Categories Commercial, Lighting, Residential

4 Upgrade Lighting FAQs

4 Upgrade Lighting FAQs

Our focus on comfort and energy savings is like never before. We want our homes, offices, and retail businesses to be inviting and eco-friendly.

But there’s an excitement surrounding interior lighting décor that’s energizing. Some trends are revealing unique concepts in home interiors and commercial properties’ lighting. If you’re thinking about upgrading your lighting this year, it’s a big project and one that will pay off in several ways.

The ROI (return on investment) of commercial lighting improvements is measurable:

  • Energy efficiency (reduced energy costs)
  • Increased office/workspace productivity
  • Lower maintenance with LED upgrades

Homeowners can see those ROI benefits in residential lighting upgrades, too.

There’s also something Amerlux calls “the possibility factor.” When you upgrade any area’s lighting, you increase the number of ways it can be used. Some things that weren’t possible before the upgrade now seem to be viable.

Here are four upgrade lighting FAQs (frequently asked questions) we recently received:

4 Upgrade Lighting FAQs

1. Q: Are there any new tax credits for upgrading lighting or electrical systems?
A: The two tax incentives that expired have been extended and are retroactive through December 31, 2020. There will likely be tax incentives available this year as well.

  • 179D is based on energy-efficiency and square footage. It applies to commercial buildings and homes that are 4 stories or more. It’s good for:
    • Additions
    • Lighting upgrades to existing buildings
    • New buildings
    • Renovations
  • 45L is a $1,000 or $2,000 tax credit for homes that meet Energy Star® requirements or that have energy use 50% lower than comparable properties.

2. Q: I’m a new facilities manager. Is there anything special I need to know about lighting upgrades?
A: The most important thing to know is commercial lighting installation or upgrades are not a DIY (do-it-yourself) project. If damages occur because of unlicensed non-professional work, the insurance company could deny coverage.

Specifically, facilities managers should study and know:

3. Q: What are some of the residential lighting trends for 2021?
A: Some of the residential lighting trends to watch (or even better, consider for your home) include:

  • Colored glass
  • Geometric shapes
  • Horizontal lighting
  • Invisible, “hidden” lighting:
    • Floor lamps
    • Multilevel lighting
    • Positional luminaires
    • Recessed fixtures
  • Light scenarios:
    • Color temperatures
    • Different types of light sources (chandelier, lamp, sconce, etc.)
    • Installing touch control panels, motion sensors
    • Natural light maximization
    • Relocation of switches/dimmers, control panels
    • Several light source groupings
  • Mixed materials
  • Pendants
  • Portable lights
  • Rustic
  • Sculptural fixtures
  • Shades of black (especially matte black fixtures)
  • Vintage

4. Q: What lighting improvements are most Arizona homeowners making?
A: In 2020, lighting and overall electrical improvements (like installing more outlets) trended. Popular lighting upgrades continue to be security lighting and “smart” lighting. Installing outdoor motion/security lights, walkway lights, and being able to operate light fixtures from your phone improves safety (and can be fun).

This Year’s Lighting Décor Possibilities Are Energizing with TIO Electric

Turn It On Electric works with interior designers, other contractors, and home improvement weekend warriors. Together, we can effectively and safely create a new look for your home or install exciting lighting in your new home build.

If your questions weren’t included in these upgrade lighting FAQs, please let us know. Contact us to learn more about ways to upgrade your lighting this year.

Author Chad
Categories Commercial, Maintenance, Residential

Panel replacement – 5 questions to ask

Panel replacement - 5 questions to ask

A power outage on a hot day in August is something no one wants to deal with. If your home is older and you’ve considered electrical panel replacement, consider this: There’s never a “good” time to lose electricity to your home.

When it comes to suspicious wiring and/or older electrical breakers, what you don’t know can hurt you. Schedule electrical panel replacement before it becomes dangerous.

Why You Need Electrical Panel Replacement

Age isn’t the only reason you need an electrical maintenance visit or panel replacement. Do you use power strips in every room in your house? That’s a clue your home is “underpowered.”

