the switch to a home office, it may not be as easy as you think to get started. There is more to setting up your home office than simply plugging in your laptop and getting to work. Read on for some possible issues you may encounter and what to do about them.

Inadequate Internet Connection

Your home internet connection may be more than sufficient for your typical at-home activities. Activities like browsing the web, streaming music and scrolling social media. However, depending on the nature of your work, it may not be strong enough for video conferencing. You may also struggle to transmit large data files and accomplish other remote work tasks. Check with your internet service provider to learn more about the various packages it offers to determine which is best for your home office. Keep in mind that you may need to upgrade your modem, router, or other equipment to accommodate a faster connection. Often the WiFi signal can vary in different parts of your home too. If this is the case, we can help install a wired connection between your router and your office.

Lack of Power Outlets in Your Home Office

When setting up your home office, you may find that you quickly run out of power outlets for all your devices. With your computer, printer, desk lamp, mobile device chargers, and other essentials, you may not have enough outlets within easy reach of your desk. To combat this problem, you\’ll likely use a power strip or run extension cords to reach your workspace.

Although simple solutions, neither of these are the best options. Power strips can cause problems when they have too many devices plugged into them. In addition to diminished power to each device, there is also the possibility of electrical shorts or other issues due to overloading the system. Modern power strips with surge protectors can minimize the risk, but not eliminate it entirely.

Extension cords can create issues too, especially if you have pets or young children. Running an extension cord across your floor creates a tripping hazard. Taping over them, on the other hand, isn\’t great for aesthetic purposes. Instead, contact an electrician to update your wiring and add extra power outlets where you need them most. This way, the load will be spread evenly through your electrical system. This minimizes your risk of electrical fires and other possible dangers.

Lack of WiFi Security

Although working from a home office can be convenient, it likely isn\’t as secure as an office facility. Hackers and thieves may attempt to hijack your WiFi, giving them access to potentially sensitive company data. Inadequate online security is one of the major factors holding a lot of businesses back from allowing their employees to work from home. Therefore, you\’ll need to ensure your home office is as secure as possible.

Rather than operating on WiFi, it is far better for security purposes to use a direct, wired connection to your internet service. This will make it much more difficult for thieves to gain access, as they\’ll need to have a physical connection. Installing CAT5e cables in your home will allow you to access the fastest possible internet connection speeds without having to use WiFi.

Update Your Home Office Today

If you need assistance getting your home office set up so that you can work from home on a regular basis, we\’re here for you. Turn It On Electric can install and upgrade your wiring so that you are ready to go. Our team is here to help you work from home as efficiently and safely as possible. Please, don\’t be shy about getting in touch with us when you are ready to make the switch. Call now to schedule an appointment.

Electrical Wiring, Residential

Replacing Aluminum Wiring in Your Home

14Apr2020

A copper shortage in the ‘60s caused many properties to be electrically wired with aluminum. Builders and electricians don’t use aluminum wiring today. Replacing aluminum wiring should be a priority for all property owners.

When Aaron and Jessica bought their circa-1970 home, they discovered it had aluminum electrical wiring. The owners said, “Not a problem; we’ve never had an issue.”

They were honest. And that’s the main problem with aluminum wiring. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says, “Unfortunately, failing aluminum-wired connections seldom provide easily detected warning signs. Aluminum-wired connections and splices have been reported to fail and overheat without any prior indications or problems.”

Six months later, they smelled a burning-electrical odor in their daughter’s bedroom. Her nightlight was melting! The electrician suggested fixing it by “pigtailing” it with copper wire.

Pigtailing vs. Replacing Aluminum Wiring

Today, pigtailing is seldom used as a solution to replacing aluminum wiring. It involves splicing a length of copper wire to the aluminum wire. The copper wire then connects to the electrical outlet or device.

Here’s what you should know about pigtailing aluminum wiring:

Approved copper-to-aluminum connections plus antioxidant compounds should be used.
Even after splicing to copper, aluminum wiring is a loose-connection risk.
Loose connections increase electrical resistance, which can melt fixtures and insulation.
Loose connections can “spark,” which can ignite wall insulation, wallpaper, and wiring itself.

It saves money. But most people aren’t willing to take the risk of losing their loved ones or property to fire.

Can Replacing Aluminum Wiring Wait?

