Electrician – Page 6 – Turn It On Electric

Should You Install Recessed Lighting Yourself?

Can You Install Recessed Lighting Yourself?

4May2021

This could be the shortest blog ever shared. The answer to the question “Should you install recessed lighting yourself?” is no.

But wait. There’s more.

Can You Install Recessed Lighting Yourself?

Okay, you can install recessed lighting yourself. But you shouldn’t.

If your name isn’t “Bob Vila,” here’s why installing recessed lighting is not a DIY (do-it-yourself) project:

Legality

Laws vary, but in most Arizona cities and counties, you need a permit for electrical work. If you’re going to disconnect the electricity, you will need a permit.

In Phoenix, replacing a luminaire with a new one requires a permit. Replacing bulbs or a ballast doesn’t. If work is taking place to the wiring outside the luminaire, a permit is required.

Electrical work must be in compliance with the National Electrical Code. Even if you obtain a permit, if your house later fails an inspection, you’ll have to pay for a professional redo. You’ll not only have to pay to have the electrical do-over; you’ll have to pay for the re-inspection.

Risk

When you work with any electrical component, you risk electrocution and fire. A small shock is what happens if you’re lucky. There are “only” 30,000 non-fatal shocks every year. There are 1,000 deaths per year from electrical wiring shocks. Your risk is proportionately higher if you aren’t familiar with junction boxes and switches.

Faulty wiring can go undetected a long time and you’ll think you did the job “right.” Years later, when the insurance company researches the damages caused by the fire, if the damages resulted from your DIY electrical wiring job, they can deny coverage.

Safety

A licensed electrical contractor in Arizona completes 5 years and a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. He or she must also have 900 hours of classroom training.

Your local electrician understands:

Blueprints
Electrical circuitry
Electrical theory and calculations
Risk management
Safety precautions
Soldering
Welding
Wiring

…Some of which is required to install recessed lighting in your Maricopa County home.

You can’t fix what you don’t see. There are hidden electrical dangers throughout your home. Most hidden electrical dangers are in the attic, the area most likely to come into play when installing recessed lighting.

You can’t do what you don’t know, either. Without education and training, most of us don’t know enough to install recessed lighting.

…Even Bob Vila knows when to use professional electricians.

Advantages of Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting first appeared in the 1940s. What’s amazing is, recessed lighting has never been out of style.

Adventurous decorators can install one recessed light and use it as a downlight to illuminate a single, valuable item. Normally you have 3 or more installed at the same time. They offer a consistent light option in addition to better illumination. Kitchens and other work areas use recessed lighting as task lighting.

Perhaps the biggest advantage is recessed lighting makes rooms appear larger. It’s perfect for small rooms with low ceilings. Patios and outdoor recreational areas use recessed lighting because it’s a clean, uncomplicated look.

Really, the only thing “complicated” about recessed lighting is its installation.

It’s Tougher to Install Recessed Lighting

Some people believe installing recessed lighting is not worth it. In addition to the additional electrical challenges, one website said not to install recessed lighting because “You have to cut too many holes and they all have to be the same size.” They all must be the right size, too, or you’ll have an even bigger problem.

When you have your local electrical professional install recessed lighting, all the obstacles and challenges – including, legal, risk- and safety-related issues – disappear. The project will increase your property value, can save energy while providing additional light, and allow you the freedom of protection while enjoying your lighting upgrade.

TIO Electric: What Have We Done for You Lately?

Some of the Turn It On Electric projects in your community include:

Accent lighting
Appliance circuits
Ceiling fan installations/repair
Circuit breakers/fuses
Code corrections
Data/communication lines installations
Electric water heater wiring
Exhaust fan installations/repair
Fluorescent lighting
Generator transfer switch installation
Ground fault interrupt circuitry
Hot tub/spa/pool lights/filters hookups
Landscape lighting
LED lighting replacements
Lighting design
Motion-activated security system installations
Outlets/circuits maintenance/replacement
Security system installations
Service panel upgrades
Smoke detectors installations/maintenance/replacement
Surge protectors
Tech troubleshooting
Track lighting
Transformer troubleshooting
VFD (variable frequency drive) motor installations
Whole-house generation installations

What can we do for you? Tell us your thoughts. We’ll be honest about what’s affordable, what’s reasonable, and what will save you money. Contact Turn It On Electric today.

