Chad – Page 4 – Turn It On Electric

Electrical Wiring

Do I Need an Electrician To Move an Outlet?

27Apr2023

Most electrical outlets last between 10-25 years, but they don’t last forever. Badly installed or problematic outlets can need replacement in just a few years. During renovation projects, it’s not uncommon to move an outlet.

Electrical work is rarely simple. And without electrical experience, it can be dangerous. You can install or move an outlet in your home if:

You have electrical training.
You understand your home’s circuitry.
You have the necessary tools and hardware.
You have very good medical and life insurance.

Understanding the basics will explain why you need an electrician to install or move an outlet.

What You Need To Know To Move an Outlet

A local electrician can usually relocate an outlet in about 40 minutes. To DIY (do-it-yourself) move an outlet, you need a lot more time. You’ll also need:

14-2 Romex cable for an indoor outlet in a dry location
Blank outlet cover
Drill
Keyhole- or drywall-saw
Micro-ohmmeter
Outlet box w/swing-out mounting tabs
Outlet cover
Pencil
Screwdriver
Voltmeter
Wire cutters/strippers
Wire nuts
Wiring/cable with corrosion-resistant jacket (PVC is recommended) and wet-location rated conductors for outlets near showers/toilets

Some wires can’t be moved. Or the wiring may be fine but it’s too short for the new location. One of the biggest mistakes DIYers make is leaving old wiring behind a wall in a messy tangle. Always removed old wiring, even if it’s “dead to you.”

How To Identify Unsafe Outlet Wiring

Age is one way to determine if wiring is unsafe. Homes built in the 1930s vs. homes in the ’60s, ’80s… Just as technology evolves, electrical standards and practices change with time.

Something to look for when moving an electrical outlet is “backstabbing.” It’s a problem you don’t want to repeat. Backstabbing is when neutral wires’ ends are cut, and the insulation removed. The bare wires are then shoved into the back of the outlet.

Backstabbing electrical wires was commonplace in the 1970s and ’80s, but it’s a fire hazard and no longer used by professional electricians. Additional problematic home outlet wiring we encounter includes:

Knob and tube – This is the oldest home wiring and is often found in homes built before 1940. There’s usually a dirt buildup that makes it difficult to tell the difference between neutral and hot wires, and it’s likely ungrounded. This must be removed, not relocated.
Leaded sheathed – Homes built before 1950 may have lead-covered electrical wiring. It must be removed, not relocated.
Rubber-sheathed wiring – Rubber-insulated wiring was used in homes between 1950-1980. It crumbles and can be an arcing/fire hazard. If your home has this type of wiring, you should have annual electrical inspections. For remodeling purposes, it must be removed, not relocated.

Completing the Project: Moving an Electrical Outlet

The area to which your outlet is to be relocated must be carefully prepared. You must mark where you want the outlet installed and use the proper tools for cutting or positioning.

The final process for moving your outlet is to feed the wire through the wall mount. Snugly affix Phillips screws in each corner, then:

Connect the wire to the outlet’s receptacle.
- Black wire connects to the hot screw.
- Copper wire connects to the ground screw.
- White wire connects to the neutral screw.
Secure the outlet in the cut-in box then install the cover plate.
Screw a blank plate into the old electrical outlet.

Why You Need a Licensed, Phoenix Electrician

Arizona people value time and money. There are numerous internet DIY videos and processes, but the reality is, you need an electrician for electrical work.

TIO Electric is LEEDS-certified and State of Arizona-licensed.
You’ll save money if we find a potential or current problem. We can fix it now rather than return later and avoid another call-out charge.
We know Valley electrical codes and energy requirements inside out.
We understand your home’s electrical system and ways to safety-check every project. This includes knowing what kind of electrical load your home can handle.

We want you to know more about your home’s electrical system. When you know more, you’ll know to contact Turn It On Electric for electrical upgrades.

Electrical Wiring, Residential

Should I Switch to Copper Wiring?

22Mar2023

Copper wiring has been used in electrical home systems since the late 1800s. Other metals have been tried, but nothing has proven to be better for electrical conductivity and affordability than copper.

Electrical wiring metals can include:

Gold – Gold offers superior electrical conductivity. It’s durable and flexible as well as highly efficient. Because of its high cost, gold is usually used as a wire coating rather than the main conductor. This coating can increase conductivity in thin wiring.
Silver – Silver’s durability and flexibility make it a good choice as an electrical conductor. But it’s an expensive option and often difficult to find. Plus it oxidizes faster. This means silver wires will degrade faster than copper wiring.
Tungsten – This thin metal is strong and durable against heat and erosion. It has a very high melting point, which makes it acceptable for electrical wiring but is cost-prohibitive.

