Categories Electrical Wiring, Maintenance

Is Regular Electrical Maintenance Needed?

Electrical Maintenance

Diligent commercial property owners and leaseholders depend on electrical maintenance for safety. Regularly scheduled electrical maintenance is a priority for residential property owners too. Why is this electrical service so important?

Commercial Properties & Regular Electrical Maintenance

Commercial electrical maintenance ensures efficient, uninterrupted operations for any type of business. Commercial property electrical maintenance is not only needed, but it’s also necessary. It proves owners or lessees are providing a safe environment for workers and customers. For this type of maintenance, a commercial electrical contractor is required.

Maintenance frequency depends on your industry and operations. (Manufacturing companies rely on the efficiency of their electrical systems more than office buildings. But digital businesses usually depend on electricity more than retail.)

Look for a local commercial electrician who:

  • Can cite examples of commercial projects
  • Communicates clearly/responds quickly
  • Delivers guaranteed quality work on time using industry-best practices
  • Gets good reviews/testimonials
  • Has a reputation for ethical business practices
  • Is invested in your community
  • Provides required permits for local commercial/electrical projects

Electrical Maintenance & Central AZ Homes

You can and should do your own regular electrical maintenance. Simply walk about the house, inside and out, to examine outlets and plugs.

We also recommend you regularly:

  • Check breaker box for signs of damage/deterioration
  • Examine electrical cords for damage/deterioration
  • Inspect smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detector
  • Make sure bulbs are recommended wattage for each fixture
  • Review your utility bills/ look for unusual spikes in usage
  • Schedule residential electrical maintenance

…and always unplug appliances that aren’t in use to reduce vampire energy loss.

Why is regular electrical maintenance important to Arizona homeowners? Safety is the most significant reason but there are other considerations. For example, your family electrician can share smart-home upgrades available in your area.

Home electrical maintenance service is an investment that can pay for itself:

  • Increase electric efficiency (save money)
  • Prevent problems (save money)

If there’s a weather-related event that leads to area-wide electrical issues, electricians will be in big demand. But our maintenance clients are always at the top of the list for service.

Single-Family Rentals & Electrical Safety

The residential rental market is set to explode in 2023, as travel and home prices increase. Whether it’s a short-term or long-term rental property, you’re responsible for the home’s structural safety.

Electrical maintenance can reduce tenant turnover, which saves a great deal of money and stress. Electrical maintenance can also keep your property value high in a competitive real estate market.

Electrical Maintenance: What We Do

A Phoenix home electrical inspection can uncover problems and safety risks of which you might be unaware:

  • Aged/deteriorating wiring
  • CO/smoke alarm dead batteries
  • Code violations
  • Damaged circuitry box
  • Exposed wires
  • Outdated circuitry
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Uncovered wiring
  • Ventilation issues
  • …and more

Your electrical maintenance visit may include an inspection of:

  • Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)
  • Breaker box labels
  • Cables/wires/anchoring
  • Electrical panel
  • Electrical ventilation
  • Environmental ratings
  • Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
  • Lightbulb wattages
  • Outdoor electrical systems
  • Outlets
  • Security lighting systems
  • Shock hazards
  • Surge protection
  • Unused openings

Turn It On Electric the Phoenix Electricians

Angi and Yelp recommendations are a good way to research service providers.

They did exactly what we asked them to do and then some.

This was the only company I could find that would do repairs on outdoor landscape lights. I called a half-dozen other companies and they flat-out told me they didn’t do landscape lights.

We keep coming back to TIO because they’re thorough, on time,
and communicative.

We recommend electrical maintenance for your homes and commercial properties. We care about your safety and Arizona’s energy efficiency. And we want to be your local electricians.

For more information, contact TIO Electric.

Categories Electrical Wiring, Maintenance

Can Electrical Wiring Be Water Damaged?

water damaged electrical wiring

Monsoons are seasonal winds and rainstorms that occur mostly in Southeast Asia. Did you know Arizona has a monsoon season too? It’s normally from June-September every year. However, Phoenix welcomed January 2023 with more rain in 2 days than it had in the first 6 months of 2022. Heavy rains can cause flash flooding in our area. If your electrical wiring gets wet, it’s dangerous.

What Happens If Electrical Wiring Gets Wet?

Water conducts electricity. When paired together, water and electricity are a deadly duo that can lead to property damage and life-threatening risks.

Wiring in wet areas – bathrooms are the best examples – is protected by GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets. If the plug-in or the outlet is wet, it can trip your circuit breaker as a warning. It might cause a small shock. It’s dangerous but not nearly as dangerous as what happens if electrical wiring gets wet repeatedly or for a long period of time.

Your home’s electrical wires are wrapped with protective insulation. But prolonged exposure to water can cause the insulation to erode. That can cause rust and wire deterioration. It can cause mold to form around the wiring, which is also a health risk.

