Category Archives: Electrician

Electrical rewiring is a home improvement project you can feel good about. It increases your property value, of course. But it also increases safety. There are several reasons why you should seek residential electrical rewiring.

There are quite a few homes in the Valley that were built using aluminum wiring. It’s not that aluminum wiring can be fixed. Aluminum wiring should be fixed and the best way is to invest in residential electrical rewiring.

Aluminum Main Cause of Residential Electrical Rewiring

Most of us recall we switched from copper to aluminum for residential electrical wiring from 1965-1972. Aluminum proved to be a valid and safe electricity conductor. The problem was at the connections. Aluminum expands and contracts frequently and that tends to loosen connections.

If your home has aluminum wiring, you are 55 times more likely to have a house fire. It’s not worth risking loss of property and your loved ones’ lives.

We continue to use aluminum wiring in a lot of applications where lighter weight is an advantage. We use aluminum for main overhead power line wiring, for example. Residential aluminum wiring is not illegal, but many insurance companies won’t provide coverage for homes that have it.

It’s interesting to learn data about where we live. Most Tucson and Phoenix homes were built before 1940. Scottsdale new-home-building peaked from 1950-1979. Again, so many homes were built using aluminum that an electrical inspection to see if you need residential electrical rewiring is a good idea.

10 Reasons You May Need Electrical Rewiring in Phoenix, AZ

There are lots of reasons you may have breakers flipping or frequently blown fuses. It might mean you need home rewiring. Other indicators you should have residential electrical rewiring are:

1. Burning odor – Burning electrical wiring has a distinct smell.
2. Buzzing noises – Switches, outlets, and circuit breakers buzzing can be overloaded wires/circuits.
3. Flickering lights – Incandescent or LED lights shouldn’t dim or flicker.
4. Frequent lightbulb burnout – If one or more sockets use bulbs too quickly, it could be an indication of a bigger problem.
5. Hot-to-touch switches/outlets – This is another sign you likely need residential electrical rewiring.
6. Melted insulation – Faulty electrical wiring can melt certain kinds of insulation in your attic.
7. Outlet burned – Brown or black charring on or around an outlet’s contact openings means a small fire occurred.
8. Outlet/switch shock – A shock when you plug-in or turn-on is dangerous and should never be ignored.
9. Outlet/switch spark – If you see a tiny spark when plugging-in or turning-on, the wiring behind may be damaged.
10. Porcelain fuses – We have many homes built before the 1940s. Porcelain fuses were popular then and are unsafe now.

Call TIO Electric For Home Electrical Inspection

An electrical inspection is not an extreme or expensive process. It’s a very good idea when you are buying an older property. “Good old houses” sometimes have very solid, long-lasting electrical wiring. But sometimes they don’t.

• Adding an electric vehicle
• Extensive remodeling
• Installing high-powered electronic systems

…These are also good times to seek an inspection of your home’s electrical system.

Turn It On Electric is the best choice for licensed, experienced electrical inspection and rewiring in this part of Arizona. We’ll provide recommendations based on our findings and identify potential problems. You will receive our opinion of upgrades that can wait vs. hazards that should be corrected asap.

Call or contact TIO Electric, with offices in Tucson and Phoenix. Your safety is our priority.

Some great people have more heart than money. They are working hard to make energy conservation a reality for our planet and country. You don’t have to be a Peace Corps volunteer to care about energy savings. Arizona property owners are always seeking proven ways to save electricity.

5 Ways To Save Electricity

“Even people who could care less about carbon footprints care about saving money.” –Chad, CEO

Some ways to save electricity don’t change: Switching to LED lightbulbs saves energy. Then, turn off the lights when not in use. The Turn It On Electric team has researched many ways to save electricity.

Keep in mind, this is more than a way to earn bragging rights. Do the math. Your upfront investment must justify the long-term savings.

