Chad – Page 6 – Turn It On Electric

Is Regular Electrical Maintenance Needed?

16Jan2023

Diligent commercial property owners and leaseholders depend on electrical maintenance for safety. Regularly scheduled electrical maintenance is a priority for residential property owners too. Why is this electrical service so important?

Commercial Properties & Regular Electrical Maintenance

Commercial electrical maintenance ensures efficient, uninterrupted operations for any type of business. Commercial property electrical maintenance is not only needed, but it’s also necessary. It proves owners or lessees are providing a safe environment for workers and customers. For this type of maintenance, a commercial electrical contractor is required.

Maintenance frequency depends on your industry and operations. (Manufacturing companies rely on the efficiency of their electrical systems more than office buildings. But digital businesses usually depend on electricity more than retail.)

Look for a local commercial electrician who:

Can cite examples of commercial projects
Communicates clearly/responds quickly
Delivers guaranteed quality work on time using industry-best practices
Gets good reviews/testimonials
Has a reputation for ethical business practices
Is invested in your community
Provides required permits for local commercial/electrical projects

Electrical Maintenance & Central AZ Homes

You can and should do your own regular electrical maintenance. Simply walk about the house, inside and out, to examine outlets and plugs.

We also recommend you regularly:

Check breaker box for signs of damage/deterioration
Examine electrical cords for damage/deterioration
Inspect smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detector
Make sure bulbs are recommended wattage for each fixture
Review your utility bills/ look for unusual spikes in usage
Schedule residential electrical maintenance

…and always unplug appliances that aren’t in use to reduce vampire energy loss.

Why is regular electrical maintenance important to Arizona homeowners? Safety is the most significant reason but there are other considerations. For example, your family electrician can share smart-home upgrades available in your area.

Home electrical maintenance service is an investment that can pay for itself:

Increase electric efficiency (save money)
Prevent problems (save money)

If there’s a weather-related event that leads to area-wide electrical issues, electricians will be in big demand. But our maintenance clients are always at the top of the list for service.

Single-Family Rentals & Electrical Safety

The residential rental market is set to explode in 2023, as travel and home prices increase. Whether it’s a short-term or long-term rental property, you’re responsible for the home’s structural safety.

Electrical maintenance can reduce tenant turnover, which saves a great deal of money and stress. Electrical maintenance can also keep your property value high in a competitive real estate market.

Electrical Maintenance: What We Do

A Phoenix home electrical inspection can uncover problems and safety risks of which you might be unaware:

Aged/deteriorating wiring
CO/smoke alarm dead batteries
Code violations
Damaged circuitry box
Exposed wires
Outdated circuitry
Overloaded circuits
Uncovered wiring
Ventilation issues
…and more

Your electrical maintenance visit may include an inspection of:

Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)
Breaker box labels
Cables/wires/anchoring
Electrical panel
Electrical ventilation
Environmental ratings
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
Lightbulb wattages
Outdoor electrical systems
Outlets
Security lighting systems
Shock hazards
Surge protection
Unused openings

Turn It On Electric the Phoenix Electricians

Angi and Yelp recommendations are a good way to research service providers.

They did exactly what we asked them to do and then some.

This was the only company I could find that would do repairs on outdoor landscape lights. I called a half-dozen other companies and they flat-out told me they didn’t do landscape lights.

We keep coming back to TIO because they’re thorough, on time,
and communicative.

We recommend electrical maintenance for your homes and commercial properties. We care about your safety and Arizona’s energy efficiency. And we want to be your local electricians.

For more information, contact TIO Electric.

Electrical Wiring, Residential

5 FAQs About GFCI Issues

16Jan2023

There are many quotes about “anything worth having” that imply good things may come with challenges. We think ground fault circuit interrupters are one of the most wonderful inventions since electricity. There are a few GFCI issues, but none of them override the life-saving benefits of GFCI outlets and breakers.

Five of the frequently asked questions we receive about GFCI issues are:

Q: Can I plug anything and everything into GFCI wall outlets?
A: 15-amp GFCI outlets support three-prong plug-ins. They should be used anywhere appliances may be exposed to water: bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, etc.