  • If exposed wires come into contact with each other, a house fire can occur.
  • If you come into contact with exposed wires, fatal shock (electrocution) can occur.

Do not touch exposed wires that are currently or have been wet or submerged. You can use a low-heat hairdryer or fan to dry wet electrical wires following water exposure.

You absolutely must have a professional electrical inspection as soon as possible. If you’ve suffered flooding and/or if outlets have been submerged for several hours, you will most likely need to replace your electrical wiring.

There’s also the possibility wires have gotten wet but you weren’t aware of electrical damage from moisture. Signs your wiring may have water damage include:

  • Any burst water pipe or plumbing event involving leak/flooding – If flooding occurs:
    1. Turn off the main power.
    2. Unplug everything.
    3. Call a local electrician for a safety inspection.
  • Buzzing sound from switches, outlets, or light fittings
  • Circuit breaker frequently trips
  • Visible damage to outdoor lighting outlets, boxes, or fittings
  • Water leaking from a switch, outlet, or light fitting – If this occurs:
    1. Turn off the main power.
    2. Unplug anything plugged into the outlet and don’t plug anything in until it has been inspected.
    3. Call a local electrician to inspect the wiring.
    4. Call your plumbing professional to schedule repairs.
  • Water trickling down wall(s)

Why You Need Electrical Inspection for Water-damaged Wiring

Peace of mind is a good enough reason to have an electrical inspection following a residential water-damage event. Your family electrician can not only ensure your home’s wiring is undamaged but may also find:

  • Degraded electrical wiring and components
  • Electrical mistakes made during construction or by previous homeowners
  • Energy loss areas
  • Other fire hazards/risks
  • Outdated wiring
  • Oversized fuses/breakers

An electrical inspection can include:

  • AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupters) operations
  • Cables/anchoring in other areas
  • Electrical appliance/equipment ventilation
  • Electrical panel
  • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) electrical delivery ratings
  • Grounding
  • Labeling breakers
  • Lightbulb wattage
  • Outdoor electrical systems
  • Outlet operations
  • Security lighting
  • Shock hazards
  • Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
  • Surge protection

TIO Electric New Year Resolutions

In 2023, Turn It On Electric will continue prioritizing employment and career development for veterans and others interested in becoming professional electricians. We’ll continue providing customer-centric electrical services for homes and businesses in and around:

  • Anthem
  • Cave Creek
  • Chandler
  • Gilbert
  • Glendale
  • Mesa
  • Paradise Valley
  • Phoenix
  • Scottsdale
  • Tempe

Our resolution for 2023 is to increase our service efficiency. We want to partner with even more of our neighbors for the best home electrical solutions. Let’s make our homes and businesses safer and more energy efficient than last year!

If you have questions about electrical wiring, contact TIO Electric.

Categories Electrical Wiring, Maintenance, Residential

When your gfci keeps tripping

When your gfci keeps tripping

You’re stepping out of the morning shower. The overhead heat lamp begins generating warmth. Your wife’s curling iron is plugged-in on the counter. When she enters the room and flips the switch on her hairdryer, that’s it.

Every appliance on that circuit is off. It’s not the first time this has happened, so you know it’s time to correct the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) problem.

GFCI devices have saved lives and property. When your GFCI keeps tripping, it’s a heads-up. One engineer calls this “nuisance tripping.” But don’t let the word “nuisance” reduce the importance of this protective feature.

Since the expansion of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) requirements to include single-phase receptacles up to 50A and three-phase receptacles up to 100A, we’ve seen a trend of increased GFCI nuisance tripping…Henderson Engineers

If the GFCI keeps tripping, there’s likely an equipment or wiring issue. Never ignore this nuisance.

Why Your GFCI Keeps Tripping

Have you ever pondered a social problem and wondered, “Why doesn’t somebody do something?” Every year there are as many as 400 home-related electrocutions. The GFCI is one solution to that problem, thanks to Charles Dalziel. In 1965, Dalziel patented his ground fault circuit interrupter “to prevent a lethal dose of electricity, specifically before the electricity can affect your heartbeat.”

A GFCI outlet measures power. It was designed to react quickly if there is a surge of 4-5 milliamps (a very small variable). It shuts down the circuit as a safety measure.

When a GFCI keeps tripping, it’s doing what it’s supposed to do. Before calling your local Valley electrician, try this:

  1. Unplug all the appliances on the GFCI circuit.
  2. Reset your GFCI (It’s usually the red button).
  3. One-by-one, plug-in and turn-on each appliance. If one appliance trips the GFCI, that’s your problem. It’s the appliance and your local electrician can’t repair your hairdryer (or coffeepot, electric skillet, etc.)
  4. Every appliance works fine but your GFCI keeps tripping. The problem could be:
    • Bad GFCI circuit – These are complex, highly responsive devices. They wear out or can be damaged. If this is the problem, call your electrician.
    • Overloaded circuit – Reset the circuit on your fuse box and do the plug-in/turn-on test again but this time leave your appliances plugged-in. If it trips again, you may need a dedicated circuit to manage that particular area. Call your Phoenix electrician.

