Categories Electrical Wiring, Home Automation, Residential

Smart Switches Versus Smart Bulbs

smart bulbs

Home automation will someday be “automatically” built-in to homes under construction. For now, smart bulbs, smart plugs, and smart switches are the trending home automation improvements. Electrical upgrades can increase your property value. Technology advancements like smart switches will also give your property an edge in a competitive housing market.

What Are Smart Switches?

Smart switches are replacements for traditional light switches. They give you auto-control over a room’s lighting, including bathroom vanity lights that are wired to one circuit. You can control smart switches using a phone app. Or not. You can activate lighting with word(s), for example, “Let there be light!”

Smart switch lights can be triggered by motion; walking into your walk-in closet, is an example. The switches can be set to turn off after so many seconds or minutes of no-motion.

You can’t combine a smart bulb and a smart switch in one room (usually). So, it’s best to choose one or the other. If you surveyed a hundred experts which are best, odds are all of them would say smart switches. They’re simply easier to use and pose fewer challenges than smart bulbs.

Smart bulbs can change colors, which you must admit, is fun. However, “If you have no desire for color-changing bulbs, then you don’t really have a decision to make. Smart switches are the better choice for sure,” says Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) attorney and economist Eric Blank.

What Is a Smart Bulb?

A smart bulb is an internet-capable LED lightbulb. It allows you customization capabilities. You can schedule and control your lighting remotely.  Smart bulbs are one of many home automation upgrades Arizona homeowners are choosing to improve quality of life and sustainability.

To clarify, smart lightbulbs save money and energy because they are LED lights. LEDs are always a smart choice. But most of us use “dumb” LED lightbulbs throughout our homes, and they save the same amount of money and energy.

Many homeowners learned the hard way that when installing smart lightbulbs, your on/off light switch becomes a liability. Unsuspecting visitors will flip a light switch. It’s almost instinctive. And flipping the switch sidelines your smart lightbulb.

That “Don’t Touch!” sign taped to the light switch is quite attractive (not).

TechTarget says smart lightbulbs may pose security risks to personal information:

As with all IoT products, smart bulbs can become an attack vector. …researchers from security consultancy Context were able to gain a network’s password at a 30-meter distance from the targeted smart bulb… without any prior authentication or alerting.

Smart Switches Are Smarter

Smart switches controlled by electronic devices like cellphones are terrific. You can turn on the lights shortly before arriving home. If your Ring™ doorbell senses motion in your yard while you are away, turn on a few rooms-with-windows lights to deter would-be trespassers.

If your WiFi internet is interrupted, smart switches still work, just not remotely. You won’t forget how to turn the lights on and off by flipping the wall switch with your finger. Problem solved.

Your smart lightbulbs are toast if your WiFi goes out. Smart bulbs are often connected using a Bluetooth hub. Homes located in areas that have iffy WiFi connectivity often return to dumb lightbulbs. They’re simply easier than smart bulbs.

TIO Electric: Smart Home Wiring Professionals

Installing smart switches requires electrical experience and professional knowledge. It’s simply never safe to DIY (do-it-yourself) when working with electricity. We will ensure your smart switch setup is effective and efficient as we:

  1. Partner with you to install the light switch that best meets your needs
  2. Know your wall’s behind-the-scenes setup
  3. Work with existing wiring type(s)
  4. Update your wiring configuration to accommodate your smart switch
  5. Test the installation

Smart switches are worth it! To learn more, contact TIO Electric.

Categories Electrical Wiring, Residential, Safety

Preventing electrical fires: 7 ways

preventing electrical fires

An electrical fire is the worst kind of electrical emergency. Preventing electrical fires with an annual electrical inspection is a great idea. An electrical inspection will either give your home a “clean bill of health” or identify risks. 

Preventing Electrical Fires at Home

Home fires are heartbreaking. Here are several methods for preventing electrical fires:

1. Don’t Use Damaged Power Cords

If a device has a cracked, frayed, or loosened power cord, have it repaired or toss it. But don’t plug it in again.

