Residential – Page 23 – 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, 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!

Baby Proofing, Residential, Safety

Everything You Need to Know About Tucson Baby Proofing

31Mar2021

Residential electrical accidents in Tucson are few and far apart. Pima County residents are diligent homeowners and even better parents. If you live in Tucson, baby proofing is something you care about.

Even if your children are in elementary school, don’t relax your guard for home safety. Tucson baby proofing is a good idea for any home in which children live and play.

Tucson Baby Proofing and Child Safety

Your kids, grandkids; all children visitors should be able to move freely and safely in your home. Here are some Tucson baby proofing tips for homeowners.

Get on the floor. Literally, lie on the floor in every room and look around to see what a crawler or toddler sees. If something might be dangerous, fix it. You don’t take chances when it comes to kids’ safety.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries in children.

Attach barrier along banisters/railings.
Attach furniture that can be tilted/toppled to the wall.
Avoid playgrounds with concrete/hard surfaces.
Consider wall-mounted television for flat screens.
Do not use cribs with drop-side rails.
Don’t let kids lean on window screens.
Examine playground equipment for open spaces and be there to catch them.
Install stairway/bedroom safety gates.
Never use accordion gates.
Secure outdoor play equipment.
Use museum putty to secure heavy shelf items.
Use window guards and locks.

Approximately 100 children die every year from electrocution.

Young children, particularly toddlers, experience electric shock most often when they bite into electrical cords or poke metal objects such as forks or knives into unprotected outlets or appliances. These injuries can also take place when electric toys, appliances, or tools are used incorrectly… Christmas trees and their lights are a seasonal hazard.
–healthychildren.org

Tucson Baby Proofing for Electrical Safety

Preparing for a new family member is an exciting time! And the time when they become curious crawlers isn’t far off.

The terms “wall outlet,” “electrical receptacle,” “plug-ins,” and “electric outlets” are synonymous. They are the most likely sites for electrocution. If your Tucson home was built after 2008, it has tamper-resistant electrical outlets. If your home is older, ask your local electrician to replace receptacles.

Here’s what you need to know about Tucson baby proofing and child electrical safety:

Do:
- Be vigilant about frayed cords
- Make family rules about who can plug-in/turn-on electronics
- Provide opportunities to use electronics under supervision
- Watch electrical safety videos together
Don’t:
- Leave appliances plugged-in when not in use
- Put electronics near water
- Put fun/colorful items near electrical outlets
- Work with electronics, cords, outlets, etc. while children are watching
Hide electrical cords. Curious babies put everything in their mouths.
Long cords are strangulation hazards. Get cord shorteners, cord sleeves, or covers.
Safeplates cover electrical outlets to provide another child safety option.
Unplug unused electronics. Put toasters, hairdryers, etc. out of sight.
Use outlet plug caps. They’re cheap. Children watch you and will mimic pulling out an outlet plug cap.

Powerstrips Increase Danger

Imagine a power strip from a baby’s perspective. Holes, cords, a flip-switch… It’s another version of a Playskool® learning toy to them.

There are several powerstrip issues.

First, if you’re using a lot of powerstrips, you need a professional electrical inspection. You may be overloading your wiring and need an upgrade.

The powerstrip’s unused outlets are a shock hazard. But toddlers can and will unplug what’s plugged in. Invest in a childproof power strip cover. Then duct-tape all gaps and cords.

TIO Electric Offers Tucson Baby Proofing Inspections

A Turn It On Electric pro will inspect your home and offer childproofing suggestions. Your electrician may spot other issues that need attention, as well.

During these inspections, we most often hear, “The baby won’t ever be alone in that room…” He or she will be in that room as soon as possible. Never take chances with children.

Contact Turn It on Electric to schedule a Tucson baby proofing inspection today.

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.

Electrical Wiring, Residential

Is Aluminum Wiring in Homes A Safety Hazard?

16Mar2021

Most of the houses built in Tucson were built between 1970-1979. In Phoenix, the majority of housing properties were developed between 1990-1999. Throughout our state, the median home age is between 30-40 years old. Aluminum wiring in homes has a bad reputation, and some of it is well-deserved.

Aluminum Wiring in Homes: What You Need to Know

Aluminum wiring in homes was improved in the early ’70s to enhance safety. It was completely phased-out a few years later. Some service wires coming into homes today, as well as 240-volt circuitry, have aluminum wiring. It’s fine.

The danger comes from “aluminum branch circuit conductors installed from…1965 to 1972,” says a Minneapolis home inspector. The wires that support 15- and 20-amp circuits, connecting to outlets, switches, lights, etc., “had a lot of problems.”

Aluminum wiring expands and contracts at a high rate, leading to loose connections. Connections between aluminum and copper can cause oxidation. These are fire hazards.
Aluminum wiring replaced copper around 1965.
Between 1965-1972, over two million homes were wired with aluminum.
Many homes caught fire and people died as a result of aluminum wiring.
Pre-1972 single-family residences wired with aluminum were 55 times more likely to reach “fire hazard conditions” than copper-wired homes.
Aluminum wiring in homes failed at connection points, such as splices/connections between wires, outlets, circuit breakers, switches, lights, etc.

Why You Should Consider Rewiring Your Home

Over half of home electrical fires are due to wiring problems. There are many reasons to consider rewiring, but you may not need it. Before you make the investment, have your local electrician check. Perhaps aluminum wiring in homes did not affect your Arizona home’s construction.

Warning signs you need to replace your wiring include:

Arcs/sparks from any outlet
Burning smell
Buzzing/sizzling sounds
Cracked, cut, broken insulation
Dimming/flickering lights because circuit is overloaded/has loose connection
Frequently blown fuses/tripped breakers
Hot/discolored switch plates, cords, plugs
Lightbulbs burn out too often in 1 or more sockets
Loose outlets
Over-amped/over-fused electrical panel
Shock when you plug-in/touch electrical cord

Even if you don’t have any warning signs, having a home electrical inspection is just smart, especially if you know you have aluminum wiring.

Consider inspection by your Arizona licensed electrical contractor if you:

Have a home 40+ years old
Have ungrounded/2-prong outlets
Made home improvements/added major appliances
Use a lot of extension cords

The cost to rewire your home depends on where you live. Materials, labor, and cost of living impact the cost of electrical rewiring as much as house size and style. Pandemic-related material shortages and supply chain issues have impacted many businesses in 2021.

You Can Trust TIO Electric

Maintaining your home’s electrical system shouldn’t wait until you’re selling or buying. Turn It On Electric serves Maricopa and Pima counties as well as nearby communities and neighborhoods. We recommend you schedule a complete home electrical wiring inspection every 5 years.

Residential and commercial property owners trust us for honest appraisals: If you don’t need the work or it can wait a bit, we’ll tell you. If you’re going to need it sooner rather than later, we’ll tell you that too.

Real estate professionals trust us to deliver superior quality work. Contractors trust us to deliver our work on-time and within budget. You can trust Turn It On Electric.

If you have questions, contact us today.

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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!