In the 1960s a copper shortage led to the use of aluminum wiring as a cost-effective option. We knew it wasn’t a better electrical conductor, so we used bigger aluminum wires. But bigger isn’t better when it comes to aluminum vs. copper wiring.

3 Problems: Aluminum vs. Copper Wiring

Almost immediately after replacing copper wiring with aluminum, problems arose:

Creeping – Aluminum wiring expands and contracts too much as it’s heated and cooled. This causes the wires to slip (“creep”) out of the screws holding them in place. This leads to loose connections and overheating.
Fragility – Even at thicker gauges, aluminum wires were easily crushed, cut, or dented. The damaged wire led to overheating.
Rust – When copper rusts, the surface oxide is also electrically conductive. When aluminum wiring rusts, the whitish oxide interferes with the electrical flow and causes overheating.

Make the Switch to Copper Wiring

Homeowner insurance experts say you should replace aluminum with copper wiring. They cite what’s called a “connection reach hazard,” which is an arc fault fire risk. Aluminum wiring in houses manufactured prior to 1972 is 55 times more likely to cause a fire. Some homes have combination aluminum-copper wiring, which is still a high-risk fire hazard.

If your home has aluminum or a combination of aluminum and copper wiring:

Buying a home with aluminum wiring is possible but it is strongly advised against.
Full disclosure is legally required for homeowners when selling a property with aluminum wiring.
You may be able to find insurance coverage but will likely pay higher premiums.

Pigtailing aluminum and copper wiring is legal but must be done by an experienced, licensed Arizona electrician. It should only be an option when copper rewiring is not financially possible and should be considered a temporary solution.

When To Call TIO Electric

Call Turn It On Electric immediately if you notice:

Burning smells from outlets or switches
Frequent circuit tripping
Lights flickering
Power surges/flickering lights
Smoke or sparks from switches or outlets
Warm electrical switches or outlets

…or any time you have a question about your home’s electrical wiring. Again, any type of home electrical rewiring should only be performed by a licensed electrician. Professional electricians will guarantee their work.

Turn It On electricians do not receive commissions, so we make our recommendations based on safety first, followed by practicality and affordability. We’ll also ensure you have complete information about your unique electrical situation. You’ll be able to make knowledgeable decisions.

Home technology and electrical demands will continue to increase. Electrical upgrades, especially replacement with copper wiring, keep your home safer and up-to-date. For more information, contact TIO Electric.

Electrical Wiring, Residential

Are GFCI Outlets Required in Older Homes?

22Mar2023

The first electrical power system was developed in 1882 and since 1897, our country has set standards for electrical safety. GFCI outlets have been one of the most valuable electrical safety developments in history.

GFCI outlets were used as early as the 1960s, primarily around swimming pools and home exteriors. It was 1971 when the National Electrical Code (NEC) specified GFCI outlets for new residential construction.

GFCI Outlets Requirements Change in 2023

New national regulations now require trained and licensed electricians for electrical service and maintenance. This means handyman licensing in Arizona may come under scrutiny.

It was always a recommendation (not a requirement) that older home wiring receives regular electrical inspection for ongoing safety. Previously, GFCI receptacles have been required in:

Basements/crawlspaces
Bathrooms
Garages
Laundry rooms
…and all areas where water is used

“In the new 2023 NEC, all 125- to 250-volt receptacles located inside a kitchen require GFCI protection,” says electrical instructor Jerry Durham. Section 210.8(A)(6) in the 2023 NEC requires ground-fault protection for all kitchen receptacles, regardless of their location or purpose.

The federal code now requires GFCI outlets in:

All areas with sinks
All plug- and cord-connected kitchen appliances
All receptacles installed under eaves/roofs
Areas in which HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and refrigeration equipment are installed
Boathouses/boat hoists
Clothes dryers
Dishwashers
Home/outdoor – At least one
Kitchen counter-mounted appliances including:
- Electric ranges/skillets
- Microwaves/microwave ovens
- Wall-mounted ovens
Kitchen countertops

Older Homes May Need Rewiring

Prior to 2023, GFCI outlet upgrades were recommended for older homes. They were not legally required even though 68% of house fires are caused by electrical problems. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may be at risk for fire damage. Schedule an electrical inspection to determine if areas of your home need professional electrical service.