2. Extension Cords Are Not Permanent

Any time you use an extension cord, it should be for a specific project with a measurable timeframe. If you’re using an extension cord to power appliances or electronics, contact your local electrician to discuss safer options.

3. Heed Warning Signs

There are indicators you’ve got an electrical problem or risk. If you ignore those warning signs, you’re putting your home and family at risk. Some warning signs are:

  • Burn marks/discolorations around a socket, outlet, light switch/fixture
  • Burning smell from appliance or plugged-into outlet
  • Flickering light
  • Frequent circuit-breaker trips
  • Hot/warm-to-the-touch appliance, outlet, power cord
  • Shock when you plug-in electronic/appliance
  • Sparks when you plug-in electronic/appliance

4. Never Cut Off or Remove the Third Prong

If you have ungrounded outlets (2-prong receptacles) in your Tucson or Phoenix home, you need to request an electrical upgrade for safety reasons. But never, ever remove or cut off that third prong on a plug-in. It’s there for preventing electrical fires from power surges or malfunctions.

5. Read Appliance Directions and Follow Them

Before you toss your new washing machine’s instruction manual in a drawer, read it. There may be valid warnings for preventing electrical fires. There may also be information about registering online for product recalls or dangers that are revealed months or years later.

6. Stop Vampires

An energy vampire is any plugged-in appliance that continues to use power from an electrical outlet, even when idle or turned off. It’s understandable if you can’t unplug an intricately pre-programmed electronic (like your television) every time it’s not in use. But your toaster, gaming device, blender, hairdryer, charging plugs, and more can be unplugged.

Make a list of plugged-in appliances in every room. Ask yourself:

  • Does it charge something using batteries?
  • Does it have a continuous display (LED clock, for example)?
  • Does it have an external power source (i.e., power adapter)?
  • Does it use a remote control?

If you answered yes to any question, that appliance is an energy vampire. Heat-producing appliances especially (like toasters and curling irons) can overheat when plugged in for long periods of time.

7. Update Your Wiring

Good old houses are wonderful in design and aesthetics. But some historical elements should be updated, especially old wiring.

If you see behind-the-scenes electrical wires running through porcelain tubes, it’s called “knob-and-tube” wiring. These should be replaced with grounded wires. And if your home has aluminum wiring, replace it with safer materials, like copper. An upgrade will safely increase your home’s amperage to accommodate the demands of today’s electronic devices. Ask your insurance professional if a wiring upgrade can lower your premiums.

Your Safety Is Our Priority

Despite your best efforts at preventing electrical fires, they can occur. Keep fire extinguishers in at-risk areas like the kitchen, garage, etc. Inspect all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working properly.

To learn more about electrical safety in Arizona, contact Turn It On Electric.

Categories Electrical Wiring, Residential

What is a double-tapped circuit breaker?

double-tapped circuit breaker

Electrical professionals repair a lot of double-tapped circuit breakers. It’s often considered a minor defect, but any electrical fire risk is a major problem.

Breakers can be single-pole or double-pole. A double-tapped circuit breaker occurs when two “hot” circuit wires are connected to one terminal of a single-pole breaker. This can cause loose connections, overheating (which trips the breaker), and arcing, all of which are electrical fire hazards.

Why Do I Have a Double-Tapped Circuit Breaker?

The reason you have a double-tapped circuit breaker is probably because your panel box didn’t have enough space to connect all the necessary wiring. An unethical electrical technician or a DIY (do-it-yourself) homeowner may have done it at some point in your home’s history to avoid buying the 2-circuit hardware or – what was needed – replacing the panel box.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) doesn’t have a specific code that states a double-tapped circuit breaker is illegal. But Code 110.3(B) says, “Equipment that is listed, labeled, or both shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.”

One study guide also adds as an example, that installing a GE circuit breaker in a Cutler-Hammer electric panel just because it fits doesn’t mean it’s right. Using another manufacturer’s circuit breaker in the wrong panelboard violates NEC 110.3(B) and violates the product listing.”