Your home’s largest appliance is probably the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) unit. Its receptacle will likely be 125-volt, single-phase, and 20- or 15-amp. Refrigerators/freezers and sump pumps shouldn’t be plugged into some GFCI outlets because the wiring may be “daisy-chained.” This means several outlets may be connected. Your local Phoenix electrician will explain which outlets require GFCI protection.
Frequent tripping (often called “nuisance tripping”) can occur if GFCI outlets support:

100´ or longer circuits
Electric motors that are permanently installed
Fluorescent/electric-discharge lights/fixtures

Q: Is there a major difference between AFCIs and GFCIs?
A: Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) were once used in properties where wiring might be unsafe. They provide added protection against fire. In 1999, they became mandatory in all homes.

GFCIs offer fire protection but also prevent or minimize the risks of electrical shocks. Some rooms – kitchens and laundry rooms – must have dual-function AFCI/GFCI receptacles for maximum protection.

Q: What causes GFCI tripping?
A: GFCI tripping is a quick disconnect of electricity. Some of the common causes of GFCI tripping can include:

Circuit length too long to protect the number of plugged-in/operating appliances/equipment
Defective appliance
GFCI defects
Improper wiring
Moisture in the area or wet wires
Too many appliances operating at the same time

Q: Will a surge protector stop GFCI tripping?
A: Actually, it can make it worse. The plugged-in surge protector can create an imbalance in electrical flow. The GFCI will respond by shutting down (tripping).

Q: Why do I need a licensed electrician for GFCI issues?
A: Since 1897, the National Electrical Code (NEC) has set the standards for electrical safety. It’s a U.S.A.-based single set of electrical installation requirements for electricians, architects, electrical product manufacturers, and safety organizations. The NEC is not a federal law. It is a federal code that has set electrical safety standards for many countries outside the U.S.
One GFCI issue we face in Arizona is that the NEC has been adopted by our state (and all U.S. states) but is not 100% enforced within our state. That has led to electrical work that may not meet code requirements in some areas.

Licensed electricians know national, state, and local electrical standards for public and private properties. Licensed, professional electricians use industry-best practices. They will take responsibility for and guarantee their workmanship.

Ask Questions About Electrical, GFCI Issues

Knowledge helps you make informed decisions. The internet can provide general information for homeowner topics. But when you have electrical questions about your property and lifestyle, you need customized answers.

Forbes says “reskilling the energy workforce” is now a priority. A data-driven electrical environment will save money and energy. Therefore, it’s important for your electrician to study and be able to speak knowledgeably about trending technology upgrades. Turn It On Electric technicians receive ongoing training and education so you have more and better options.

Your safety is our priority. Never hesitate to ask us about all things electrical, especially GFCI issues. We’ll partner with you to determine the best energy solutions for your home and family. Contact TIO Electric to learn more.

Electrical Wiring, Maintenance

Can Electrical Wiring Be Water Damaged?

16Jan2023

Monsoons are seasonal winds and rainstorms that occur mostly in Southeast Asia. Did you know Arizona has a monsoon season too? It’s normally from June-September every year. However, Phoenix welcomed January 2023 with more rain in 2 days than it had in the first 6 months of 2022. Heavy rains can cause flash flooding in our area. If your electrical wiring gets wet, it’s dangerous.

What Happens If Electrical Wiring Gets Wet?

Water conducts electricity. When paired together, water and electricity are a deadly duo that can lead to property damage and life-threatening risks.

Wiring in wet areas – bathrooms are the best examples – is protected by GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets. If the plug-in or the outlet is wet, it can trip your circuit breaker as a warning. It might cause a small shock. It’s dangerous but not nearly as dangerous as what happens if electrical wiring gets wet repeatedly or for a long period of time.

Your home’s electrical wires are wrapped with protective insulation. But prolonged exposure to water can cause the insulation to erode. That can cause rust and wire deterioration. It can cause mold to form around the wiring, which is also a health risk.

If exposed wires come into contact with each other, a house fire can occur.
If you come into contact with exposed wires, fatal shock (electrocution) can occur.

Do not touch exposed wires that are currently or have been wet or submerged. You can use a low-heat hairdryer or fan to dry wet electrical wires following water exposure.

You absolutely must have a professional electrical inspection as soon as possible. If you’ve suffered flooding and/or if outlets have been submerged for several hours, you will most likely need to replace your electrical wiring.