Many of today’s larger appliances deserve their own dedicated electrical circuit. Connecting too many appliances to the same circuit is a fire hazard. But it can also damage electrical appliances.

Ten tips you need electrical panel replacement include:

  1. Appliances overheating
  2. Breaker trips when you plug in a particular appliance
  3. Burning plastic smell from breaker box/wall outlet
  4. Flickering lights
  5. Frequent circuit breaker trips
  6. Older panel or a “fuse box” instead of circuit breakers
  7. Power surges when you turn on some appliances (hair dryer or microwave and dishwasher at the same time, for example)
  8. Sounds (like sparking/hissing) from the breaker box
  9. Visible burned spot(s) on wall outlet or breaker panel
  10. Wires appear melted/burned

Questions to Ask Your Phoenix Electrician

When your local Phoenix-area electrician recommends upgrading your electrical wiring or panel replacement, here are 5 questions to ask:

  1. Can I “bundle” a few additional projects? Actually, making some of the electrical improvements you’ve wanted can be cheaper if you include them in your panel replacement quote. You may want to add a ceiling fan. Perhaps you’ve wanted motion-sensor lights in your pantry or closet. This is a good time to make electrical home improvements.
  2. Do we need permits? You need certain types of permits. Turn It On Electric takes care of this for you.
  3. How long does panel replacement take? Turnaround time depends on utilities and acquiring the necessary permits. Your Turn It On Electric professionals will handle all permit applications and licensing fees, etc. We will meet your quoted timeframe and there should be no “surprises” after we begin your project.
  4. What does a panel replacement cost? Most panel replacement installations start at $3,957 but many other factors apply. You should ask your electrician about safe (and affordable) options. If you wait until your breaker box catches fire, your costs will increase proportionately.
  5. Why do I need a panel replacement? If money-saving panel repair is possible, we will tell you. Your electrician should be able to knowledgeably explain what’s going on with the electrical systems in your home.
    Be sure you understand why a panel repair is not a good option. You should agree to a panel replacement only if you feel confident in your electrician’s level of expertise and trust the company’s reputation for honesty.

Turn It On Electric Wants You to Save Energy…Save Money

If your good old house has a not-so-good electrical panel, you could also have some aluminum wiring. Be sure to ask your Turn It On professional to check out the wiring during your panel replacement consultation.

Turn It On Electric is the LEED-certified electrician for Phoenix communities. This means your project will be environmentally sustainable and will reduce your electricity usage if possible. Contact Turn It On Electric for an honest, upfront quote on panel replacement or repair. When you save energy, you save money. We can help.

Author Chad
Categories Commercial, Maintenance, Residential

Electrical panel maintenance? What you need to know

Electrical panel maintenance? What you need to know

Professionalism defines an attitude toward what we do. It’s something we now expect when we buy products or services. Your property’s electrical system needs professional maintenance and regular inspections. Electrical panel maintenance should be part of all residential and commercial property upkeep.

What is Electrical Panel Maintenance?

If you’re buying a new-to-you home, ask when the last professional electrical panel maintenance was provided. Most electrical service companies recommend professional panel maintenance every 2-3 years. If it’s more than 30 years old, consider panel replacement.

A visual inspection is a homeowner’s first electrical panel maintenance task. When the lid is shut, check for dust and dirt, rust, or signs of moisture. Open the electrical panel door and inspect the inside. Corrosion and even dust build-up can cause problems with your electrical service. Most electrical panel malfunctions are dangerous.

Professional Panel Maintenance: What We Do

There are clues your electrical panel is outdated or problematic. Some you can see; others may be subtle but are red flags. A professional electrical panel maintenance visit will address any electrical issues you may have noticed. We will also explore the electrical panel box form and function.

1. Visual Inspection

If the breaker box has a brand name of “Federal Pacific Electric” or “Zinsco,” it may be unsafe. Even if it has a reassuring “GTE Sylvania” label inside, it may be one of the recalled Zinscos. Federal Pacifics may have a “Stab-Loc” label inside the panel.