That means double-tapping is a code violation because manufacturers only allow one wire installed.

Why You Need an AZ Experienced Electrician

If you examine your breaker box, you should find a label that says the device is designed for one or two wires (conductors). If it’s designed for one but you have two, it’s double-tapped. The way most homeowners learn they have a double-tapped circuit breaker is when they have electrical issues. A local electrical professional can show them the double-tapped circuitry that is causing problems.

Never attempt to repair a double-tapped breaker. DIY electrical work puts you at risk for shock or electrocution. It also increases the risk of a house fire. When you weigh the time and money DIY electrical work requires, it’s always cheaper (and healthier) to trust your family electrician.

If you have an untrained person handle the repair, you may get a quick fix that is as dangerous as the original problem. It may be okay if your electrician chooses to “pigtail” the wiring inside the panel box if the circuit breaker isn’t overloaded. But your circuit breaker likely is overloaded; that’s part of the problem.

  • Adding another, separate breaker is an option, but again… If your panel box is at full capacity, there won’t be any availability for another single breaker.
  • If the manufacturer label indicates it’s okay, a tandem breaker with 2 one-pole connections might work. Your electrician will tell you if the panel’s data plate says a tandem breaker installation is safe.

Your circuit breaker should not exceed 75% of the unit’s load capacity rating. It should never carry 100% of a non-continuous load in addition to 125% of any continuous load. A professional electrician knows this and can explain it.

Turn It On Electric professionals are licensed, trained, bonded, and insured. They care about your home and safety. If you want an expert circuit breaker electrician in Phoenix or Tucson, contact TIO Electric.

Categories Electrical Wiring, Residential

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?

circuit breaker

We continue to amass more electronic devices, all of which need regular charging and re-charging. And if you’re like a lot of people, you have one or more power strips hidden in your home office or entertainment unit. Then you plug in just one more thing. Your circuit breaker tripping is a good thing. It was designed to shut down when faced with a potentially dangerous electrical situation.

Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping: Reset, Reset…or Solve the Problem

Q: What do a circuit overload and a short circuit have in common?
A: They are both dangerous and they both cause circuit breaker tripping.

Circuit Overload

If you have several appliances plugged in at the same time and it causes your circuit breaker to trip, that’s an overload. There’s no “right” number of appliances that can plug-in to one outlet. The overload has more to do with the amount of electricity (amperage) the appliances are trying to draw from an overburdened system.

Electrical wires are rated to determine how much amperage they can manage. An overload means your demand exceeded a wire’s amperage ability. This can cause the wire to overheat, and that’s a fire risk.

Short Circuit

Electrical flow can be measured in phases. When the current flows from point A to point B, that’s phase one. If there’s an interruption or a deviation in phase one, that’s a short circuit. It can be a “direct short,” within one phase or a phase-to-ground short; a “ground fault.”

A direct short sends a large amount of current through the wire, unrestrained and unrestricted, and it’s a fire risk. A ground fault is equally dangerous. It means the current flowing through the wire touched something; a metal obstacle. This can also cause a fire.

What To Do When the Circuit Breaker Trips

You’re in the master bath. You plug a hairdryer into an outlet in which a curling iron is on high and an uncharged electric toothbrush is charging. The lights go out and all appliances turn off. That’s circuit breaker tripping. Normally, we reset the circuit breaker, unplug the toothbrush, and life goes on.

Here’s how to reset your circuit:

At the circuit breaker box, you can usually see the flipped handle for a particular area of the home in which the power shut down. If not, you’ll need to know which breaker handle is designated for the master bath. (It’s a good idea to have breakers labeled “kitchen appliances,” “laundry,” “bathroom countertop,” etc.)

It’s also a good idea to keep a flashlight near your circuit breaker box.

To reset the tripped circuit breaker, move the handle to the off position. Then flip it back on. We recommend you stand back or wear safety goggles to protect your eyes in case any sparks fly. (This is tricky: A spark could be from a wire and a one-time occurrence. If a spark comes from the panel, shut everything off and call us.)