Commercial, Electrician

Hiring an Office Electrician

31Mar2021

There are many types of electricians. Some electrical contractors are licensed to perform various services, including commercial work. When you need to hire an office electrician in Phoenix and Tucson communities, you should compare.

Differences in Residential, Office Electricians

Residential electrical work should be performed by a licensed electrical contractor. Often, the rework and repair needed to salvage your cousin’s electrical work are more expensive.

Office electricians are commercial electrical contractors. They work with your IT (integrated technology) team and building maintenance. Office electricians work in residential settings. But not all residential contractors have the experience to work on commercial properties.

Commercial Office Electricians

Commercial electricians of Arizona must have:

Completed an apprenticeship
900 hours of classroom training
Passed an exam

In Arizona you must also have:

4 years experience as a journeyman electrician
8,000+ hours of on-the-job training
Carry an L-11 license
Proof of having worked on 7 new projects
Proof of having worked on 8 maintenance projects

Commercial electrical services can include:

Components’ maintenance/replacement/installation
Emergencies
Energy-efficiency lighting upgrades/retrofits
General electrical inspections/maintenance
Landscape lighting
Panel maintenance/repairs
Recessed lighting
Wiring

Residential Electricians

Residential electricians must have completed:

Apprenticeship
900 hours of classroom training
Passed an exam

To carry the C-11 license, residential contractors must also complete 5 years (8,000+ hours) on-the-job training.

Residential electrical services can include:

Ceiling fans
Emergencies
Energy-efficiency upgrades
Installations
Landscape lighting
Panel replacement
Recessed lighting
Repairs
Security systems
Showcase lighting
Wiring

Other types of Electricians

Basically, there are two main categories for electricians:

Inside professionals – Inside electricians work with lower indoor voltages. They are experienced with commercial and residential systems, including solar panel installation.
Outside line professionals – These electricians install, maintain, and repair higher-voltage outside systems.

Other categories for licensed electricians include:

Maintenance electricians inspect, repair, maintain, and upgrade existing electrical systems. Sometimes the job includes diagnosing equipment and machinery problems.
Some commercial electricians specialize in industrial electrical troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair. They understand the electrical requirements of large equipment and machinery.

Office Electricians Have 3 Certification Levels

Residential and commercial electrical professionals are:

Apprentices – Apprentices work under supervision of a commercial electrical contractor or company.
Journeymen – These electricians are licensed Arizona electrician.
Masters – Master electricians are the highest level of certification. They meet Arizona state standards for electrical contractor licensing.

5 Reasons to Retain An Office Electrician

Turn It On Electric supports local businesses whenever possible and appreciates when others do the same. We have served Maricopa County companies and outlying communities for 25 years. We understand the challenges companies and property owners face and we will always work with you to solve problems quickly and affordably.

Even if your business is small, a dedicated property and office electrician makes sense:

When an emergency arises, you won’t need to vet 5 companies to find one that’s right for you.
Your building maintenance team will have a go-to when they have questions.
Your employees won’t wonder who to call for electrical problems when they can’t reach you.
Your IT team will appreciate having a professional electrician to contact when they need answers fast.
Your property and business space will have exactly what it needs. If your business requirements are different than a previous tenant’s, let’s not wait for a crisis to find out.

Turn It On Electric commercial office electricians live and work in Phoenix Metro, Scottsdale, Tucson, East Valley and communities surrounding them. Contact us today to learn more.

Electrician, Maintenance, Residential, Safety

Can You Repair Your Circuit Breaker Box?

31Mar2021

Circuit breaker boxes came into use in the 1960s and represented “a new age of resettable devices,” unlike traditional fuses that had to be replaced when they blew. The newer, more technical terms are “electrical service panel” or “electrical panel.”

Circuit breaker box repair is also more technical today. It simply isn’t your grandma’s breaker box.

Circuit Breaker Box Repair and SES

To understand circuit breaker box repair, you must have a fundamental knowledge of SES (service entrance section). The SES is the outside electrical service point where electricity enters the house. Its components are one hot cable and 1 neutral cable that run from the utility wires to an inside entrance line. That line connects to the electrical service panel.

10 Signs You Need Circuit Breaker Box Repair or Replacement

If your electrical panel is more than 20 years old, you should prepare for replacement. The 2021 cost to replace an electrical panel is between $851-$4,000. The cost depends on your location, architecture, size of your home, and the number of circuits you need.

