Category Archives: Electrical Wiring

A one-time tripped breaker may occur and it’s nothing more than that: a tripped breaker. But if your breaker keeps tripping, there are several reasons. Angi (aka “Angie’s List”) offers explanations for why you might have a tripped breaker and what you can do about it.

When a Tripped Breaker Has You ‘In the Dark’

Your circuit breaker makes electricity possible in your house. Without it, the danger of fires would be too great to justify having electricity. Circuit breakers cut the power if your electric current surges. We call that “tripping the breaker.”

A tripped breaker can be a frustrating or even frightening experience. Common causes of a tripped breaker are:

• Circuit overload
• Ground fault surges (the electric current pathway “opens up” too much)
• Short circuits (the electric current takes the wrong path)

Circuit Overload

Your electrical capacity tops out at a certain flow. It can happen while the washing machine is running, someone is microwaving, and another person is blow-drying hair.

The top appliances that cause circuit overloads are:

• Extension cords
• Fans
• Hairdryers
• Irons
• Old refrigerators
• Vacuums

Ground Fault Surge

A ground fault surge occurs if a “hot” wire touches a grounded wire or any grounded part of your circuit breaker system. The electricity flow gets redirected to the ground.

Short Circuit

A short circuit is another response to your electric current going in the wrong direction. If a hot wire connects with a neutral wire in an outlet, the heat causes your circuit breaker to trip.

What To Do if Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

When your circuit breaker trips, you simply reset it. You do this by looking into your circuit box and with dry hands, switching the flipped switch back to the “on” position.

If you see visible rusting in your breaker box, there’s been some kind of water damage and you need a professional Phoenix electrician to inspect it. Any warmth coming from your breaker box is dangerous. If you see or smell any burning or melting in your breaker box, call 602-837-3368 immediately.

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, causes include:

• Age
• Arc/ground fault
• Overloaded/short circuit
• Wiring issues

Sometimes we can repair or replace your circuit breaker box. It’s better to act on electrical issues sooner rather than later. You need to contact your Maricopa or Pima County electrician to safeguard your home and family.

You Need a Breaker Box Replacement If…

If your breaker box has fuses instead of circuit breakers, it’s old enough to warrant an upgrade. Any time there’s hissing or popping noises when you plug in an appliance, it’s dangerous, so don’t delay. Another clue you have electrical issues is when you have loaded power strips in your office or other rooms. If your lights flicker or dim when you turn on a vacuum cleaner, for example, you may need a breaker box replacement.

We ask our friends and neighbors (like you) to let us know when you’re planning a major renovation project that includes all-new kitchen appliances or the addition of a spa/hot tub. Your voltage requirements may exceed your wiring capabilities.

25 Years of Superior Electrical Service

Turn It On Electric was founded on the principle that our company’s superior customer care and integrity are never to be compromised. Our first consideration is always, “How can we help?”

When you need a Phoenix electrical contractor with extensive circuit breaker experience, call the TIO team. Our Tucson TIO Electric office specializes in commercial as well as residential electrical services. Contact us to learn more.

Electricity was introduced into North American homes in the late 19th century. Copper was considered the best material. During the 1960s, the cost of copper rose dramatically, and aluminum wiring was a cost-effective option. Even then, we knew it wasn’t the best choice, but it was affordable. We had no idea of the challenges when discovering how to fix aluminum wiring.

Why We Had to Learn How to Fix Aluminum Wiring

In terms of thickness and strength, smaller gauges are stronger. Before we switched to aluminum, copper wiring was 14-gauge. To compensate, we installed 12-gauge aluminum but we didn’t alter the way the wiring was installed.

We began to notice problems, especially with overheating. Standards were revised to accommodate the issues, but not until thousands of homes were constructed. Some of the problems were:

• Age and rust – When copper wires age, they rust and the oxide on the metal is as electrically conductive as when new. But when aluminum rusts, the oxide interferes with electrical flow. It can cause overheating.
• Aluminum is softer than copper – Electricians immediately noticed the aluminum wiring was easily nicked or crushed. The damaged wiring created “hot spots” and caused overheating.
• Copper wires expand less than aluminum – There was ongoing expansion and retraction as the wires heated and cooled. This caused aluminum wires to slip out from their connections. The loose connections then overheated.

Pigtailing is a Temporary Fix

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says, “Unfortunately, failing aluminum-wired connections seldom provide easily detected warning signs. Aluminum-wired connections and splices have been reported to fail and overheat without any prior indications or problems.”

We decided the fix was to attach copper wiring to the aluminum connection. The process is called “pigtailing.” Copper’s strength and durability would be where it was most needed, at critical connection points.