5 Top Causes of Electrical Fires in Older Homes

Running electrical cords under area rugs or carpeting is very dangerous and puts your home at high risk for fire. Appliances with frayed cords can ignite carpeting as well as curtains and floors.

The top five causes of older-home residential fires include:

Outlets – Outdated electrical outlets and older appliances are the #1 cause of residential electrical fires.
Light fixtures – Using the wrong wattage bulbs in lamps and light fixtures is the second most common cause of fires in homes. And yes, it’s romantic, but don’t put a handkerchief or other flammable materials atop a lampshade.
Extension cords – Extension cords are a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. Daily-use appliances and electronics should be directly plugged into a wall outlet.
Space heaters – This portable solution to a cold snap is fine if the appliance is operated and positioned safely. Space heaters should be at least 3´ away from all bedding, curtains, and furniture.
Wiring – Today’s use of electronics is usually more than a good old house can manage. Outdated wiring in older homes is a leading fire hazard. Replacing electrical wiring to accommodate computers, gaming devices, wide-screen televisions, etc. increases safety from fire.

GFCI Outlet Upgrades in Arizona

An electrical inspection is an affordable way to determine if your electrical system is functioning safely. About twenty percent of Phoenix homes have older wiring that should be inspected. And in some areas of Maricopa County, 100% of the homes were built before or during the 1970s.

GFCI outlets have a lifespan. Even if your older home has GFCI outlets in place, they should be replaced after 15 years. Some show signs of problems after only five years of use. If you’re planning to invest or already live in a beautiful older home, it’s well worth the peace of mind to ensure its protection from fire.

Turn It On Electric specializes in electrical maintenance for older homes. Let’s prioritize your GFCI outlets and wiring this year. Contact TIO Electric to learn more.

Residential

Why Are My Lights Buzzing?

22Mar2023

If you have a light buzz, it doesn’t mean you had too many martinis. Some lights make a humming noise to alert you there’s a problem. If you have lights buzzing, you need to take action.

Fixtures’ Lights Buzzing

If lights buzzing is an issue with fixtures in your home or office, there’s no need to evacuate the building. But you do need to fix it. Buzzing or flickering lights can often indicate you need an electrical inspection.

The types of light bulbs more likely to hum or buzz are:

CFL – Compact fluorescent lightbulbs
Fluorescent
Incandescent – Creates light by heating a filament
LED – Light-emitting diodes

CFL

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs are an energy-saving solution to fixtures requiring incandescent bulbs. You get the same amount of light for about 10 times longer using half the electricity.

CFLs are often spiral-shaped and connected to a screw-in ballast/base. (Ballasts regulate the amount of voltage the light fixture receives.) Buzzing sounds are usually coming from the ballast. If your CFL light is in a dimmer-switch socket, remove and replace it.

Fluorescent

Fluorescent lightbulb buzzing is normal when your ear is close to the fixture. If you can hear the noise across the room, there’s a problem. Make sure the tube is properly mounted and secure.

The problem could be caused by:

The diffuser may need to be reinstalled.
The fixture’s housing may be broken or bent and should be replaced.
The old ballast needs replacement. Ballast-free LED tubes are a good idea but require minor, professional rewiring.

Incandescent

Few incandescent lightbulbs remain in circulation because there’s a ban on manufacturing and importing them. But it’s not illegal to use them. When you hear incandescent lights buzzing, there are most likely problems with the filaments. And if a buzzing incandescent bulb is in a dimmer-switch socket, remove and replace it.

LED

LED lights buzzing occurs when older dimmer switches cannot accommodate LED lightbulbs. The incompatibility might be resolved by another type of lightbulb, but your home needs to be LED-compatible anyway. The solution may be minor rewiring by a licensed electrician.

Your electrician will install a compatible dimmer switch:

C.L – CFL/LED
ELV – Electronic low frequency
LED+ – Maximum-performance LED dimmers

When Electrical Outlets Make Noise

Never ignore any electrical outlet that makes buzzing or popping noises. Stop using it and immediately contact your local electrician. No matter what the problem is, it’s caused by an electrical malfunction. Electrical outlet repair is never a DIY (do-it-yourself) job because of the hazards.

Common causes of electrical outlet noises are:

Breaker – If you’re sending too much or too little voltage to outlets, the imbalance can cause a buzzing sound. This fix usually involves replacing your breaker box.
Polarity – If you bought your home from a previous owner that effected DIY electrical fixes (or if the original electrical installations were cheap/shabby workmanship), wiring may not be properly connected. This can cause electricity to flow in the wrong direction. The buzzing noise may be louder when an appliance is plugged into the outlet.
Wiring – Old or frayed wiring connections may be loose. The “buzzing” sound is actually the vibration of loose wires. Seasonal weather changes can also cause components to expand/contract and cause loose wiring.