Wiring problems can sometimes be managed with repair, not replacement. You may need connections tightened or components replaced. If you have a Zinsco brand breaker box, it must be replaced.

Signs you need replacement include:

Age – Circuit breaker boxes can last up to 40 years. If your electrical panel is more than 20 years old. If you have fuses instead of circuit breakers, consider an upgrade. Your system’s wear-and-tear depends on:
- Manufacturer
- Number of power surges in your area
- Use
Appliance upgrades – Large electronic appliances pull more power, especially smart appliances. If you have a kitchen renovation with all-new appliances, consider an inspection by a licensed electrician.
Burning smell – It might be plastic or wood but it is critical. Contact your electrician immediately.
Direct damage – If something heavy falls into your circuit breaker and it suffers direct damage, contact your local electrician to inspect it for safety.
Feels warm – If you feel any heat coming from your electrical panel, contact your electrician immediately.
Frequent breaker tripping – This is protecting your property from fire and it’s a red flag. It’s an indicator you need a circuit breaker box repair or upgrade.
Lights dim/flicker – Your lights shouldn’t dim or flicker when you draw extra power by turning on a vacuum cleaner, for example.
Noises – Hissing, popping, buzzing…all are warning signs. Your electrical panel may be repaired unless you “let it go” too long. Then, you’ll need a replacement.
Rust/corrosion – This means your electrical panel has suffered water damage. You need the panel inspected. You also need to find the source of the leak.
Too many power strips – This means you don’t have enough outlets and you’re taxing the system that was originally installed. You will need circuit breaker box repair or replacement.

Common Causes of Electrical Panel Problems

Rust and corrosion are obvious signs of electrical panel problems. The two main causes of panel issues are inadequate capacity and overcrowding.

A ten-year-old home probably has a 200-amp electrical panel. That’s sufficient for an average residence. Homes built before 1990 and starter homes may have 100-amps. That’s not likely to be sufficient to accommodate today’s electrical devices and smart appliances. Overcrowding and inadequate capacity occur when you’re trying to pull 200-amp service from a 100-amp panel.

The Best Way to Avoid Circuit Breaker Box Repair

Savvy homeowners retain a local, trusted and experienced electrical contractor. Your electrical maintenance company will track your home’s inspections, upgrades, and remind you when it’s time for your annual inspection. You’ll never be surprised because you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your home’s electrical system.

It’s a small investment that can prevent major expenses.

The best way to avoid circuit breaker box repair is to contact Turn It On Electric. Our team of electrical service professionals is eager to partner with you for safer, more energy-efficient living.

Electrician, Jobs

4 Electrician Jobs FAQs

8Feb2021

If you’re looking for a job by a licensed, certified electrician, contact Turn It On Electric. We serve Maricopa County, Pima County, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and nearby neighborhoods and communities. We don’t consider a job well-done until you say we did a good job.

If you’re looking for a job as an electrician, contact Turn It On Electric. We serve Maricopa County, Pima County, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and nearby neighborhoods and communities. Our values and culture attract only the best employees. If that’s you, read on and discover our electrician jobs to learn more.

Electrician Jobs FAQs

1. Q: How can you tell an electrical services contractor is “the best?”
A: Ask your potential employer how many call-backs the company had last year. Too many call-backs indicate poor quality work.

Community involvement is another indicator that a company is invested in its business enough to promote itself through good works or support.

Finally, look at awards/testimonials, etc. Turn It On Electric has favorable ratings with:

Angie’s List – 2020 Super Service Award
Better Business Bureau – A+ rating
Home Advisor – 2020 Best of Home Advisor winner

2. Q: How does a good electrical services company communicate?
A: Communication skills are vital to electrical services professionals. Here’s why:

Building a client base – Communicating to customers that you want to be here for them when they need you builds a valuable customer base. You want families and other businesses to be able to say, “Turn It On Electric is our company and >your name here< takes care of us.”
Customer choices – Effectively explaining their problem to customers is just the beginning. A professional electrician will be able to also explain options; what’s most cost-effective now and what will be the best choice for the long run. Communication skills build trust.
Customer service – Communicating with customers helps them make informed decisions. When you have unexpected issues on a job, being able to explain why will relieve customers’ doubts and increase confidence. If you can share ways to lower their electrical/energy bills or offer valuable tips, that takes customer service to a superior level.

