Lighting Archives - Page 4 of 13 - Turn It On Electric

Lighting, Residential

Pendant lighting for your new home

6Jul2021

Pendant lighting is the use of hanging or suspending a ceiling light fixture. It’s one of the more versatile types of lighting that can serve as an accent, general, or task lighting. These lights can be installed indoors or outside as part of a pool/patio setting.

Pendant Lighting and Other ‘Illuminating’ Home Improvement Projects

The way to determine ROI (return on investment) for any home improvement project is based on:

The amount of energy savings you’ll realize
The increase in property value
Increasing enjoyment of your home

Electrical home improvements with the highest ROI include upgrading light fixtures and adding or upgrading ceiling fans for greater energy efficiency. In addition to being solid investments in your property value, these lighting improvements can qualify for tax incentives when they are combined with:

Repairs/improvements to home office
Resale-focused home improvements
Smoke detector and fire alarm additions/upgrades

How and why you use pendant lighting is up to you. But there are many advantages to electrical upgrades as part of any home improvement project, including installing pendant lights.

Best Places to Install Pendant Lights

When it comes to pendant lights, odd numbers seem to be more eye-pleasing: 1, 3, 5… rather than 2 or 4. You can install pendant lighting in any room. But if you hang more than one light, allow for plenty of space between the fixtures; they shouldn’t appear clustered together.

Here are some of the rooms and ways many homeowners consider:

Bathroom – There are no rules here. A tiny, crystal chandelier is an attractive addition to any bath setting. Rustic or industrial pendants can give the room a unique look.
Kitchen – Above kitchen islands is the most popular place to install pendant lighting. They illuminate counter surfaces efficiently and they look terrific. “In some cases, they can be the star of a room,” says one reviewer.
Dining room – Pendant lights work well in the dining room for the same reason they work well over kitchen islands. They illuminate an important area and you won’t bump your head on them.
Foyer – When you think about it, a pendant light is basically a type of chandelier. One dramatic pendant light in the foyer works well. An eight-foot ceiling isn’t the ideal place for a chandelier but a pendant light is perfect. Ceilings have been getting higher lately. This means the chandelier vs. pendant light arguments are more frequent.

Chandeliers vs. Pendant Lighting

Chandeliers just look nicer in foyers and rooms with tall ceilings. So, ceiling height is a big consideration when deciding between chandelier and pendant lighting.

Use these measurements as a guideline:

Diameter – Follow the “one-third” rule. The diameter of the light fixture should be no more than 1/3 the length of the space. In the bath, the sink or tub is the space. In the kitchen, your island should be the base for measurement. In your dining room, the table is the space.
Height – There should be about 7´ between the floor and the bottom of the chandelier or pendant lights. For islands, dining rooms, and bathroom counters, allow at least 30\” between the bottom of the light and the countertop or table.
Weight – Before you buy a chandelier, ask your family electrician if your electrical box (and the ceiling) will support the weight.

Phoenix Safety-First Electrical Pros

Turn It On Electric professionals care about safety first. Your safety. Whether you choose a pendant or any other lighting style, using energy-efficient LED bulbs is important. Call Turn It On Electric to learn more about home improvement lighting projects, security lighting/camera installation, or any other project you’re considering. We can discuss the turnaround time and your budget, then partner to make it happen.

Lighting, Residential, Tucson

Tucson Lighting Upgrades: Everything You Need to Know

4May2021

The majority of Tucson homes were built 1970-1979. This means Tucson lighting upgrades are at the top of home improvements in Pima County. Lighting upgrades depend on what you want and need.

Do you want smart upgrades that reduce energy and save money on monthly energy bills? Do you want to increase your property value? Would you like to simply make your home more attractive and comfortable?

You can have all of that this year with residential Tucson lighting upgrades.

Fifteen Trending Tucson Lighting Upgrades

Lighting choices “can make or break” a room’s design and mood, says Better Homes & Gardens. It’s true: Use these ideas to give your rooms a new look and save energy.

