Categories Electrical Wiring, Residential

Should I Switch to Copper Wiring?

copper wiring

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.


Categories Electrical Wiring, Residential

Are GFCI Outlets Required in Older Homes?

GFCI Outlets

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:

  1. Outlets – Outdated electrical outlets and older appliances are the #1 cause of residential electrical fires.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Categories Electrical Wiring, Residential, Safety

What Is an Electrical Short?

electrical short

An electrical circuit is the flow of electricity that loops from your circuit breaker/panel box through your home and back again. That circular route is the circuit. An electrical short is a malfunction that is often called a “short circuit.”

An electrical short occurs when a wire carrying a live or “hot” current contacts a neutral wire. The live current jumps – arcs – from the live wire to the neutral wire. The electrical flow then takes the shortest, least resistant path to the ground. That path can be through flammable materials or animals and people. Anything in its way can receive a shock, catch fire, or be damaged by a small explosion.

Electrical shorts can cause:

  • Electrocutions
  • Fires
  • Shocks

What Causes an Electrical Short Circuit?

Just as with your body’s blood flow, when your electrical circulation is interrupted it’s a problem that needs immediate professional attention. There are several reasons why your home or commercial property can experience a short circuit, but basically, there are 2 types of electrical short circuits:

  • Ground fault – This occurs when a plugged-in or hot wire touches a grounded:
    • Appliance
    • Bare ground wire
    • Breaker box
    • Device
    • Outlet
    • …or anything using the electrical circuit
  • Normal – Normal short circuits occur when a hot wire touches a neutral wire. “normal” electrical short circuits can be caused by:
  • Electrical surges
  • Exposed wiring damages
    • Nail/screw punctures
    • Rodents chewing-through
    • Water/fluids contact wiring
  • Loose wires in circuit breaker box
  • Sheathing/wire wrap erodes – (The strong, non-conductive material insulating electrical wiring is usually PVC/polyethylene, which shouldn’t but can deteriorate.)
  • Worn-out/damaged electrical system components
    • Appliances
    • Lights
    • Outlets
    • Switches

Signs You Have an Electrical Short

The obvious sign you have a short circuit is when your breaker keeps tripping. If it’s accompanied by sparks, a zapping or sizzling sound, or even smoke, you have a dangerous electrical short circuit. If you touch a device or plug-in and get a small shock or burn, that indicates a serious problem you shouldn’t ignore.

Perhaps you had a brief tripping, reset the breaker, and carried on. Hours or days later, you notice that familiar, metallic-burning smell of melted electronics and plastic. That’s another clue you have a dangerous electrical short.

The important thing to know is electrical shorts are dangerous. You need to contact your local, licensed electrician immediately.

How To Prevent Short Circuits

Homeowners should regularly inspect outlets, bulb screw-ins, and appliance plugs for signs of age or damage. Also, check appliance electrical cords for signs of wear and tear. The circuit box area should be kept clean and it should also be easily accessible (not blocked by boxes, clutter, etc.) The best way to safeguard your home and prevent short circuits is professional electrical maintenance.

Safe, efficient electrical systems are as important to your home or office as heating and cooling or plumbing. That’s why we recommend electrical maintenance inspections to prevent electrical problems and protect your property.

TIO Electric is the Arizona Valley and Phoenix-area Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified electrical contractor. As LEEDS-certified electricians, during an electrical checkup, we will identify ways you can save energy and money while maintaining electrical safety and functionality. We’ll also check your electrical system’s safety and compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.

During a maintenance visit, we will also:

  • Check HVAC electrical connections (we cannot inspect/repair HVAC systems.)
  • Ensure cables are secure/undamaged
  • Examine electrical components and:
    • Circuit overload potential
    • Damaged insulation
    • Grounding
    • Moisture near electrical components
    • Smoke detectors
    • Unsafe usage of extension cords
  • Inspect whole-house generator

We prioritize safety, and annual electrical checkups can prevent electrical problems. However, Turn It On Electric pros are also knowledgeable interior/exterior lighting design and renovation consultants. Ask us about electrical upgrades for your home or business.

We know you have choices. Our customer care and industry-best workmanship are why Phoenix communities choose TIO Electric. If you have questions about electrical short circuits, contact TIO Electric.

Categories Electrical Wiring

Whole House Generator Installation: 12 Things to Know

A power grid fail as Texas had in 2021 is unlikely in Arizona. But utility companies warn us there soon may not be enough summer electricity to go around. Fears of blackouts and brownouts have prompted many Valley homeowners to invest in whole house generator installation.

What You Should Know About Whole House Generator Installation

According to Consumer Reports, a whole-house generator
properly installed by licensed and certified electricians
could raise your home’s value by 3% to 5%…
home appraisers found that the installation…
yielded a 150% return on investment.

Standby emergency generators add value to your home. But they can give you peace of mind, which is worth even more. If you have infants, elderly, or health-challenged family members, extreme heat or cold can pose a health threat. Whole house generator installation can save the day when unexpected power outages occur.

Here are 12 things to know about whole house generator installation this year:

  1. Standby generators can sense when your electricity has been interrupted. Within seconds, your generator powers up. When electricity is restored, it shuts off and returns to standby mode.
  2. A permit is required for whole house generator installation in Pima County. In Maricopa County, a permit is required for any electrical work that requires a GFCI-protected outlet. Licensed electricians must apply for these permits.
  3. DIY (do-it-yourself) whole house generator installation will likely void manufacturers’ warranties.
  4. If property damage occurs resulting from a DIY generator installation, your insurance can deny coverage.
  5. A concrete pad is necessary for generator placement. If you don’t have a suitable site, arrangements must be made to build one.
  6. If possible, a natural gas-powered generator is the best choice for an emergency generator. LP/diesel will require a safe storage container.
  7. Whole house generators are quieter than portable generators. In fact, some portable generators can violate community noise ordinances.
  8. Generators self-test regularly, but you need to run it about once a month and schedule fall and spring electrical maintenance.
  9. Size matters. If you want to buy a specific brand from a big box store, that’s fine, but if you buy the wrong size, it will cause more problems than you need. It’s best to discuss what size generator will best serve your home before you buy.
  10. After the unit has been set up and is ready to operate, your electrician will arrange for a local inspection to approve the installation.
  11. Whole house generator installation sometimes takes 1-3 days but can be completed in as few as four hours.
  12. The wait time for whole house generator installation averages 6-8 weeks. Several permanent generator systems that are highly rated and considered among the best by consumers are sometimes backlogged.

Portable generators offer short-term solutions. Plus, you must pick and choose which appliances to provide power. But whole house generators are an investment. Newer models offer:

  • Fuel efficiency
  • Higher-quality automotive-type engines
  • Increased property value
  • Less maintenance
  • Liquid-cooled vs. air-cooled to manage longer operating times
  • Measurable ROI (return on investment)
  • More safety with fume-free operation
  • Quieter operations
  • Turn on automatically
  • Uninterrupted, whole-house power management

Control Your Power With TIO Electric Generator Installation

Homeowners today want better control of their water and electrical usage. It’s not just about saving money, although that’s important. It’s about saving energy to ensure we give future generations a sustainable legacy.

Generator and transfer switch installations are among the many electrical services we offer our residential and commercial customers. If you need more information about whole house generator installation, contact Turn It On Electric.

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Categories Electrical Wiring, Maintenance

Is Regular Electrical Maintenance Needed?

Electrical Maintenance

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.