Replacing aluminum wiring can cost more than $10,000 to replace. The price depends on square footage and how easy it is to access your wiring.

You need to work with your local electrician to find a cost-effective way to rewire. Replacing aluminum wiring will lower your energy bills and possibly your insurance premiums. That should be a financial factor, too.

If you have these issues, you can’t put it off:

Burning smell, sometimes accompanied by a popping or sizzling sound
Charred/discolored electrical outlets/switches
Frequently tripped circuit breakers/blown fuses

Your Rewiring Project

Today’s homes use nonmetallic (NM) cable. Cables usually have a combination of “hot,” “neutral,” and “ground” wires inside a protective material.

Sometimes aluminum rewiring is replaced by tearing out walls. After the rewiring is complete, you must install new drywall. This is probably the most costly and time-consuming process.

If you have a historical home, you want to preserve its architectural integrity. Even if you don’t, you want to save time and money. When possible, electricians can feed wires through walls by making a small cut in the plaster/drywall.

Be sure to learn the cost of drywall repair and include it with your aluminum rewiring budget.

Older homes can have 60-100 amps of service. Today’s minimum electrical service is 200 amps. “In the process of rewiring,” says Angie’s List, “An electrician will almost always upgrade your service capacity.”

How Long Your Rewiring Project Should Take

A good electrician knows safely rewiring a home is time-consuming, painstaking work. You can usually live at home while the electricians are working.

The length of time can depend on if you have an attic, if the house is on a concrete slab, architecture intricacy, etc. You can likely allow 3-10 days for an uncomplicated rewiring project.

TIO’s Here for You

Turn It On Electric can save you money. Most importantly, we can save your loved ones from the risks of burns and fires. Contact us today.

Lighting, Outdoor, Residential

Use photocells to control your lighting

15Mar2020

Landscapers and outdoor décor professionals may know more about using photocells to control lighting than most. Today, interior decorators and homeowners are using photocell lighting for indoor ambiance and security.

The Ins-and-Outs of Photocells

Photocell technology is based on semiconductors controlling electrical current. Normally, semiconductors won’t “conduct” electricity. But when exposed to the right amount of light, they generate a current. Indoor photo cellular lighting uses motion detectors to manage illumination.

If you’re spending time remembering (and forgetting) to turn the porch lights on and off, this technology is for you. Exterior photocells can control illumination based on the amount of existing daylight.

In addition to outside illumination, with a motion sensor, photocells become part of an interior security lighting system. They are often used for interior/exterior mood lighting. But savvy seniors are installing them indoors in hallways and bathrooms for safety.

Security Lighting Using Photocells

Using photocells for lighting isn’t exactly new technology. Cities have been using photocell lighting for streets and walkways for many years.

Property crime in Maricopa County is down. However, Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, and Tolleson still rank among the top ten cities in Arizona for property crime.

Effective exterior lighting remains one of the biggest burglary deterrents. City parks use photocells to turn on at dusk or during darkness. They often program them to turn off a certain time every morning.

15 Exterior Lighting Applications

Ten-percent “dimming” photocell lighting for lawns and gardens is recommended by lighting engineer Annie Kuczkowski. In the United States, a zero-to-ten volt dimming system is the most common. It works well with commercial and residential under-deck lighting.

Here are 15 exterior photocell lighting ideas:

Address numbers

Decks
Front doors
Garages
Gardens
Holidays
Landscape
Outdoor ceilings
Pool areas
Porches
Railings
She-sheds
Staircases
Trees
Walkways
Walls

22 Interior Beauty and Safety Lighting Ideas

Sometimes it’s called “destination lighting.” That’s when you use photocell lighting applications to set a tone…a feel…in a certain area of your home. Every room should have a mix of lighting, including overhead, accent and task lights.

But for safety, nothing beats a motion-activated photocell lighting system. You can even have a motion light installed under your bed! Your approach will trip the light and you’ll be able to see while you put your best foot forward.

Here are some interior lighting ideas for photocells and motion detection:

Art highlights
Baby/children’s bedrooms
Bathrooms
Bedside lamps
Ceiling fans
Ceiling/recessed
Chandeliers
Dining rooms
Entrances
Floor lamps
Hallways
Holiday displays
Kitchen task areas
Mirrors
Religious worship settings/tables
Shower stalls
Skylights
Staircases
Under-bed
Under-cabinet
Under-chair
Wall sconces

DIY With TIO

There is a DIY website for everything from ant farm construction to how-to build your own 3,000-sq.ft. house. We understand DIY (do-it-yourself) is trending, especially among common-sense Millennials.