These are 5 proven standouts:

1. Air-dried clothing – This is something that is entirely possible in Arizona. The savings is about $50/year. Practitioners of this old-fashioned art say the value in getting a bit of outdoor exercise is priceless. (Washing clothes at night is helpful.)
2. Clean energy – Find ways to use alternative power sources as it might save energy and money. First, shop for lower electric service prices. Be sure to read the fine print. One of the most expensive electric companies in Maryland claimed to be the cheapest. In 2018, many homeowners switched before discovering the kilowatt add-ons. Massachusetts homeowners switch to a money-saving alternative company. They paid about $226 more/year between 2015-2017. “Green or clean power is cheaper than fossil fuels and has been for a while,” says one consumer advisor, “Lower monthly costs and cleaner energy should go hand in hand.”
3. Dimmer switches – Technology has made newer versions of dimmer switches that effectively reduce energy usage. Be sure to partner with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified electrician in Phoenix.
4. Lower water heater, raise refrigerator temperatures – Check your dishwasher’s settings before you do this: Dropping your water heater from 140° to 120° saves up to 22% in standby/water demand loss. (If you have chronically ill family members don’t do this at all.)
   For the fridge, try the thermometer test: Put a glass of water in the fridge overnight. The next morning, take its temperature. It should be between 37°-40°. Anything colder wastes energy and sometimes accidentally freezes refrigerated foods.
5. Smart power strips – The on-standby but plugged-in appliances and devices in your house are energy hogs. But unplugging all standby electronics isn’t reasonable or even sensible. A smart power strip can tell when an appliance or device – a printer, your home computer, etc. – is on standby. It blocks electricity from being routed to standby electronics.

Don’t believe in vampires? These 27 standby energy vampires are real:

1. Air Conditioner
2. Cable box
3. Cable modem
4. Cellphone charger
5. Clock
6. Coffeemaker
7. Desktop computer
8. DVD/Blu-Ray players
9. DVR w/cable
10. Electrical toothbrush/shaver
11. Fax machine
12. Furnace
13. Gas range
14. Inkjet printer
15. LCD monitor
16. Microwave w/clock
17. Musical instruments
18. Nightlight
19. Plugged-in laptop
20. Satellite TV box
21. Speakers
22. Stereos
23. Surge protector
24. TVs
25. Videogame console
26. Wall-mounted garage door opener
27. Wireless phone

For Energy Saving Ideas, Call TIO Electric

Almost all electrical home improvement projects require a licensed electrician. You just can’t risk property damage or family injury to save money. 

Turn It On Electric is the Valley’s LEED-certified electrical contractor. We care about making Arizona a better place to live because we live here too. If you have questions about home or business energy conservation, just ask. When you know more, you make informed decisions. Call or contact TIO Electric.

Always ask questions! When you learn more about any topic, you’ll make informed decisions. Turn It On Electric of Arizona is available to answer your questions about EV charger installation in Phoenix and surrounding communities. We encourage you to contact us before you buy, so you’ll make the right decisions for your home, lifestyle, and your energy-saving (money-saving) electric vehicle!

Some of the frequently asked questions we receive about an EV charger installation include:

Q: Does my electric car charger have to go in my garage?
A: The garage is the best location for many reasons. But not all Southwest homes have garages. Many have carports or stand-alone driveways. You can charge your car anywhere it’s safe. And the keyword is “safe.”

Ask your local electrician about the laws and regulations regarding outdoor charging stations. If your home will support it, you might be able to charge your vehicle without compromising power, but again; you need a professional electrician evaluation.

1. You’ll need an area outside your premises that allows you to run a cable from the EV to the dedicated outdoor charge point.
2. You\’ll need to take proper safety precautions to make sure no one trips or accidentally moves the charging cable.

Q: I didn’t buy a charger when I bought the car, can you still help?
A: It’s never too late. Most EV car purchases include a Level 1 charger. This plugs into your home’s standard 120-volt outlet. Many electric vehicle owners say it’s not adequate, so they purchase a Level 2 charger.
You’ll likely want a Level 2 EV charger installation. You should partner with a Phoenix professional electrician to get the fastest, most efficient, and safest installation.