Trust TIO Electric

If any electrical component, outlet, light fixture, etc. makes noise, smells like burning wires, or shows signs of overheating, please call us immediately. If it is not an emergency, you can trust us to tell you what to do to protect your home and family.

Business longevity creates customer trust. Turn It On Electric has been Central Arizona’s preferred licensed electrical contractor for over 25 years. We are eager to earn your trust.

Integrity, community involvement, and industry-best workmanship are how we will keep your trust for decades to come. For electrical solutions and ideas that will work with your lifestyle and budget, contact TIO Electric.

Outdoor, Safety

Spring Landscaping Projects: Call Before You Dig

22Mar2023

Spring is the season that inspires us to enhance our lawns with new plantings and landscaping. Smart homeowners “know what’s below” before they jump into any landscaping project. April has been designated National Safe Digging Month to reinforce the familiar Call Before You Dig program.

April’s Call 811 message promotion began in 2008 by Common Ground Alliance (CGA). According to CGA, over 20 million miles of subterranean utilities in the United States can be destroyed by unsafe digging.

Call Before You Dig Basics for DIY Projects

Even small, do-it-yourself lawn projects qualify for the call-before-you-dig phone numbers (811 or 800-782-5348). When making the call, you should know:

Address where you plan to dig
- County
- Nearest cross street(s)
Exact area in which you plan to dig
Type of lawn project

Arizona homeowners can go to https://www.arizona811.com/homeowners/ and create a ticket at least 2 days before a landscaping project. You’ll receive information about underground utilities and professional locators will mark the underground lines with paint or flags. As you work, keep within 2 feet of your marked underground utilities. For additional information, contact Arizona 811.

Advantages of Professional Landscape Lighting

Understanding how your home’s electrical system works, inside and out, is helpful when planning any home improvement project. Plowing into your yard’s surface with a shovel is not only a bad idea, but it can also be dangerous. You can hit a buried line or pipe when only shoveling a few inches. An underground utility wire is broken every 9 minutes due to inappropriate digging, says the CGA.

Consult with landscape lighting pros before beginning your outdoor flowers, plants, and tree upgrades. They often have ideas and considerations you may have missed. But professional landscape lighting is sometimes seen as an unnecessary expense. You’re adding beautiful plants to your yard. Why spend more?

Landscape lighting increases your property value. Realtors argue it adds more “perceived” value than actual, but Angi.com says landscape lighting can add about $2,500 to your home value. Depending on the type of lighting you choose and the cost, the ROI (return on investment) is viable.

Landscape lighting delivers more than beauty. The value of the increased property and personal safety is priceless.

Professional landscape lighting is worth the investment. The project gets completed safely and quickly. Many outdoor lighting upgrades include digging, and your local Phoenix-area electrician will automatically obtain the necessary information and permits.

Outdoor Lighting Trends

Some of 2023’s most popular outdoor lighting upgrades and installations are:

Lanterns – Wall or independently mounted lanterns can’t be placed without careful considerations: location, size, and style.
Smart security – This trend is more popular than ever before. Motion detectors, scheduled lighting, and backyard floodlights are solid safety choices.
Spotlights – These are primarily used to illuminate plants, trees, and flowerbeds.
String lights – These are most frequently used in backyards, around pools, and patios. But they can add elegance to front yard trees when professionally installed.
Walkway – Flush-mounted ground lights are often considered the most attractive and tasteful walkway lighting installations. There are many styles and types of pathway lights, including:
- Bollard
- Garden
- Post lights
- Sconces
- Step-/stairlights
Wall lights – These lights improve the overall appearance of your home but also can brighten entrances and illuminate dark corners of your house.

TIO Electric Outdoor Lighting Solutions

You can print a free copy of the Arizona 811 brochure. It includes information about laws and liabilities for homeowners.

You won’t need to call before you dig when you partner with your family’s local electrical contractor. We will obtain all information and any permits needed for your outdoor lighting project.

As Phoenix’s LEED-certified electrician, Turn It On Electric offers sustainable outdoor lighting design services for Arizona communities, including:

Anthem
Cave Creek
Chandler
Gilbert
Glendale
Mesa
Paradise Valley
Phoenix Metro
Scottsdale
Tempe
…and nearby neighborhoods

We welcome questions. To schedule an outdoor lighting consultation, contact TIO Electric.

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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!