(Older Zinscos and all Federal Pacifics might not trip, causing overheating and fires. Federal Pacifics went out of production in the 1980s, but not before millions of properties were affected.)

If we discover old fuses and aging fixtures during the electrical panel maintenance, we will probably recommend an upgrade.

2. Fire Evidence

With no “fuel” available, fires inside closed panel boxes usually extinguish themselves. There may have been a previous panel fire if there are burn marks or discolorations in or near the panel box.

3. Frequent Circuit ‘Trips’

It is not normal to have to “reset the breaker” because you have a power outage in one area. Most property owners go years without their circuit breakers flipping off. Breaker-tripping tells us there’s some kind of deterioration going on.

4. Plastic-Burning Smell

Plastic electronics have a distinctive odor when they are burning. If you smell plastic burning near the circuit box, schedule an electrical panel maintenance inspection immediately.

Electrical Demand is Property-Specific

Your property may have the same layout or floor plan as others. But how you use your space – how many people, rooms/offices, and electronic devices used – is unique. Working at home may lessen travel time and fuel consumption, but homeowners’ electricity usage increase proportionately. Office spaces and commercial buildings need basic services 24/7.

Turn It On Electric of Arizona recommends electrical panel maintenance as part of your annual or bi-annual property inspection. We’ll ensure breakers, connection points, components, and wires are tightened and functioning. We will also assess your usage levels to determine if your property’s wiring is keeping up.

If you have any questions or electrical concerns, contact us immediately. We’re your local electric service professionals for Phoenix-area communities and neighborhoods, including:

  • Carefree
  • Cave Creek
  • East Valley
  • Glendale
  • Paradise Valley
  • Peoria
  • Scottsdale

It’s not what we do…but how much love we put into it. – José, Journeyman Electrician

Author Chad
Categories Commercial, Electrician

What makes a great commercial electrical contractor?

What makes a great commercial electrical contractor?

If you’re a homeowner and have a new-build project or renovation plans for your good old house, you will need a residential electrical contractor. Other types of professional electricians include industrial electrical and/or commercial electrical contractors.

An industrial electrical contractor is a commercial electrician that works in sensitive and complicated environments such as factories and medical facilities. Industrial electricians use the same implementations as commercial applications. For example, they both work with 3-phase power and electrical metal conduit (EMT) but industrial electrician applications are generally more complicated.

Business property owners face unique challenges. Their companies can be located in modern architectural structures or older-era buildings. When picking a commercial electrical contractor, there are many things to consider.

Today’s Commercial Electrical Contractor

Technology is revolutionizing every industry in our country. A good commercial electrical contractor will have working knowledge and experience involving technological trends in electrical services.

For example, energy-saving LED lighting is something commercial property owners and managers know about: LED lighting saves money.

A commercial electrical contractor knows more.

It’s not your grandfather’s electrical wiring and lighting. It’s not even your mother’s. LED optics, light control systems, quality, and thermal engineering changed last year. They’ll continue to evolve this year.

Always ask what’s new.

Integrated technology (IT) is having an increasing impact on commercial lighting development. In fact, replacing components for electrical and lighting systems now offers advanced choices. Your Maricopa County commercial electrical contractor can offer the best choices available.

Another trending electrical technology for commercial properties is full-spectrum lighting. It’s more frequently used in offices and medical properties. Full spectrum lighting:

  • Increases office productivity
  • Portrays true details/colors
  • Reduces eyestrain, fatigue in employees
  • Simulates “natural” light

The Best Commercial Electrical Contractor Knows Where You Live

Your local commercial electrical contractor understands the business market for your area. What do your competitors’ fixtures feature for employees and customers? What are specific requirements for commercial electrical wiring for your state, county, city?

Connected lighting does more than meet code. It opens the door to bring smart sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT)…because most of this advanced technology is installed through light fixtures. –David Wilts, Digital Masterplanning

“Smart buildings” aren’t being constructed or converted to virtual electricity as fast as we thought. Are you in a position to develop a flagship commercial property in Arizona? Your electrical contractor can partner with you for unique, business-specific, long-term energy savings.