Q: How do I know what electric car charger fits my car?
A: Charging an EV car is not exactly like pumping gas. It’s going to take longer. It’s also less about what fits your car and more about what fits your home. The EV charger that came with your car purchase may not be able to fully charge your car overnight. Forbes says to think Level 2: Level 2 = 240 volts.

To determine the right car charger for your home, consider:

• Cable length
• Cost
• Plug-in or hardwired
• Power/amps
• Safety certification(s)
• Smart vs. “dumb”
• Warranty

Q: What’s the best EV charger?
A: There are many chargers available on the internet from $200-$1,000 or more, but often they’re low-quality and cheap. They may not be safe. Your charger should be safety-certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (ETL). The best EV charger installation will include a 3-year warranty for the charger. Your local electrician should guarantee the quality of workmanship for an EV charger installation.

Q: Will I need a new electric panel for an EV charger installation?
A: A lot depends on how fast you need your car to recharge. A retiree that drives 2-3 times a week may be happy with the Level 1 charger that came with the car. If you’re a 5-days-a-week commuter, you need a powerful EV charger installation. You should schedule a home electrical evaluation by your professional electrician.
You need to know:

• Electrical load used by large appliances and probable future usage
• Home’s existing electrical usage
• Home’s square footage
• Make/model of your central HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system
• The charge rate you need for your level of driving
• Your existing service size (100amp, etc.)

TIO Electric is experienced in Tesla, Qmerit, and hybrid car charger installations for Phoenix- and Tucson-area residential and commercial properties. Ask us about EV charger installation options for your home. Contact Turn It On Electric today.

“I need a home electrician near me,” said a historical homeowner in Tucson. “Phoenix is at least 90 minutes away in good traffic.” If you’re in a bind, you want the best home electrician near you. Quickly.

The Best Phoenix and Tucson Home Electrician Near You

Phoenix is South-Central Arizona. It includes 24 municipalities. The East Valley encompasses:

• Chandler
• Gilbert
• Mesa
• Paradise Valley
• Scottsdale
• Tempe

The West Valley includes:

• Avondale
• Buckeye
• Glendale
• Goodyear
• Litchfield Park
• Peoria
• Surprise

…and more. The best home electrician near you in Phoenix is Turn It On Electric. Our 1725 W. Deer Valley #110, Phoenix, AZ, 85027 office is open 24/7.

Tucson is in Southern Arizona. TIO Electric serves homes and businesses in:

• Casa Grande
• Casas Adobes
• Catalina Foothills
• Coolidge
• Drexel Heights
• Florence
• Flowing Wells
• Floy
• Green Valley
• Marana
• Nogales
• Oro Valley
• Safford
• Sierra Vista

…and more. The best home electrician near you in Tucson is TIO Electric. Our 1 S. Church Avenue, Ste. 1200, Tucson 85701 office is open 24/7.

Time is valuable for today’s homeowners. You should have a local, certified electrician in your contacts under “E.” It’s the same way with HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and plumbing. The key is finding the right electrical contractor for you and your property.

8 Tips For Finding Your Electrician

You will never have a long wait time with Turn It On Electric because we send our professionals to sites with all the parts and tools to fix your issues on the spot. –Tim, Field Superintendent

“What should I do to find a home electrician near me?” Thanks to technology, you can enter locations in Google Maps. But proximity doesn’t matter if a home electrician near you has a slow response time. Or the electrical repair person shows up quickly (without the right tools).

Use these tips for finding your home electrician near you.