When done properly, the connections and terminals are made properly and no damage is done to the aluminum wiring, it’s safe. If it’s not done correctly, an even greater risk of failure and overheating/fire can occur.

The Takeaway: Schedule a Whole-House Wiring Inspection

Rewiring your home is expensive. But it will increase the value of your home because the upgrade offers an additional safety factor. Aluminum wiring is a risk. A ding anywhere in the wiring can cause a hot spot that can catch insulation or the wiring itself on fire.

It’s worth it to ask your insurance company if replacing your wiring can lower your premium payments. But so many companies refuse to insure homes with aluminum wiring it may raise a red flag, especially if you opt not to rewire your home.

Your first step is to call Turn It On Electric. Let’s schedule an inspection to determine if there are any high-risk wiring areas. Don’t let cost cause you to attempt electrical retrofitting or rewiring. If property damage occurs later after a DIY (do-it-yourself) wiring project, your insurance company could refuse coverage. Plus, you’re putting your family at risk. It’s never worth it.

Safety First With TIO Electric

Following your inspection, we can create an affordable project plan that may include a payment plan or project phases. We can repair the most dangerous areas first then tackle the whole-house rewiring in more affordable segments.

Turn It On Electric provides residential and commercial service to the Phoenix Metro area including:

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

…and nearby communities. Contact us with questions.

In Maricopa and Pima counties, we have about the same number of new homes as we do 80-year-old homes. Most Phoenix-area houses were built between 1970-1999. But your home doesn’t have to be pre-World War II to consider electrical rewiring.

Electrical Rewiring Facts

Electrical wiring should last 50-70 years if installed correctly. A lot depends on prior renovations and the wiring’s sheathing. The wiring itself is a conductor. The “sheathing” is a flexible plastic material that protects the wiring.

You need electrical rewiring if your home’s wiring is ungrounded or damaged. Damaged sheathing can often be repaired. But ungrounded wiring means you don’t have a ground wire to connect the circuit to the panel.

Some of the factors that influence your home’s need for electrical rewiring are:

• Advances in electrical safety codes can mean your wiring is unsafe.
• Environmental factors can directly affect electrical wiring.
• The electrical wiring may now be faulty due to unpermitted remodeling, unlicensed “handyman” electrical repairs, or DIY (do-it-yourself) electrical rewiring.
• The original contractor may not have installed the electrical wiring correctly.

11 Electrical Warning Signs

If your home is more than 40 years old, it’s a good idea to ask your local electrician to inspect your home’s wiring. If your home’s rewiring is even older, there’s no need to wait for these electrical warning signs:

1. Arcs/sparks from outlet when you plug/unplug a cord
2. Burning smell
3. Buzzing/sizzling sounds
4. Cracked, cut, broken insulation
5. Dimming/flickering lights indicating the circuit is overloaded or has a loose connection
6. Electrical shock when you plug in/touch cord
7. Frequent blown fuses/tripped breakers
8. Hot/discolored switch plates, cords, plugs
9. Lightbulbs that burn out too soon in a particular socket indicates the fixture can’t handle the bulb wattage
10. Loose outlets
11. Over-amped/over-fused electrical panel

…Arrange for an electrical inspection this year.

State Farm* recommends periodic electrical inspections for any age home. Here are common situations that justify an inspection.

If:

• There have been major home improvements
• You have aluminum wiring
• You rely on extension cords for power
• You’ve added major new appliances that could strain your electrical system
• Your home has ungrounded, two-prong outlets
• Your home is more than 40 years old

…You should arrange for an electrical inspection sooner, rather than later.

TIO Electric Services Include Electrical Inspection

Savvy homeowners have their heating and cooling systems checked fall and spring. Annual plumbing inspections are routine for many homeowners. You don’t have to wait for an electrical hazard to arrange for an electrical inspection. It’s just logical.

Your home’s probably your biggest investment and it just makes sense to protect it.

A residential electrical inspection includes checking for and testing:

• DIY wiring
• Electrical hazards
• Exposed wires
• Level of service
• Lighting
• Noncompliant electrical items
• Outdated wiring
• Powerbox
• Powerpoints
• Safety switches
• Smoke alarms
• Uncovered wiring

Turn It On Electric serves Phoenix and Tucson-area communities. Our team is licensed, bonded, & insured. We invest in continuing education because technology moves fast: We want to be able to knowledgeably speak to electrical advancements that will improve your quality of life and save energy.

Contact TIO Electric if you have questions. We’re passionate about your safety.
__
*Turn It On Electric does not recommend nor endorse any insurance service provider. This information is for educational use only.