There’s also the possibility wires have gotten wet but you weren’t aware of electrical damage from moisture. Signs your wiring may have water damage include:

Any burst water pipe or plumbing event involving leak/flooding – If flooding occurs:
1. Turn off the main power.
2. Unplug everything.
3. Call a local electrician for a safety inspection.
Buzzing sound from switches, outlets, or light fittings
Circuit breaker frequently trips
Visible damage to outdoor lighting outlets, boxes, or fittings
Water leaking from a switch, outlet, or light fitting – If this occurs:
1. Turn off the main power.
2. Unplug anything plugged into the outlet and don’t plug anything in until it has been inspected.
3. Call a local electrician to inspect the wiring.
4. Call your plumbing professional to schedule repairs.
Water trickling down wall(s)

Why You Need Electrical Inspection for Water-damaged Wiring

Peace of mind is a good enough reason to have an electrical inspection following a residential water-damage event. Your family electrician can not only ensure your home’s wiring is undamaged but may also find:

Degraded electrical wiring and components
Electrical mistakes made during construction or by previous homeowners
Energy loss areas
Other fire hazards/risks
Outdated wiring
Oversized fuses/breakers

An electrical inspection can include:

AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupters) operations
Cables/anchoring in other areas
Electrical appliance/equipment ventilation
Electrical panel
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) electrical delivery ratings
Grounding
Labeling breakers
Lightbulb wattage
Outdoor electrical systems
Outlet operations
Security lighting
Shock hazards
Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
Surge protection

TIO Electric New Year Resolutions

In 2023, Turn It On Electric will continue prioritizing employment and career development for veterans and others interested in becoming professional electricians. We’ll continue providing customer-centric electrical services for homes and businesses in and around:

Anthem
Cave Creek
Chandler
Gilbert
Glendale
Mesa
Paradise Valley
Phoenix
Scottsdale
Tempe

Our resolution for 2023 is to increase our service efficiency. We want to partner with even more of our neighbors for the best home electrical solutions. Let’s make our homes and businesses safer and more energy efficient than last year!

If you have questions about electrical wiring, contact TIO Electric.

Electrical Wiring, Lighting, Residential

What Causes Dimming and Flickering Lights?

13Dec2022

Flickering lights are a staple in horror stories and every ghost movie. “Whether it’s a movie cliche or in real life, there’s a reason why movies use flickering lights,” says one electrical professional. Flickering lights make us feel uncomfortable; even tense. “The real-life effects of light flicker can range from annoyance, distraction and discomfort, to headaches and even seizures,” he concluded.

Invisible Flickering Lights

Most homes are wired for alternating current (AC). AC can switch power back and forth, while DC (direct current) flows in one direction. DC lighting is sometimes called “low-voltage” lighting. The fact is, flickering lights occur in most artificial light sources.

AC wiring is simply more energy efficient.

In 2017, NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) established light-flicker guidelines. LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs have reduced light bulb flickers, but they can also flicker in a way we don’t see. This can impact productivity in offices and commercial businesses as well as negatively affect our health.

When You See Lights Dim and Flicker

Never ignore the dangers posed by dimming and/or flickering lights. They can cause shocks, electrocution, burns, or other injuries. When lights flicker, there might be sparking that could cause a catastrophic house fire.

You’ll create an even bigger problem if you try to solve a flickering lights problem yourself. If there’s electrical damage resulting from a DIY (do-it-yourself) wiring fix, your insurance may not cover the expenses for loss and damages.

If you have dimming or flickering lights, make note of:

Appearance – Is it barely noticeable or extremely annoying?
Consistency – Does it occur every time you plug in one particular appliance or happen occasionally with any appliance?
Frequency – Has it happened once or does it often occur?

Here are 4 reasons your lights may dim or flicker:

Fluorescent bulbs – These will naturally flicker when “warming up.”
Loose bulbs – Flickering lights occur because of inconsistent electrical flow. This is a DIY fix. First, wait for the light bulb to cool, then check to ensure it’s tightly fitted into the socket.
Loose prongs – Sometimes the prongs are bent on an appliance’s plug-in. Unplug and try to straighten the prong(s).
Wrong bulb – If light fixture manufacturers recommend a particular type of light bulb, follow those recommendations. (Light flickers can also occur when the wrong bulb is used with a light-dimmer fixture.)