1. Continuing education – Ask your electrical contractor how often technicians receive continuing education. We are experienced with home electric vehicle charging stations, security systems’ technologies, smart thermostats, and more. Before we got that experience, we attended classes.
2. Experienced/here to stay – The test of a well-run business is how long it’s been in business. TIO Electric pros have served Phoenix and Tucson more than 20 years. We’ll be here for you when you need us.
3. Interview 2-3 electrical contracting companies – Ask about average pricings for various services. This gives you an idea of what’s typical in your community.
4. LEED-certified – Saving energy (and money) matters to homeowners today. Be sure your electrician is LEED-certified by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
5. Licensed, insured, bonded – Company workers should be insured against injury as well as your property. You want general liability insurance to protect your home and its contents. A surety bond is a promise that our deliverables will meet your standards.
6. Neighborhood connections – Subdivisions have Facebook pages and there’s always NextDoor. Ask about electricians near you and their quality of work.
7. Online testimonials – References and testimonials have changed customer service forever! Reviews are the best way to find home electrician near you. Look for 4-5-star reviews from trusted home services websites.
8. Proud – Our service professionals are just that. Professionals. They take pride in their work and their company.

TIO Electric: Invested in Your Home and Family

Perhaps you don’t have an electric car, security lights, or a home smart thermostat. (Yet.) When it’s time for your home’s electrical upgrades and renovations, your TIO Electric team of electricians will be there for you. We care about your safety and quality of life. We want to be the best home electrician for you. When you\’re ready, contact Turn It On Electric.

You’ve purchased your electric or hybrid vehicle! It’s exciting and you’re eager for this investment to do its magic. It will reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Now it’s time for your home electric car charger installation.

Electric Car Charger Installation Questions To Ask Your Electrician

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution…consumers and different electric vehicles have different charging needs. –Forbes

The “slow-speed charger cable” that came with your EV purchase charges between 2-5kW. You’ll quickly learn that’s not what you need. Forbes issued its “best home EV chargers” for 2021 and prices range from $369.00 to $1,099.99. Before you buy an EV home charger, you may want to consult with your local electrician.

Here are questions to ask:

1. Do you think I need an electrician? An honest electrician will tell you if a DIY (do-it-yourself) home electric car charger installation is safe. You may not need professional installation if:

• You have an existing 240-volt outlet
• You plan to use a portable Level 2 charger

2. Does it matter where my electric car charger installation is located? Location matters because you want the charger near or in your garage or driveway. An outdoor charger needs a different installation process to better protect it from the weather. If your circuits and plugs are insufficient, you may need more wiring/rewiring.

• If the installation is outside, it may be postponed during extreme weather events.
• Your charging station must be located at a point in which the car cannot hit it.
• Your electrician won’t install the charging station in an unsafe area (crawlspace or roof, for example).

3. Does my electric car charger installation need permits? Do I need a city, county, or both? Local codes vary. A professional Phoenix electrician will know what your community requires.

4. How much electricity do I need? This depends on the type of EV and how it will be used. The amount of electricity you need also depends on how quickly you want to home-charge your EV.

5. Is a professional inspection required after a home electric car charger installation? In some Phoenix communities, you’ll require a professional inspection following DIY charger installation.

6. Is my electrical panel okay or do I need an upgrade? This is determined by your existing electrical load. You may need to upgrade to 200- or 400-amp electrical service. Also, a dedicated circuit is needed. You may require a sub-panel.

EV Charger Installation Process

Your electrical professional must first inspect and determine your electrical requirements. The actual electric car charger installation by your family electrician should take about 2 hours. If you need more than a standard installation, you may be charged more.

Before the installation date:

• Clean the installation area and the area(s) the cable will run. Remove any clutter, dust, or debris.
• Write your Wi-Fi password correctly (upper/lower case letters, etc.) on a piece of paper. Your electric car charger use will likely require internet access.

Your electrician will confirm the installation date and time. During installation, your electrician will:

1. Drill access holes for the cable and clip the cable to a wall
2. Briefly turn on the electrical power supply to install the RCBO (residual current breaker with over-current)
3. Connect the RCBO to the main power supply
4. Complete installation with Wi-Fi internet access
5. Test the electric car charger installation for safety and ease of use
6. Demonstrate the charger and review what lights/switches mean
7. Provide contact information for questions/concerns you may have later

Learn more about your EV at-home charging options before you invest in a charging station. Contact Turn It On Electric today.