Here’s some common-sense advice: Don’t DIY electricity. At least discuss your ideas and plans with a certified electrical contractor beforehand. If your project won’t jeopardize your property or personal safety, we’ll tell you.

If you manage your own electrical project and it results in fire and property loss, your insurance company may not cover the damages. But putting your loved ones’ lives at risk is the best reason not to DIY an electrical project.

Turn It On Electric professionals can deliver the light solutions you need at a price you can afford. Reach out to us today to share your lighting application ideas.

Lighting, Residential

What are tape lights and will they brighten a space?

11Mar2020

Tape lights, also called strip lights, can make a huge difference in the lighting design in your Phoenix home or commercial space. These compact lights arranged along a single strip can have a wide range of uses, from under-cabinet lighting to lining art frames to illuminating shelving. Here\’s what you need to know about tape lights and how to use them.

Benefits of Tape Lights

Thanks to their compact size, strip lights are suitable for a variety of areas where traditional lightbulbs would not fit or be aesthetically pleasing. They provide soft illumination for small areas, though they typically won\’t provide much light for the room at large. Tape lights are better-suited for lighting small, specific areas. Their purpose tends to be more aesthetic than functional.

Choosing the Right Tape Lights

When it comes to strip lighting, you\’ll have a lot of options available to you at a wide range of price points. Take care to choose a high-quality variety. While some strip lights are highly affordable, they may not be of the best quality. This can result in diminished light, defeating the purpose of adding the tape lights.

Of course, high cost is not necessarily indicative of quality, so be sure to do your research before making a final decision. The experts here at Turn It On Electric will be happy to help you evaluate your options to choose the most appropriate style for your particular use.

Creating Ambience with Strip Lighting

Depending on the occasion, you may not necessarily want bright lighting throughout a room. If you are entertaining guests in the evening, for example, you\’ll want to create a festive mood that encourages conversation. Strategically placed tape lights around artwork, under cabinets or along shelving can provide just enough light to set the tone while not overpowering the atmosphere. Personalize the ambiance even further with a selection of optional features.

Customizing Your Tape Lighting

During the installation process, your electrical technician can connect your strip lights to a light switch for easy, convenient use. You also have the option of adding a dimmer switch, letting you adjust the lighting design as needed. With some modern strip lighting, you may even have the option to choose various colors for the lights. This option is most common among LED varieties. Adding these features can give you greater control over your lighting, making it more versatile and adaptive.

Quick, Easy Tape Light Installation

If you are interested in adding tape lighting to your home or business, the Turn It On Electric team is here to help. We\’ll work with you to understand your vision for your lighting design so that we can make appropriate recommendations. We\’ll help guide you in choosing the best strip lights for your space.

We can help with the installation process as well, running any necessary wiring and adding any extra features you\’d like. Our lighting experts can help you transform your space with tape lighting, so call us today for a free consultation to discuss your ideas.

Lighting, Residential

Adding closet lights to brighten your day

11Mar2020

We all know the struggle of waking up and getting ready in the mornings. Wouldn\’t it be great if there was a way to make this process easier on your mind and body? In fact, there is. Closet lights come in a wide range of color temperatures, and selecting the right one can make it easy to transition into wakefulness so you can start your day refreshed and ready to go.

All About Closet Lights

It may seem obvious that closets, especially large walk-ins, should have lights, but it is remarkable how many home builders don\’t include this feature. For many builders, closet lights are an afterthought, if they are included at all. If your home did come equipped with closet lights, they are likely of the fluorescent variety or some other cheap installation.

While fluorescents are fine for providing light, they won\’t do much for your mood and self-esteem in the mornings. Instead, look for light bulbs that mimic daylight. Being exposed to sunlight first thing in the morning can help you to wake up, and lights that create this effect can be helpful as well.

Benefits of Closet Lights

The most obvious benefit of having lights in your closet is that you\’ll be better able to see what you are doing when getting ready in the morning. As mentioned previously, choosing the right color temperature for your lights can help ease you into your day by helping you to wake up.