Electrical Service for Phoenix, Scottsdale, Areas, AZ

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s a sign something’s wrong with the circuit or your circuit breaker is going bad. You need to schedule an electrical service call.

In addition to frequent tripping, if you notice:

  • The breaker flips off as soon as you reset it
  • A burning smell coming from the breaker box
  • Scorch or burn marks on the breaker
  • Signs of overheating; melted plastic on the breaker

contact Turn It On Electric immediately.

Never:

  • Allow an unlicensed repair person to attempt an electrical repair
  • Attempt DIY (do-it-yourself) electrical repair unless qualified/trained
  • Handle wet electrical equipment/appliances

Always:

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Categories Electrical Wiring, Residential

Are ungrounded outlets safe?

ungrounded outlets

Ungrounded outlets are extremely dangerous. Globally, they are the leading cause of house fires. If your property has ungrounded outlets, the odds are high that you have other electrical issues: frayed wires, hidden bad wiring connections, and more.

4 Reasons Why Ungrounded Outlets Are Unsafe

Ungrounded outlets are susceptible to electrical shorts or arcing. (Electrical “arcing” is when an electrical current “jumps” or flashes from one connection to another. These electrical arcs can reach temperatures of 35,000°F and will burn insulation or wood framing.)

Ungrounded outlets can cause:

  • Fire – Without grounding, arcs, sparks, and misdirected electrical charges can ignite nearby materials like furniture, carpet, curtains, or insulation.
  • Fire risks – In the Maricopa County area there are still thousands of homes built before and during the 1960s. Many of these homes have ungrounded circuits. They also may have wiring materials that need to be upgraded.
  • Shocks – If you’ve experienced a small electrical shock, it was quick and painful. It didn’t send you to the hospital, but it’s a red flag there is an electrical problem that needs fixing.
  • Shorted-out appliances – Ungrounded outlets can immobilize electrical appliances. When they short-circuit, they are often destroyed. Before you replace your blender or hairdryer, you need to replace your ungrounded outlet.

Electricity is negatively charged, so it always tries to flow to the positively charged earth using whatever source is available. If the nearest source is you, you’ll receive a shock. Grounded outlets can prevent this from happening.

Do I Have Ungrounded Outlets? Can I Ground Them?

GFCI outlets are ground-fault circuit interrupters. They monitor the flow of electricity and alert you immediately if there’s a problem. We measure electrical flow in amperes and milliamperes. If there’s an inconsistency in electrical current that is more than 5 milliamperes, a GFCI will trip the power source.

Since 1962, the National Electrical Code (NEC) has required grounded outlets. Most older homes that have been bought and sold since then have been inspected and their ungrounded outlets replaced and rewired.

If your good old house has ungrounded outlets, you can’t simply buy a new 3-prong outlet and replace the old 2-prong outlet. The only safe way to ground an ungrounded outlet is to rewire the circuit following NEC standards.

To determine if your home has any ungrounded outlets, examine all electrical plug-ins. If it has only 2 prong holes, it is ungrounded. If a plug-in has three receptacles (prongs), it doesn’t mean it’s grounded. In fact, an ungrounded 3-prong outlet increases the risk of shock or electrocution. If you use this outlet for electronics, they can be power-surge damaged or destroyed.

Why Replace Ungrounded Outlets?

Speak with a qualified electrician to confirm if you should replace ungrounded 2-prong outlets that are working properly. You can still buy ungrounded outlets. But with today’s electronics, your home’s wiring won’t be able to keep up with the demand.

You are required to have GFCI outlets in:

  • Bathrooms
  • Crawlspaces
  • Garages
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry areas
  • Patios/outdoors areas
  • Pools/any water areas (water fountains, etc.)
  • Unfinished basements

You can tell if GFCI outlets are working correctly by using the test button on them before you use an electrical device. The button should shut the power to the outlet off if it’s working correctly. If your GFCI doesn’t have the test button, that means it could be a spin-off of another, primary GFCI outlet.

For information about ungrounded outlets and replacements, contact Turn It On Electric.