You’ll be surprised how good you’ll feel with these 15 Tucson lighting upgrades:

Add decorator exterior light fixtures. Landscape lighting is an attractive addition to a home’s value, but what about adding a dramatic outdoor light fixture? Do away with those boring door/entrance lights and place an attention-getting outdoor fixture. Garage light upgrades will improve the curb value of your home.
Balance rooms with natural light when you can.
Be aware of scale. That dramatic kitchen chandelier shouldn’t overpower the entire room. Example: If your room is 10×10 feet, choose a light fixture about 20\” in diameter.
Choose the room’s focal point. If all the lighting is the same size and style, your vision seeks clarity. A dramatic chandelier over the kitchen table makes a huge difference. It should hang about 30 inches from the tabletop.
Consider layered lighting, even in tiny guest bathrooms. A lamp will enhance the room and give it an entirely new feel. Use a smaller bulb; lower wattage.
Get a lighting control app for your phone. If you don’t want to walk into a dark room, simply turn on the light beforehand. This is great when you’ve been away from home. And if you hear a suspicious noise somewhere in the house, turning on a light is a crime-stopper.
Install dimmer switches wherever possible. They save energy and can change the atmosphere of your room.
Install security lighting. A well-lit home perimeter is an important security measure. Motion-activating lights are theft deterrents. If you have elderly loved ones, pathway lighting is another safety measure you should consider.
Replace holiday lights with LED. Now’s a good time to sort and discard all those energy-hog holiday tree and outdoor lights. You’ll lower your December electric bill. Your replacement bulbs can last as long as 30 years.
Replace old ceiling fans. Let’s face it, they are fabulous upgrades if you don’t have one. But if you have an older, dated style of ceiling fan it just looks bad.
Replace the oldest light fixture in the house. This one change will make a big difference in home value, energy savings, property value, and the room itself.
Switch switches. New light fixtures respond better with new light switches.
Upgrade media lighting. You need less ceiling lighting and more lamps in the television room. Also, install good light-control window treatments. You can utilize natural light when you need it and block it when you don’t.
Upgrade the lightbulbs you use most often. EnergyStar® bulbs can save 75% in energy use; about $40-$135 per bulb.
Use lighting in unexpected ways. A low-hanging pendant light over a bedside table is one idea. You could uplight a corner plant or artwork.

Turn It On Electric Is Tucson’s Choice For Lighting Upgrades

As you prioritize your home’s Tucson lighting upgrades, be aware of the savings you’ll see in energy charge (kilowatt-hours actually used) and demand charge (peak amount of electricity used). You want the maximum energy savings for the most affordable, attractive light fixtures.

Electrician, Lighting, Residential

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, Lighting, Residential

What is Recessed Lighting?

31Mar2021

Recessed lighting has made a comeback in a big way. This interior décor trend enhances homes and offices across the country. What is recessed lighting? What are the advantages or disadvantages of recessed lighting?

What Is Recessed Lighting?

Recessed lighting is a light fixture installed into an opening in the ceiling. The light focuses downward and sometimes these lights are adjustable and dimmable.

Recessed lighting was developed in the 1940s but didn’t become popular until the 1970s. Their use dropped off until the 2000s. Now that we have LED bulbs and smart technology, recessed lighting is being installed like never before.

Recessed lights are also referred to as:

Canister lights
Down lights
Pot lights

Older homes with recessed lighting installed 20 years ago may now have dropped ceilings. The original recessed lighting might be covered by insulation. This is a big fire hazard and needs to be managed by your local electrical contractor.

Recessed Lighting Components

The three parts of recessed lighting are:

Bulb – Pre-LED, bulbs for recessed lighting were a problem. Incandescent and halogen lights were often used. They produced more heat and used much more energy. LED bulbs come in a variety of colors and you won’t need to change the bulb for 10-20 years. LED bulbs are energy-efficient.
Housing – The housing is the base of the light fixture, usually hidden within a wall or ceiling. It houses the electrical connections. Pre-LED, housing for recessed lighting had issues too.
Trim – Trim is the visible part of recessed lighting and can be decorative. It may include baffles, reflectors, shades, and can be a variety of colors and materials.

Considerations: Lighting Colors

When you opt for a recessed lighting upgrade, the light color is a major consideration. Recessed lights can be dimmable but the primary color is important. The colors are measured in Kelvin.

Cool, bright white – 6500K; the brightest end of the home and office spectrum
Soft, warm white – Interior lights for home and offices, usually 2700K
Warm, white light – 2700K-3200K for an inviting, pleasing atmosphere
Work lights – 5000K adds a bluish tint to white lights; best for intense/extended work settings

How Many Recessed Lights Do You Need?

One general rule is to measure your ceiling and divide it by 2. That means if your ceiling is 8´ high, you should space recessed lights four feet apart.