Important Qualities

A great commercial electrical contractor understands large buildings’ power requirements. Up-to-date knowledge of technological trends to better power your business is important too.

Your commercial electrical company should:

  • Be able to manage complex projects, including large scopes of work
  • Cite previous experience with commercial projects in your area
  • Communicate clearly and respond quickly
  • Deliver quality work
  • Demonstrate pride of ownership in every project
  • Get consistently good online reviews and testimonials
  • Give up-front quotes for expenses and turnaround time
  • Guarantee workmanship
  • Have a reputation for ethical business practices:
    • customer focus
    • dependability
    • honesty
  • Know which Maricopa County permits are needed per project
  • Respect your business

TIO: Superior Arizona Electrical Contractor Services

You have high standards for your employees. You want a culture of superior customer-service delivery and quality of work. That’s the kind of business Turn It On Electric of Phoenix strives to be.

We support our local community and have the highest possible HomeAdvisor ratings. TIO is the electrical contractor the other electricians call when they need answers. Contact us to learn more.

Author Chad
Categories Commercial, Electrician

Things to know about commercial electricians

Things to know about commercial electricians

If you\’re not in the electrical industry it can seem, at first glance, as though residential and commercial electricians are relatively similar.

After all, both types of systems are capable of powering a variety of electronic appliances and devices.

However, the two are actually more different than you might realize. Here\’s what you need to know about what sets commercial electricians apart from residential ones.

Expanded Scope of Work for Commercial Electricians

In general, commercial electrical installations tend to be much more complex than residential systems. Commercial properties are often much larger than single-family homes. They require more extensive electrical work to power the entire facility.

Because of this, those who are qualified to work on residential systems may not necessarily be capable of working as commercial electricians. To ensure your business is getting the best electrical system possible, it is important to work with a qualified electrician who has experience in commercial settings.

Different Power Requirements

Typically, residential properties utilize single-phase electricity. This means that all of the wiring in the home is fed from a single wire from the utility and provides 120/240V.

Certain appliances, like air conditioners and refrigerators, generally need the higher 240V. However, that extra voltage is typically only for these specific pieces of equipment, not throughout the entire property.

In commercial installations, on the other hand, the power requirements are more extensive. Commercial electricians must also be familiar with three-phase wiring. In this setup, the wire consists of three “legs” that either come in at 120/208V or 277/480V and gets more complicated from there.

Wiring Location

The location of the electrical wiring varies between residential and commercial settings as well. In a home or apartment, the wiring is typically between the walls, in the ceiling or attic.

The wires are usually insulated in plastic sheathing as well to protect the home’s insulation and other internal components.

Commercial electricians need to have easier access to the facility’s wiring. Many commercial facilities rent or lease space to various businesses, so the layout and configuration of the building can change frequently as companies come and go.

Because of this, the wires have to run through metal or plastic tubing along the walls or just above the ceiling tiles. Commercial electricians may need to adjust the wiring for each new business. They don’t want to have to tear down walls in order to do so.

Why Your Business Needs a Commercial Electrician

While it may be tempting to stick with a residential electrician you know and trust, this person is likely not the best choice for a commercial job. Becoming a commercial electrician requires additional training beyond what is needed for residential electrical services.

When it comes to powering your business, you want to ensure you are getting exactly what your company needs.

While your residential electrician may be able to handle some commercial electrical work, they may not be capable of handling more complex jobs.

Commercial electricians will have the skills and expertise necessary to ensure your business is getting the power it needs.

For any equipment and appliances in your facility. This will ensure your company is able to operate as smoothly as possible with minimal electrical disruptions.

Turn It On Electric Is Here for Your Business

Don\’t just trust your company\’s electrical needs to any electrician. For the best commercial electricians in the Phoenix area, call on Turn It On Electric. We\’ll help you power your business so that it can continue to grow and expand.

Call now for a free consultation to discuss your company\’s electrical needs.

Author Chad
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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!
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