Author Archives: Chad

The bathroom in your Phoenix home is likely one of your most commonly used rooms. In fact, you probably have several electronic devices in it. From electric shavers to hair dryers to curling irons, you\’ve got a lot of devices that could potentially fall into the sink, exposing you to the risk of electrocution. Without a properly working GFCI outlet, you could be in big trouble if one of your devices gets wet. GFCI outlet repair isn\’t a DIY project.

GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, outlets are common in homes, particularly in areas that see a lot of moisture. Your Phoenix home likely has these types of outlets in the kitchen, bathrooms, and garage. Whenever the outlet detects a power anomaly, like in cases of electrocution, it shuts down the power to the outlet for your safety. However, these types of outlets can sometimes trip unnecessarily, which can be frustrating and annoying.

Just because your GFCI outlet keeps tripping doesn\’t necessarily mean that you are in danger. It could simply be that there is a minor problem in or around the outlet. Here\’s what to watch out for and how to know when it is time to call an electrician for GFCI outlet repair.

Common GFCI Outlet Issues

While there are many reasons your GFCI outlet might trip, frequent issues tend to fall into four primary categories:

• Wiring Faults – In many cases, the problem is not with the outlet itself, but rather somewhere else in your electrical system. Deteriorated wiring or wire insulation can cause fluctuations in the electric current, causing the GFCI outlet to trip. It could also be that moisture or dust has gotten into the outlet, tricking it into thinking there is an electrical problem. Your electrician can identify these types of problems and let you know whether you need GFCI outlet repair. The electrician can also recommend any other necessary repairs to solve the problem, like replacing or upgrading the circuit.
• Overloaded Circuits – GFCI outlets can also trip when there are too many devices plugged into them. You should never plug a power strip into a GFCI outlet, as running multiple devices at the same time can overload the circuit. If you think this might be your problem, unplug everything from the outlet, reset it, then try again with just a single device plugged in. Does everything work properly? Then you\’re good to go. If it doesn\’t, you may need to repair or replace the outlet.
• Faulty Electronic Devices – Sometimes it is not a problem with the outlet itself, but rather the device plugged into it. Worn out or faulty electronic devices can draw power unevenly, tripping the outlet in the process. Try plugging something else into the outlet instead to see if your problem goes away.
• Faulty GFCI Outlets – Finally, the outlet itself could be nearing the end of its lifespan. While many manufacturers claim their GFCI outlets are good for up to 25 years, we typically recommend GFCI outlet repair or replacement every 10 years for maximum safety and efficiency.

If there is a problem with your GFCI outlets, don\’t try to fix the problem yourself. Electrical work is risky, so you should always call a professional electrician for GFCI outlet repair.

Test Your GFCI Outlets Today

When you are in need of GFCI outlet repair in the Greater Phoenix area, you can trust Turn It On Electric. Our expert technicians can identify the problem quickly and get your outlets back up and running right away. Get in touch with our team today for all your GFCI outlet repair and other electrical needs.

When Joni and Carwyn moved to their first “new” home, they were eager to be diligent homeowners. The community had a presence on a popular website for neighborhoods, so Joni posted they didn’t have enough outlets in their older home. She asked others if there was such a thing as a “cheap electrician” in their upscale, historical area.

Neighbors Have Good Intentions, But…

Needing more electrical outlets was on their wish list and they didn\’t really need them, so saving money was a priority. Several local Phoenix-area electricians were recommended. One post caught Joni’s eyes: “Good and very affordable! They rewired our whole house in record time at half the price of other estimates!”

Buyer Beware

Arizona allows unlicensed electricians to work for you if their bill is under $1,000. It’s called the “handyman” exemption. How can they do the same quality work for almost half the price?

Some handymen don’t pay for liability or workers\’ compensation insurance. They don’t belong to professional organizations, and they may not be involved in the community. They don’t invest in continuing education for themselves or their employees. Some work for “cash only,” to dodge income taxes, and they are not licensed in Arizona.

That’s how a “handyman” can work as a cheap electrician.

Unlicensed Electricians Are More of a Risk; Is It Worth It?

Are you a gambler? The best that can happen when using an unlicensed, cheap electrician is nothing. Your project is completed in a timely and affordable way. The worst-case scenario is the loss of life in a house fire. Electrical fires are difficult to control and extinguish. Then there are the “What-can-go-wrongs?” in-between.