Call your local Phoenix electrician if you see lights dim or flicker in your home or business. Causes can include:

Electrical panel problems – Your home’s circuit breaker is the most important safety device you have. If you suspect malfunctions, request service immediately.
Outdated/loose wiring – Seventy percent of home fires are caused by bad wiring. An electrical wiring inspection is a good idea, especially if you have an older home.
Overloaded circuit – If flickering happens often or lasts longer than a few seconds, it can be an electrical emergency.
Too-high voltage – If light bulbs don’t last as long as they should, that may be a clue your home’s voltage is too high or fluctuating. In addition to light dims and flickers, signs you have voltage issues can include:
- Appliances keep tripping off.
- Flickering/dimming continues after the appliance is turned off.
- Flickering/dimming happens only when large appliances are turned on.
- Light bulbs dim/flicker randomly.
Utility problem – If you’re not overusing electricity but several neighbors are, this can cause transformer problems. After your electric company restores service, you may need an electrical inspection to ensure no damage occurred at your end.

Safety First: TIO Electric

Our team of electrical professionals is dedicated to home and family safety for our Valley neighbors. If you experience dimming or flickering lights and are concerned that you may have a problem, we’re ready to answer your questions. Contact Turn It On Electric.

Electrical Wiring, Residential

Electrical Problems: Why Aren’t My Outlets Working?

13Dec2022

As one family shared their Thanksgiving meal, most were grateful for health, loved ones, and all the things we value most. But one person said, “running water and electricity.” If you’ve never lived off the grid, you cannot imagine how important your home’s electrical wiring is to your quality of life.

Electrical problems can change everything.

When Home Outlets Have Electrical Problems

Electrical outlets are wall-mounted plates with openings (receptacles) that connect an electrical device or appliance to your electrical supply. To keep the terms simple, you can’t put a light bulb into an electrical outlet. Light bulbs go into sockets. You can plug a lamp into an outlet.

You can have electrical problems with one outlet’s receptacle while the other still works. But any problem with electrical outlets can be dangerous.

The types of electrical outlets in your home can include:

Baseboard
GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter)
High-amperage
Outdoor/weather-resistant
Pop-out
Recessed
SB/USB (serial bus/universal)
Tamper-resistant
Wi-Fi

You may not have difficulty yet, but there are signs one or more outlets in your home have electrical problems:

Burning odor
Buzzing noise
Discoloration (brownish/blackening)
Feels warm
GFCI doesn’t trip (or trips but won’t immediately work afterward)
Melted plastic
Only 2-prong openings (should be three)
Plugs loose/keep falling out
Shock when you plug-in
Smoke
Sparks when you plug-in

5 Reasons Why Your Outlets Aren’t Working

Again, all electrical outlet problems are red flags, but why do they happen?

1. Defective Outlets

This is very uncommon, but it happens. A multimeter can determine if the outlet itself is defective.

2. Half-Hot (Connected) Wiring

Sometimes, even after years of use, you discover you have a “half-hot outlet.” One of the receptacles (usually the bottom plug-in) doesn’t work. You then discover that the plug-in works, but only when a nearby switch is turned on. The top receptacle is wired to be permanently “on,” but the bottom is wired to turn on with the flip of a switch.

3. Loose Wires

Loose wiring can affect one outlet or every outlet along the circuit. There’s no safe way to know if your wiring is loose without bringing in your family electrician. One of our electrical professionals will be happy to stop by for a quick one-outlet loose-wiring check. We’ll charge an upfront, affordable fee because peace of mind and safety are worth it.

4. Serious Fire Risks

The deadliest electrical problems are behind the scenes; usually behind outlets and walls. Some outlets can literally “burn out,” and you may miss the signs. If an outlet quits working for any reason, that’s the time to request an electrical inspection. If there are indicators of burning wires (discoloration, smoke, odor, etc.), request Phoenix emergency electrical service.

5. Temporary Interruptions

If your circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows in the fuse box, you know right away why you have difficulties. And GFCI outlets are designed to trip as a warning of a possible overload. GFCIs protect you against electrical shock from water in kitchens and bathrooms.

Those types of interruptions are temporary and easily fixed. But repeated tripping means there’s something more serious at play. You need to request an electrical service call to discover the real issue.

Electrical Solutions For Phoenix Families

It’s not always about problems. There are amazing electrical conveniences available today. Many homeowners are exploring a world of electrical options that can make life easier and more efficient.

You may start with a remodeling idea or want an electrical inspection with recommendations. LEED-(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified Turn It On Electric has money-saving, energy-sustainable solutions for your Arizona home.

If you’d like to learn more, 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!