Pima, Maricopa Counties’ Residential & Commercial Electrician

Turn It On Electric professionals have served The Valley for over 25 years. That means we’re invested in this area. We’re invested in you.

Safety is our primary motivation, followed by high-quality workmanship and continuing technical education. When TIO electricians discuss your problem by phone, we won’t pressure you to schedule an inspection (or a free quote) unless your family or property is at-risk.

Never let money jeopardize your property’s safety. If your electrical project can wait, we’ll tell you. But if you need electrical work now, we’ll connect you with affordable, flexible financing that works with your budget.

We have experience in commercial and residential landscape lighting, security systems, and more. If you have questions about your GFCI circuitry or are planning electrical upgrades this year, contact TIO Electric.

Every time a light turns on, thank an electrician. When it doesn’t, call Turn It On!®

Categories Electrician, Maintenance, Safety

When you need an industrial electrician, call Turn It On Electric

When you need an industrial electrician, call Turn It On Electric

Industrial electricians are needed for specialty electrical work. We need industrial electricians for specialty electrical repair and maintenance in:

  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Multifamily housing
  • Security and landscape lighting for acreages
  • Warehouses

…and more.

Additional skills beyond residential wiring are required for any facility that has more complex electrical systems than single-family homes. As a facilities manager for:

  • Commercial property
  • Manufacturing property
  • Medical property
  • Temperature-critical storage

…in The Valley, you need an experienced industrial electrician.

Keep Things Running With an Industrial Electrician

There are codes, regulations, and safety requirements for a commercial property you don’t have with residences. You must have regular electrical inspections and professional electrical maintenance. You want electrical repair service sooner rather than later.

Electrical problems that occur at your place of business can result in major problems…There is no telling how many people may have to stop what they’re doing until the problem is resolved. For major corporations and small businesses alike, ceasing operations for any amount of time can be detrimental.

Chad Ridenour, Owner | Turn It On Electric

Do you have business tenants relying on communications with customers using electronic equipment? An electrical outage can be a financial disaster for them.

Your industrial electrician should be knowledgeable about and experienced in:

  • Commercial wiring
  • Communicating clearly
  • Complex project management, including large scopes of work
  • Control systems
  • Delivering superior quality workmanship
  • Demonstrating pride of ownership and taking responsibility for a project
  • Full-spectrum lighting – This type of lighting is used in many offices and creative professional studios. It simulates natural sunlight which increases productivity, reduces eyestrain, and lessens fatigue.
  • Generators
  • Giving up-front quotes
  • Having a reputation for ethical business practices
  • Other local businesses and in particular, your competitors
  • Providing an expected turnaround time
  • Reacting and responding quickly
  • Smart electric controls/sensors and information technology (IT) integrations – It’s important to be able to educate offer facility managers about up-to-date technology options. When you know more, you make informed decisions.
  • Three-phase wiring
  • Town/city/county/state electrical requirements and codes
  • Transformers
  • Ways to save energy to reduce expenses

When You Need an Industrial Electrician for Hard FM Services

Soft facilities management services are tasks that improve the appearance of the property and the wellbeing of its tenants. Good examples of soft FM include mail management or providing cleaning/janitorial assistance.

Electrical repair and maintenance is a hard FM service. It is onsite and requires an onsite building service for integrated systems. These are large systems (HVAC units, for example) that cannot be removed for repairs. Arizona facility managers use a professional commercial or industrial electrician for liability purposes.

Why Should You Choose TIO?

Turn It On Electric began its Maricopa County business by specializing in industrial electrical services. Since then, we’ve expanded to include other commercial electrical contracting work plus residential installations and repairs.

We earned our success as well as high ratings and great testimonials, but we never take anything for granted. We support our local community because being able to give back is important to us.

We’re the electricians other electricians call when they have questions. Contact TIO Electric if you have questions, too.

Categories Electrician, Maintenance, Residential, Safety

Can You Repair Your Circuit Breaker Box?

Can You Repair Your Circuit Breaker Box?

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Burning smell – It might be plastic or wood but it is critical. Contact your electrician immediately.
  4. Direct damage – If something heavy falls into your circuit breaker and it suffers direct damage, contact your local electrician to inspect it for safety.
  5. Feels warm – If you feel any heat coming from your electrical panel, contact your electrician immediately.
  6. 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.
  7. Lights dim/flicker – Your lights shouldn’t dim or flicker when you draw extra power by turning on a vacuum cleaner, for example.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

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