4 Ways to Avoid Cheap Electrician Pitfalls

You assume risks when you hire a cheap electrician or any unlicensed contractor, for that matter. Here are 4 ways to avoid the problems you may encounter when hiring a not-so-handy person:

1. Liability insurance – A good electrician has liability insurance that protects their employees from injuries. If a worker without a license injures themselves while working on your property, your homeowners\’ insurance company may have to cover the costs. Even if your property suffers damages, there are no guarantees of a reimbursement.
2. License – You can check to see if your cheap electrician has an electrical license. Go to https://roc.az.gov/contractor-search and enter the electrician’s name. If you don’t find an electrician licensed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, you’re assuming the risk for some of the work.
3. Reviews – Customer testimonials are putting all of us in the driver’s seat when choosing products and services. Thanks to the internet, you don’t have to hope you’ve hired a trustworthy electrical professional. You can verify it quickly, online, with references and testimonials.
4. Your homeowners\’ insurance – Before contracting any work with an unlicensed electrician, check with your homeowners\’ insurance agent. You may discover not only is the current project not covered for damages, but you may also have nullified future electrical problems and/or damages by hiring a cheap electrician.

Phoenix Homeowners Are Smart

If you own property in the Phoenix, Arizona area, you already understand the advantages of investing in this prosperous area of the U.S. Why would you jeopardize what is likely the biggest investment – and asset – you own?

Joni and Carwyn decided not to take the risk. They called Turn It On Electric and requested a quote from a licensed electrical contractor. The couple appreciated that Turn It On Electric is licensed, bonded, and insured. They knew they were hiring the right electrical contractor for their home project and that they would be protected every step of the way.

Have you ever searched for a cheaper surgeon when faced with major surgery? If your home is the heart of your family, then electricity is its lifeblood. There exists a perception that electricians are expensive. Most people, when looking for an “affordable” electrician, are really looking for one that is… cheap!

You can find an affordable electrician, but hiring a cheap, inexperienced, unlicensed electrician can cost much more in the long run.

An ‘Affordable Electrician’ Can Be a Costly Mistake

Every business is competitive, but there are property-specific areas in which less is… well… less. Plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and electrical wiring are areas where safety and health should drive decision making.

An unscrupulous but affordable electrician may surprise you with hidden costs later.

Sometimes the electrician is honest, and those additional expenses really are a surprise. Trust us, it does happen for legitimate reasons.

However, with inexperienced contractors, that didn’t know how to price the job in the first place, those “extra charges” could be the result of them purposely underbidding the work. Just because their quote is cheaper upfront, doesn’t mean it won’t cost you more in the long run – sometimes much more!

Some Horror Stories Are Real

You may have heard scary stories about expensive repairs due to inexperienced electrical work. “Unlicensed contractors can cost you,” says Angie’s List. And it’s not all about money.

According to Angie\’s List, an Ohio plumber bumped into an ungrounded fluorescent light while working in a Cincinnati home. He was holding a copper pipe. Because the light was installed by an unlicensed electrician, it wasn’t properly grounded. This electric work was likely cheaper than other quotes they received, and in the end, someone was seriously hurt.

The Cincinnati electrical contractor later hired to complete the job said it was a sobering reminder: Shoddy work performed by an unlicensed but \”affordable\” electrician can cost a lot more.

Hidden Costs? Be Concerned About Hidden Dangers

Your local electrical contractor should be licensed and a recognized member of your community. Before beginning any work, he or she will inspect your home for hidden dangers. More importantly, your local electrical contractor won’t leave any dangers behind. Your family and pets shouldn’t be in jeopardy in your home.

You Can Look for Hidden Dangers

You know many of the clues your electrician may not be as professional or experienced as you deserve. A white, unmarked van pulls into your driveway and an unprofessional looking electrician comes to your door. Is this an affordable electrician? Perhaps, but that’s your first clue this is not the electrical contractor you need.

You can search for some hidden dangers yourself. Look for:

• A contractor using online tutorials – DIY (do-it-yourself) online tutorials are terrific for recipes; bad for electrical wiring. These tutorials can omit project details or safety steps you need. An experienced electrician will know better.
• A messy job-site. Are there fingerprints near outlets or switches? Wire stripping left on the floor? Did they wear booties before entering your home? If they don’t care about your home, how much attention will they give to the details that keep you safe?

If you spot any electrical dangers, contact a reputable, Maricopa County licensed electrician.

Turn It On Electric is The One

There’s only one electrical contracting company with A+ and a 5-star rating in Phoenix, AZ. This affordable electrician is accredited for almost 10 years with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Turn It On Electric is the one!

Remember, you get what you pay for, so get the most experienced, licensed electricians in your community. Our company culture is built on integrity – and safety first. Contact Turn It On Electric and ask how we can help you with knowledgeable (and affordable) electrical work for your home or commercial property.