Here’s another formula:

total sq. footage x 1.5 = total wattage needed

total wattage ÷ 60 watts (or the wattage you need)
= total amount of recessed lights

Example: 240 sq.ft. room x 1.5 = 360 ÷ 60 (bulb wattage)
= 6 recessed lights needed

Why Choose Recessed Lighting?

The advantages of recessed lighting are numerous. LED bulbs are 5 times more energy-efficient than traditional lighting. Recessed lighting improves your property value, but it also makes each room appear larger. This is a psychological advantage if you’re selling your home in a buyer’s market.

Recessed lighting is an affordable upgrade that delivers dramatic results; perfect for:

Recessed lighting installation is not a DIY (do-it-yourself) job. The code and wiring requirements for our area of Arizona should be followed. Also, if property damage occurs as the result of a DIY light installation, your insurance company can deny coverage.

The paperwork and peace of mind of professional overhead light installation are too valuable to ignore.

TIO Electric: Your Project Partners

The national average cost for recessed lighting installation in 2021 is $130-$150 per fixture. This includes materials and labor. There are many variables that can affect the price. One is your location in the U.S. Other variables include the complexity of your structure and if your Arizona electrical contractor offers a bulk installation discount.

Contact Turn It On Electric to discuss prices for recessed lighting installation in your home or commercial building. Your project is affordable and doable. Let’s get started!

Commercial, Lighting

5 Tips for Light Bulb and Ballast Replacement

8Feb2021

Facilities managers and property owners don\’t always understand light bulb and ballast replacement.

Without a ballast to limit its current, a fluorescent lamp connected directly to a high voltage power source would rapidly and uncontrollably increase its current draw.
lrc.edu

Light bulb and ballast replacement also saves money by lowering energy bills. If you’re new to facilities management or commercial property maintenance, ballasts can be confusing.

What You Need to Know About Light Bulb and Ballast Replacements

“A ballast is the functional heart of a fluorescent or HID light source,” says lighting pro Terri Duncan. The ballast ensures a light bulb stays lit by managing the distribution of energy throughout the fixture.

1. Not all light bulbs require a ballast. Halogen, incandescent, and LED bulbs do not require a ballast, but some LEDs are engineered to work with your existing ballast. (LED ballasts are called “drivers” and every LED needs a driver to operate.)

Fluorescent and HID (high intensity discharge) bulbs require a ballast.

2. There are two types of ballasts for light bulb and ballast replacement: magnetic and electronic. Electronics are usually more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

3. For light bulb and ballast replacement you must know the type of light, quantity (1-4), and voltage.

Type of light – Fluorescent, etc.
Quantity – Lighting fixtures or lamps have 1-4 fluorescent bulbs (aka “lamps”).
Voltage – The U.S. uses 120-volt electrical systems.

4. You can DIY (do-it-yourself) some – not all – light bulb and ballast replacement and management:

Buy the correct replacement lamps. Not all 4-foot fluorescent bulbs are created equally. And replacement components should always match the original’s performance characteristics.
Check dimming pre-sets quarterly. Pre-sets rarely need to be changed, so you may ask your electrician to lock them.
Clean fixtures. The fixture’s output can be substantially reduced by dust accumulation. Have a professional electrician do this annually.
Record ballasts published ballast factor. You’ll need it to analyze if your lamps are actually delivering the promised amount of light.

5. You need an electrician for ballast and light replacement. One FAQ (frequently asked question) on AskingLot.com is, “Do I need an electrician to change a ballast?” The answer is always yes.

If damages occur as a result of your DIY ballast and light replacement, your insurance company can refuse to cover repair/replacement costs.

Many properties must retain commercial electrical services to remain compliant.
Your local electrician has the necessary tools.
Your safety is important.

Signs you have a bad ballast are:

Buzzing
Flickering
Low/inconsistent light
Slow-to-start

Turn It On Electric Is Your Light Bulb and Ballast Replacement Company

Retail businesses especially depend on service providers that can work after-hours. But sometimes light bulb and ballast replacement has to take place during store hours.

That’s why so many businesses prefer Turn It On Electric. If business interruption is necessary, we will work as quickly as possible to get you back to normal. We’re respectful of your need to give customers and clients their space. Quietly. Efficiently. Safely.

Creating a maintenance schedule for your commercial property can minimize emergencies. It can also save money. Your electrical applications will provide maximum output and better energy efficiency.

Contact Turn It On Electric if you have questions about commercial electrical service, including light bulb and ballast replacement.

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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!

Category Archives: Lighting