3. Q: How is work scheduled?
A: Emergencies don’t keep office hours. A good electrical contractor company is available 24/7. TIO Electric technicians take turns being “on-call.” That means, just like doctors, when you’re on-call you have to be available and able to work responsibly with short notice.

4. Q: What’s it like to work at TIO Electric?
A: The owner of Turn It On Electric has been working in Maricopa and Pima county communities for over 25 years. He understands the challenges faced by working “in the field.” He knows how electrical contractor projects can become stressful. You’ll not only work with your Turn It On Electric team. You’ll be working with other contracting companies, commercial property owners/managers, and homeowners.

The About Us tab on Turn It On Electric’s website features biographies about each member of the team because that’s what we are: A team. No one person is more valuable than another. Every employee drives our business. Your ideas for better productivity and ways to increase our customer base will be respectfully evaluated. You’ll have job security if you have a customer-first attitude and excitement about what we do.

Have More Electrician Jobs FAQs?

We care about our company and the people that make it great.

NASA’s Carl Sagan said, “There is no such thing as a dumb question.” It’s true. What you don’t know can prevent you from making good career choices. If our electrician jobs FAQs didn’t answer all your questions, let us know. Contact Turn It On Electric to learn what kinds of job opportunities are available.

Electrician, Residential

Working with a Residential Electrician in Tucson, AZ

8Feb2021

Every remodeling project or new-home build involves working with contractors and subcontractors. “The most common problems that homeowners experience on remodeling projects are cost overruns, missed deadlines, and results that don’t match their expectations,” says HomeAdvisor. “And almost every time, such problems stem from miscommunication.”

Hiring the best Tucson electrician is possible. When working with a residential electrician in Tucson, communication before and during the project is essential. Start by asking questions.

10 Questions to Ask A Residential Electrician in Tucson

Maybe this is the year you’re finally building your own home. Perhaps you’re planning a renovation project or an electrical lighting upgrade.

One way to avoid problems when working with an electrical contractor in Tucson is to ask questions:

Do you have links to your online reviews?
Do you have insurance that covers your workers, clients, and property damages? Are you able to provide proof of insurance?
Have you completed a similar job?
How long do you think my project will take?
How long have you been in business?
How much will you personally be involved in my project?
What is your Arizona ROC license number?
What is your physical business address?
When could we meet in person to discuss my project?
When will you be able to start?

Pay Attention to Red Flags

Here are several signs you’re dealing with the wrong residential electrician in Tucson:

The company doesn’t have a website
Does not have proof the company is licensed, insured, and bonded
Doesn’t have any professional or community affiliations
Doesn’t provide a lot of details about the project
The initial price quote is almost too good to be true
Is unable to explain the project stages to you using words you understand and dodges questions about safety
Says the job is too small to need a contract
Shows up late for meetings
Smells so strongly of cigarette smoke (or other kinds of smoke) that you don’t want the smell in your home
Unprofessional appearance; clothing, demeanor
Wants entire payment up-front
A work vehicle is dirty and in disrepair
You can’t find online testimonials or references

\"\" — Our new vans for Turn It On Electric electricians.

It’s Never Too Late to Demand Good Work

Unfortunately, several signs you’re dealing with an unreliable residential electrician in Tucson appear after-the-fact. Trust yourself and always trust your instincts. If you don’t think your job was finished correctly, make sure. If you have a gut feeling there’s something “not right” about the way the electrical contractor left the job, go with that feeling.

If an electrician walks away from your project too quickly or doesn’t solve your electrical problems, speak up. Get a second opinion if you need to, but don’t “let it go.” You could face additional expenses later or worse – risk your safety.

Other signs your electrical project wasn’t completed by a reputable Arizona electrician include:

Acted impatient when you had questions
Didn’t have the right tools
Had to go to the local hardware store for parts multiple times
Left exposed wires
Made a mess; didn’t clean work area afterward
Wore a t-shirt that had an offensive message

Your Residential Electrician in Tucson: Turn It On Electric

Sometimes a reputable company does a bad job. It happens. If you suspect your electrical project is incomplete or unsafe, contact Turn It On Electric.

We want to be your residential electrician in Tucson. Tell us your ideas and let’s see if we can structure an exciting, affordable home project this year.

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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!