In addition, the right lighting can do wonders for your self-esteem. When you look good, you feel better about yourself, which can have positive repercussions throughout your day. In establishing your closet lighting, don\’t just put lights overhead, as this can cause harsh shadows. Aim to fill in the lighting from the sides as well, like with sconces or wall lights, to help you look and feel your best.

Closet Light Variations

Closet lighting typically comes in two primary categories: battery-powered and hard-wired. If your home doesn\’t have the necessary wiring in place to support lights in your closet, battery-operated lights may seem like an easy solution. While this can be true temporarily, it is not the best long-term decision.

Batteries run out over time, so you\’ll need to replace them periodically. The hassle of doing this may make you less likely to use your closet lights. Then, you\’ll lose out on all the benefits. In addition, you may notice your lights dimming as the batteries begin to run low.

Hard-wiring your lights may require a bit more expense and effort upfront, but you\’ll be rewarded in the long run. Once the lights are in place, you\’ll only have to replace the bulbs every once in a while. With modern LED lights, you may not have to replace them for many years down the line, given their longevity.

To help save electricity, you also have the option of choosing lights that are motion-activated. This way, the lights will only turn on when you actually need them. If you forget to turn them off in the rush to get out the door in the morning, they\’ll turn themselves off after you have been out of the room for a few minutes.

Call Us for Closet Light Installation

If you need wiring installed in your closet to accommodate new lights, Turn It On Electric is here to help. We\’ll run any necessary wires and get your new closet lights installed quickly and efficiently. You can always count on us to clean up after ourselves, so there is no need to worry about us making a mess of your closet. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.

Previous page 1 … 30 31 32 33 34 … 55 Next page

Chuck P

01:46 23 Jan 25

Friendly, communicative, and professional.High quality work.

Renee Delu

18:10 11 Jan 25

Mike you are the best!! God bless you for comming out saturday when I blew my fuse trying to vacumm and shout out to Josh who although not have sat office hours called me anyway after I left a voicemail. .Bob Best was here and gave me amazing information that NO OTHER electrician had. .!! I'm happy to say this is an amazing caring company...and I'm a customer for life!! Please recognize and reward Mike And Josh for them saving me on Saturday as my security system had no power and my smoke alarm had been beeping for hours. These men deserve kudos. .if you are looking fir honest and highly qualified electrical work. This is where to go. I'm thankful and grateful. Bob is now an instructor ..I'm happy to know future electricians are being schooled and trained by him. Thanks to you all

Wally Johns

01:31 11 Jan 25

Good work and very polite guys.

Rebecca RB

01:03 21 Oct 24

This company literally saved us! We had some electrical issues discovered that were rather alarming and created an issue with the garage door opener completely lost power as well as our outdoor dusk to dawn lighting and the interior garage lights. Mike the electrician came to the rescue! He listened to the issues in my non electrical language (haha) translated it and solved everything with confidence! Knowledgeable, Friendly, prompt, professional and efficient! Highly recommended! Will definitely call for future needs!

luci redmond

15:28 12 Oct 24

Great customer service & a job well done!

Samuel Heffner

17:04 14 Aug 24

I called TIO Electric because a friend referred them and they did not disappoint. I had an issue and it was rough identifying the source of the problem. Miguel and Conrad worked together to identify and solve the problem quickly. As a services based business it was extremely important to get the repair done quickly and the team stayed to ensure the job was done before they left. I expected to have to schedule another visit due to the complexity of the case, but they understood I needed to be back up and running as soon as possible and got the job done in just a few hours. They were very professional and personable and the cost was in line with what I expected.Update 8/14/24: TIO helped me again. This time with an issue I was having at my home. Marcus was very nice and knowledgable and was able to identify the problem and make the repair in quick time. I had a secondary issue I wasn't too worried about, but Marcus took care of that as well. These guys know what they're doing. Still highly recommend.They did a great job. I would definitely recommend them for projects big and small.

Caren Zellmer

12:46 03 Jul 24

Excellent service!! Marcus has been to our house a couple of times and completed the work doing an AMAZING job. He was very polite, professional and explained every process to us. His work was also completed in a timely manner. It is very rare to find anyone with great work ethic anymore! This company is very lucky to have him. We would definitely recommend and use Turn It On Electric again.

Bob

14:42 10 Jun 22

They were on time, clean, friendly, professional and did an amazing job. I would have to say that the price was fair considering the amount of work done. Highly recommend Turn It On Electrical!